Nakhon Si Thammarat Travel

Best time to visit

From January to March you can expect good weather in Nakhon Si Thammarat, with little if any rain, and refreshing winds helping to keep temperatures more moderate. From March, temperature starts to rise, usually reaching peak levels in April and May.

In May and June a little rain is expected, usually in the form of an hour-long afternoon shower, clearing the way for more blue skies and bright sunshine. In September the monsoon is expected, bringing plenty of rainfall and a rise in humidity.

Rainfall usually peaks between October and December.

Check the below table for the general idea of Nakhon Si Thammarat weather throughout the year.

Nakhon Si Thammarat’s current weather and 7-day forecast

NAKHON SI THAMMARAT WEATHER

In recent years, Nakhon Si Thammarat (also called Muang Kon or just Nakhon) has kind of gotten on tourists’ radar thanks to Kiriwong Village, the place with the purest ozone in Thailand. Well, emphasis on “kind of”. The rest of the southern city remains underexplored, but it’s actually packed with variety.

Quiet beaches with a good chance of pink dolphins, home of Thailand’s greatest shadow puppet master, retro town brimming with ancient sites and unique cuisine, and one of the most sacred temples of the South, Wat Phra Mahathat. The eclectic charms of the coastal city is within easy reach thanks to several daily direct flights from Bangkok to Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport as well as ferry rides from Koh Samui and Koh Tao. New destinations full of local charms have also been popping up.

For an alternative taste of Southern Thailand, you now know where to go. Check out these top things to do in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, and enjoy authentic local experiences before the rest of the world catches on.

Here is top 9 Things to Do in Nakhon Si Thammarat:

1. Trace the tale as old as the town at Wat Phra Mahathat

If you flip a 25 satang coin, you’ll find a gigantic Sri Lankan-style stupa called Phra Borommathat Chedi (the Great Noble Relics Stupa). The iconic Buddhist structure is part of the ancient temple, Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan or Wat Phra Mahathat. One of the holiest temples in Southern Thailand (and Thailand), it’s no wonder why the temple became the city’s signature.

Almost as old as the city itself, the stupa of Wat Phra Mahathat was built in the 13th century as the symbol of Theravada Buddhism. The magical thing about Phra Borommathat Chedi is, it never casts a shadow on the ground! In addition, you can join one of Southern Thailand’s greatest Buddhist festivals, Hae Pha Khuen That. On Makha Bucha Day (the third full moon) and Visakha Bucha Day (the sixth full moon), Buddhists make merit by parading a large piece of cloth up and wrap it around the stupa.

2. See the Giant Swing and Hindu gods

Yes, you read it right. The South also has its own Giant Swing and it’s one of the only two in Thailand. And since the Hindu Giant Swing is there, it’s obvious you’ll find the Shiva Shrine (Ho Phra Isuan) and the Vishnu Shrine (Ho Phra Narai). Inside these shrines are religious images such as Shiva Linga, the image of Vishnu and other Hindu gods.

3. Reminisce and replenish in the retro old town

Not as developed as Phuket, Nakhon Si Thammarat is a perfect option for those looking for a peaceful old town. Ruins of ancient city walls have been revived. Century-old houses are well-preserved. It’s a beautiful history and culture walk.
But the highlight of the old town has to be food and drink. There are loads of specialties and you can spend the whole day tasting your way through the city. Rise and shine at Kopi with the best breakfast in town, such as Bak Kut Teh (pork bone tea soup), Chinese donuts and old-style coffee. For lunch, spice up your day with Kanom Jeen Sen Sod (freshly prepared Thai rice flour noodle). In the evening, treat yourself to Pad Mee Muang Kon (Nakhon Si Thammarat-style stir-fried noodle) and its mouthwatering coconut milk scent.

4. Play with the shadows at Suchart Subsin’s Nang Talung Museum

Nang Talung or small shadow puppets are carved from cow skins and this ancient cultural performance originated in Southern Thailand. Nang Talung puppets can be as small as 15 centimeters in length and require meticulous attention to details. Late national artist Suchart Subsin was one of Thailand’s greatest Nang Talung craftsmen and puppeteers. He had brought Nang Talung to international level and even though he passed on, his family and apprentices are working hard to keep the heritage alive.

At Suchart Subsin’s Nang Talung Museum, you can admire the Nang Talung puppets and also watch them in action. Nang Talung puppets are available as souvenirs.

5. Get into the local Muang Kon spirit in Pak Phanang

Jutting out into the sea, Pak Phanang (locally known as Pak Nang) was once a bustling port town. Though a severe storm hit the area in 1962 and Pak Phanang is no longer as busy as it was, its charms have recently been restored. Stroll in the 100-year-old Pak Phanang Market and take in the sight of old wooden houses. Pak Phanang locals still live a simple life (fishing and running their own shops selling sweets and fruit including Siamese Ruby pomelo) and it’s all authentic.

6. Bring Yan Lipao baskets, bags and other products home

One of the top handwoven products in Thailand, Yan Lipao basketry was born here in Muang Kon. The fine, strong vines of Lipao plants are transformed into elegant yet durable baskets, bags, boxes and a lot of other utensils by the meticulous hands of the locals.

7. Hop on a boat to see pink dolphins in Khanom Beach area

While there are prettier beaches in Southern Thailand, Khanom Beach in Hat Khanom-Mu Koh Thale Tai National Park makes up for it with pink Irrawaddy dolphins. A boat trip is worth it as this is the best place in Thailand to see these cute creatures. (June, July and August are the best months.) After lazing around and diving in Koh Samui and Koh Tao areas, take a ferry to Khanom Beach for an entirely different beach vacay.

8. Breathe in Thailand’s freshest air at Kiriwong Village

The sights of green surroundings, crystal clear streams and majestic mountains are refreshing enough, but the air itself is even more rejuvenating. With Thailand’s purest ozone as the village’s main claim to fame, Kiriwong Village draws a lot of nature lovers. Especially city dwellers and cycling lovers.

However, idyllic beauty and friendly locals (homestays available) aren’t the only charms of Kiriwong Village. It’s a community-based tourism at its finest. The villagers’ lives are entwined with nature and apart from organic fruit farming (Come in August-October for durians, mangosteens, rambutans and more), many local workshops are available. From fruit processing and soap making to tie-dying and beading, everything is made from materials found in Kiriwong. The village is abundant in not only nature but also local wisdom.

9. Journey into the wild in Krung Ching

Krung Ching is a rather new face among Nakhon visitors, but it’s definitely not to be underestimated. Dominated by verdant jungles, the area offers ultimate tranquility with a sense of adventure. Located in Krung Ching, Khao Luang National Park is home to the South’s highest peak (also called Khao Luang), waterfalls (like Krung Ching Waterfall), caves and over 300 kinds of orchids.   

Budget options

Mandy Nok Hotel 

Add: 8 Soi Amnuaysuk 24, Pattanakarnkhukhwang Rd., Nakhon Si Thammarat, , 80000 Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand

Situated in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Mandy Nok Hotel has a bar, a garden and a terrace. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. There is free private parking and the property features paid airport shuttle service.

The rooms in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. At Mandy Nok Hotel rooms come with air conditioning and a private bathroom.

A buffet breakfast is available each morning at the accommodation.

At Mandy Nok Hotel guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot tub.

Mid-range options

Bunprasop Garden Hotel 

Add: 269/1 ถนน พัฒนาการคูขวาง ต.ในเมือง อ.เมือง จ.นครศรีธรรมราช 80000, 80000 Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand

Set in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Bunprasop Garden Hotel has a garden and a terrace. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Free private parking is available and the hotel also offers free use of bicycles for guests who want to explore the surrounding area.
All guest rooms come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer and a desk. At the hotel all rooms have a wardrobe and a private bathroom.

Bunprasop Garden Hotel offers a buffet or American breakfast.

Supachai Inn 

Add: 61/77 Pattanakarn-Khukhwang Road, Tha Wang, Mueang Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80000 Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand

Located in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Supachai Inn offers 3-star accommodation with private balconies. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and a shared lounge, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Free private parking is available and the hotel also provides car hire for guests who want to explore the surrounding area.

Guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, a hairdryer and a desk. Featuring a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries, rooms at the hotel also offer a garden view. At Supachai Inn each room is equipped with a wardrobe and a shared bathroom.

Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a continental breakfast.

Supachai Inn offers a terrace.

Grand Park Hotel 

Add: 1204/79 Paknakhon Road, Klang, Muang , 80000 Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand

Situated in the heart of Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Grand Park Hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations. It offers air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi in public areas and free public parking. For guests’ convenience, the front desk is available 24 hours.

The hotel is just 550 m from the railway station and only 300 m from the mini bus stop that will take guests to the city's main attractions including the beautiful Wat Phra Mahatha Woramahawihan. A supermarket and fresh market can both be found within a short walk from the property. Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport is 13 km away.

Rooms are fitted with a cable TV, minibar and wardrobe. Featuring a shower, private bathrooms also come with free toiletries.

Guests can enjoy Thai food at the restaurant. Room service can be arranged upon request.

OYO 701 Sabai Palace 

Add: 93 Pattanakan Ku-Kwang Rd., T.Pak Nakhon A.Muang, 80000 Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand

Located in Nakhon Si Thammarat, OYO 701 Sabai Palace features a garden. With a shared lounge, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy garden views.

At the hotel, every room comes with a wardrobe. At OYO 701 Sabai Palace every room is fitted with a desk and a flat-screen TV.

Deluxe options

Chada@Nakhon 

Add: Thanon Om Kai Wachirawuth, 80000 Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand

Chada@Nakhon is located in Nakhon Si Thammarat and features a terrace. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi. The hotel has a garden and provides an outdoor swimming pool.

A buffet breakfast is available daily at the hotel.

The Twin Lotus Hotel 

Add: 97/8 Pattankarn -KuKwang Rd, Muang, Nakhon Si Thamarat, 80000 Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand

A 15-minute drive to the iconic Wat Mahatad Temple in the southern city of Nakhon Si Thammarat, The Twin Lotus Hotel offers non-smoking modern rooms equipped with air-conditioning. Guests are welcomed to take a dip in an outdoor pool or indulge in spa and massage treatments. Wi-Fi is available with extra charge.

The Twin Lotus Hotel is located within a 3-minute walk to Tesco Lotus Department Store. Nakorn Si Thammarat Airport is a 30-minute drive away.

Adorned with simple decor, each comfortable room comes with a cable TV, a refrigerator stocked with minibar and a wardrobe. An en suite bathroom features hot shower facilities and free toiletries.

The property is equipped with a fitness centre, a sauna and a hot tub. Staff at the 24-hour front desk can assist guests with car rentals, laundry and currency exchange. A shuttle service and baby-sitting service can be arranged at additional costs. The hotel has meeting rooms and karaoke facilities.

Guests will find a great selection of Thai, Japanese and European dishes at Phatummard Coffee Shop. Nanjing Chinese Restaurant offers fine choices of Chinese cuisine. Light snacks and beverages are served at Primlarb Lobby Lounge and Bar. For local food, head to Beer Garden for flavourful dishes.

Grand Fortune Hotel Nakhon Si Thammarat 

Add: 359 Pattanakarn-Khukhwang Rd., Naimuang, Muang Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80000 Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand

Grand Fortune Hotel Nakhon Si Thammarat has a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and bar in Nakhon Si Thammarat. This 5-star hotel offers a garden. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi.

The rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer and a desk. The shared bathroom is fitted with free toiletries. At the hotel rooms are equipped with a wardrobe and a private bathroom.

Grand Fortune Hotel Nakhon Si Thammarat offers a buffet or American breakfast.

Most restaurants on Nakhon Si Thammarat serve a variety of cuisines, including Thai and international foods. Most guesthouse and resorts have restaurants that serve both. The following are some of the restaurants on Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Saii Tong Terrace

Imagine a delectable dining while absorbing the natural beauty of Khanom Bay and the rhythm of the ocean waves. Saii Tong Terrace Restaurant & Bar is the place where the imagination comes true. Saii Tong Terrace offers delicately and stylishly cooked Authentic Thai Food, Fresh Seafood, with additions of Chinese and European cuisines.

Cuisine: European

Restaurant Type: Supper/Night Dining, Pubs & Bar

Address: Saii Tong Restaurant, 59/6 Moo 4, Nadan Beach, Khanom, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80210, Thailand

Thai O-cha

Muslim food

Cuisine: Halal and Kosher

Restaurant Type: Supper/Night Dining

Address: Krarom Road, Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Si Thammarat

Dung Ar Restaurant

A la carte

Cuisine: Thai

Restaurant Type: Children/Family

Address: ถนนราชดำเนิน อำเภอเมือง จังหวัดนครศรีธรรมราช

Chao Ruea

A la carte Thai food opens from 9 a.m.-9.30 p.m.

Cuisine: Thai

Restaurant Type: Children/Family, Supper/Night Dining

Address: Si Thammarat Road, Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Si Thammarat

Lakorn

Thai food

Cuisine: Thai, Other

Restaurant Type: Children/Family, Supper/Night Dining

Address: Baworn Bazaar Raod, Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Si Thammarat

Chan Nakorn Suki

Chinese food and Suki

Cuisine: Chinese, Thai

Restaurant Type: Children/Family, Supper/Night Dining

Address: Phatthanakarn Ku Khwang Road, Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Si Thammarat

Khrua Lahan

Thai Typical food opens from 10 a.m.-9.30 p.m.

Cuisine: Thai

Restaurant Type: Children/Family, Supper/Night Dining

Address: Soi Hua Luang, Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Si Thammarat

Khum I-san

Northeastern Thai food opens from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Cuisine: Thai

Restaurant Type: Supper/Night Dining

Address: Phatthanakarn Khu Khwang Road, Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Si Thammarat

Ko Pi

Old style coffee, Bakute, and other local foods opens from 6.30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Cuisine: Thai

Restaurant Type: Children/Family, Supper/Night Dining

Address: Behind Robinson-Ocean Department Store, Phatthanakan Khu Khwang Road, Tambon Khlang, Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Si Thammarat

Khrua Andaman

Thai Typical food opens from 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Cuisine: Thai

Restaurant Type: Supper/Night Dining

Address: Phattanakarn Khu Khwang Road, Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Si Thammarat

Khrua Khun Pa

Thai, I-san food and Seafood

Cuisine: Seafood, Thai

Restaurant Type: Children/Family, Supper/Night Dining

Address: Saphan Yao Road, Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Si Thammarat

Khrua Nakorn

Thai Typical food opens from 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

Cuisine: Thai

Restaurant Type: Supper/Night Dining

Address: Bawon Bazaar Raod, Thawang Intersection, Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Si Thammarat

Get in

By car

Take Highway No. 4 on the Bangkok-Prachuap Khiri Khan-Chumphon route and then Highway No. 41 past Surat Thani-Thung Song until arriving in Nakhon Si Thammarat or Amphoe Phun Phin in Surat Thani, then take Highway No. 401 along the coast to Nakhon Si Thammarat, total distance of 780km.

By plane

There are two airlines operating flights between Bangkok and Nakhon Si Thammarat as follows:

• Nok Air airline tel. 1318, 0 2627 2000 www.nokair.com
• Air Asia, tel. +66 2 515 9999, www.airasia.com

Contact us for the latest flight schedule and price. Or you can check via some online platform such as SkyScanner.com or Kayak.com

Here you can find some tips to book the cheapest flight

By train

There are rapid and express trains departing from Bangkok Railway Station to Nakhon Si Thammarat at 5:35PM and 7:15PM respectively. For more information, contact tel. 1690, 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020 or call Nakhon Si Thammarat train station at tel. 0 7535 6364, 0 7534 6129. The train takes anywhere from 12-14 hours. Trains leave the NST Terminal for Bangkok daily at 1pm and 3pm. The NST is in the west, centre of the town. Nearby are hotels, restaurants and cafes.

By bus

Regular and air-conditioned buses of the Transport Co. and private companies depart from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal. The trip takes about 12 hours. Air-conditioned buses, varying in 3 types, leave Bangkok at the following times:
VIP Bus: 5:15PM and 7PM Standard 1 Bus: 9AM, 6PM and 8.30PM Standard 2 Bus: 6:40AM, 6PM, 8PM and 10PM
For more information, contact tel. 0 2435 1199-200 (air-conditioned buses).

Travel from Surat Thani can be made by a/c minibus, a/c bus or regular bus. Buses leave from Talat Kaset I (not Talat Kaset II).

Costs (March 2013): a/c bus: 100฿ a/c minibus: 120฿

Nakhon Si Thammarat Bus Station tel: 0 7534 1125. The provincial bus station lies just outside the town, to the west: 8.4358 99.9522. To get there, turn right from the train station, and walk until you come to the next road on your right. Turn into this and walk until you cross the railway line. The bus terminal is about 2km further along. On the streets near the train station there are a number of bus company offices selling tickets for buses leaving for provinces north and south.

Travel within the province is easy with mini-bus service around the city. Transport to nearby provinces includes vans, taxis, buses, and trains. Finding the relevant minibus stops can be difficult. The one to Trang goes from Bohang (Boh Ang) Rd. Go right from the train station and turn left into this street about one street along (it has a different name, (probably Klongha Rd) but becomes Bohang). The stop is two or three intersections further along, on the left hand side, you have to look hard or you may walk past it! It is inside a fenced yard. There is a sign outside, but written in Thai. They go every hour on the hour from 7am, and cost B130.

Minibuses to Phuket, Krabi and Hat Yai are on the corner of Maharat and Rachdamnoen Rd. Two streets across and to the right of the train station should be Rachdamnoen Rd, go left into it, about two blocks. There is a sign out front. Nearby are three other minibus stops, all with signs in Thai. All minibuses now stop at a terminal adjacent to the bus station. Those departing to neighboring provinces depart when it's full (around 12 passengers).

We recommend you check the latest bus schedule and price via rome2rio.com

Get around

There are no Tuktuks, but plenty of motorcycle taxis. An occasional meter taxi and samlor (pedal taxi) were noticed, but you will probably need to ask the fare first to where you are going. It is likely that you can hire an empty songteow as taxi hire, but agree on the fare first.

There are no motorcycles for hire in the town.