Nakhon Si Thammarat is located in the middle of southern Thailand and is the second biggest province, next to Surat Thani. It occupies an area of 9,942.502 square kilometres, being the sixteenth biggest province of Thailand. It has the most inhabitants of the south, ancient temples, the longest beach and an abundance of rainforests like Khao Luang National Park. The park covers a large area with a 1,835 metres high mountaintop and is regarded as the Green Roof of the South. In this national park, there are various species of ferns to explore, and the most noticeable ones are Dipteris conjugata and Cheiropleuria bicuspis. Apart from Khao Luang Forest, Kuan Kreng Peat Swamp Forest covers 706.15 square kilometres in the Cha-uat district. It is the second biggest peat swamp forest, next to Toh Daeng Peat Swamp Forest in Narathiwat Province.

The crucial role of Khao Luang forest is not only being the green roof but also the water source of Nakhon Si Thammarat rivers, which are Ta Pi River, the longest river in the south, and Pak Phanang River, which is important to agriculture in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Apart from an abundance of rainforests, Nakhon Si Thammarat, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, has beaches that lie continuously around 225 kilometres in total, which is considered the longest coast of Thailand. Most of them are sludge. However, there are also beautiful beaches for relaxation, such as Ta Lum Puk Cape, Sichon Beach, Hin Ngam Beach, Plai Dam Cape and Nai Plao Beach. On a visit to Nakhon Si Thammarat, visitors should not miss exploring some parts of the rainforest, nor relax on the quiet and calm beaches.

Nakhon Si Thammarat, formerly known as Ligo, is one of the most ancient cities in Thailand, having been the capital of Tambralinga, one of the Indianised states in the peninsula, which Srivijaya gained a measure of control over perhaps as early as the 8^th century. It seems to have become at least nominally subject to Sukhothai in the 1290s and to have become part of the Ayutthaya Kingdom by the early 16^th century and then the Bangkok period.

Most of the historical sites in the centre of the city lie close to Ratchadamnoen Road, the city’s main north-south artery, which runs for 6 kilometres through the heart of the town from the National Museum at the south end to Wat Chaeng in the north.

Attractions:

Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum is one of the best museums in southern Thailand. It is a two-storey Thai-style building. Inside, it exhibits ancient artefacts discovered in four southern provinces: Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Phatthalung.

Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan consists of a monumental chedi with a bell-shaped relic chamber in the Sri Lankan style. This temple is an ancient site that has remained in the town for a long time and is the biggest temple in southern Thailand. The chedi is 77 metres high and its top is outstandingly covered with pure gold sheets and decorated with precious stones, which were brought by Buddhists as offerings for the Buddha.

Phra Wihan Luang contains a late fine U Thong-style Buddha image. The building has been heavily restored, but originally dates from the Ayutthaya period. We will also visit some of the historical sites within the centre of the old city, formerly named Ligor.

Phra Phutthasihing Hall houses one of the important bronze Buddha images in the south, Phra Phutthasihing, which is 32 centimetres wide and 42 centimetres high.

Phra Narai Hall and Phra Isuan Hall are both historic sites of the Brahman or Hindu religion.

Further north, the road passes a former prison on the left and crosses Klong Na Muang. On the right side of the road is a restored part of the old city wall, which formed the city’s fortifications on the northern side.

Had Khanom – Mu Ko Thale Tai National Park is located in Khanom District, 110 kilometres north of the city of Nakhon Si Thammarat. The park covers an area of 316 square kilometres which around 199.26 square kilometres is water, while most of the areas on land are covered with mountain ranges. The territory of the park in the water is composed of 11 islands. This national park is outstanding for its beautiful scenery around the islands with carved bays and white sandy beaches. Khanom Bay is the largest bay and the only place in the National Park where Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins can be seen.

Kiriwong Village is the place where the path up to the highest mountaintop of Khao Luang is located. It was originally known as Khun Nam Village, a big village with a long history and tradition that has remained for more than 200 years. It is situated among an abundance of natural resources. The village’s names came from its geography, as “Kiriwong” means the village surrounded by the mountain ranges, and “Khun Nam” means the village located near the water source. It has two rivers that originate in Khao Luang, flowing through Pong and Tha Ha. The main industry here is mixed fruit orchards, called “Suan Somrom”, such as Mangosteen, Rambutan, Durian and Sato. Kiriwong Village is considered a prototype of eco-tourism management and was awarded the Thailand Tourism Award in the city and community category in 1998. On a visit to Kiriwong Village, we can go sightseeing in the village, participate in group activities, explore the fruit orchard, relax in the village and spend one night at a hotel.

From Friday, 15 August to Sunday, 17 August 2025, The Siam Society under the leadership of Mr Euayporn Kerdchouay, Senior Consultant of The Siam Society will organise a study trip to visit the museums and historical sites in the city of Nakhon Si Thammarat, overnight at beautiful hotel in Khanom District, and Kiriwong Village.