Nestled along the Gulf of Thailand, Nakhon Si Thammarat province is known for its ancient temples, historic sites and lush landscapes. EXO loves the region for its truly local experiences and it’s great location enroute to Khao Sok National Park.
The city itself boasts a vibrant atmosphere, with bustling markets, delicious street food, and a welcoming local community. With relatively few international tourists, the city and nearby Kiriwong village have a more local vibe than other places in Thailand.
But the true attraction of Nakhon Si Thammarat is its nature. The province boasts a long stretch of coastline complimented by a series of small, uninhabited islands a short distance offshore.
Boat trips, snorkelling, sea mud baths and opportunities to spot rare pink dolphins are among the highlights. Inland, there are rolling mountains with lush forests home to hidden caves and waterfalls. And plenty of local corners to explore where the rhythms of life reflect southern Thai culture and traditions.
Read on to learn more about the province and EXO’s recommendations.
For those interested in exploring a more authentic, natural side of Southern Thailand, the Khanom district of Nakhon Si Thammarat stands out as a special destination.
Khanom: Pink dolphins, waterfalls and more
Located in the region’s northeast, Khanom district is home to a number of nature-focused experiences. The most renowned is a boat trip on Khanom Bay to spot rare pink dolphins, one of the few places in the world where they reside. This can be combined with a trip to Koh Nui Nok, a small uninhabited island with a surprising freshwater spring.
Inland, lies the marvellous Khao Wang Thong Cave, a collection of 17 caves and passageways boasting impressive stalactites and other limestone formations. For a different adventure, hike up to Samed-Chun Waterfall, which not only boasts a beautiful swimming pond but also views over the Khanom Bay in the distance.
For those interested in exploring a more authentic, natural side of Southern Thailand, the Khanom district of Nakhon Si Thammarat stands out as a special destination.
‘I love this region because it offers of-the-beaten track experiences and also local lifestyle, especially in the southern style which is unique in it’s own way’.
Kiriwong village
Nestled at the base of Khao Luang mountain, Kiriwong is a sleepy village known for having the freshest air in Thailand. A bike ride is a great way to explore and take in the scenes of local life and the natural surroundings.
The village is also home to many cottage industries such as production of Thai herbal medicine, traditional tie-dying, lace fabric making and more. Visiting these small workshops provides a deeper understanding of local culture and traditional ways of life.
‘I love this region because it offers off-the-beaten experiences with true nature, art and culture, and also local lifestyle, especially in the southern style which is unique in its own way’, explains Fang, EXO Thailand’s Head of Product.
‘I really recommend attending a southern-style shadow puppet show. It’s something really unique’.
Nakhon Si Thammarat town
Nakhon Si Thammarat town is worth a visit for travellers passing through. It is home to Wat Mahathat, the most revered and largest Buddhist temple in the south which houses sacred Buddha relics brought from Sri Lanka more than one thousand years ago.
The town is also home to a charming Shadow Puppet Museum run by Suchart Subsin and his family. The legendary puppet master has amassed a collection of puppets and other related items. A visit to the museum provides a great overview of this traditional artform and is highlighted by a brief shadow puppet play from Suchart or one of his relatives.
‘I really recommend a southern style shadow puppet show, called Nang Talung in Thai’, Fang remarks. ‘It’s something really unique that people may not feel authentic if they watch it somewhere other than Nakhon Si Thammarat.’
Other experiences in the region
EXO can customise a Nakhon Si Thammarat trip to fit guests personal interests and travel styles. Here are a few additional options for exploring the region:
- Klong Bangkoo mangroves: take a boat ride through an impressive mangrove forest, learning about the importance of these unique ecosystems and admiring the resident wildlife
- Snorkelling: The best snorkelling in the region is near Tan Island and Raab Islands, which boasts sea corals and schools of fish. A full day boat trip for snorkelling is recommended.
- Baan Laem Village: EXO recommends a half day visit to this fishing village to partake in a tie dye workshop, visit the mangroves and – the highlight- a mud bath! Soaking in the local sea mud is said to have health benefits for the skin.
- Mae Thong Pring coconut plantation: A fun, interactive experience from coconut harvesting to the creation of traditional Thai desserts.
Getting there:
Nakhon Si Thammarat is a great overnight stop on the way to Khao Sok. From the Surat Thani Airport, it takes just over one hour by car to reach Khanom district and a further 1.5 hours to reach Nakhon Si Thammarat town. From Kiriwong or Nakhon Si Thammarat it is 3-3.5 hours to Khao Sok.
When to go:
Nakhon SI Thammarat has a similar climate pattern to Koh Samui and the Gulf coast, meaning the best months to visit are October to April when the weather is dry and sunny.
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