Nakhon Si Thammarat

Introducing Nakhon Si Thammarat

The area around Nakhon Si Thammarat is a breathtaking collage of mountainous scenery and thriving rainforest, yet the city itself is a dreary mix of modern Thai buildings and Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu temples. It is steeped in history, however, and was the centre of Buddhist study during the Sivichaya period nearly 1700 years ago. If you’re in need of cultural immersion after fun and frivolity on the islands, this is a good place to soak up fascinating wat architecture or glimpse the rare handmade shadow puppets the region is famed for.

Hundreds of years ago, an overland route between the western port of Trang and eastern port of Nakhon Si Thammarat functioned as a major trade link between Thailand and the rest of the world. At that time, Nakhon Si Thammarat became an important centre of religion and culture: the Thai nǎng tàlung (shadow play) and lákhon (pronounced ‘lagor’; classical dance-drama) art forms were developed here.

Today the city is a mix of dreary modern Thai buildings and Buddhist, Muslim and Hindu temples, remnants of the international influences that created this city.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009