A day in Nakhon Si Thammarat: A pearl in southern Thailand

Nakhon Si Thammarat: The rather less known region in the south of Thailand is worth a visit! Here, the Thai lifestyle flourishes without the influences of mass tourism and hotel complexes. In Nakhon Si Thammarat you will find unique insights into the culture and cuisine of the Thai people - we show you where and how you can organize your stay in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

We know Thailand especially through the unreal rocky islands that rise meters high out of the turquoise blue water in front of white sandy beaches. But the country has more to offer than the overcrowded tourist hotspots. In our Thailand "Hidden Gems of Thailand" series, we take a look at the lesser-known areas of this fascinating country in Southeast Asia. 

Despite its size, Nakhon Si Thammarat is one of Thailand's almost undiscovered pearls for tourists. In the southern part of the country, the city of about 100,000 inhabitants is located on the east coast. What you can experience here.

The lonely beach

Due to sedimentation, the Gulf of Thailand is now about 26 kilometers from the city center. This makes a visit to the beach all the more worthwhile: there are few people on the coast and, with a bit of luck, you will have the large beaches all to yourself. At the end of the headland protecting the mainland, you'll find large sand deposits (the "Sandy Beach") that jut far into the sea at low tide. It is definitely worth the trip here. If you get up early and the weather cooperates, you will have the opportunity to witness an impressive sunrise. 

The Natural Spa: Let fish nibble at you

You can have a unique experience in Khanom River. Let free-living fish in the river nibble at your feet here in the natural spa. It is not only a benefit for the skin, but is also a unique feeling that stimulates the nerve pathways under the skin in a special way. 

A visit to the pink dolphins

Only in a few places in the world you can watch the pink dolphins in free waters. Nakhon Si Thammarat belongs to these places, more precisely Khanom. The intelligent animals come to Nadan Beach especially in the morning hours to search for food. Please do not feed the dolphins! They find enough natural food themselves, which does not harm their health and does not pollute the water. 

The highest chance to see the dolphins in Khanom you have in the spring and summer months between February and September. You can also watch the dolphins from the boat.

The Hong cave: underground variety

About 20 kilometers west of Nakhon Si Thammarat city is Khao Luang National Park. Here, one of Thailand's most impressive caves is located inside the mountain. Hong Cave protrudes 1.7 kilometers into the mountain and is home to stalagmites and stalagtites that are thousands of years old. The exciting underground world shows the multi-faceted nature of Thailand; while the outside world is dominated by green nature, ancient browns show here. Buddha statues line some rooms, and magical rays of light fall into some through openings to the earth's surface. The mystical ambience of the cave is definitely worth a visit, and on hot days the cave offers a welcome cooling. The national park is best visited between January and August and can only be entered with a guide.

The city wall of Nakhon Si Thammarat

Characteristic for Nakhon Si Thammarat is the historic city wall, which was once supposed to protect the city from enemies in times long past. Today, the city wall with its numerous battlements is a successful photo motif. If you are in Nakhon Si Thammarat, you will pass the wall in any case.

Impressive temple buildings: Phra Mahathat Woramaha Wiharn

Located in the city center, an old building stands out: the Phra Mahathat Woramaha Wiharn temple has several spires that give it its special shape. In this cultural site you can get closer to Thai traditions and meet Thais who live there as monks or families visiting the temple. The highest of the many peaks rises 77 meters high, under which not only the monks, but also you can find your inner peace in the otherwise so exciting Thailand.

Also check out the Triplegend Thailand adventure where you will get a fantastic insight into the life and culture of the Thai people. On our Instagram channel you can see more travel inspiration about Thailand and other destinations.