Located on the eastern coast of the Malay Peninsula, Nakhon Si Thammarat, once known as Ligor, is an important historical, economic and commercial hub of Southern Thailand. Here's a closer look at the destination's key attractions.

A Getaway to Nakhon Si Thammarat, Where Pilgrimage Meets Artistic Entertainment

The city of Nakhon Si Thammarat holds more than a thousand years of history behind its fortifications. Western travellers once called it Ligor. Locals affectionately call it Nakhon Si. Whatever you call it, the real appeal lies in exploring its architectural gems and marvelling at its Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic temples. Nakhon Si Thammarat is the capital of the province of the same name, the second most populous province in southern Thailand. Its allure stems largely from the shadow puppet theatre, a traditional theatrical form that brings lyrical poems to life using carved wooden puppets. Blending pilgrimage and artistic experience, Nakhon Si Thammarat is a premier destination for travelling differently in Thailand.

Chronicles of the Past: From Glorious Capital of Tambralinga to a Modest Provincial Seat

Nakhon Si Thammarat enjoys a prestigious past, having served as the capital of Tambralinga, a powerful principality that commanded much of Southeast Asia. Founded over a thousand years ago, it is surrounded by moats and ramparts. Royal chronicles indicate that the foundations of the present-day city were laid in the thirteenth century. Its founder was the sovereign Sri Thammasok. To its military history is added a significant religious one. Indeed, Nakhon Si Thammarat witnessed the early development of Theravada Buddhism.

The Tambralinga Kingdom faded in the fourteenth century; Ligor then came under the rule of the Sukothai kingdom, followed by Ayutthaya.

The Modern City

With a population of 102,000, Nakhon Si Thammarat is the administrative capital of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. It sits 780 km south of Bangkok. Rice, coconut and rubber are the city's principal resources. Mining operations are also active. Growth in tourism is expected to reduce unemployment and fully develop the local economy.

Must-See Attractions

The city of Nakhon Si Thammarat is home to extraordinary historical and architectural heritage.

City Wall

The ramparts pathway is a favourite with walkers. The impressive fortifications stretch along Ratchadamnoen Road. They symbolise the power, courage, prosperity and turbulent past of the city.

Wat Phra Mahathat

With its magnificent white bell-shaped stupa, Wat Phra Mahathat is the most important temple in Nakhon Si Thammarat. It defines the city's architectural signature. Ancient Buddha statues.

Wat Wang Tawantok

The woodwork is impeccable in this temple from the first half of the nineteenth century, built by Governor Chao Phraya Nakhon, the son of King Taksin, in memory of his beloved mother. Admire the delicate wooden carvings that adorn the stilted buildings. The sanctuary adjoins the Western Palace where Chao Phraya's mother lived. Hence the name Wat Wang Tawantok, translated as "temple of the western palace".

Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum

Leaving the City Wall behind, head to the national museum for an artistic interlude. Built in 1974 on the ruins of a former temple, the museum houses a collection of Buddhist artworks spanning from the Dvaravati and Srivijaya eras through the Rattanakosin period. Children will be delighted by the compact, animated Buddha figures.

The Nang Talung Museum

If the performing arts captivate you, don't hesitate to visit the Nang Talung Museum. It is dedicated to shadow puppet theatre, a folk theatre form thriving in Thailand's southern provinces. After the performance, step into the workshop and view puppets depicting ghosts, angels, demons or political figures. The museum is a five-minute walk from Wat Phra Mahathat temple.

Practical Information

When to Visit Nakhon Si Thammarat?

From January to March, temperatures are mild and pleasant, with little rainfall. This is the ideal time to visit Nakhon Si Thammarat. Tourism is less advisable from April onwards due to intense heat.

How to Get There?

The city welcomes tourists through land, rail and air connections. Multiple airlines (Thai Lion Air, among others) offer flights to Nakhon Si Thammarat. Plan for roughly one hour of flight time from Bangkok airport.

You'll Love…

• Attending a puppet theatre performance ;
• Strolling through the temples ;
• Photographing the stupa of Wat Phra Mahathat ;
• Savouring excellent local specialities.