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Nakhon Si Thammarat: One of Thailand’s Hidden Gems
Located in southern Thailand, Nakhon Si Thammarat is a city rich in culture and history, surrounded by breathtaking natural wonders. As a National Geographic journalist, I was amazed by the charm of this hidden gem.
The scenery of the city is truly captivating, with lush greenery and stunning mountain ranges. I particularly enjoyed wandering through the city’s intricate temples and shrines, such as the Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, which houses the largest pagoda in southern Thailand. The vibrant night markets and bustling streets provided me with unique opportunities to immerse myself in the local culture, and it was heartwarming to see the city’s strong sense of community.
However, the city’s traffic can be overwhelming, and the pollution can be a bit suffocating at times. The constant scooter noise and fumes can be a little unpleasant, especially if you are sensitive to them.
When it comes to the average cost of living in a day, Nakhon Si Thammarat is quite reasonable. You can easily get by with around $25-30 USD a day, including food, transportation, and accommodation.
For those looking to explore the city, here are the top 20 points of interest:
1) Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan – Phra That Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Si Thammarat
2) Thaksin Maharat National Park – Namuang, Chalerm Phrakiat District, Nakhon Si Thammarat
3) Chedi Yak – Chedi Yak Rd, Tambon Pak Phun, Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Si Thammarat
4) Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum – 106 Tambon Phipun, Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Si Thammarat
5) Shadow Puppet Museum (Mahadol Puppet House) – 75/1-2 Pakpanang Rd, Tambon Pakpanang, Amphoe Pak Phanang, Nakhon Si Thammarat
6) Hua Thanon Beach – Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat
7) Wat Khiriwong – Tambon Bang Naeo, Amphoe Pak Phanang, Nakhon Si Thammarat
8) The City Pillar Shrine – 45 Ratchadamnoen Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Si Thammarat
9) Phipun District Hot Spring – Tambon Phipun, Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Si Thammarat
10) Khao Luang National Park – Khao Luang, Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat
11) Baan Nai Sa Organic Agricultural Learning Centre – Nai Sa Village, Tambon Nai Mueang, Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Si Thammarat
12) Samut Songkhram Temple (Wat Samut Songkhram) – Tambon Na Bon, Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Si Thammarat
13) Baan Kiriwong – Tambon Bang Naeo, Amphoe Pak Phanang, Nakhon Si Thammarat
14) Wat Rat Uppatham – 225 Ratchadamnoen Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Si Thammarat
15) Mahaphot Temple – 267 Ratchadamnoen Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Si Thammarat
16) Pak Phraek Wankaew Temple – Tambon Pak Phraek, Amphoe Chian Yai, Nakhon Si Thammarat
17) Suan Luang Rama 9 Park – 58/1-2 Phromphakdee Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Si Thammarat
18) J.P. Herb Market – Tambon Pho Sadet, Amphoe Phra Phrom, Nakhon Si Thammarat
19) Nakhon Si Thammarat Cultural Centre – Tambon Bang Naeo, Amphoe Pak Phanang, Nakhon Si Thammarat
20) Ao Khanom Beach – Khanom District, Nakhon Si Thammarat
For foodies, the street food in Nakhon Si Thammarat is simply delectable. Here are the top 20 street foods and where to find them (all prices in Thai Baht):
1) Pad Thai – Thachanta Road, near Wat Phra Mahathat
2) Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers) – Thachanta Road, near Wat Phra Mahathat
3) Kai Jeow (Thai Omelette) – Nathon Road, in front of Nakhon Si Thammarat Municipal Office
4) Khao Mok Gai (Chicken Biryani) – Soi Buri Phat, near Wat Khiriwong
5) Som Tam (Papaya Salad) – Thachanta Road, near Wat Phra Mahathat
6) Khao Gaeng (Curry and Rice) – Thachanta Road, near Wat Phra Mahathat
7) Khao Niew Ma-muang (Mango Sticky Rice) – Pak Phanang Road, near the City Pillar Shrine
8) Kai Yang (Grilled Chicken) – Thachanta Road, near Wat Phra Mahathat
9) Khao Soi – 103 Tambon Nai Mueang, Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Si Thammarat
10) Kanom Jeen (Rice Noodles with Spicy Curry Sauce) – Sathani Road, near Tha Chatchai Market
11) Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup) – Pak Phanang Road, near the City Pillar Shrine
12) Pla Too (Grilled Fish) – Nathon Road, opposite Nakhon Si Thammarat Municipal Office
13) Guay Teow (Noodle Soup) – Soi Buri Phat, near Wat Khiriwong
14) Satay (Grilled Meat Skewers) – Tha Chatchai Market
15) Bao (Steamed Buns) – Nathon Road, in front of Nakhon Si Thammarat Municipal Office
16) Khao Kaeng Nam Prik Kai Mod Daeng (Rice with Spicy Sauce and Fried Chicken) – Soi Buri Phat, near Wat Khiriwong
17) Khanom Krok (Coconut Pancakes) – Sathani Road, near Tha Chatchai Market
18) Kuay Tiew Kua Gai (Fried Noodles with Chicken) – Thachanta Road, near Wat Phra Mahathat
19) Kao Noodle – Thachanta Road, near Wat Phra Mahathat
20) Roti (Indian-style Flatbread) – Thachanta Road, near Wat Phra Mahathat
For those looking for affordable accommodation, here are the top 10 hotels and Airbnb listings (all prices in US dollars):
Hotels:
1) Star Hotel – from $16/night with 8.1 rating on Booking.com
2) Sipsongpanna Resort – from $19/night with 8.4 rating on Booking.com
3) V House – from $20/night with 9.0 rating on Booking.com
4) Pearl Grand Hotel – from $21/night with 8.7 rating on Booking.com
5) The Model Hotel – from $22/night with 8.3 rating on Booking.com
6) Gorilla Koolman Guesthouse – from $25/night with 9.1 rating on Booking.com
7) The Ozone Boutique Hotel – from $27/night with 9.4 rating on Booking.com
8) Kunathai Apartment – from $28/night with 8.8 rating on Booking.com
9) The Peak Resort – from $29/night with 8.7 rating on Booking.com
10) The Sky Dream – from $31/night with 9.1 rating on Booking.com
Airbnb:
1) Khun Pat’s Place – from $12/night with 4.90 rating
2) Kan’s Guestroom – from $13/night with 4.88 rating
3) P’Yu Guest House Room 3 – from $13/night with 5.0 rating
4) Fatima Home 帕米塔之家 – from $14/night with 5.0 rating
5) Chez Auntie – from $16/night with 4.95 rating
6) Pa Riw Home – from $17/night with 5.0 rating
7) Chaiwat’s Home – from $18/night with 5.0 rating
8) Guest House Nakhon si Thammarat – from $20/night with 4.91 rating
9) The Gold – from $22/night with 4.88 rating
10) Room for Rent in Nakhon Si Thammarat – from $25/night with 4.96 rating
Overall, I give Nakhon Si Thammarat a solid 8/10 stars. It is an enchanting city with endless experiences to be had – from natural wonders to tantalizing street food to deep-rooted cultural traditions. It is a must-visit destination for travelers looking to delve into the heart of Thailand.
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