Things To Do
in Nakhon Si Thammarat
Nakhon Si Thammarat is a laid-back provincial capital on Thailand’s southeastern Malay Peninsula, known for its deep-rooted Buddhist culture and a famous gilded chedi that dominates the skyline. The city is a gateway to lush interior highlands and quiet Gulf of Thailand beaches, offering a mix of temple visits, waterfalls and slow coastal life. Local markets hum with southern Thai flavors — coconut, turmeric, tamarind and fiery chilies — while nearby Khanom is famed for long beaches and occasional pink dolphins.
Travelers find a quieter, more authentic southern Thailand experience here compared with the busier tourist islands farther south.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to Wat Phra Mahathat, one of Thailand's most revered temples. The serene atmosphere and stunning architecture will captivate you as you stroll around the temple grounds, admiring the intricate details of the chedi. Don’t forget to light incense and make a wish at the sacred site.
Afterward, head to the Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum, where you'll discover artifacts that showcase the rich history and culture of the region. Spend time exploring the exhibits that highlight the ancient civilizations that once thrived here. As you delve into the past, take a moment to appreciate the art and craftsmanship displayed throughout the museum.
Wrap up your day by enjoying a traditional Thai dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional dishes such as Khao Yam and Tom Kha Gai. As the sun sets, take a leisurely stroll along the streets to experience the vibrant nightlife of Nakhon Si Thammarat. You might even catch a glimpse of a local festival or market happening in the evening.
Kick off your day with a trip to Khanom Beach, known for its soft sands and crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a refreshing swim or simply relax on the beach while soaking up the sun. The gentle waves and scenic views create an idyllic setting for a perfect morning escape.
Engage in thrilling water sports like kayaking or jet-skiing, which are available at the beach. If you're feeling adventurous, consider taking a boat trip to nearby Koh Taen, where you can snorkel among colorful marine life. The afternoon sun provides an excellent backdrop as you explore the beauty of the surrounding islands.
As evening falls, enjoy a beachside dinner at a local seafood restaurant, savoring fresh catches of the day. The sound of waves crashing and the cool sea breeze make for a magical dining experience. After dinner, relax by the beach or join a beach bonfire with locals for a true taste of Thai hospitality.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $1.50-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (glass at a bar) | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi or motorbike taxi ride | $0.80-3 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse / 2–3★ hotel (per night) | $18-40 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a café | $1.50-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic southern Thai culture and cuisine with fewer tourists
- Easy access to both rainforest hikes and quiet Gulf beaches
- Rich temple heritage including the impressive Wat Phra Mahathat
- Affordable prices for food, transport and accommodation
- Limited nightlife and fewer tourist amenities compared with bigger destinations
- Heavy rains in the monsoon season can disrupt travel plans
- Language barrier outside tourist-focused businesses
- Public transport is limited; you may need to rent a scooter or arrange transfers
- "สวัสดี (Sawasdee krub/ka)" - Hello (male speaker: krub, female: ka)
- "ขอบคุณ (Khob khun krub/ka)" - Thank you
- "เท่าไหร่ (Tao rai?)" - How much?
- "ห้องน้ำอยู่ที่ไหน (Hong nam yuu tee nai?)" - Where is the bathroom?
- "ไม่เข้าใจ (Mai khao jai)" - I don't understand
- "ช่วยด้วย (Chuay duay)" - Help!
- "ไม่เผ็ดได้ไหม (Mai phet dai mai?)" - Can it be not spicy?
Places to Visit in Nakhon Si Thammarat
Visit one of these nice places.
The gilded, ancient chedi is the city’s iconic landmark — excellent for sunrise and ceremonial shots as local devotees come and go.
Lush rainforest, cascading waterfalls and viewpoints provide dramatic nature photography, especially after rains when flows are strongest.
Long sandy beaches with low development allow for serene sunrise compositions and potential dolphin-spotting boat shots.
Historic architecture, narrow lanes and market scenes capture the slower-paced daily life of provincial Thailand.
Colorful market stalls, neon lights and riverside reflections are great for evening street photography and candid portraits.
Food in Nakhon Si Thammarat
Nakhon Si Thammarat Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A southern rice salad mixed with shredded herbs, grated coconut, fish sauce and toasted coconut — bright, herbal and textural; find it at morning markets and local food stalls.
Must-Try!
A tangy, spicy curry made with fish and local vegetables; signature southern flavor available in many family restaurants and market stalls.
Dry, intensely spiced southern curry usually made with minced pork or fish, full of turmeric and southern aromatics — commonly served in local eateries.
Fermented rice noodles served with a rich coconut-based fish curry and fresh vegetable condiments; popular for breakfast and lunch at markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Evening hub for street food, grilled seafood, sweets and snacks; a great place to sample Khao Yam, grilled fish and local desserts.
Fresh produce, prepared foods and seaside catches — visit early for the best selection of regional breakfast dishes and seafood.
Coastal vendors selling freshly grilled seafood, coconut-based snacks and tropical fruit — ideal after a day at the beach.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) when visiting temples, remove shoes before entering temple buildings, and speak quietly. Women should avoid close physical contact with monks.
The wai (pressed hands) is a common polite greeting; reciprocate when offered. Don’t touch someone’s head and avoid pointing your feet at people or religious objects.
The Thai monarchy is highly respected; avoid critical comments and be mindful of laws and strong local sentiments concerning the royal family.
Public displays of anger or loud confrontation are frowned upon; maintain a calm, friendly demeanor and resolve disputes quietly.
Safety
Tipping in Nakhon Si Thammarat
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; leave small change for servers or round up a taxi fare. For guides or exceptional service a tip of 100–300 THB is welcome, and bellboys/housekeeping may expect 20–50 THB.
Cash (Thai baht) is widely used, especially at markets and small restaurants; credit/debit cards are accepted at larger hotels and some restaurants. Mobile payments and QR code transfers are increasingly available, but always carry cash for remote areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Temperatures peak, often in the low to mid 30s °C (mid 80s–90s °F); stay hydrated, plan outdoor activities early in the morning or late afternoon, and expect strong sun.
Frequent heavy showers and thunderstorms, especially from June to September; roads and trails can be slippery, some boat trips canceled and waterfalls spectacular but sometimes swollen.
The most pleasant travel time with lower humidity, milder temperatures and clearer skies — ideal for hiking, beach time and temple visits.
Nakhon Si Thammarat at Night
Hiking in Nakhon Si Thammarat
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A challenging route to the highest point in the park with panoramic views and rich biodiversity — suitable for experienced hikers with proper gear and a guide in wet weather.
Shorter, moderate trails linking several waterfalls and pools ideal for day hikes, birdwatching and cooling off in natural pools.
Easy to moderate coastal walks along low ridges above the beaches, offering viewpoints, village scenes and opportunities to spot dolphins offshore.
Airports
How to reach Nakhon Si Thammarat by plane.
The closest airport with regional flights (mainly to Bangkok); about a 20–40 minute drive to the city depending on traffic — taxis and local transfers available.
A larger regional airport with more frequent connections; roughly a 2–2.5 hour drive north depending on route — useful if flights to NST are limited.
Major southern airport with domestic and some international flights; approximately 2–3 hours by car and a good alternative for more flight options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents follow Theravada Buddhism, visible in temple life, festivals and daily rituals.
There are Muslim minorities, particularly in some coastal and southern parts of the province, contributing to cultural and culinary diversity.
Local southern-Thai communities maintain regional traditions, crafts and dialects; older generations often preserve traditional lifestyles while younger people migrate to larger cities for work.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Traditional Thai boxing is popular locally with small gyms and occasional bouts — both a sport and cultural pastime.
Locally followed with community teams and school competitions; matches draw local support and are played at municipal fields.
A traditional and energetic Southeast Asian sport (kick volleyball) played in schools and community courts.
Coastal communities engage in recreational and small-scale fishing; boat trips and angling are popular near the Gulf coast.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but southern cuisine is often fish- and meat-forward; use the Buddhist/vegetarian code word 'jay' (เจ) for vegan/vegetarian food and confirm no fish sauce. Many markets offer vegetable-heavy dishes and curries made on request without meat.
Vegan dining requires vigilance — ask vendors to omit fish sauce (nam pla) and shrimp paste (kapi). Larger restaurants and some cafés are more flexible and can adapt dishes.
Rice-based staples are naturally gluten-free, but check sauces and fried items for soy sauce or breading. Speak to cooks about ingredients if you have celiac disease.