When people talk about traveling to Southern Thailand, Krabi, Phuket, and Surat Thani often dominate the conversation, as these are the top 3 most popular travel destinations in the area. However, not many people know about Nakhon Si Thammarat, the second-largest province in the region. It is adjacent to Surat Thani and has the highest population, with more than 1.5 million people.
That is why I decided to travel to Nakhon Si Thammarat and see what this populous province, unknown to most travelers, has in store for us.
As it turns out, Nakhon Si Thammarat is more than just a populous bustling city. It has waterfalls, a ton of them, in fact. It also has an interesting culture, and the city boasts one of the richest histories in the region. And I am here to tell you all about it.
Without further ado, here are the 11 best things to do in Nakhon Si Thammarat for solo travelers and a complete travel guide with all the information you need to visit this forgotten province of Southern Thailand.
- Nakhon Si Thammarat Things to Do Map
- Where to Stay in Nakhon Si Thammarat?
-
11 Best Things to Do in Nakhon Si Thammarat
- Hike to Krungching Waterfall
- Hike to the top of Karom Waterfall
- Relax at Phrom Lok Waterfall
- Freshen Up at Ai Khiao Waterfall
- Breath Thailand's Purest Aie at Kiriwong Village
- Visit Yong Waterfall
- Learn the History of Tambralinga at the National Museum
- Visit Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan
- Learn How They Made the Shadow Puppets at Suchart Subsin's House of Shadow Puppetry
- Check Out Baan Than Khun
- Stroll Along the Old Walls of Nakhon Si Thammarat
- Where to Eat and Drink in Nakhon Si Thammarat?
- Thailand Travel Video
- Further Reading for Southern Thailand
Nakhon Si Thammarat Things to Do Map
11 Best Things to Do in Nakhon Si Thammarat
1. Hike to Krungching Waterfall
If I have to describe Nakhon Si Thammarat as a travel destination in a few words, it would probably be "the land of countless waterfalls", and the largest of them all is Krungching Waterfall.
Krungching Waterfall is the largest and most famous waterfall in Khao Luang National Park, and one that you should definitely not miss while you are in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
The waterfall has 7 tiers, and you can hike on a 3.7 km long nature trail to reach all of them. The prettiest tier of them all is the second-tier, where you will be able to witness the stunning amount of water flowing off a high cliff with a 100-meter drop, creating a wall of splashes and rain. It truly is quite a sight to behold.
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Due to the thickness and dampness of the forest surrounding Krungching Waterfall, the trail has to be paved in order to avoid travelers hiking through muddy terrain. I am happy to report that around 80% of it is paved, and the remaining sections are assisted with planks of wood to help you navigate up and down muddy trails.
The trail itself is not particularly difficult, with a steady and easy climb most of the way until you reach the fourth tier. Here, you will have to go down a series of steep stairs to get to the second tier viewpoint.
Getting down is one thing, but getting back up that steep staircase on your way back can be a challenge. So, be sure to spend as long as you need at the second-tier viewpoint and rest up before heading back.
The whole trail should take about 2 hours both ways, and anyone should be able to hike the trail with no problem. Just watch out for a blood-sucking leech-infested section, around the third kilometer of the trail, and walk through as fast as you can.
Watch the ground and avoid these little buggers hitchhiking on your shoes while sucking you dry. I got bitten on my way to the waterfall, and I was bleeding all over my shoes without even realizing it, so be extra careful.
The waterfall is located inside Khao Luang National Park and the place opens from 9 AM to 4:30 PM every day. The entrance fee is 200 THB per person. Luckily, you can use the same ticket to get access to the other 3 waterfalls on this list as well (Karom, Phrom Lok, and Ai Khiao waterfalls) so be sure to drop by there before the day's end.
Where to Stay in Nakhon Si Thammarat?
2. Hike to the top of Karom Waterfall
Straddled by the mighty mountain of Khao Luang and the rich forest surrounding it, Karom Waterfall, as well as Phrom Lok and Ai Khiao waterfalls, are part of the same area located less than 30 km from Nakhon Si Thammarat city, making it a great day trip to visit while you are in the city.
Karom Waterfall is a 7-tier waterfall with a nice and short nature trail you can hike to the top. While the lower tier is nice and all, if you want to see the best of Karom Waterfall, you are going to have to go all the way and hike to the 7th tier.
The trail is not very long or difficult, taking around 10 to 20 minutes to reach the 7th tier, with a few viewpoints and swimming areas along the way. The entire trail is paved all the way through.
This may sound like an easy stroll, but I assure you, it is not. Although the trail is smoothly paved with concrete all the way through, it is mostly mossed up due to how damp the forest is, causing it to be more slippery than if it were not there.
There were times when I decided to just walk on the actual trail beside the paved trail, just because it is easier to walk without slipping every step of the way.
Be extremely careful when you hike the nature trail here. Going up may seem easy, but going down is a whole different game with this trail, and you ought to do as I did and hike on the real trail beside the paved one to prevent yourself from slipping.
Since the waterfall is part of Khao Luang National Park, you can use the same ticket you bought for Krungching Waterfall. Just make sure that it is on the same day. The waterfall opens from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM every day.
3. Relax at Phrom Lok Waterfall
Phrom Lok Waterfall is another waterfall you can visit with your Khao Luang National Park entrance ticket, and it has around 5 tiers with plenty of opportunities to relax in.
Although Phrom Lok Waterfall has 5 tiers, unfortunately, you only have access to the first tier, while the others are only accessible with a guided walk happening twice per day from 10 AM - 12 PM and 1 PM - 3 PM every day.
The first level is pretty nice, but you are only allowed to swim further down the stream where the water is calmer and there aren't any whirlpools that can be quite dangerous to swim in.
The pool area is nestled around several boulders, which create a little privacy area for you to relax in, away from the crowds. So, be sure to look around for a quiet place before settling on where you swim.
Phrom Lok waterfall opens from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM every day, and as part of Khao Luang National Park, you can use the same ticket for Krungching, Karom, and Ai Khiao waterfalls.
4. Freshen Up at Ai Khiao Waterfall
Ai Khiao Waterfall is the last of the 4 waterfalls you can access with the Khao Luang National Park entry ticket, and it is the one that you should definitely not miss.
Unlike Phrom Lok Waterfall, Ai Khiao Waterfall has a more open space with wider pools and a large, well-shaded area where you can relax. I prefer this one over Phrom Lok as I like how open the entire area is.
The waterfall isn't very high, which makes the water a bit calmer and less of a hazard to swim in. Ai Khiao Waterfall has 3 tiers, none of which were accessible when I was there, so I had to stick with the swimming area, which is more than enough for me.
Ai Khiao Waterfall is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM every day, and you can use the same national park ticket as Khao Luang and the other 3 waterfalls mentioned above.
5. Breath Thailand's Purest Aie at Kiriwong Village
Not sure who made the measurement and claim it, but Kiriwong Village is considered to be the area with the purest ozone level in the entire country. Located on the foothill of Khao Luang mountain, nestled between the green rolling hills and the Tha Di river, one can see why that is the case.
This small mountain village is about 30 kilometers away from the city, and it offers a great place to escape the bustling city of Nakhon Si Thammarat and be among nature.
The village is a small, local community with a nice little temple, a morning market you can visit, and nice restaurants and cafes by the Tha Di River.
If you are there around 8 AM, the whole street around Kiriwong Temple will be filled with shops and stalls, as the morning market is in full swing. You get to see the locals coming out to congregate, socialize, and barter as they live out their lives in this peaceful village.
The place definitely feels more alive in the morning than in the afternoon, so if you want to have a nice quiet time here, be sure to visit Kiriwong Village in the early morning.
There is also Wang Mai Pak Waterfall, a nice cascade located upstream on a hill nestled with tall trees, with lots of fish and areas to relax in. When I was there, swimming was prohibited, but I still saw a few locals doing it, so I assume it isn't strictly enforced.
The waterfall is free to enter and one that you should not miss if you are visiting Kiriwong Village. The place is really quiet and peaceful, so if you have time to spare, be sure to drop by here and breathe in the freshest air in Thailand.
6. Visit Yong Waterfall
Yong Waterfall is a waterfall located inside Namtok Yong National Park in the southern part of the province, and it makes for a great stop if you are looking for an epic waterfall to swim in that isn't too far from the city.
Unlike the smaller waterfalls that I mentioned before, Yong Waterfall has a more dramatic drop with stunning rock formations and an open space that allows you to truly appreciate its beauty.
In terms of epicness, Yong Waterfall is definitely among the best waterfalls out there, second only to the mighty Krungching Waterfall. The sheer scale, the spacious swimming area, and the quietness of the whole area make it one of my favorite waterfalls in the province.
Unfortunately, the waterfall is inside its own national park, so you will have to pay extra to get in. Fortunately, it is only 100 THB per person, which is significantly cheaper than national parks in touristy places like Krabi and Phuket. Namtok Yong National Park opens from 9 AM to 4:30 PM every day.
7. Learn the History of Tambralinga at the National Museum
Nakhon Si Thammarat probably has one of the most interesting and rich histories out of all the provinces in Southern Thailand, and there is no better place to learn about it than at the National Museum of Nakhon Si Thammarat.
This museum is dedicated to telling the story of Nakhon Si Thammarat and all its precursor kingdoms and cities that date way back even before the time of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya in the 12th-13th Century.
The history of Nakhon Si Thammarat dates all the way back to 38,000 years ago when archeological remains were excavated in a cave in the area, signifying that life has flourished here since ancient times.
In the first and the beginning of the second millennium, the place was mentioned in several chronicles from places like China and Chaiya (a city in Surat Thani that was part of the Srivijaya Kingdom) with the name varying between Danmaling (the Thai also called this period Ta-Por-Ling) and Tambralinga, respectively.
It is said that Tambralinga is an Indianized kingdom that thrived during the 11th-13th Century. They have been both a vassal state of bigger kingdoms like Srivijaya and independent before it came under the control of the Siam kingdom of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya in the 13th Century.
All of this information, as well as artifacts excavated from ancient temples and ruins across the province, is stored inside the museum, and it would take you more than an hour to see them all.
It is really worth a visit if you are interested in the history of this part of the world that not many people know about. The museum opens from 9 AM to 4 PM from Wednesday to Sunday, and the entrance fee is 150 THB per person.
8. Visit Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan
Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan is one of the oldest and most revered temples in the city, and it is said to have held Buddha relics ever since it was constructed in the early 13th Century.
The iconic white Sri Lankan-style pagoda of the temple has become the landmark of the city, with its 56-meter-high spire dominating the entire city for many decades.
Inside the temple, you will find a collection of smaller pagodas as well as beautiful architecture from the Ayutthaya period. It is a great place to stroll around and see how different the culture and architecture are from the central and northern counterparts.
Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan opens from 8:30 AM to 4 PM every day, and like most Buddhist temples in use elsewhere in Thailand, there is no entry fee for both Thais and foreigners.
9. Learn How They Made the Shadow Puppets at Suchart Subsin's House of Shadow Puppetry
Suchart Subsin's House of Shadow Puppetry is a privately-owned, family-run museum dedicated to preserving the art of crafting shadow puppets out of cow's skin. This traditional art performance originated in this part of Thailand.
The family that runs this museum is the daughter of Suchart Subsin, a national artist and a shadow puppet master who was endorsed by King Rama the 9th. He decided to preserve the shadow puppets he made in this little museum.
Some of the puppets are as old as time, with the oldest ones you can see dated all the way back to 1795. These are probably the oldest puppets that are still kept intact.
Since the art of Nang Talung (shadow puppeteer) actually originated from India, they also collect shadow puppets from all over the world, with the most impressive collection being from India itself.
There is also a preserved collection from the period of World War 2 which the intern told me they had to keep small in order to avoid detection by the Japanese soldiers who took over the country during that time.
The museum is very well done, and the owner will come and demonstrate the art of crafting these beautiful shadow puppets by hand. Best of all, the place is free to enter, which is pretty mind-blowing considering I was guided throughout my visit by 2 interns and the owner comes for a demonstration in person. If you are visiting the city, be sure to drop by Bannang Thalung Suchart Subsin.
10. Check Out Baan Than Khun
Baan Than Khun is a nice small museum inside a 100+ year-old wooden house owned by one of the lords who lived in the city during that time. It is a great example of the old-school architectural style that was common in Thailand during that time.
Inside, you will find several rooms, all decorated in the way it was back then, with wooden furniture and vintage decor. All are kept extremely clean and well preserved.
The best part is that Baan Than Khun is free to enter, and you can walk around the house for as long as you want. There are also cafes and souvenir shops around the house, so be sure to check that out if you want to buy something back home. The place opens from 8 AM to 8 PM every day.
11. Stroll Along the Old Walls of Nakhon Si Thammarat
Since Nakhon Si Thammarat is an old city on the outer rim of the Siam kingdom, one can expect the city to be surrounded by an old brick wall to deter invasion attempts by outside forces, like the one in Chiang Mai.
Although not to the same extent, parts of the Old Wall of Nakhon Si Thammarat are still intact and remain preserved in the city. You can spend some time strolling along the wall and the recreational park that was constructed around it.
The park is spacious, with a large open area and very little shade, so be sure to visit the place in the evening when it isn't too hot outside. It is a nice area, and if you have some time to kill in Nakhon Si Thammarat, be sure to drop by the old wall.
Where to Eat and Drink in Nakhon Si Thammarat?
Eat and Drink Coffee at Kopitiam
Kopitiam is one of my favorite restaurants/cafés in Nakhon Si Thammarat. It is a local chain restaurant that mimics the old Kopitiam atmosphere of tea houses and rounded tables for people to socialize in, and I think they have captured it well with a modernized twist of their own.
The restaurant has a large open-air seating area with white marble rounded tables and a large wooden bar with a shelf behind it displaying all kinds of herb cans, vintage coffee equipment, and more.
They also serve a mix of Chinese and Thai foods and drinks here, from the delicious Khao Kha Mu (a stewed pig's trotter in seasoned condensed hot pottage with rice) to the Thai traditional iced coffee that I love, all at a very affordable price. You won't find anything pricier than 100 THB here, which is awesome.
If you are in Nakhon Si Thammarat, make sure to drop by Kopitiam for breakfast, lunch, or even just a cup of coffee. You won't regret it. The restaurant opens from 6:30 AM to 9 PM every day.
Eat Seafood Sukiyaki Dish at Suki Rod Ded Restaurant
Suki Rod Ded Restaurant is an old, local street food restaurant that has been operating for many decades in this city. They serve a delicious Thai-style sukiyaki dish with a thick, tasty sauce that is to die for.
I had a Suki Nam (a noodle soup) with massive cubes of snapper fish meat, and they only cost 70 THB, which is pretty affordable. It was as delicious as it sounds.
The place opens from 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM every day except Sunday, and if you are looking for a nice local place to eat in the city, Suki Rod Ded is the best place to be.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Southern Thailand
Looking for more information for your trip to Southern Thailand? Here are a collection of articles about Southern Thailand that you might find useful:
- Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3-Month Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
- Looking for an itinerary for Thailand? Check out 10 Days Itinerary for Thailand.
- One of the best places to go snorkeling in Thailand is Koh Lipe, an island in the far south of Thailand. Here is The Ultimate Snorkeling Guide to Koh Lipe.
- Looking to change things up a little? How about we head down to the south of Thailand and explore one of my favorite places in Thailand? Here is How to Travel to Khao Sok National Park, Backpacking-style.
- The pearl of the Andaman Sea, Phuket, is an island full of history, cultures, and stunning beaches waiting for you to explore. Here are the 11 Best Things to Do in Phuket.
- There are over 30+ beaches in Phuket, and it can get quite overwhelming to find the perfect beach to stay at. Don't worry, I've got you covered. Here are the 8 Most Beautiful Beaches in Phuket.
- Visiting Phuket Old Town is the highlight of your Phuket trip. You can easily spend a day exploring the Old Town. Here are the 9 Best Things to Do in Phuket Old Town.
- Phang Nga is probably what Phuket was like before mass tourism ruined it. From quiet, empty beaches to wild, untouched waterfalls, here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Phang Nga.
- Khao Lak is the main tourist hub in Phang Nga, and it is a great place to be if you like adventure, island hopping, and snorkeling. Here are the 8 Best Things to Do in Khao Lak.
- If you are in Phang Nga, you should also drop by Takua Pa and its charming little old town. Here are the 8 Best Things to Do in Takua Pa.
- For a complete Krabi backpacking itinerary, check out: 3 to 5 Days Backpacking Krabi Itinerary.
- Whether you are an adventurer or a beach-goer, Krabi has it all. From island-hopping to rock climbing, here are the 13 Best Things to do in Krabi.
- Krabi is not just beaches and islands. Krabi town offers a great alternative place to stay away from the tourist crowds. Here are the 8 Best Things to do in Krabi Town.
- Ko Lanta is a quiet, remote, and less trodden part of Krabi, making it a great place to visit for those who want to go off the beaten path. If you are planning to go there, here are the 8 Best Things to do in Ko Lanta.
- You've heard about Hua Hin, but have you heard about Lemon Bay? There's so much more to the Prachuap Khiri Khan province than Hua Hin. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Prachuap Khiri Khan.
- There is more to Chumphon than just Koh Tao. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Chumphon.
- Surat Thani is not just Ko Samui and Ko Phangan. There is so much more to do in this province than you might think. Here are the 11 Best Things to Do in Surat Thani.
- Have to spend a night in Surat Thani's Old Town and not sure what to do there? Check out: 8 Best Things to Do in Surat Thani's Old Town
- For the best things to do in Koh Samui, check out: 13 Best Things to Do in Koh Samui.
- If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
- Thai street foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
- Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
- Photos are worth a thousand words, but what is worth more than photos? A video. Here are travel videos I made for Thailand: Timeless Thailand, a journey into the North of Thailand, Long Tail Thailand, exploring the beautiful south of Thailand, and taking it slow with Slowed Down Bangkok travel video.
- Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about you continue on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
- Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Northern Thailand or Central Thailand?
- For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
- Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
- You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
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