Thailand is one of the world’s top holiday destinations, with over 28 million foreign tourists visiting in 2023! It’s easy to understand why this amazing Southeast Asian nation is so popular, firstly because the people are among the warmest and friendliest in the world, which inspired the nickname “The Land of Smiles”. Add to that the fact that the food is fantastic, and is coming to be recognized as one of the world’s great cuisines.
Visit Thailand’s Undiscovered Gem
Then, the rich cultural history features colorful temples, delightful music, and graceful dances. Follow this up with the incredible natural beauty of its lush mountains and sparkling seas, and you have a winner!
While the majority of visitors fly into Bangkok and then head out to one of the more famous tourist destinations like Phuket, Chiang Mai, or Pattaya, there are a lot of other treasures to be found that remain unseen in Thailand. One of these is the lovely seaside city of Nakhon Sri Thammarat, nestled in its eponymous province on the east coast facing the Gulf of Thailand. The city has recently been discovered by retirees who recognize its charms, and one can always find a luxury villa for sale in Nakhon Sri Thammarat if your visit turns into a love affair! Let’s explore just a few of the many attractions that make this lesser-known corner of the kingdom so alluring:
Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahavihan –
This splendid 13th-century temple is revered as south Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist site. The Phra Borommathat Chedi Stands around 80 meters high, is topped with solid gold, and contains a relic of the Buddha. Hundreds of smaller chedis surround this magnificent edifice, resembling a holy city. The venerable bodhi tree growing in the temple grounds is thought to have come from a sprout taken from the original tree in Bodh Gaya, India, which the Buddha was meditating under when he achieved enlightenment. On the Buddhist holy days of Visakha Bucha and Makha Bucha, the faithful wrap a cloth around the main chedi in a procession, a fascinating ceremony that should not be missed!
Khanom Beach –
If you are looking for a quiet beach to take a long, peaceful walk down, far away from the noise of frolicking holidaymakers, this is your destination! This barely scratched ocean-side gem lies just south of the busy Donsak Pier, the gateway to the popular tourist islands of Ko Tao, Ko Pha Ngan, and Ko Samui. You can wave at the crowded boats as they chug away from a wide swath of pristine sandy beaches all your own to relax on! This quiet, laid-back area is the perfect place for a retiree to make their home far away from all the hustle and bustle. After your reflective stroll along the strand, enjoy a lovely dinner at one of the charming little restaurants where you will find traditional Thai seafood at its freshest best!
The Old City Wall –
Nakhon Si Thammarat is one of Thailand’s oldest cities. It was founded more than 1,000 years ago and was the capital of the powerful state of Ligor, which controlled the middle portion of the peninsula. The city was fortified by sturdy ramparts surrounded by moats constructed during the reign of Phra Chao Sithamma to defend the city from its enemies. They have been well preserved and remain intact, having last been renovated during the 17th century when King Narai Maharat invited French architects and engineers to add to them, resulting in an appearance similar to that of a European castle! This fascinating historic site also features forts on the north and south corners of the walls and a city gate on each side. A long stroll along the wall will make you feel like you have entered Thailand’s storied past.
To learn more about this wonderful corner of Thailand, visit the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Nakhon Si Thammarat webpage, where you can find up-to-date info on events and attractions. We hope we have enticed you to come down and see for yourself; it may be your first visit to Nakhon Sri Thammarat, but we will wager it won’t be your last!
