Limestone
formations still predominate near Khanom, a seaport
founded more than 800 years ago. South of Sichon,
H401 passes through the rural scenery of the plain
east of the Khao Luang (1835 m.) mountain range.
To
reach Nai Phlao Beach follow H4014 to Khanom, and
then take a right (south) turn on H4232. For Hin Ngam
Beach turn left off H401 and go through Sichon (turn
right at the end of the high street and continue straight).
Nakhon
Sri Thammarat
Nakhon
Sri Thammarat was once the capital of the Kingdom
of Tambralinga until it came under Siamese influence
in the mid-13th century. Known as Ligor, the city
gained its present name with the establishment of
Sri Lankan Buddhism under the Siamese. The cultural
heritage includes includes the manora dance drama
and the nang thalung shadow theatre (best seen at
Ban Nang Thalung Suchart Subsin) as well as Muslim,
Hindu and Christian places of worship.
The
main festivals are the Phrapheni Duan Sip (tenth lunar
month festival, Sept-Oct), and the Hae Pha Khun (third
lunar month, Feb-Mar), both feature a procession to
the Phra Mahathat Pagoda.
The
city is built along Ratchadamnoen Road. The old city
lies south of remains of the city walls just by the
Provincial Hall; the commercial heart lies around
the railway station to the north. Modern developments
lie to the east along Pattanakan Road.
The
most famous sight in the city is Wat Phra Mahathat,
where the great pagoda houses a tooth relic. The inner
sanctum (08:00-16:30) contains a museum with a wealth
of religious artefacts and images. The national museum
(Wednesday-Sunday, 09:00-16:00) preserves relics from
prehistoric sites as well as good examples of the
local Niello ware.
Boworn
Bazaar (Ratchadamnoen Rd.) has some of the best places
to eat breakfast (Hao Coffee), for lunch (Khrua Nakhon
06:00-15:00) and dinner (Ban Lakhon 12:00-22:00).
Walk around the commercial heart of the old town near
the station for shops, inexpensive restaurants and
street food vendors.
Overview
Corporate
Housing
