Key Takeaways
Overview
Nakhon Si Thammarat is a province in southern Thailand that offers a unique and exciting experience for travelers. With three days to explore, you can immerse yourself in the rich culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning natural attractions that this province has to offer.
Day 1
On the first day of our trip, we arrived in Nakhon Si Thammarat around noon after an overnight journey. Our first order of business was to find the best southern Thai food in the region. We stumbled upon a roadside restaurant called Chao Ruer, which turned out to be a hidden gem. The restaurant was small from the outside but opened up to a beautiful garden-like interior filled with flowers. Known for its flavorful southern dishes, we indulged in recommended dishes such as kung pad sato, keang som pla kulao hua mun keenu, and nam prik mangda sato pao. The highlight of our meal was the pla kabok ra, a unique and delicious signature dish of the restaurant. After a satisfying lunch, we headed to Phromlok Waterfall at Kaoluang National Park. The hour-long drive took us through scenic landscapes, and the waterfall provided a refreshing escape from the hot weather. We spent a couple of hours enjoying the cool water and picturesque views before returning to our hotel, The Plug Hotel, in downtown Nakhon Si Thammarat. The hotel impressed us with its loft-style decor and modern amenities, making it a comfortable base for our exploration.
Day 2
The second day began with a visit to Kopi, a famous coffee shop and restaurant with a stunning view. We chose the Kiw Ku Ton branch, which was conveniently located on our way to Kiriwong Village. The restaurant’s staff, dressed as traditional donut sellers, welcomed us warmly and recommended their signature dishes, including shrimp dumplings, pork buns, and pa tong ko served with bak kut teh. The food was incredibly delicious, and we couldn’t resist trying the kao ka moo, a stewed pork leg on rice, which looked equally tempting on the neighboring table. Energized by our satisfying breakfast, we made our way to Kiriwong Village, known for its pleasant weather and scenic beauty. Renting bicycles, we explored the village and enjoyed interactions with friendly locals, cool breezes, and lovely sights. For lunch, we discovered Kiriwong River View, a restaurant with a refreshing ambiance surrounded by trees and canals. We savored local dishes such as pla kabok fried with turmeric, bai lieng pad kai, keang som pla kapong, and yum pak krud krob. The flavors were not too spicy, catering to the taste preferences of foreign tourists. After lunch, we drove to Rai Kasemsuk, a unique attraction famous for its picturesque rice fields. We marveled at the beautifully designed fields and had the opportunity to witness a farmer harvesting. The visit to Rai Kasemsuk was complemented by trying the famous local snack called kao song dung, which is crunchy dried sticky rice served with condensed milk. In the evening, we checked in at Laekhon-Nonbai hotel, which beautifully showcased local culture and incorporated elements of Wat Phra Tat, the heart of Nakhon Si Thammarat, in its design. Eager to explore the local culture, we visited Lard Nah Phra Tat, a market that transported us back in time with its preservation of traditional culture and environment. We watched a cultural show and indulged in local foods, OTOP products, silver accessories, and hand-made Thai utensils. The market’s commitment to sustainability was evident in its use of natural materials instead of plastic. We couldn’t resist trying the famous Roti Bang Bao at one of the market’s popular shops before ending the day.
Day 3
On our last day in Nakhon Si Thammarat, we decided to explore the downtown area to get a taste of the local lifestyle. We started the day with a breakfast of khanom jeen, fresh sticky rice noodles with various sauces and toppings, at Khanom Jeen Mae Yai Sen Sod Namya Puma. Watching the noodles being made added to the authenticity of the experience. To immerse ourselves in the province’s history, we visited Ban Tan Khun Rattawutvijarn, a 170-year-old hip roof house that has been preserved and recognized for its architectural significance. Our next stop was Pim Nakhon Niello Shop, where we learned about niello and silver utensils and witnessed the traditional printing techniques used to create them. Continuing our cultural exploration, we visited Mr. Suchart-Subsin’s house, a museum dedicated to the art of nang talung. Mr. Senee, Mr. Suchart’s son, shared his knowledge and showcased the process of making nang talung puppets. We even had the opportunity to try making a puppet ourselves and purchased souvenirs to support the preservation of this beautiful cultural art form. Before heading back home, we stopped by Khong Fak Na Khon shop, a charming store selling tie-dyed clothes and other accessories. The shop’s unique designs and use of natural dyes made it a perfect place to find meaningful souvenirs.
In conclusion, our three-day exploration of Nakhon Si Thammarat allowed us to immerse ourselves in the province’s rich culture, indulge in delicious cuisine, and appreciate its natural beauty. From hidden culinary gems to stunning waterfalls and rice fields, Nakhon Si Thammarat offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers seeking a unique and authentic Thai getaway.
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