|
|
DAY 3: KO SAMUI - NAKHON SRI THAMMARAT
(130 kms.)
 |
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 Rd.
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 the (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. Visit the TAT office for good local information
that includes a nature guidebook to Khao Luang National Park for Day
4. |
|
|
Cars
