Itinerary Ideas: Nakhon Si Thammarat & Phatthalung

Many travellers to Thailand will not be familiar with the southern Thai provinces of Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phatthalung. But these adjoining provinces are home to everything a discerning traveller could wish for from a holiday: history, culture, natural wonders and quiet beaches.

In this edition of our Itinerary Ideas series, we’ve compiled suggestions for a two-week trip in this unheralded corner of the country. You can use these ideas for a standalone itinerary for a fortnight trip or use them as an add-on to an extended adventure in Southern Thailand. 

• Nakhon Si Thammarat (city): 3 days
• Baan Khiri Wong: 1 or 2 days
• Khanom/Sichon (beaches): 5 or 6 days
• Phatthalung (city): 1 or 2 days
• Thale Noi: 3 or 4 days

If you are starting from Bangkok, you can fly directly to Nakhon Si Thammarat or for something a little more adventurous, take the overnight sleeper train.

Nakhon Si Thammarat

As mentioned above, you have the option to fly or take the train south from Bangkok to Nakhon Si (as the locals call it). Thailand’s overnight sleeper trains are a great way to travel and fit in well with this more adventurous itinerary.

We suggest taking train #85 departing Bangkok’s Krung Thep Ahpiwat Central Terminal at 19:50 and arriving in Nakhon Si at 09:40 This train also stops at Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon, so it can be handy if you are already exploring the upper Gulf Coast.

Travelling by public transport
Nakhon Si Thammarat is a large province, and getting around by public transport to attractions in the countryside is not always easy. We’ve considered that and concentrated on attractions with more traveller-friendly transport links. Train times mentioned here may be subject to change; check with the State Railway of Thailand (more details at the bottom of this page).

8 of the best things to see and do in Nakhon Si Thammarat

Nakhon Si Thammarat city

Spend three or four days in Nakhon Si Thammarat exploring this historic city, which is one of Southern Thailand’s most important cultural centres. Believed to be over 1,500 years old, it was once called Tambralinga and later Ligor. Over the centuries, it thrived as a key maritime hub, welcoming traders from the British, Portuguese, and Dutch empires, as well as China, India, and Sri Lanka.

Culture lovers will appreciate Nakhon Si Thammarat’s quiet charm. Stop by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) office for an English map outlining walking routes to major attractions. Explore the remnants of the old city walls and stroll along Tha Chang Road, where you’ll find local handicrafts, souvenirs, and distinctive nielloware jewellery. Sample street food, chill out in cool cafes, and enjoy being in a city off the tourist trail.

The city’s crowning jewel is Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahavihan, a revered temple with a striking 77-metre chedi surrounded by 149 smaller ones.

Nakhon Si Thammarat is also famed for its traditional shadow puppet theatre, Nang Talung. To experience this centuries-old art form, visit the Ban Nang Talung Shadow Puppet Museum at the home of National Artist Suchart Subsin.

Ban Khiri Wong

From the city, travel west to the scenic countryside and spend a day or two at Ban Khiri Wong, an award-winning community tourism village. Here, visitors can join hands-on workshops in traditional crafts like soap-making and tie-dye, while exploring charming cafes, local eateries, and artisan shops scattered around the village.

Nestled by a river and surrounded by mountains, Ban Khiri Wong is known for its exceptionally clean air and peaceful rural atmosphere. The village lies about 30 minutes west of Nakhon Si Thammarat city and is a popular getaway for Thai travellers seeking a slower pace. Travellers without private transport can reach it by local bus or songthaew (check schedules with your accommodation) or book a guided trip through local tour operators.

If you have more time to spare, you could also travel south to Namtok Yong National Park, although this is more difficult to reach without your own transport. But if you are interested in birdwatching and hiking, it can be worth the effort.

Khanom and Sichon

From Ban Khiri Wong, travel back to Nakhon Si city to catch transport to the north of the province, where the almost deserted beaches of Khanom and Sichon await.

Stretching along a quiet coastline, Khanom offers a string of unspoiled beaches and tranquil bays that are perfect for long walks or relaxing by the sea. With minimal development and only a few resorts and restaurants, it’s an ideal escape for those seeking peace and simplicity. While accommodation options are fewer compared to nearby Ko Samui, beachfront stays like Aava Resort & Spa, Margarita Beach, and Racha Kiri Resort & Spa provide comfort and charm.

Khanom is also famous for its pink dolphins, a rare albino species often spotted offshore. Local operators such as Khanom Tour run boat trips for dolphin watching and island excursions, though sightings depend on sea conditions and a bit of luck.

Public transport here is limited, adding to Khanom’s secluded appeal. To explore the coastline fully, it’s best to rent your own transport. Dining options are simple, with most visitors enjoying meals at their resorts or nearby beachfront restaurants.

After a relaxing time on the coast, travel back to Nakhon Si Thammarat and take the train or bus south to Phatthalung. 

Map of Nakhon Si Thammarat

Phatthalung

If you travel by train, Phatthalung railway station is conveniently located in the centre of town. From Nakhon Si Thammarat, catch the local train #455 at 10:20 for the 2.5-hour journey south to Phatthalung. 

Pak Khlong train station
Pak Khlong train station is the nearest to Thale Noi, and some local trains from Nakhon Si Thammarat do stop there, so it is an option if you would prefer to travel to Thale Noi first. However, you will still need to take local transport from Pak Khlong. For first time visitors to the area, transport to Thale Noi can be easier to arrange from Phatthalung city.

Discover the wonders of Thale Noi, Phatthalung

Phatthalung city

While Phatthalung has a certain provincial charm, there isn’t as much to see and do here compared to Nakhon Si Thammarat city. 

East of the city, the striking mountain, Khao Ok Thalu, dominates Phatthalung’s skyline. If you’re fit, you can follow the steep stairway to reach a cave, shrine, and panoramic viewpoint near the summit.

For a gentler ascent, head to Wat Khuha Sawan, the province’s most revered temple, dating back to the 8th century. Behind the temple, a short staircase leads to scenic views over the city and a cave filled with serene Buddha images.

After a day or two in Phatthalung, it’s time to travel to the province’s star attraction, Thale Noi. To get to Thale Noi from Phatthalung city, mini-buses depart at regular intervals throughout the day for the 45-minute journey. The cost is around 70 Baht. Alternatively, there is a songthaew service which takes a more leisurely 90-minute scenic route for around half the price.

Thale Noi

Thale Noi translates as ‘Small Sea’ and this expansive freshwater wetland is teeming with life. One of Thailand’s most biodiverse ecosystems, it’s a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. More than 280 species of aquatic birds inhabit the lagoon throughout the year, with even greater numbers arriving during the summer migration, when thousands flock to feed in its lush marshlands.

Recognised as Thailand’s first Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, Thale Noi is protected as a vital ecological habitat, with ongoing efforts to ensure its sustainable preservation.

The most peaceful way to explore Thale Noi is by longtail boat. Local boatmen glide through narrow waterways, revealing a breathtaking scene of pink lotuses and water lilies stretching across the lagoon.

In Ban Thale Noi village, traditional life endures. Fishermen still cast square lift nets, or ‘yo’, using age-old wooden frames to haul in their catch. Around the village, you’ll see bundles of krajude (a local reed) drying in the sun before being handwoven into baskets, mats, and other beautiful handicrafts.

A scenic highlight nearby is the Chaloem Phrakiat 80 Phansa Bridge (locally known as Saphan Ekachai). Linking Phatthalung and Songkhla provinces, the bridge spans the wetlands and offers panoramic views, complete with a cycle lane and viewing points for travellers to pause and take in the scenery.

Map of Phatthalung

Onward travel

From Phatthalung, you can continue your adventures in Southern Thailand by taking the bus west to Trang. Or you could take the train south to Hat Yai, from where you can catch a flight or train to Bangkok. Hat Yai is a good destination for foodies, as is the charming nearby town of Songkhla. If you like the idea of going island-hopping, travel to Satun province to Ko Lipe and use that as the jumping-off point to explore the nearby islands.

Buying tickets for Thai trains

Tickets for ordinary trains cannot be booked in advance; they must be purchased at the station on the day of travel and are usually on sale up to an hour before the scheduled departure. You may be asked to show your passport, so keep it on hand when going to the ticket office. Seats are unreserved on the ordinary trains. Sit where you like, but please note that in some carriages, there may be an area at the back reserved for monks (there will be signs in Thai and English).

Tickets on long-distance services (e.g. Bangkok to Nakhon Si Thammarat) can be booked in advance. You can buy in person at any State Railway of Thailand (SRT) train station or online via the official SRT booking site here:
https://dticket.railway.co.th/DTicketPublicWeb/home/Home

For train schedules:
https://www.railway.co.th/Home/Index
(click on Southern Line)

Krung Thep Aphiwat
If you are travelling by long-distance train in or out of Bangkok, you need to select Krung Thep Aphiwat (the new central rail terminal for Bangkok) as the arrival or destination station. On the State Railway of Thailand ticket system, if you select Bangkok, it only shows local trains from the old Bangkok Hua Lamphong station.

Itinerary Ideas
This article is part of our Itinerary Ideas series. These particular itineraries are for anybody, but may appeal more to repeat visitors to Thailand looking to explore different destinations on their next trip or anyone seeking meaningful travel experiences. If you’re a first-time visitor to Thailand or looking for more ideas of where to go and what to do, check out these articles too:
2-week Thailand itinerary
3-week Thailand itinerary
4-week Thailand itinerary

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