Nakhon Si Thammarat: The Jewel of Southern Thailand

• Helloสวัสดี
  [sawasdee]
• Goodbyeลาก่อน
  [la kon]
• Yesใช่
  [chai]
• Noไม่
  [mai]
• Please/You're welcomeโปรด/ยินดี
  [prode/yindee]
• Thank youขอบคุณ
  [kob khun]
• Excuse me/Sorryขอโทษ
  [khor toht]
• How are you?สุขสบายไหม
  [suk sabai mai]
• Fine. And you?สบายดี คุณล่ะ
  [sabai dee kun la]
• Do you speak English?คุณพูดภาษาอังกฤษได้ไหม
  [kun poot pah saa anggrit dai mai]
• I don't understandฉันไม่เข้าใจ
  [chan mai khao jai]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseขอดูเมนูหน่อย
  [khor duu menu noi]
• I don't eat meatฉันไม่กินเนื้อ
  [chan mai kin nuea]
• Cheers!ชนแก้ว
  [chon gaeo]
• I would like to pay, pleaseขอเสร็จบิลหน่อย
  [khor set bill noi]

• Help!ช่วยด้วย
  [chuay duay]
• Go away!ไปทางอื่น
  [pai tang uen]
• Call the Police!โทรตำรวจ
  [tor tamruat]
• Call a doctor!โทรหมอ
  [tor mor]
• I'm lostฉันหลงทาง
  [chan long tang]
• I'm illฉันไม่สบาย
  [chan mai sabai]

• I'd like to buy...ฉันอยากซื้อ...
  [chan yahk seuu...]
• I'm just lookingฉันเพียงชม
  [chan piang chom]
• How much is it?ราคาเท่าไหร่
  [ra kah thao rai]
• That's too expensiveแพงเกินไป
  [paeng kern pai]
• Can you lower the price?ลดราคาได้ไหม
  [lot ra kah dai mai]

• What time is it?ตอนนี้กี่โมง
  [ton nee kee mong]
• It's one o'clockเป็นโมง
  [pen mong]
• Half past (10)สามสิบครึ่ง
  [sam sip khrung]
• Morningเช้า
  [chao]
• Afternoonบ่าย
  [bai]
• Eveningเย็น
  [yen]
• Yesterdayเมื่อวาน
  [meua waan]
• Todayวันนี้
  [wan nee]
• Tomorrowพรุ่งนี้
  [phrung nee]
• 1หนึ่ง
  [neung]
• 2สอง
  [song]
• 3สาม
  [sam]
• 4สี่
  [si]
• 5ห้า
  [ha]
• 6หก
  [hok]
• 7เจ็ด
  [chet]
• 8แปด
  [paet]
• 9เก้า
  [gao]
• 10สิบ
  [sip]

• Where's a/the...?...อยู่ที่ไหน
  [... yu tee nai]
• What's the address?ที่อยู่อยู่ที่ไหน
  [tee yu yu tee nai]
• Can you show me (on the map)?ช่วยแสดงที่ฉัน(บนแผนที่)
  [chuay sa-dang tee chan (bon pheun tee)]
• When's the next (bus)?เมื่อไหร่รถบัสถัดไป
  [meua rai roht bus tat pai]
• A ticket (to ....)บัตรโดยสาร(ไป...)
  [bat doy saan (pai...)]

Nakhon Si Thammarat, one of Thailand's oldest cities, has roots dating back over 1,000 years. The city was originally part of the Srivijaya Empire, a powerful maritime and commercial kingdom that flourished between the 7th and 13th centuries. This strategic location made it a critical hub in the region for trade, culture, and religion, particularly Buddhism.

During the 13th century, Nakhon Si Thammarat became the center of the Tambralinga Kingdom. This period saw significant growth in the city's influence across the Malay Peninsula. Tambralinga's rulers established strong trade connections with China, India, and other Southeast Asian kingdoms, fostering a rich cultural and economic environment.

In the 14th century, the city became a vassal state of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. This relationship brought about a period of cultural and architectural development. Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, one of Thailand’s most important Buddhist temples, was constructed during this time and remains a central landmark in the city. The temple features a 78-meter high stupa that enshrines a relic of the Buddha.

The Burmese invasion in the 18th century led to significant destruction in Nakhon Si Thammarat. However, the city's resilience showed through its quick recovery and restoration. By the early 19th century, under the reign of King Rama I of the Rattanakosin Kingdom, the city regained its importance as a cultural and administrative center.

In the 20th century, Nakhon Si Thammarat modernized while preserving its rich historical and cultural heritage. Today, the city is known for its vibrant festivals, traditional performing arts, and unique local cuisine. The annual Hae Pha Khuen That Festival, for instance, draws thousands of visitors who come to witness the grand procession and offerings made to the sacred stupa at Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan.

Nakhon Si Thammarat is accessible by both air and land. The nearest airport is Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport (NST), which is served by several domestic airlines with regular flights from Bangkok. Alternatively, you can take a train from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Railway Station to Nakhon Si Thammarat Railway Station, a journey that takes around 12 hours. Buses also operate from Bangkok and other major cities to Nakhon Si Thammarat, taking approximately 10-12 hours.

Within Nakhon Si Thammarat, local transportation options include tuk-tuks, songthaews (shared pick-up trucks), and motorbike taxis. These are convenient for short distances within the city. For longer journeys, you can rent a car or a motorbike. There are also public buses that connect the city to nearby towns and attractions.

The official currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry cash for purchases at smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful in Nakhon Si Thammarat, and currency exchange services are available at banks and exchange kiosks.

Nakhon Si Thammarat is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it's wise to follow standard safety precautions such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While the city does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it's always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 191 for police assistance or 1669 for medical emergencies. The main hospital in Nakhon Si Thammarat is Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital, which provides comprehensive medical services. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available throughout the city for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting temples. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes and cover your shoulders and knees when entering temples. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a wai (a slight bow with palms pressed together). Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Nakhon Si Thammarat like a local, visit the bustling Thung Song Night Market where you can enjoy a variety of local street food. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about their city’s history and culture. Don’t miss Wat Phra Mahathat, one of the most important Buddhist temples in southern Thailand. For a unique experience, visit the shadow puppet show at the Suchart Subsin Shadow Puppet Museum, showcasing traditional Thai puppetry.