The small mountain village of Khiri Wong, located 25 km west of Nakhon Si Thammarat, was awarded the Thai Tourism Prize for Best Cultural and Community Tours in 1998. The residents have established an ecotourism project to invite visitors to discover their way of life and the beauty of nature through hiking trails and various activities. Khiri Wong is particularly known for its batik and tie-dye techniques. There are several workshops; I have included the GPS coordinates of the main one, Ki Ree Pure Natural Live, here. If you would like to make your own tie-dye clothing, it is best to call 080 393 9364 (mobile number) before your arrival. Khiri Wong lies at the foot of Khao Luang Mountain and its national park. The best way to explore the area is by staying with a local family and exploring the park's waterfalls from there. Khiri Wong is also an ideal base for trekking tours. The best time to visit, when nature and waterfalls are at their most beautiful, is from July to September. It's also fruit season, and Khiriwong is famous for its fruit orchards. Ideally, you should spend at least two days and one night there.

If you would like to hike in Khao Luang Park starting from Baan Khiri Wong, please contact +66 75 533 113. If you would like to see the batik technique demonstrated and receive explanations in English, it is best to call in advance on 080 393 9364 (mobile number) (e.g., a day before). Advance booking is also required if you would like to have your own batik clothing made (not batik, but the dyeing of fabrics with patterns). The cost depends on the type of fabric and ranges from 50 THB for a handkerchief to 250 THB for a T-shirt. Please note that communication difficulties may occur, as foreign tourists are still rare and few locals speak English.

The dark blue songthaews (No. 8464), pickup trucks with bench seats in the back, will take you from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Khiriwong. They depart from behind the Talat Yao Market, opposite Chedi Yak (price: 40 THB for a 1 hour 20 minute ride). Note: The last return trip to Nakhon Si Thammarat seems to be at 3:00 PM.

How to get there

How do you get to Ban Khiri Wong? The dark blue songthaews (shared taxis) numbered 8464, which have benches in the back, will take you from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Khiriwong. They depart from behind the Talat Yao Market, opposite Chedi Yak (price: 40 THB for a 1 hour 20 minute ride). Note: The last return trip to Nakhon Si Thammarat seems to be at 3:00 PM.