Nakhon Si Thammarat boasts a stunning coastline, which can be admired on the way to Koh Samui. Pink dolphins are frequent visitors to the emerald-green sea, and few have ever seen and documented them. At the Buddhist monastery, foreigners have the opportunity to give alms before their boat trip to Had Khanom National Park.

The city of Nakhon Si Thammarat is a place where ancient civilization and religious tradition blend seamlessly with a largely untouched natural landscape. Located on the southern Gulf of Thailand, at the site of an ancient trade route and a former city-state, the province borders Trang, a gastronomic paradise and another hidden gem. This makes any trip to this region a truly delightful experience.

The main attraction of Nakhon Si Thammarat is Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan on Ratchadamnoen Road, a first-class royal temple and one of Thailand's most important historical sites. The temple's pagoda, built in the Sri Lankan style, stands 55.78 meters tall, its roof entirely covered in pure gold. Inside the temple are several significant structures, including the royal building from the Ayutthaya period and the Sam Chom building, which houses a Buddha statue in royal attire. The temple is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and admission is free.

Another well-known temple in the Chang Klang district west of the city is Wat That Noi. It houses a large reclining Buddha statue, as well as memorials to Porthan Klai, the temple's founder and a prominent monk of the last century. Whatever Porthan Klai said seemed to come true. To prevent this, he took a vow of silence and remained silent for many years. He died in 1970 at the age of 94. The monk's remains rest in the temple, along with a lifelike wax figure and several statues commemorating him.

For another dose of southern Thai culture, visit Suchart Subsin's Shadow Puppet Theatre on Si Thammasok Road, Soi 3. The owner, Suchart Subsin, is one of the country's most renowned shadow puppeteers and considered among Thailand's finest. The theatre houses a shadow puppet museum, offers shadow puppet demonstrations, and features a theatre for live performances. Visitors can experience this captivating art form daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (+66-7534-6394).

The village of Ban Khiri Wong in Lan Saka District, about 29 km from the provincial capital, has been ravaged by numerous natural disasters in the past and has learned to cope with the losses by living in harmony with nature. Today, the award-winning village is a nationally recognized sustainable community whose residents live and work in harmony with the landscape. Tourists can experience the way of life of the villagers, who traditionally cultivate various fruits, and enjoy the abundant local produce. Nearby is the highest mountain in southern Thailand, the 1,835-meter-high Khao Luang, as well as Khao Luang National Park, which is very popular for trekking tours where one can discover the native flora and fauna. Trekking tours can be arranged from Ban Khiri Wong (+66-7553-3113 or +66-7553-3370).

Nakhon Si Thammarat is rich in waterfalls, but one of the most famous and beautiful is Krung Ching Waterfall in Khao Luang National Park, Nopphitam District. Named after the Ton Ching palm, the waterfall cascades in several stages. The most breathtaking is Nan Fon Saen Ha, where the water plunges over 100 meters, shrouding the area in mist. The waterfall is accessible via an easy 3.8 km forest trail, which is also excellent for birdwatching. Accommodation and a campsite are available (+66-7546-0463, +66-7530-0494).

Another hidden gem in Nakhon Si Thammarat is the Pak Phanang River basin. Here, several royal development projects initiated by His Majesty the King have revitalized this once neglected area. The Pak Phanang community organizes river cruises where tourists can experience local life and visit the royal projects, traditional bird nesting houses (Ban Rang Nok), and mangrove forests. The standard cruise lasts about two hours but can be extended upon request (+66-7551-7058). The nearby pine-fringed Pak Phanang Beach and the crescent-shaped Cape Talumphuk, which juts into the Gulf of Thailand, are also worth a visit for exploring the mangrove forests and local wildlife.

Pink Dolphins: The peaceful Khanom district in the north of the province is known for its idyllic beaches and lush forested mountains. However, many visitors come here for the adorable pink dolphins! The easiest way to see them is on a licensed longtail boat tour. The trip starts early in the morning from the fishing village of Klong Bang Paeng and takes you through the Hat Khanom-Mu Ko Thale Tai National Park with its seagrass meadows and mangroves. The playful mammals, actually Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis), often leap out of the water and snatch the fish offered by the villagers. You have to be quick to get photos. Also worth seeing in the area are Koh Nui with its freshwater spring and the unusual pancake rocks of Lak Sor Bay.

Getting there: Thai Air Asia (www.airasia.com) and Nok Air (www.nokair.com) offer several daily flights from Don Meang Airport in Bangkok. The flight time is approximately 70 minutes. Rapid and express trains depart from Hualamphong Station in Bangkok in the evening and arrive in Nakhon Si Thammarat in the morning (www.railway.co.th). The distance is 832 km. Alternatively, buses run from Bangkok's southern bus station (www.transport.co.th). The journey takes 10–12 hours.

For further information, please contact the TAT office in Nakhon Si Thammarat at +66-7534-6515-6 or +66-7535-8393.