Skip to main content
Destinations

Nakhon Si Thammarat

Transportation to and from Nakhon Si Thammarat

Ferry & speedboat crossings
Aerial view of a white and gold Thai temple stupa in a walled monastery complex at sunset

Photos are for illustration and may not show current conditions. Report this photo

Destination overview

Nakhon Si Thammarat Information

Welcome to Nakhon Si Thammarat


Nakhon Si Thammarat Province is a beautiful area in the south of Thailand. It's known for its rich history, stunning nature, and delicious Thai food. If you're planning a visit, you'll find many wonderful places to see and experiences to enjoy.

Getting to Nakhon Si Thammarat

You can travel to Nakhon Si Thammarat by plane, train, or bus. The Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport connects the province with other parts of Thailand and beyond. If you prefer traveling by train, head to the Surat Thani train station, then catch a train to the province. It's a scenic route that lets you see the beauty of southern Thailand. For those coming by bus, the Si Thammarat bus station and other bus terminals in the region offer routes to and from various parts of the country.

Exploring the City of Nakhon Si Thammarat

Once you're in the city of Nakhon Si Thammarat, there are a few must-see places. Wat Phra Mahathat is one of the most important and revered temples here. Visitors come to pay homage and admire its beauty and spiritual significance. Don't miss exploring the walls of Amphoe Mueang Nakhon in the ancient city of Nakhon Si Thammarat City, which tell the story of the city's past.

Nature and Adventures

For nature lovers, Khao Luang National Park is a must-visit. It's a place of breathtaking beauty with mountains, forests, and waterfalls. Whether you're hiking or just enjoying the scenery, it's a highlight of southern Thailand's natural wonders.

Transportation in the Province

Getting around Nakhon Si Thammarat is easy with various local transportation options. Meter taxis and motorbike taxis are available for quick trips around the city. They're convenient and provide a real taste of local life.

Food and Culture

Trying Thai food is a big part of visiting Nakhon Si Thammarat. The province is known for its delicious dishes that reflect the rich flavors of southern Thailand. Whether you're eating at a local market or a restaurant, you're in for a treat.

When to Visit and Tips for Travelers

Nakhon Si Thammarat welcomes visitors all year round with its postal code of 80000. While you're here, make sure to mention Nakhon Si Thammarat in your travel stories and recommendations. It's a gem in southern Thailand that offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.

Conclusion


Visiting Nakhon Si Thammarat Province is an adventure into the heart of southern Thailand. This region, rich in history and natural beauty, welcomes travelers to explore its treasures. From historical sites like Wat Phra Mahathat, where visitors pay homage and feel the spiritual ambiance, to the imposing ancient city walls that tell tales of the past, every corner has a story. The natural splendor of Khao Luang National Park, with its lush landscapes and diverse wildlife, offers an escape into nature's embrace. Here, the essence of southern Thai food can be savored, offering a culinary journey that complements the cultural exploration.

Getting around is easy with the availability of meter taxis and motorbike taxis, making transportation within Nakhon Si Thammarat convenient and accessible. Whether you're navigating the bustling streets of the city of Nakhon Si Thammarat city or venturing to remote natural attractions, these transport options provide a hassle-free experience.

The journey to Nakhon Si Thammarat itself is part of the adventure. The province is well-connected by various modes of transportation to Nakhon Si Thammarat, including a reliable railway station in Surat Thani, which offers scenic travels through the south of Thailand to this enchanting destination. For those coming from different parts of Thailand or even from abroad, the ease of travel highlights the region's accessibility.

In the heart of the province lies amphoe Mueang Nakhon Si Thammarat, a district that encapsulates the rich history and vibrant culture of the area. It's a place where tradition and modernity merge, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the life of southern Thailand. From here, one can easily access major landmarks, engage with the local community, and embark on a journey of discovery.

The bus terminal and Si Thammarat bus station further enhance the travel experience, connecting travelers to various parts of the province and beyond. This network of transportation ensures that visitors can explore extensively, from the serene beaches to the bustling markets, without the worry of how to get there.

As you plan your visit, remember that Nakhon Si Thammarat 80000 is more than just a postal code; it represents a gateway to an enriching experience. This province, with its blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and welcoming people, stands as a testament to the diverse allure of southern Thailand. Mentioned Nakhon Si Thammarat in conversations, travel stories, or social media posts not only shares the beauty of this place but also invites others to discover its wonders for themselves.

In conclusion, Nakhon Si Thammarat is a mosaic of experiences, from the sacred grounds of Wat Phra Mahathat to the lush greenery of Khao Luang National Park, and the warmth of its people. It's a place where history is palpable, nature is a close companion, and every meal is a celebration of flavors. Here, amidst the beauty and tradition of southern Thailand, is a world waiting to be explored, cherished, and remembered.



Elderly woman and young student hold ornate Thai shadow puppets on a woven mat in a dim wooden hall
About Nakhon Si Thammarat

Nakhon Si Thammarat Essentials

About Nakhon Si Thammarat

Located 780 km south of Bangkok, Nakhon Si Thammarat is a phenomenon of history and culture that is absolutely significant to Thailand's past. The role of the province in history changed over the years; it was a center of Buddhism and also served as an import port for Portuguese, British, Arab, and Indian traders. After that, it became a central trade route between Southern India and China. The city used to be its own independent kingdom and was previously known as Ligor, which was formed as part of the Srivijaya empire after the Thai rebellion. Now, Nakhon Si Thammarat is a wonderful place filled with museums and temples that house history within their walls.

As a major destination in Southern Thailand, Nakhon Si Thammarat offers visitors an authentic glimpse into Thai heritage away from the more tourist-heavy spots. The province blends spiritual significance, architectural landmarks, and traditional craftsmanship that reflect centuries of cultural development.

The province stretches from the Gulf of Thailand coast inland to a mountainous interior, so a trip here can combine city sightseeing with coastal and upland scenery. That geography also explains why Nakhon Si Thammarat works well as either a standalone stop or a link in a longer southern itinerary.

Getting to Nakhon Si Thammarat

Several transport options connect Nakhon Si Thammarat to other parts of Thailand, making it accessible whether you're traveling from Bangkok, nearby provinces, or coastal destinations.

Transport Options

You can reach Nakhon Si Thammarat by bus, minivan, private transfer, or ferry depending on your starting point and travel preferences. Long-distance coaches serve major routes connecting the city to Bangkok and other Southern Thailand destinations. Minivans offer flexible, shared transport for smaller groups, while private transfers provide door-to-door convenience. If you're traveling from islands or coastal areas, ferry connections may also be available.

Which option suits you usually comes down to three things: how far you're travelling, how much luggage you have, and whether you want a fixed seat on a scheduled service or a vehicle to yourself. Overnight coaches suit long hauls from the capital, minivans are common for shorter provincial hops, and private transfers make sense for families, early departures, or anyone connecting to a pier.

Main Routes to Nakhon Si Thammarat

The most common journey is from Bangkok, covering the 780 km distance south. Travelers also frequently arrive from nearby provinces in the Southern Region, including routes from Surat Thani, Krabi, and Phang Nga. If you're exploring the Andaman coast or islands, you may find connections via ferry or combined coach-and-ferry services.

Island travellers usually route through the Gulf coast piers near Surat Thani, where boat services meet road transport for the final leg. Combined tickets bundle the crossing and the connecting vehicle into one booking, which saves arranging each leg separately. Exact piers, transfer points and connection times vary by operator, so check the details shown on the route page for your chosen departure.

Arriving in the City

Road services generally set down at the main bus terminal or at operator-run offices in and around the city centre, while ferry passengers arrive at a coastal pier and continue overland. Because drop-off points differ between operators, confirm the arrival location listed on your ticket before you travel, especially if you have an onward connection the same day.

What to See and Do in Nakhon Si Thammarat

The city's main attractions center on its religious and historical sites. Major temples showcase traditional Thai architecture and Buddhist art, while museums display artifacts that tell the story of the region's role as a trading port and spiritual hub. Local workshops preserve traditional crafts, and the surrounding province offers natural attractions for those interested in exploring beyond the city center.

Visitors often spend time exploring the old city's temple complexes, attending local markets, and learning about the province's maritime heritage. The combination of cultural depth and smaller-scale tourism makes Nakhon Si Thammarat an ideal stop for travelers seeking authentic experiences.

Most of the historic sights sit within the long, narrow old town, which makes a walking day realistic. Beyond it, the province's waterfalls, national park areas and quieter Gulf beaches are typically reached by road, so allow extra travel time if you plan to base yourself in the city and take day trips.

Practical Travel Information

Best Time to Visit

Southern Thailand's climate means you should plan your trip during the dry season for the most comfortable experience. The weather, travel schedules, and local conditions vary by season, so checking current conditions before booking is always recommended.

The Gulf coast has its own rainfall pattern, and heavy rain can affect road journeys and boat crossings alike. During wetter months, allow a buffer between connections rather than booking back-to-back legs.

Booking Your Ticket

When you're ready to travel, you can check availability and book directly through our site. We list several routes routes serving Nakhon Si Thammarat, with multiple operators and daily departures to help you find the schedule that works best for you.

Fares start from our online fares, and services from our transport partners and other providers are shown side by side so you can compare departure times, vehicle types and prices in one place. Enter your travel date to see live seat availability, then book online and receive your ticket confirmation by email.

Tips for a Smooth Trip

  • Book ahead for weekends, Thai public holidays and festival periods, when seats sell out earliest.
  • Arrive at the terminal or pier well before departure and keep your booking reference handy.
  • Check baggage allowances, which differ between coaches, minivans and boats.
  • Carry some cash for local transport, markets and temple donations.

Book Your Journey to Nakhon Si Thammarat

Ready to explore this historically rich destination? Search available buses, minivans, private transfers, and ferries heading to or from Nakhon Si Thammarat. Compare operators, schedules, and prices to find your ideal connection, and complete your booking in just a few clicks.

You may also want to explore travel options to other Southern Thailand destinations such as travel to Surat Thani, ferries and buses to Krabi, or transport to Phang Nga to plan a broader regional itinerary.

Search availability for your dates and book your trip to Nakhon Si Thammarat today.

Highlights

Nakhon Si Thammarat Nang Talung Museum

Nang Talung Museum

Nang Talung Museum offers one of the most unique experiences you will ever encounter, and probably the most entertaining history lesson. The art of Nang Talung is the art of shadow puppetry and that exactly is what the museum excels at. With small shadow puppets made from cow skin comes this amazing cultural performance that has originated a long time ago in Southern Thailand. Suchar Subsin was the master Nang Talung and had cultivated the art to reach a global audience, since his passing, his family and apprentices have been doing a great job in keeping the art alive and thriving.
Nakhon Si Thammarat Natural Wonders

Natural Wonders

When people talk about Nakhon Si Thammarat, they usually mention its rich history and how deeply it is part of Thailand’s culture. But let’s not forget that it provides tourists with great natural beauty and breathtaking views. The province is filled with forests with a variety of flora and fauna inhabiting its amazing premises. You will find numerous waterfalls as you roam around the forests, making for the best viewpoints you will come across. Another great find is the Khao Luang national park, which is a tropical rainforest that is just perfect for all the nature lovers out there.

White Buddhist chedi with gilded spire at a Thai temple complex, pigeons in flight under blue sky

Wat Phra Mahathat

It’s hard not to notice the abundance of temples and shrines wherever you go in Thailand and Nakhon Si Thammarat does not fall short in that department. As it has Wat Phra Mahathat, which is known as Nakhon Si Thammarat’s main Buddhist temple of the whole province, its main stupa (which is a hemispherical structure that contains relics used for meditation) was built by King Sri Dhammasokaraja in the 13th century. It is believed that Wat Phra Mahathat is home to Gautama Buddha’s tooth. Overall, the temple is a great religious sight with a rich history.
Nakhon Si Thammarat Old City Wall

Old City Wall

The Old City Wall is a long-standing symbol for the amazing history of the Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The legend of Nakhon Si Thammarat declares that the wall was built during Phra Chao Sithamma Sokarat’s reign when the city was founded on Had Sai Kaew. Parts of the wall was renovated every now and then, but still mostly remains as is. Every stone in the Old City Wall has its own historical story, giving a deeply enriching atmosphere experienced by anyone roaming around its ancient premise.

Read more Read less
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Where is the pier that my ferry departing from?

Phuket Ferry :

We understand that pier details are important to our customers. That’s why we’ve made the information as clear as possible. Your departing pier address is clearly shown on your e-ticket, which we sent to your email. Additionally, go to our Pier Information page for the most comprehensive local pier information you can find anywhere. Finally, if you still need more information, contact our Customer Service Agents; we are happy to help.

 

Ferry Samui :

FWe understand that pier details are important to our customers. That’s why we’ve made the information as clear as possible. Your departing pier address is clearly shown on your e-ticket, which we sent to your email. Additionally, go to our Pier Information page for the most comprehensive local pier information you can find anywhere. Finally, if you still need more information, contact our Customer Service Agents, we are happy to help.

 

Bali Ferry :

We understand that pier details are important to our customers. That’s why we’ve made the information as clear as possible. Your departing pier address is clearly shown on your e-ticket, which we sent to your email. Additionally, go to our Departure Point Information page for the most comprehensive information you can find anywhere. Finally, if you still need more information, contact our Customer Service Agents, we are happy to help.

What are the tourist seasons ?

Phuket Ferry :

Phuket really just has two seasons, which are known as "high season" and "low season" (or "green season"). During the low season months (May- September), boat numbers are reduced. During the high season (October - April), boats to the surrounding islands are increased so you will have some more options.

 

Ferry Samui :

There are three distinct weather seasons on the tropical island of Koh Samui: the dry season (December until February), the hot season (March until August) and the rainy season (September until November).

 

Bali Ferry :

Bali actually has a variety of tourist periods, notably around the Balinese New Year, 15 December - 15 January, and 1 June - 30 September. During these high traffic periods, boats to the surrounding islands are increased so you will have some more options. The quieter periods are between 16 January - 30 April and 1 October - 14 December historically.

Will bad weather affect my travels?

Ferries are large and can usually operate in the rain, except in extremely bad weather. During storms or strong winds, the journey may take a little longer than usual.

Speedboats are more likely to be canceled than ferries. If a trip is canceled due to bad weather, you can choose to receive a refund or reschedule. Please note that refunds for bad weather are only issued if the ferry operator cancels the trip.

On rough days, we recommend bringing motion sickness medication and taking it about 20 minutes before boarding if you are prone to seasickness. Boat staff may also provide Dramamine upon request, but you will need to remain indoors during rough conditions. On sunny and calm days, the sun deck is open for passengers to enjoy the weather.

What's the boarding process on the day of my trip?

At the pier named on your ticket, look for the staff of the ferry operator listed on your ticket as well. Please present your e-ticket (QR code) from your phone or other device—they’ll provide you with a sticker and/or boarding pass and direct you to your boat. Most piers have staff available to help load your luggage. In Koh Samui, staff are usually stationed at booths near the boarding area; at other locations, they’re typically near the boats, wearing their company uniforms.

 

 

When will I receive my ticket confirmation?

After completing your online booking, your reservation will remain in “Pending” status until it is processed. Once confirmed, we will send your e-ticket via email. The process is usually very quick.

On the day of travel, please present your e-ticket to the ferry staff at the relevant booking counter. If you do not receive your confirmation within 24 hours, contact us immediately.

What are the baggage allowances?

Your ferry e-ticket includes ferry transport, baggage fees, and handling. The free baggage allowance per person is 20–25 kg, depending on the operator. If your baggage exceeds this limit, you can pay the extra fee directly to the ferry operator in cash.

To check the baggage allowance for your specific trip, please refer to the trip details for your selected route.

See all help articles

Ready to set sail to Nakhon Si Thammarat?

Find your crossing and book in under two minutes.

Find crossings