| Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan
|
is located on Ratchadamnoen Road in Tambon Nai Muang. This is
one of the most important historical sites in southern Thailand. The
pagoda, 55.78 meters high, has a distinctive Sri Lankan style. The
top is entirely covered by pure gold. Inside the temple are many
buildings of importance, especially the royal building which has
beautiful architecture from the Ayutthaya period and the Sam Chom
building where the Buddha image attired in royal wardrobe Phra Si
Thamma Sokarat is housed. There are also the Phra Maha Phinetkrom
(the equestrian image) building, the Thap Kaset building, while the
Khian and Pho Lanka buildings are used to display artifacts donated
to the temple by Buddhists. |
Ho Phra Phuttha Sihing |
is housed in the Ho Phra Phuttha Sihing hall near the Provincial
Hall. This sacred image was believed to have been ordered by the
king of Lanka in 157 AD and was brought to Thailand during the reign
of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great. There are currently 3 similar images
in Thailand which are at the National Museum in Bangkok, Wat Phra
Sing in Chiang Mai and this image in Nakhon Si
Thammarat. |
Ho Phra Isuan |
is on Ratchadamnoen Road. It is a historical site of the Brahman
religion. It has on display the Shiva Linga which is the symbol of
Shiva, the Brahman god. There are also several bronze images such as
the Siwa Nattarat image, Phra Uma and Phra Phikkhanet. The bronze
images in this hall are replicas of the real images that are in
Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum. |
Ho Phra Narai |
is also on Ratchadamnoen Road and another Brahman place of
worship opposite Ho Phra Isuan. The original structure and design of
this hall are unknown. However, a gray sandstone image of the god
Narai wearing a hat and holding a conch in the right hand was
discovered in the hall. It is estimated that it dates from the
11th-12th Buddhist century. This image is now in the National Museum
in town. The only artifact on display in the hall is a replica of
the Narai image discovered at an archaeological dig in Amphoe Si
Chon. |
Phra Wihan Sung |
or Ho Phra Sung is an important historical site located just
outside the ancient city wall to the north in the area of Sanam Na
Muang, on Ratchadamnoen Road. The site is so called because of its
high location on a hill 2.10 meters above level ground. There is no
exact historical evidence but it is believed that its architecture
and wall murals are from the early Rattanakosin period. The building
houses plaster images with a fat clay core. The images are either
from the 23rd-24th Buddhist century or from the late Ayutthaya
period. |
City wall |
is alongside Ratchadamnoen Road. The wall was renovated in the
early Rattanakosin period and once more in 1990. The wall runs
parallel with the city moat from Chai Nua Gate or Chai Sak Gate to
the east for 100 meters. |
100 year-old wooden building of Wat Wang
Tawan Tok
|
The wooden building is a harmoniously constructed architecture.
The door and window panels are delicately carved in unique Nakhon
City patterns. |
Wirathai Monument |
is made of blackened copper. The monument features a soldier
ready to fight with a bayonet. The locals call this monument Cha Dam
or Chao Pho Dam. It was erected to honor Thai soldiers in southern
Thailand who died fighting an invading Japanese force in World War
II on December 8, 1941. The monument is on Ratchadamnoen Road in
Fort Vajiravudh which is the headquarters of the Fourth Region Army.
The fort compound itself has conference rooms, guesthouses, a golf
course, a shooting range, and a souvenir shop. |
Princess Mother Mounment |
On September 18, B.e.2543 (2000), Nakhon Si Thammarat
Municipality has established Princess Mother Monument in the Stone
Garden of 1984 Public Park of Princess Mother for public reverence.
Annually on October 21 (Princess Mother Day), the municipality
presents devotional offerings, as reminiscence of her death.
|
Princess Mother Memorial Building
|
You will be amazed with over 50 kinds of floral plants
recognized in Thai classical literature marked by rest shelters.
|
Chedi Yak |
This Ceylon-styled pagoda is the second biggest one only after
Phra Borom That padoga. In front of this pagoda is a Wihan where a
large sitting Ayutthaya Buddha image named Phra-ngern
|
City Pillar |
The City Pillar is 2 meter high. The pillar is carved, depicting
Dhamma stories according to the beliefs in Retribution of Mahayan
Buddhism. |
Ban Nang Thalung Suchart Subsin
|
Puppet shadow show and crafting are kinds of the local arts in
the south of Thailand. Award for the most Outstanding Performance
Best cultural and Tourist Attraction THAILAND TOURISM AWARDS
Suchart subsin was born on July 2, 1938, in the Tha Sala
District. He finished primary school and began studying and
developing his interest in shadow puppets, or'nang thalung". He
learned the process of making the puppets as well as performing. At
the age of 16, he had developed. Suchart soon became well known as a
shadow puppet performer and maker. In Thailand, especially in the
South. He has obtained many awards for his extraordinary abilities.
He has also has had many opportunities to travel abroad to show his
art and learn from other cultures. He has a professional skill in
his and is considered to be the best in Southern Thailand.
In 1985, Mr. Subsin had a once in a lifetime opportunity to
perform for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Thaksin
Ratchanivesha Palace. He was gratefully thanked many times byHis
Mafesty the King for helping to keep such an ancient folk art alive
in modern times. Suchart has passed down the art of shadow puppet
making to his children and the people of Southern Thailand with
spirit and pride.
Inspired by His Majesty the King words, Mr. Subsin has opened
his home at, 110/18 Si Thammasok, Soi 3, Nakhon Si Thammarat, to the
many people who are interested in puppetry in the hope that the
entertaining nang talung is not lost. Suchart has made Nakhon Si
Thammarat one of the Centres for puppeteering, and as such, it is
becoming popular for both eign and domestic tourists.
Mr. Subsin wants to keep the history alive at his home where
there are many shadow puppets from around the world dating back 200
years as well as more recent ones. He shows he progress of the
intricate design and usage or colour, Included in his museum are
puppets from around the world. He helps to promote local tourism by
also showing and abundant amount of tools used in farming. Suchart
also promotes media and the fights against AIDS and Malaria
The shadow puppets have evolved from something simple to
something with full detail and colour . They are used as forms of
entertainment reflecting modern times, as well as full of humour and
life. The puppets are very popular at festivals, celebrations, and
birthdays.
The performance of the shadow puppet goes back long ago and into
many countries including; Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Indonesia,
Malaysia, and Thailand. The history of puppetry is based on
Hinduism. Many performances have a religious theme of the shadow
puppet is very entertaining and quite enjoyable. There are various
characters each with a distinctive silhouette that always uses
comedy. During the show, the puppets are placed behind a white
curtain with a light shining from behind, creating a beautiful
silhouette. The puppit master himself is the only one who telling
the story while moving the puppets, thus needing to use a variety of
voices and needing a good talent in story telling. During the show,
drums, gongs, and symbols are used to help in the telling of the
play.
Making the shadow puppets is a lengthy process which takes a lot
of talent. A treated cows hide is dried for three days on a frame.
When the leather is set, a design is drawn on the leather. Designs
can vary from characters, or animals used for decorating homes. The
design is carved out using small hand instruments. Carving the
leather takes patience, talent, and a lot of time. Carving can take
hours or months dependidng on the detail of the design
The hide is then painted using black, green, red, and yellow
colour. Bamboo rods are attached to the puppets to manipulate the
movements of the characters. The puppets are then sold at various
markets and festivals, and are used in performances or to decorate
homes. They make great souvenirs.
Nowadays, it is wonderful to see someone like Suchart Subsin
with such a love for the shadow puppet handicraft, trying to keep
the past alive. But making it enjoyable and entertaining. He has
earned thje respect of all who have met him. He has helped to
develop and teacg the Southern Thai culture through his art. Suchart
has made a lasting impact of puppertry for generations to come.
Ban Nang Thalung Suchart Subsin 110/18 Si Thammasok, Soi 3,
Nakhon Si Thammarat 80000 Tel. (075) 346394 |
Thai-Japanese Cultural Center
|
To streng the mutual relationship between Thailand and Japan,
Thai-Japanese Cultural Center was established By Nakhon Si Thammarat
Municipality as the center of cultural exchange and studies. The
center houses a botanical garden and Yamada Resident to commemorate
Yamada Nagamasa. A Japanese governor-general who was auspiciously
granted the title as Commander-in-chief to repress a rebellion till
he died. |
Chinese building at Wat Pradu
|
This square-shaped Chinese building is decorated with
wooden-carved appliques imported from China. According to the local
legend, it houses a relic container of Chao Phraya Nakhon (Noi
Klang) and the relic of King Taksin, the great. |
Chinese building at Wat Chaeng
|
This Historical site dated back to the early Rattanakosin
period, as believed, housing the reverde relic of Phraya
Khattiyaratchanikom Mahaisawan (a governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat)
and the relic of his wife, Mom Thong Nieo. |
Local Product Shops |
These shops are scattered in town, ranging from Tha Chang road
across the backside of Na Muang Park to Wat Mahathat, from Tha Wang
market to Burapha Plaza and Bawaorn Plaza. |
Na Muang Park (City Park) and King Rama V
Monument |
This 12-rai public park is annually set as a venue for
auspicious ceremonies such as the nationwide cancleight well wish
rite on King Bhumibol's birthday. It also welcomes visitors for
taking pleasure and exercises and King Rama V Monument located at
the south portion of Na Muang Park, this public-revered monument.
|
National Museum |
Both of the important Brahmanism. Ho Phra lsuan sites in Saiwa
sect. The other one Ho Phra Narai place in Waisanapha sect.
|
Sriprad Killing Sword Pond |
It has been believed that this pond was the place was the place
where the executioner who had executed Sriprad, a royal genius poet,
washed his sword after executing to this famous poet in Ayutthaya
period. |
Arts and Culture center of Nakhon Si
Thammarat Ratchapat institute |
It is another interesting place which collects and exhibits the
local historical evidence, especially of this province.
|
Ratchaprut Night Bazaar |
It is one of the best buy places for local products, souvenirs
and regional desserts including recognized "Yok" fabrics of Nakhon,
"Krajud" (local plant) handmade handicrafts, local tied-dye fabrics,
coconut-shell handicrafts, Pong (a local sweet) and La (a local
sweet) and the like. |
Hua lt Market |
Regarded as the biggest vegetable and fruit wholesale market in
the south from all other districts and regions, this market is daily
crowded with wholesalers and retailers to trade the products.
|
Water Bird Park |
This 6-rai park becomes a good shelter for over 40 breeds of
astonishing water-birds. |
Turtle Farm |
Due to the increasing number of turtles, a vast 15-rai area is
preserved for 8 kinds of turtle taking this place as their secure
shelter. |
Bird Farm |
Its natural surrounding Shelters over 30 kinds of birds.
|
Health Park |
For a better health of local residents, this vicinity welcomes
visitors with several health sites. |
Open Zoo |
With an area of 14 rais, this zoo provides a safe shelter for
over 40 breeds of distinct animal. |
