Nakhon Sri Thammarat is the second-largest city in the south of Thailand (and is located in a province of the same name). Because the popular tourist resort of Koh Samui is located only about 100 km to the north, the city is often overlooked by tourists.
The town was formerly know as Ligor, the capital of the ancient Lankasuka kingdom in the 2nd century A.D. Additionally, it was a bustling Srivijaya center as far back as the 13th century. The presence of ruins and relics from multiple civilizations makes Nakhon Sri Thammarat an archeology buff's dream. One of the most prominent sites is a traditional mosque located in the town's Muslim quarter. The mosque is unique in that it contains with equal prominence pictures the King of Thailand as well as the Ayatollah Khomeini.
The town is also reputed to be the home of the dramatic dance form "lakhon ," which remains a prominent part of the city's culture. The famous Khao Luang National Park is situated nearby, covering 670 square kilometers of mountains, orchards, and waterfalls. Nakhon Sri Thammarat also boasts several beautiful becahes such as Khanom, Nai Dan and Nai Phiao that attract both locals and tourists. Access to the city is probably easiest via train, with express trains arriving from Bangkok.
