Museum

Nakorn Si Thammarat's branch of the National Museum is full of artifacts of the South's long history. Of particular interest are some seventh century Mon inscriptions taken from Wat Phra Mahathat, ceramics from the Chinese Tang (518 - 907 AD) and Song (960 - 1274 AD) dynasties found in the waters around Nakorn Si Thammarat, and golden niello fittings from King Rama V's royal barge.

Off the courtyard on the ground floor, you'll also find a model of the city as it probably was in the sixth century, just after the walls and main temples were built. On the second floor near the barge fittings are old pictures of Wat Phra Mahathat dating from the turn of the twentieth century. The second floor of the north wing displays many examples of local handicrafts.

Admission Fees

Admission to the museum is 30 Baht (about US$1) for non-Thai citizens. The museum hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays.

Getting There

The National Museum is right on Ratchadamnoen Road about 2.5 kilometers (1.75 miles) from the city center. The best way to get there is by songthaew - a small pickup with benches along either side of the bed. Each trip costs just 5 Baht.