Nielloware (Krueng Thom) Niellowares are the symbol of Nakhon Si Thammarat. Valued and well known since the old days, the nielloware handicraft has been passed down from generation to generation in Nakhon Si Thammarat. In the past, nielloware was offered to kings as royal tribute. There are two types of nielloware. One with a black surface with gold designs and one with a black surface with silver designs. The Nakhon Si Thammarat College of Arts and Handicrafts teaches this craft. The beautiful effect of Nakhon nielloware stems from the skills of the smiths and the quality of the black compound holding the gold or silver. Two kinds of Nakhon nielloware are produced. The black kind normally bears silver designs and gold kind is covered with gold designs. The nielloware smith will apply real gold, mixed with mercury on a piece of silver that has a design on it. This is placed over fire so that the mercury evaporates, leaving the gold clinging firmly to the silver. Later, the finished product is polished until it shines. Nakhon nielloware has its own identity and is difficult to copy. All items are made by highly-skilled craftsmen who produce a very fine finish. With the number of nielloware workers decreasing due to the difficulty in training, nielloware producers in Nakhon Si Thammarat are attempting to promote this fine skill by modifying nielloware products to make them useful in everyday life. Such products make perfect gifts and are useful as personal accessories. They also demonstrate the cultural heritage handed down by past generations. Nielloware of this province is popular for its durability and its intricate design. The finished product is a bright and shiny black object with beautiful patterns. Items include rings, necklaces, bracelets, bowls, pedestals, and trays. The best shopping area is in the area of Tha Chang Road, behind Sanam Na Mueang in the area of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, Nakhon Si Thammarat Municipality, and also at the Tha Wang market. Sources: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Nakhon Si Thammarat Office. Amazing Thailand Nakhon Si Thammarat, page 42. 2010.

Shadow Play (Nang Talung) Shadow play (Nang Talung) is another art which dates back to the early 19th century. The shadow play puppets are either made from cow hide, buffalo hide or goat hide and neither too thick nor too thin. Designs are made by using chisels of various sizes to make small holes along drawn patterns. The price of each puppet varies according to the delicateness and the size of each one. The translucent hide is intricately carved with the figure of some character or a scene from a theatrical play or folk tale. And then the hide is painted, usually black. The finished puppet is mounted on a slender stick and manipulated before a strong light, which throws the shadow onto a screen. Shadow plays originated in the Phatthalung province and are particularly popular in the festivals of Southern Thailand. They have become the symbol of the local life in that region. But because there are only few skilled carvers, shadow plays are rarely staged elsewhere. The shadow play puppets are important products of Nakhon Si Thammarat has plenty of shops selling this unique item. Puppets come in many sizes and are designed in many decorative styles representing nature, the way of life, and the culture of Thailand. If people would like to see a shadow play carving demonstration, they can visit Suchart Sabsin’s shadow play museum where staff can demonstrate the cutting process. Short shadow play shows can also be performed for a nominal fee. Sources: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Nakhon Si Thammarat Office. Amazing Thailand Nakhon Si Thammarat, page 42. 2010.

Yan Lipao Basketry Famous product in Nakhon over 100 years Yan Lipao is a vine that grows in damp places among other plants in the forests of Nakhon Si Thammarat. This vine is very tough and durable and locals have found a way to make good use of it by making household goods such as handbags, tobacco boxes and tea accessories from it. Some pieces are encased in silver or gold. Depending on the details of the design, it takes between ten days to a month to make an item. The major Yan Lipao production spots are Ban Mon, Tambon Tha Rua and Ban Na Khian, Tambon Na Khian (both in Amphoe Mueang), and Fort Vajiravudh. The stitching of Yan Lipao vines began in the early Rattanakosin era. Basketry appealed to the aristocrats, noblemen, and the elite in Bangkok. During the reign of King Chulalongkorn, courtiers favored the use of handbags and pedestal trays that were made from Yan Lipao. Later, metal pieces and other adornments like gold, nak (gold bronze), silver, and ivory were added to enhance its appeal. These age-old objects were once fashionable but their popularity gradually waned. The Yan Lipao know-how could have been lost had it not been for the sagacity and good artistic taste of the Queen. She considered it a cultural heritage that should by no means be forgotten. Plus she believed that the vintage attractiveness of its basketry would make a profitable supplementary occupation for the people in the areas where the vines grow in abundance. Of course, Yan Lipao weaving involves great effort. One has to go deep into the forest to look for vines not less than an arm’s length and not too young to dry in the shade. Forthermore, properly dried strings have to be trimmed or smoothed out before use. Despite these difficulties, the Queen was sure that the ingenuity which runs in the blood of the Thai people would see them through. Those few people who had knowledge about the art were rounded up to teach the skill to members of the SUPPORT Foundation. A decade later, the almost lost art has been successfully revived. Yan Lipao basketry is popular both in the country and abroad. This is a handicraft that has become a stable source of income, bringing new life and upgrading the quality of life of a great number of Thai people. Sources: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Nakhon Si Thammarat Office. Amazing Thailand Nakhon Si Thammarat, page 43. 2010.

Suchart Sabsin Shadow Play Local Museum “Thank you very much for conserving this kind of performing art.” These were the words spoken by the King to Suchart Sabsin, who is from Mueang Nakhon and considered to be the best shadow play performer, after a show in 1985. This inspired Suchart (also known as Master Suchart) to open a museum that same year to preserve this local cultural heritage for as long as he can. His museum is called the Shadow Play Local Museum. His desire to continue this art in its ancient traditional form is evident in many ways. It has led Master Suchart to use five traditional musical instruments in his shadow play performances. And when he’s not on the stage, he teaches his students and children how to carve out different puppets and perform with them. In addition, he is also a cowskin craftsman who makes his own shadow play puppets. Master Suchart owns a large collection of cowskin shadow play puppets that are on display in his museum on the second floor. The most attractive ones are over 200 years old with some that represent the Issan people and some that represent Muslims. There are also others that portray people from China, India and Turkey. Visitors can watch a cowskin carving demonstration to see how the puppets are made, too. At the souvenir shop, cowskin puppets and other cowskin items like keychains are sold. Donations are welcomed to support the museum. Master Suchart has won several awards. He was honoured as the Most Outstanding Person in Culture and Handicrafts by the Office of the National Cultural Committee in 1988 for his carving of cowskin shadow play puppets. He won the National Artist of the Year in Performing Arts in 2006, the highest honor for the person who has devoted himself in really extending and conserving the local arts of Nakhon Si Thammarat. And in 2009, he was named the Art Teacher of the Land. Sources: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Nakhon Si Thammarat Office. Trace Kinnaree at Mueang Nakhon, page 4-5. 2012.

Khun Phantharak Rajjadej was born on Feb 18, 1903 in Ban Ai Kheaw, which is in the Tha Sala district of Nakhon Si Thammarat. He graduated Pratomsuksa 3 from Benjamarachutit School in 1913. He moved to Bangkok and graduated Wat Benjamabopit School in 1924. After that, he studied at the Huay Chorakeae police cadet academy in Nakhon Pratom in 1925. He was chief of Police Region 8 and believed to be the last commoner holding the noble title “Khun” He died at the age of 103 on July 5, 2006. Known as tough crime buster for 70 years. Khun Phan was respected by colleagues and local residents but feared by criminals. He had a good reputation because he wiped out many notorious criminal gangs in southern provinces such as Phatthalung and in central provinces like Suphan Buri. As a reward, he was granted his title in 1935. Also, he was well versed in Thai history and folklore and was a prolific writer, having penned articles for many publications. In 1960, he was appointed as chief of Police Region 8 and promoted to a major-general. Khun Phan retired in 1964. He entered politics and was elected as the Nakhon Si Thammarat MP (Member of Parliament) for the Democrat party in 1973. A master of rituals in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Khun Phan advised on the installation of the city pillar shrine in 1987. He is very well known for his Visha (magic) knowledge and was frequently invited to participate in amulet consecration ceremonies around Thailand. Sources: http://th.wikipedia.org/wiki

Phor Than Klai is a famous monk from the South. Legend has it that whatever Phor Than Klai said or predicted always came true. Thus, he was given the title “Golden Mouth” (Wajasit). When he was 14 years old, he was chopping trees for firewood with his uncle. A tree he was chopping fell towards him and his left leg was squashed. Phor Than Klai thought it was nothing more than just a small injury and did not seek medical attention. But the injury didn’t heal and eventually it became worse. His left ankle swelled greatly, the pain was unbearable and he got gangrene. It couldn’t be cured. Because he couldn’t bear the pain anymore, Phor Than Klai took a sharp knife and cut off his bad ankle. Someone found out and immediately looked for herbs to help him to stop the bleeding. A medicinal healer was found and his amputation was treated. But Phor Than Klai had trouble walking and usually used a water buffalo to get around. Due to this, he become less mobile and decided to become a monk. At the age of 15 he was ordained and by the age of 26 he became the temple abbot at Wat Chan Di (or Wat Tatt Noi) Around 60 years ago, Phor Than Klai had made a batch of Jatukam amulets. He had two students and one of them was Khun Phantharak Rajjadej. The size of his Jatukam amulets were bigger than they are today. Amulets made by Phor Than Klai are very collectable and expensive as Phor Than Klai was one of the highest ranked monks and is still very famous in Thailand. During that time, Phor Than Klai become one of the King’s most respected monks. He passed away in 1970 (B.E.2513) at the age of 94. Mysteriously, after he died they tried to burn his body a few times but nobody could burn it. The King himself tried it but he could only burn one of his toes. Phor Than Klai’s body is still intact and present or viewing at Wat That Doi in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Sources: http://theamazingthailand.blogspot.com/2009/02/blog-post_25.html

Tenth Lunar Month Festival The Tenth Lunar Month festival was first held in Nakhon Si Thammarat in 1923 and has since become an annual event. Besides the traditional activities of the three days and nights, this event also includes trade fairs and performances. This festival was originally the idea of Thais who wanted to pay respect to their ancestors and offer merit. As a result, this occasion has become one of the most important and biggest events in Nakhon Si Thammarat. The tenth lunar month occurs around September during the period in which the crop yield of farms is at its greatest. In the past the local people decided to offer their products to the spirits. They believed that the time between the 1st to the 15th day of the waning moon in the tenth lunar month was when the spirits of their ancestors, particularly the ones of those who have not yet been reincarnated, will be released from the underworld. On this occasion, those still alive make merit by giving food offerings to Buddhist monks who dedicate it to the dead. The merit making starts on the first day of the festival. Fifteen days from this day, the spirits of the dead will go back to the underworld. On the last day of the festival, another merit making ceremony is arranged and most people attend it. On the 13th day, the villagers buy and cook food, arrange it in sets and it offer to the monks on the next day. The sets of food offerings are usually laid in a short bamboo basket and added to other items used by monks. Five major Thai snacks are required. The first one is the “Phong,” which represents a vehicle that will take the spirits to heaven. The second is the “La,” clothing for the dead, and third, the “Kong” as an accessory. “Di Sam,” believed to be used as money by the dead is the fourth. And finally, the “Ba” snack is given to the dead as a tool for playing with during Songkran days. However, the elderly believe that another snack is needed to be put in. It is “La Loy,” which acts as a bed and a pillow for the spirits. Most of these items are dried snacks that can be kept for a long time. After giving the food offerings to the monks, a ceremony is held to give alms to Pret, a hungry ghost with a thin, tall body. Food and snacks are put on a high post so that Pret can reach them. Then the monks pray and call the ghosts. At the end, a ceremony commonly known as Ching Pret will occur when poor villagers or children rush in and snatch the food and snacks. Sources: http://www.highlightthailand.com/main/detail_content/The-Tenth-Lunar-Month-Festival/59.html

Hae Nang Dan Ceremony The Grand Songkran Festival and the Hae Nang Dan Ceremony Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Grand Songkran Festival differs from other provinces as it is the center of religious tourism and prodigious cultures. In the past, evidence portrays the extremely strong growth of Buddhism and Brahmanism here. The Golden Pagoda (also known as Wat Phra Mahathat Worramahawihan) and Phra Phutthasihing (one of the most symbolic Buddha images of Thailand) are well-known proof of the glory days of Buddhism. Great Brahman influence is illustrated in Ho Phra Isuan, Ho Phra Narai and Khao Kha Archaeological Site, which is believed to be the abode of their god Shiva. The Hae Nang Dan Ceremony is about the procession of the Hindu goddess Shiva and was established to recall and preserve the ancient Brahman ritual and to strengthen Nakhon Si Thammarat as the great center of religions. Part of the “Triyamphawai,” or Swing Ceremony, Hae Nang Dan celebrates the in vocation of 3 goddesses and a god for Shiva. In other words, Phoebus (god of the sun) and Phoebe (goddess of the moon), Ganges (goddess of the water) and goddess Mother Earth are called to lead Phra Isuan safely to earth in the second month of each year. The visit of Phra Isuan is believed to bring happiness, joy, prosperity and peace to the province. The names of Phoebus, Phoebe, Ganges and Mother Earth are carved on three pieces of wood. These pieces are called “Nang Kradan” or “Nang Dan”. During Hae Nang Dan, these pieces of wood are brought to the Giant Swing at Ho Phra Isuan in order to await Phra Isuan’s arrival to the earth on the Giant Swing. Meanings of the Nang Kradan Piece 1 Phoebus and Phoebe The god Phoebus, or Phra Suriya, creates days and gives light as well as heat to earth and the other planets by endlessly pulling his chariot. His deeds make the weather cycles and seasons. Goddess Phoebe, or Ratchaneekron, creates nights. She is a gentle beauty that symbolizes prosperity. Piece 2 Mother Earth Goddess Mother Earth, the symbol of purity and goodness, carries the weight of all things and keeps all subjects created by Phra Isuan alive. She can be viewed as the mother of all gods and goddesses. Piece 3 Ganges Ganges the goddess, wife of Phra Isuan, is the first daughter of Phra Himmawatra and Nang Mayna. Ganges brings freshness to all living things. Sources: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Nakhon Si Thammarat Office. The Grand Songkran Festival in Sacred Nakhon Si Thammarat 2012, 2012.

Hae Pha Khuen That Festival Hae Pha Khuen That Festival is celebrated at the Phra Borom That Chedi. The pagoda is considered to represent the Lord Buddha and is believed by locals to possess unsurpassed righteousness as it contains holy relics. Every year Buddhists pay homage to the pagoda by organizing a procession and wrapping a religious cloth around the pagoda. This festival is held twice a year, during Makha Puja Day (the 15th full moon night of February) and Wisakha Puja Day (the 15th full moon night of May). Local people take part in a parade called the “Hae Pha Khuen That” By taking part in it, Buddhists believe that this will bring them good fortune and success in life and a lot of them come, even some from far away. In the old days, Thai Buddhists would prepare a long piece of white cloth painted with the story of the Buddha’s life. This cloth is known as the Phraboth cloth. Then, in a parade, they would carry this to the temple where they would wrap it around the pagoda that houses Buddha’s relics. People don’t always have time prepare such a cloth these days, so many of them carry cloth that is either colored white, yellow or red instead. Thais define the Phraboth cloth as a rectangular piece of cloth in various sizes with sacred paintings of Buddha, including his life and former life. It also includes Sutra (or text) not only as objects of devotion and sources of inspiration, but also as a visual aid to illustrate Buddhist teachings. After the Sukhothai Period, however, the significance of the Thai Phraboth cloth tradition has been largely neglected all around the country except in the North where Toong Flags are still popular as a decoration, especially in ceremonies and processions. Phraboth Puja (Worshipping the Phraboth) On the full moon day of the 3rd lunar month, Phraboth Puja, or Makha Puja day, is a very special occasion celebrated at the Phra Borom That Chedi (or the Great Tooth Relics Pagoda) of Wat Phra Mahathat. Firstly, it is believed that Buddha’s tooth relics have been enshrined in this great pagoda for thousands of years. Secondly, this day is observed as the day of the Ovada Patimokkha : the fundamental teaching of Buddhist ideals and practices. Four types of Phraboth Puja been prepared for all – ordinary Phraboth, Long Phraboth, Phraboth Toong Flag and the Phraboth Prayer Flag. All have several paintings with Buddhist verses on traditional white, yellow and red cloth. They are accompanied with the twelve zodiac signs to represent either the year or the long history of Nakhon Si Thammarat as the zodiacal city of the Indochinese Golden Peninsula. Sources: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Nakhon Si Thammarat Office. International Makha Puja Hae Pha Khuen That Festival at Nakhon Si Thammarat 2012, 2012.

Krung Ching {Sea of Fog and the Sustainable Tourism} Outstanding Award, Tourism Supportive and Promotion Organization Category in 2008. Krung Ching, a small area of Amphoe Nop Phitam with local people living their simple lives, is perfect for natures tourism. It is in the location of two important national parks, Khao Luang and Khao Nan. Here there is a viewpoint in which you can see a sea of fog on Khao Lek Mountain, which was the location of a mine. Further on you can go to the Hong Cave, famous for its beautiful stalactites hanging from the ceiling and stalagmites rising from the floor. Klong Klai is an important canal of Krung Ching that’s like its main blood vessel. Lots of people go rubber raft riding on it during the rainy season. For those who love to trek and study nature, Krung Ching is interesting because of its fertile wild forest which are full of tree ferns or Wan Maha Sadam, plants that have existed as far back as the dinosaur era. Along the way, visitors may visit and study historical sites as Krung Ching was once a base for pro-communist terrorists. Krung Ching is a very popular tourist attraction. With great concern about sustaining its environmental conservataion, its local people have established “The Krung Ching Sea of Fog Group” in 2005, to take care of the natural environment while also promoting tourism and souvenirs. This group has received several awards, including the Outstanding Tourism Award from the TAT in 2008. Tourism Activities: The trip to see Krung Ching is suitable for nature lovers, of course and there are many things to do. Starting in the morning, visitors can catch the sea of fog on Khao Lek Mountain. After that, they can observe the lifestyles of villagers or visit the Krung Ching hot spring for a dip. Other options include checking out the Hong Cave, rafting on the Klong Klai, bird watching, and swimming at the beautiful Krung Ching Waterfall. Visitors should spend at least 2 days here. Travel Information: From Nakhon Si Thammarat, take route 4016 to Na Reng Juncton and turn left on route 4140 to Amphoe Nop Phitam. Then turn right on the Rong Lek Junction to route 4186. Sources: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Nakhon Si Thammarat Office. Trace Kinnaree at Mueang Nakhon, page 12-13. 2012.

Khiri Wong Village Best Award, Town and Community Category in 1998. Ban Khiri Wong is a community that’s more than 200 years old. It is located on the plateau to the east of Khao Luang’s foot. Surrounded by the Khao Luang Mountain and steep hills, there are many breathtaking views around the village. Many rivers orginate from the top of Khao Luang Mountain which has helped create the Nai Phraek Waterfall and Kinnaree Waterfall. Klongs (canals) flow to the village, too. Klong Bong, Klong Tha Chai and Klong Tha Ha are joined together to make Klong Tha Dee, which flows through Nakhon Si Thammarat and gradually goes to the sea at Pak Nakhon. With mountains behind it and Klongs in the front, Khiri Wong is naturally beautiful. Moreover, villagers have a peaceful and self-sufficient lifestyle. They plant many integrated fruits (Suan Somrom) in the orchards such as mangosteen, rambutan and durian. From July to September, visitors will be able to find various kinds of fruits to choose from and taste and will be delighted. The Khiri Wong community has had to confront severe floods in the past, especially in November 1988 when hundreds of homes were swept away by an angry tide. But the people of Khiri Wong stayed strong and were determined not to move from their village. So they formed a cooperative group and have established ecological tourism to restore their village and soul. There are guided treks of Khao Luang that take you inside this village. Here, you can see their many innovations, you observe their ways of dying clothes, preserving durian and making mangosteen soap. These activities are very worthy because nature is conserved. Khiri Wong Village has been named as the original conservatory village of Nakhon Si Thammarat and has gradually turned into a well-known attraction among Thais and foreign visitors. Tourism Activities: There are many activities which include a homestay program to study the lifestyles of villagers, picking fruit in the orchards, shopping for souvenirs and taking the Klong Tha Ha to enjoy the waterfalls. Travel Information : The distance from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Ban Khiri Wong is about 30 km. Take route 4016 to the Ban Tan Junction and turn left on route 4015. Go for 9 km. and then turn right at Sala Sangkasee Junction and Ban Khiri Wong will be reached in another 9 km. Also, local public transportation is available from Talad Yao from 07.00 – 16.00. The fare is about ฿25. Sources: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Nakhon Si Thammarat Office. Trace Kinnaree at Mueang Nakhon, page 10-11. 2012.

Khao Luang National Park Outstanding Award, Natural Tourism Attraction Category in 1998 Khao Luang National Park is the location of Khao Luang. At 1,835 metres, it is the highest mountain in the South. The area of the park covers areas in Amphoe Mueang, Phipun, Phrom Khiri, Lan Saka, Chawang and Nop Phitam. In the park the forest is green, damp and fertile and is the habitat of many plants and wild animals. It is also is the origin of many creeks and rivers which have been nourishing people in the South from the past to the present. Khao Luang National Park has many treks to study nature, all of which are beautiful and full of biological diversity. There are many rare plants and animals here, including some of the world’s biggest tree ferns and the Green-tailed Towhee bird. For those who love waterfalls, they will be impressed with the Phrom Lok Waterfall, the Krarom Waterfall at 1,400 metres high, the seven level Krung Ching waterfall (the most beautiful level is the 2nd level named “Nan Fon Saen Ha”), the Ai Khiao Waterfall, the Tha Phae Waterfall, and many more. For the most comfortable atmosphere, the best time to visit Khao Luang National Park is from January to July. Besides studying nature in this national park, visitors can also visit a quiet but charming community. Ban Khiri Wong is located by the foot of Khao Luang National Park. The TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) has named it as the Best Town and Community. Tourism Activities : In Khao Luang National Park, there are both short and long distance treks to choose from. Visitors who prefer to see the most of Khao Luang and reach the top of the mountain are recommended to spend 3 days and 2 nights. The most convenient trek to the top starts from Ban Khiri Wong. Visitors must contact an officer at Ban Khiri Wong’s Tourist Service Center at 0-7553-3370. Travel Information: The distance from Nakhon Si Thammarat to the Khao Luang National Park Office (at the Karom Waterfall) is 40 km. Take route 4016 to Ban Tan Junction and turn left on route 4015 for 25 km. Pass the Khao Luang Resort and then turn right. You will reach the Park Office 3 km later. Local transportation is also available. Accommodations: Homes and camping areas are available. For more information, please contact the Khao Luang National Park Office. Sources: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Nakhon Si Thammarat Office. Trace Kinnaree at Mueang Nakhon, page 8-9. 2012.

Sa Lang Dap Sri Prat Sri Prat was a great Ayutthaya poet who prospered during the reign of King Narai the Great. However, when he had a misconduct related to royal customs, he was banished to Nakhon Si Thammarat. He later committed adultery and was executed by Chao Phraya Nakhon. Sa Lang Dap Sri Prat is the pond where Chao Phraya Nakhon washed off his sword after the execution. King Narai found out that Sri Prat was executed and was very angry with Chao Phraya Nakhon. So he decided to execute Chao Phraya Nakhon as well- with the same sword! Sa Lang Dap Sri Prat is located in Kanlayaneesithammarat School. From the Thawang intersection on Ratchadamnern Road, go straight towards Wat Phra Mahathat. When you pass the police station, turn left at the fountain. Then you will see the school on the right hand side. Before you come to the intersection with Pratukhao Road, look through the school’s fence and you will see Sa Lang Dap Sri Prat. Located by the pond is a statue of Sri Prat. The pond now is very peaceful, filled with fish and lotus plants. One of his poems is inscribed on stone next to his statue as well. There is a new building there designated with the name “Building of the Poet Sri Prat.” It serves as a memorial to Sri Prat for the people who walk through the area in remembrance of him. Sources: http://www.thai-tour.com/thai-tour/south/nakornsrithammarach/data/place/sri-praj.htm

Ho Phra Isuan Ho Phra Isuan is opposite the Pra Narai Chapel. To the south is the Giant Swing (Sao Chingcha) similar to the one in Bangkok, but on a much smaller scale.There used to be a Brahman temple nearby, but not anymore. Today the only remnant is the Giant Swing. This one was erected to replace the old one that was used for the Triyampawai and Tripawai ceremonies to the Brahmans in the province. The chapel houses the image of Shiva (Phra Isuan), a Brahman god. Ho Phra Isuan is dedicated to Shiva. On the altar in the shrine is a large Lingam shrouded in flowers. The Lingam is thought to date back to the sixth century. Next to the Lingam on the altar is a statue of Shiva dancing in a ring of fire. Believed to be built in the Ayutthaya period, it was used for Brahman religious ceremonies. Because it was eroding, in 1966 Fine Arts Department renovated the original chapel into the one you see now. Sources: http://www.thai-tour.com/thai-tour/south/nakornsrithammarach/data/place/pic-ho/phra-isuan.htm

Wat Phra Mahathat is located on Ratchadamnoen Road in the Nakhon Si Thammarat province. Formerly named Wat Phra Borom That, this is one of the most important historical sites in southern Thailand and in all of Thailand. According to the legend, Prince Thanakuman and Queen Hem Chala brought relics of Buddha to Had Sai Keaw and built a small pagoda to mark the location. Later on, King Si Thamma Sokarat established the city of Nakhon Si Thammarat and built a new pagoda. The present pagoda has a distinctive Sri Lankan style and is 55.78 metres tall, according to a measurement by the Fine Arts Department during its renovation in 1995. Wat Phra Mahathat is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Thailand. The full name of the temple is Wat Phra Mahathat Woramaha Viharn. It is one of only six primary royal temples. The exact dates and order of construction are unclear although it is known that the Phra Borom That Chedi at the centre of the temple predates the rest of the buildings by as much as six hundred years.The chedi (pagoda) sits in a large cloister-like courtyard filled with a forest of 158 smaller pagodas. The smaller monuments are in a variety of styles and appear to be funerary reliquaries built by the faithful over hundreds of years. The base of the pagoda is encircled on three sides by a covered gallery. Niches in the base of the chedi hold Buddha statues as well as statues of guardian elephants. Another row of statues in various styles line the spaces between the columns of the gallery.On the north side of the chedi, which is sited off-centre in its courtyard, a sequence of chapels extends out to the north side of the courtyard. The first chapel actually houses the stairway which takes you up to the platform at the base of the pagoda. The stairs are guarded by many demons and a standing Buddha. Next to the chapel covering the stairs is another chapel which now houses the temple museum. On display are hundreds of artifacts from the temple’s long history, although very few of the items are labeled. Another chapel next to the museum houses a reclining Buddha and more exhibits. South of the pagoda courtyard is the monumental ubosot (ordination hall) of the temple. Built in 1628, the hall is an Ayutthaya style masterpiece. South of the ubosot is a small market full of souvenir stalls where you can buy shadow puppets, basketry and items of brass, bronze and silver. And there are also a few food stalls where you can get a bite to eat. Sources: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Nakhon Si Thammarat Office. Amazing Thailand Nakhon Si Thammarat, page 9-10. 2010.