Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Nakhon Si Thammarat is well-connected to major Thai cities, with regular train services from Bangkok taking approximately 12 hours for a scenic journey south. Buses connect the city to nearby hubs like Surat Thani (3 hours) and Hat Yai (4 hours), while the local airport receives daily flights from Bangkok (75 minutes). Once in the city, songthaews (shared pickup trucks) and motorbike taxis provide convenient transport to the ferry terminal. If driving, ample parking is available near the port area, though arriving at least 45 minutes before departure is recommended during peak seasons.

Nestled on Thailand's eastern Gulf coast, Nakhon Si Thammarat blends rich cultural heritage with authentic Thai charm away from the tourist crowds. This ancient city, one of Thailand's oldest, serves as a significant gateway for travelers exploring the southern region by ferry. Visitors can immerse themselves in centuries of history, marvel at impressive temples, and experience the genuine warmth of southern Thai hospitality.

The ideal time to visit Nakhon Si Thammarat falls between February and April when dry, sunny days provide perfect conditions for exploring the city and enjoying ferry trips to nearby islands. The monsoon season (October to December) brings heavy rainfall that can occasionally disrupt ferry schedules. September offers a cultural highlight with the vibrant Tenth Lunar Month Festival, celebrating local ancestral traditions. Ferry services operate year-round but with increased frequency during the dry season months. May through August offers a good balance of reasonable weather and fewer tourists, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a more peaceful experience.

Nakhon Si Thammarat serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the Gulf of Thailand's less-visited islands. Regular ferry services connect to Koh Samui (2.5 hours), offering pristine beaches and luxury resorts without the overwhelming crowds of Phuket. Koh Phangan, famous for its full moon parties and secluded bays, is accessible via a 3-hour ferry journey. The diving paradise of Koh Tao can be reached in approximately 4 hours, while shorter trips to nearby fishing villages along the coast provide glimpses into authentic Thai maritime life. The ferry route to these islands passes through stunning karst formations and offers opportunities to spot local marine life.

Begin your exploration at Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, the city's 13th-century spiritual center housing a revered Buddha relic and displaying distinctive southern Thai architecture. Wander through the bustling Municipal Market to sample local delicacies like khanom jeen (rice noodles with curry) and the region's famously spicy southern curries. The Shadow Puppet Museum offers insight into nang talung, the traditional puppetry art form unique to southern Thailand. Don't miss Kiriwong Village nestled at the foot of Khao Luang mountain, where you can observe traditional handicraft production and enjoy the refreshing mountain air just a short drive from the port. The nearby beaches of Sichon and Khanom offer relaxing coastal escapes with fewer tourists than Thailand's more famous shores.

Nakhon Si Thammarat was once the center of the ancient Tambralinga Kingdom, with archaeological evidence dating back to the 5th century. The city is home to yan lipao, an incredibly rare and valuable basketry technique using fern roots that has been designated as a national heritage craft. Local fishermen still practice the centuries-old tradition of using trained cormorant birds to catch fish in certain coastal areas. The distinctive gold-thread embroidery (yan lipao) created here has been presented as royal gifts to visiting dignitaries and heads of state, making it one of Thailand's most prestigious traditional crafts.