Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Th Si Thamasok; 8.30am-4.30pm)
The most important wát in southern Thailand, stunning Wat
Phra Mahathat Woramahawihaan (simply known as Mahathat) boasts 77
chedi
(stupa) and
an imposing 77m
chedi
crowned by a gold spire. According to legend, Queen Hem Chala
and Prince Thanakuman brought relics to Nakhon over 1000 years ago, and built a small
pagoda to house the precious icons.
The temple has since grown into a rambling site, and today crowds gather daily to pur-
chase the popular Jatukham amulets. Don't miss the
museum
inside featuring antique
statues from all eras and corners of Thailand.
MUSEUM
Shadow Puppets
(Th Si Thamasok Soi 3; 8.30am-4pm)
There are two styles of local shadow puppets:
năng
đà·lung
and
năng yài
. At just under 1m tall, the former feature movable appendages and
parts; the latter are nearly life-sized, and lack moving parts. Both are intricately carved
from cow hide. Suchart Subsin's puppet house has a small museum where staff can
demonstrate the cutting process and performances for visitors (50B).
National Museum
(Th Ratchadamnoen; admission 30B; 9am-4pm Wed-Sun)
When the Tampaling (also known as
Tambralinga) kingdom traded with merchants from Indian, Arabic, Dvaravati and Champa
states, the region around Nakhon became a melting pot of crafts and art. Today, many of
these relics are on display behind the run-down facade of the national museum.
MUSEUM
