A SIAM SOCIETY STUDY TRIP

 

A Weekend in Nakhon Si Thammarat

and Surat Thani Provinces

 

Saturday, 19 – Sunday, 20 July 2008

 

Leader: Mr. Euayporn Kerdchouay


Surat Thani is the biggest province in southern Thailand, covering about 12,800 sq. kms.  There are more than 100 islands in the province; the largest and most well-known being Koh Samui.  Geographically, most of the area is covered with forest and a high granite mountain range—the Tenasasarim range on the western border of Thailand and the Nakhon Si Thammarat range in the east.  Numerous traces of ancient civilizations exist in Surat Thani from the prehistoric to late historic periods.  The most famous early historic site in Surat Thani is in Chaiya and is connected with the Srivijaya civilization which can be dated from 9th-13th centuries.  Chaiya is also important in the history of Chinese export ceramics during the late Tang Dynasty and the late Song Dynasty.  A great number of Tang ceramics have been found at an ancient port site north of Surat Thani. 

Nakhon Si Thammarat is also an ancient city, mentioned under different names in ancient chronicles and ancient maps.  Travelers referred to a small trading centre known as Ligor, which probably had links with the Srivijaya empire.  During the late 13th century, King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai conquered this independent principality and in the late 14th century it became a vassal state and later part of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, with the Portuguese being the founders of a trading post there in 1516. 

Today, there are many interesting historical buildings and historical sites in these two provinces.  The Siam Society, therefore, is arranging this expedition to visit some of these historical sites, as well as temples, museums and other places of interest which are all a part of the heritage of Siam.  The tentative programme will be as follows:- 

Saturday, 19 July 2008

6.00 a.m.

Depart Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Nakhon Si Thammarat by Nok Air, flight

DD 7804

7.05 a.m.

Arrive at Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport; proceed to a Racha Kiri Resort & Spa for breakfast at Hat Nai Plao, Khanom district

9.00 a.m.

Proceed to Surat Thani province

All day:

Visit historical sites, museum and temples in Kanchanadit, Chai Ya and Khiri Rat Nikhom districts.  Lunch at local restaurant

6.00 p.m.

Return to Khanom district, dinner at restaurant and overnight at Racha Kiri Resort & Spa (A brand new boutique resort, situated on the most beautiful spot of Nai Plao Beach, with magnificent panoramic views)

Sunday, 20 July 2008

-

Breakfast at the resort

10.00 a.m.

Proceed to Nakhon Si Thammarat

-

Visit museums, historical sites and temples in Nakhon Si Thammarat

-

Lunch at local restaurant in Nakhon Si Thammarat

5.35 p.m.

Depart Nakhon Si Thammarat for Bangkok by Nok Air flight DD 7811

6.45 p.m.

Arrive at Bangkok (Don Mueang) Airport

A contribution of 11,050 baht is solicited to meet costs.  This contribution will cover accommodation at the resort for two persons per room, all transportation mentioned in the programme, 5 meals, all fees to museums and historical sites and services.  Additional sum of 1,600 baht is requested for single room.  Extra cost for non-members 1,500 baht. 

The partner organization of THE SIAM SOCIETY in conducting Study Travel in Thailand is W.T. Tour service Co., Ltd., Licence 11/03614 

Please book your place as soon as possible.

For further information and bookings please contact Khun Prasert at

Tel.02-661-6470-7, Fax.02-258-3491 or e-mail: info@siam-society.org

Office Hours: 9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday