Sichon

Sichon (สิชล) is a coastal district in the northern part of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, about halfway between Surat Thani and the provincial capital. It is a region of quiet beaches, forested mountains, and ancient historical sites that sees relatively few foreign tourists despite its easy accessibility. The district spans 703 km² and is home to around 82,000 people.

Sichon's coastline features several attractive beaches with dramatic rock formations, while inland the landscape rises into the Nakhon Si Thammarat Range. The climate is tropical monsoon with rain much of the year; the driest and most pleasant period is February to April. The area is best known for Namtok Si Khit National Park, the highly revered Wat Chedi Ai Khai temple, and the ancient Khao Ka ruins dating back over 1,500 years.

By Plane

The nearest airports are Nakhon Si Thammarat (NST IATA, about 1 hour south) and Surat Thani (URT IATA, about 1.5 hours north). Both receive domestic flights from Bangkok. From either airport, a taxi or minibus to Sichon costs around 400–600 baht.

By Car / Road

Sichon lies on Highway 4016 off Highway 41, the main route down the Kra Isthmus. It is about 780 km from Bangkok. Minibuses and buses from Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani serve the town regularly.

Motorbike rental is the most practical way to explore Sichon's beaches and inland attractions. Songthaews and taxis are available for trips between the main town and the beach areas. The town centre is walkable.

• Namtok Si Khit National Park — a small national park centred on a 1,303 m mountain with rich rainforest, multiple waterfalls, and excellent birdwatching.
• Wat Chedi Ai Khai (วัดเจดีย์ไอ้ไข่) — an ancient temple over 1,000 years old in Chalong Subdistrict. It is famous for "Ai Khai" (ไอ้ไข่), a wooden carving of a young boy believed to be a Kuman Thong spirit. Devotees offer cockfighting figurines and firecrackers in exchange for fortune and luck.
• Khao Ka Ancient Ruins (โบราณสถานเขาคา) — an over 1,500-year-old Shaivite religious site in Sao Phao Subdistrict. Archaeological discoveries include Shiva Lingam, Yoni bases, Soma Sutra conduits, and remnants of ancient shrines.
• Hin Ngam Beach (หาดหินงาม) — a beach covered in smooth, colourful round stones; no facilities.
• Sichon Beach (หาดสิชล) — also known as Hua Hin Sichon, a famous local beach with rock formations suitable for swimming, plus hotels, seafood restaurants, and cafes.
• Thuad Suk Cave (ถ้ำทวดสุข) — a cave at Ban Na Khud, Thung Prang Subdistrict, used in the Ayutthaya period to hide Buddha statues from Burmese invaders.
• Wat Suchon (วัดสุชน) — a Theravada Buddhist temple in the town centre with a main Buddha statue blending Chiang Saen, Sukhothai, Srivijaya, and Indian artistic styles.
• Tewada Local Market (ตลาดเทวดา) — a bustling marketplace in the heart of Sichon known for fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional Thai delicacies.

Hike in Namtok Si Khit National Park to explore its waterfalls and mountain trails. Visit Wat Chedi Ai Khai to participate in local fortune-blessing traditions. Relax at the beaches, particularly Sichon Beach and Hin Ngam Beach. Explore the ancient Khao Ka ruins and learn about the history of Shaivism in southern Thailand.

Seafood restaurants line Sichon Beach, serving freshly caught fish, prawns, and squid prepared with southern Thai spices. Street food stalls in the town centre offer local dishes such as khao yam, gaeng som, and grilled seafood at affordable prices. Tewada Market has a wide variety of ready-to-eat Thai food.

Fresh coconut water and Thai iced coffee are widely available at beachfront cafes and market stalls. Several stylishly decorated cafes near Sichon Beach serve coffee, smoothies, and light refreshments.

• Budget: Basic guesthouses and bungalows near Sichon Beach from 400–800 baht per night.
• Mid-range: Beachfront resorts and hotels on Sichon Beach from 1,000–2,000 baht per night.
• Upscale: Small boutique resorts with sea views from 2,000–3,500 baht per night.

Tewada Local Market is the best place for fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional Thai snacks. Local shops sell amulets and Ai Khai-themed souvenirs near Wat Chedi Ai Khai.

• Khanom (15 km north) — quiet fishing town with pink dolphin tours and uncrowded beaches.
• Nakhon Si Thammarat (60 km south) — ancient city with Wat Phra Mahathat and a historic old quarter.
• Tha Sala (30 km south) — coastal district home to Walailak University and access to Khao Nan National Park.
• Surat Thani (80 km north) — transport hub for the Gulf islands.
• Don Sak (40 km north) — ferry pier with connections to Ko Samui.