The coastal enclave of Sichon is poised to become the jewel in Thailand’s tourism crown towards the end of the year when the new international terminal opens at Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport.
Sichon Beach has been recognised by world-renowned travel guide Lonely Planet as one of the best 10 beaches in Thailand, while behind is the imposing Khao Luang mountain range, a terrain intersected by waterfalls traversing its sides and up which travellers can hike to discover awe-inspiring views from its summit.
While blissfully off the beaten track, it is only 40 minutes from the new international airport and a residential and hospitality development concept that will be unveiled on Sichon Beach in the coming months.
Charting a course for the destination as a beacon of carefully-managed, eco-conscious, locally-inspired tourism, senior advisor, Urasaya, Ravi Chandran, said, “Sichon is quite something.”
“Far from the tourist crowds, this is life in southern Thailand as it was 30 years ago – naturally beautiful, culturally authentic and perfectly peaceful.
“This is the Thailand visitors want to see and it is somewhere people will want to live.
“I really think that this is a new beginning for the south of Thailand and it is a chance to get it right first go – by embracing a future defined by heritage, nature and sustainability.”
Visitors are able to explore the local beachfront market, stroll through coconut groves, and swim in the cool waters of the Gulf of Thailand with the island of Koh Samui in full view and the pods of pink dolphins on the horizon.
Travellers can also uncover the rich heritage for which the province of Nakhon Si Thammarat is well known within Thailand. The provincial capital, also called Nakhon Si Thammarat, is one of Thailand’s oldest cities with a history that dates back over 1,200 years, with its focal point Wat Phra Mahathat, the Kingdom’s oldest temple and an annual destination for Buddhist pilgrims.
Active adventurers and wildlife lovers can discover the lush landscapes of Khao Luang National Park, home to the 1,780-metre Khao Luang mountain, Thailand’s second highest peak, and a wide variety of flora and fauna including 300 types of orchid, 340 species of bird and even mammals such as tapirs, leopards and porcupines
“Naturally, sustainability will underpin every aspect of Sichon’s future development,” Chandran added.
“The concept is already ingrained in the area’s heritage, as local people have been practicing responsible, eco sensitive crafts for centuries. Take Kiriwong Village where materials are hand-woven and organically dyed using the local fruit from indigenous trees, including mangosteens. Or head to Pak Phanang river and watch fishermen cast their nets. This is the most authentic and natural destination I have seen in Asia.”
