Southern Thailand never fails to wow the world’s travellers with its sandy beaches, spectacular surroundings and wealthy cultural heritage. Now, a model new destination is about to emerge onto the world stage as a haven of “tranquil tourism.” With the brand-new international terminal at Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport set to open by Q4 2023, the coastal enclave of Sichon is poised to turn out to be a brand new jewel in Thailand’s tourism crown.
Sichon is a serene and peaceable vacation spot the place travellers can embrace Thailand as it has existed for centuries. Buddhists pay their respects in historic temples, fishermen pull their catches up onto the seashore from emerald green waters, farmers wrestle coconuts down from soaring palms, and artisans patiently work looms to weave supplies dyed by natural colors derived from native fruits. There is a community life that hums alongside at its own pace and to the beat of its personal drum.
All is framed on the entrance by the translucent waters of the Gulf of Thailand, and Sichon seaside specifically, together with nearby Khanom, recognised by world-renowned journey information Lonely Planet as probably the greatest 10 beaches in Thailand, whereas 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. And whereas it is blissfully off the beaten monitor, it’s all forty minutes from the new worldwide airport.
One man struck by the potential of the destination is Ravi Chandran, the former CEO of Laguna Phuket (part of Banyan Tree Holdings), who was a part of the leadership group that played a job within the transformation of Phuket’s former tin mining district into Southeast Asia’s main integrated resort vacation spot.
Now, as Senior Advisor to Urasaya, a residential and hospitality improvement concept which shall be unveiled on Sichon seashore within the coming months, he is charting a course for the vacation spot as a beacon of carefully-managed, eco-conscious, locally-inspired tourism.
“Sichon is type of something. Far from the vacationer crowds, that is life in southern Thailand because it was 30 years ago – naturally lovely, culturally genuine and perfectly peaceable. This is the Thailand visitors want to see and it’s someplace individuals will need to live,” stated Ravi Chandran. “I really suppose that this is a new starting for the south of Thailand and it’s a probability to get it right first go – by embracing a future outlined by heritage, nature and sustainability.”
Sichon just isn’t a new mass tourism hub now or in the making. High-rise resorts are not expected to rise along the coast and the thrill of banana boats and jet skis will not be heard offshore. Instead, the atmosphere will remain high in tune with life as it is now. And in that lies its greatest attraction.
Visitors are able to explore the local beachfront market, stroll by way of 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 uncover the wealthy heritage for which the province of Nakhon Si Thammarat is well known inside Thailand. The provincial capital, also called Nakhon Si Thammarat, is certainly one of Thailand’s oldest cities with a historical past that dates back over 1,200 years, with its focal point Wat Phra Mahathat, the Kingdom’s oldest temple and an annual vacation spot for Buddhist pilgrims.
Active adventurers and wildlife lovers can discover the plush landscapes of Khao Luang National Park, residence to the 1,780-metre Khao Luang mountain, Thailand’s second-highest peak, and all kinds of flora and fauna together with 300 forms of orchids, 340 species of chook and even mammals similar to tapirs, leopards and porcupines.
“Naturally, sustainability will underpin each aspect of Sichon’s future growth,” provides Mr. Chandran. “The concept is already ingrained within the area’s heritage, as native folks have been practising responsible, eco-sensitive crafts for centuries. Take Kiriwong Village where materials are hand-woven and organically dyed using the native fruit from indigenous trees, including mangosteens. Or head to Pak Phanang river and watch fishermen cast their nets. Endorsed is the most authentic and natural vacation spot I have seen in Asia.”