Pattani

Pattani is an east-coast province in the south, adjacent to the Gulf of Thailand, with an area of approximately 1,940 square kilometres. There are two major rivers: Tani and Sai Buri. Being a civilized town in the past, the present Pattani still maintains some ruins of the ancient town in Amphoe Yarang. Due to its mountainous area and long seashore of about 170 kilometres, Pattani has been an important port and the centre of the administration, trading, and culture. There are several tourism resources of nature, historical ancient places, and traditional culture which has seen the integration of Thai, Chinese and Islamic cultures.

Attractions

Built in the late1950s during the administration of General Sarit Thanarat, the Matsayit Klang (Central Mosque) is the most elegant and it is the largest mosque in Southern Thailand.

Dating back more than 300 years, Wat Chang Hai Racha Buranaram gained prestige when the locals went to Saiburi and invited one of Thailand 's most highly revered monks, Luang Pu Tuad, to come and stay at this temple. Presently, the temple contains a most striking stupa that houses the ashes of the deceased monk.

Covering an area of 1,875 rais, the highlight of the Sai Khao (White Sand) Waterfall National Park is the spectacular sight of the Sai Khao Waterfall.

The ideal place to watch korlae boats being assembled and produced is at the Muslim Paseyawor Village, that is renowned for it's skilled craftsmanship in this artwork.

The korlae boats are unique in both design and the colorful patterns that have been used in decoration by Muslim fishermen for hundreds of years. Used mainly along the eastern coast of the Malay Peninsula from Koh Samui southwards, the fishing boats have pointy bows and sterns, and the bow sections are decorated with vividly-colored, intricate paintings of battling mythical beasts.

A large fishing community resides in the area around the Pattani Delta, a vast area of coconut groves and the site of the Songkhla Nakarin University.

City Attractions

Kallayaniwatthana Institute of Arts and Culture Located in Songkhla Nakharin University, Pattani Campus, the institute is divided into two sections:
Phra Thepyanmoli Museum displays the history, activities, and utensils of Phra Thepyanmoli. Besides, there are Buddha images, ancient materials, and Chinese, European and Thai pottery, souvenir coins, and bank notes, etc.

Khatichon Witthaya Museum displays the stories, case studies of the Muslim household in the Southern border provinces, local utensils, local arts and displays, ancient utensil materials in pre-historic and the beginning of community periods, the history of the ancient town of Yarang, pottery, local beliefs and technology.

This centre is open to the public Mondays - Fridays from 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.- 4 p.m., except public holidays. For groups or guided assistance, please contact in advance the Education Service Unit, Kallayani Wattana Institute of Arts and Culture, Songkhla Nakharin University, Pattani Campus, Amphoe Mueang, Pattani Province 94000, Tel: 0-7331-3930 -50 ext.1472, 1473, 1476 and 0-7333-1250, Fax: 0-7333-1250.

Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park Located at Tambon Rusamilae, Amphoe Muang, about one kilometre from town, this public park is on the left side of the Pattani River, next to the Songkhla Nakharin University. The Park is decorated with many flowers,and a very beautiful landscape.

Pattani Central Mosque Located on Yarang Road on the Yarang - Pattani route in Pattani Mucipality, is the most beautiful and largest mosque in Thailand. Built in 1954, the construction of this mosque took almost nine years. It is the centre for religious ceremonies performed by the Muslims in the South. The architecture is western, with similarity to theTaj Mahal of India. With the big dome in the centre, there are four surrounding small ones with two finerets. A big pond is in front of the mosque and inside is a large hall and two sided corridors.

City Pillar Shrine Situated in Sak Seni ground of Banchama Rachutit School, just opposite to the City Hall, on the left bak of Pattani River, the shrine was constructed on 13 April 1951 when Phraya Rattana Phakdi was the Governor. This site is mostly worshipped by the Pattani people and visitors.

Krue Se Mosque Located 7 kilometres on Highway No. 42 (Pattani-Narathiwat), the mosque is of the round-pillar, brick-and-mortar style of the Middle East. The most significant aspect of the mosque is the unfinished domed roof. Legend has it that it could never be completed because of the curse placed on it by Chao Mae Lim Ko Niao. Nearby is the tomb of the Chao Mae (Goddess). It is believed that the Mosque was built during the reign of King Naresuan the Great (1578-1599)

Chao Mae Lim Ko Niao Graveyard Situated at Ban Krue Se, Tambon Tanyong Lulo, Amphoe Mueang on Highway No.42 (Pattani - Narathiwat route), near Krue Se Mosque. As legend goes, Lim Ko Niao, a Chinese girl came to Siam by ship to look for Lim To Khiam, her elder brother who had married the Pattani Governor's daughter, and had changed his religion to Islam. However, she was not successful. Therefore, she hung herself on the cashew nut tree. Her brother buried her at this place. The Pattani people built the shrine to commemorate her, and carved the tree where she hung herself in the shape of her figure.

Chao Mae Lim Ko Niao Chinese Shrine or Leng Chu Kiang Shrine is located within the municipality of Pattani on A No Ru Road. Adherents of the Lim Ko Niao Goddess in the province fashion her image in a cashew nut tree (the same type of wood on with the Goddess hung herself), and place it in the shrine. Both the townspeople and neighbouring townships revere it. Ceremonies to pay respect to the Goddess on the day of the 3 rd lunar month every year, features a colorful procession carrying Chao Mae's sculpture along several roads in town, walking on fire in front of the shrine, and swimming across the river near the Dechanuchit Bridge. The city welcomes numerous worshippers every year.

Yaring

Yaring Natural Study Centre Located near Yamu Canal, opposite the Yaring District Hall, the centre is in the Yaring National Forest, with an area of 500 Rai. There is a 1,250 metre wooden bridge as the walkway for natural study of the forest. Along the natural trail, there are several species of plants, rest area and a bird-watching tower with a height of 13 metres.

Besides, there are delightful boat trips for visitors and nature lovers. There are 3 canals: Bang Pu, Klang, and Korlae. Along both banks, visitors can experience the fertility of water animals, birds, local lifestyles. For more details, contact Pattani Forest Regional Office at Tel: 0-7334-9146 ext.4146.

Hat Talo-kapo Beach This beach is about 18 kilometres from Pattani town. To get to the beach,take Highway No. 42 (Pattani - Narathiwat route), turn left at Amphoe Yaring, cross Yamu Canal and pass the forest area and villages. With its long white sand, line of pines and coconut trees, this beach is one of the most popular ones in Pattani. Also present here are many Korlae boats with their unique colorful characteristics of the southern fishermen. This beach was extended because the ocean current washed sand ashore. This venue is most suitable for relaxation and view watching.

Laem Ta Chi or Laem Pho This is another white, sandy beach that extended from Talo-kapo Beach. It resulted from an accumulation of sand washed ashore from the Gulf of Thailand. At the end of the beach is an open area with a wider view, best for sightseeing. There are two routes to Laem Ta Chi: by boat from the mouth of the Pattani River to Laem Ta Chi, which takes a little more than an hour, and another route allows you to disembark from the pier in Yaring, go along Yamu Canal out to sea to Laem Ta Chi. The most preferred way is by car. From Yaring, cross Yamu Canal for about 10 kilometre to get to the tip of Laem Ta Chi.

Dato Mosque Located at Moo 4, Ban Dato, Tambon Laem Pho, it is about ten kilometres from Yaring District Hall, on the same route to Talo-Kapo Beach. This old Mosque is surrounded by an Islamic community and graveyard. It has been renovated and is still used for religious ceremonies.

Panare

Hat Chalalai Situated about two kilometres far from district hall on Pattani - Narathiwat route, the beach is highlighted by a large pond near the pine line, which is shaded for relaxation.

Hat Panare Situated about three kilometres from Panare town on the same route to Talo-kapo Beach, there are many households of fishermen, Korlae and boats along the beach.

Hat Ma Ruat Located next to Chalalai Beach and extending for about 2 kilometres, this beach is characterized by the amazing sight of the aggregated small rock mountains overlapping each other. Visitors can use the long walkway to the top of the mountain.

Hat Ratcharak This beach extends from the beaches of Chalalai, Maruad, and Khae Khae. It is only one kilometre from Hat Maruad and is two kilometres before the approach to Hat Khae Khae. Visitors can use the same route to Chalalai and Maruad Beaches. The large beach surrounded by rocks and hills is a most striking site for view watching.

Hat Khae Khae Situated 43 kilometres from Pattani. "Khae Khae" is a local Malay word (Yawee) which means "loud noise". The beach is in Tambon Nam Bo and is 2 kilometres from Hat Ratcharak. With its large granite rocks along the coast, the beach looks quite different from the others and is naturally reputed to be the most beautiful beach in Panare.

Palas Market Being approximately 30 kilometres from Pattani by Highway No. 42, the market can be visited in the morning of every Wednesday and Sunday. Also, this venue reflects the real rural lifestyle of the southern Thai Muslims, whereby shoppers are clad in their local costumes and colorful batik headbands.

Sai Buri

Hat Wasukri The beach is about 52 kilometres from Pattani and about 2 kilometres from Sai Buri. It is in Patatimo Village, TambonTaluban. Visitors can use the Pattani-Narathiwat route or use the route passing Hat Khae Khae to Sai Buri, or directly turn left at the junction to Sai Buri. It is a long stretch of white, clean beach shaded by rows of pine trees, suitable for relaxation and swimming, and where accommodation is available.

Ban Paseyawo Located at Tambon Paseyawor, about 50 kilometres away from the provincial town or some 2 kilometres from Sai Buri District, the village is noted for the production of the indigenous Korlae boats, a type of coastal fishing vessel with a narrow head and tail, elaborately decorated with fascinating, colorful designs. Besides the real Korlae boats made for fishing, there are also imitations made for souvenirs. The making of Kolae boats by the local people here has been accepted for its neatness, which integrates arts between Thai and Muslims. Races of Korlae boats are held annually. The village also makes the Budu sauce, a highly popular condiment among the Southern people.

Mayo

Khao Ruesi This mountain is situated at Moo 2, Tambon Mayo, about 3 kilometres from Mayo town. The highlight of this mountain is the natural rocky formation. Also, there are two ponds containing water that is believed to be very holy and was used in the coronation of many Kings. It is also the site of Wat Khao Ruesi Plaeng San, which is worshipped by people in Pattani and nearby provinces.

Yarang

Yarang Ancient Town The city was one of the oldest communities in the history of the southern part of Thailand. It is believed to be the location of the ancient kingdom of "Lanka Suka", whose boundary covered the area of Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat of Thailand, Kalantan and Tarang Kanu of Malaysia, as recorded in Chinese, Java, Malaysian, and Arabic documents. The port had a long, extensive trading history with foreigners since the 7 th century. The ancient town was shaped like a large oval and occupied an area of 9 square kilometres. There were three connecting towns, as followings:

Ban Wat Ancient Town had a square in the centre of town, and was surrounded by moats. The town had more than 25 scattered and ruined ancient hills in the western and northern area.

Ban Cha-le Ancient Town had a pond in the centre of town and was surrounded by square-shape moats. This town is only one kilometre north of Ban Wat Ancient Town. The most important, ancient monument is the decayed, brick religious venue with a large square base. Due to the discovery of several ancient materials in the area, there is proof that this venue must have been a Buddhist community.

Ban Prawae Ancient Town is a small rectangular town with 4 forts in the corners. Canals connected the town with Ban Ja-le in the north.

Moreover, there are at least 30 areas of ruined ancient hills. Visitors can use Sirorot Road (Highway No. 410) from Pattani to Yala for another 15 kilometres, turn left to Highway No. 4061 (Yarang- Mayo) for 1.2 kilometres to the ancient town area. Then, turn left to the north for 400 metres to Ban Ja-le Ancient Town.
Visitors in groups can contact the Head of the Ancient Yarang Town Exploration Project, on official days and during working hours at Tel: 0-7343-9093.

Wat Mutcharinthawapiwihan Located about 10 kilometres on the route Pattani - Khok Pho in Nong Chik, this ancient Wat was built in 1845 during the occasion of moving the Nong Chik District Office to Tambon Tuyong. It was formally called Wat Tuyong, and was changed to Wat Mutjarintawapiwihan during the state visit of King Rama V to Nong Chik. At present, its temple is still beautiful, graced by the sculptures of the past 3 abbots, especially Phra Ratchaphuttharangsi, the 5 th abbot.

Nong Chik

Hat Ratchadapisek Situated at Ban Sai Mo, Tambon Sai Mo, this beach is about 15 kilometres from Pattani, or altenatively is 2 kilometres from Nong Chik District Office. There are pines in line suitable for relaxation.

Khok Pho

Wat Chang Hai Rat Buranaram This monastery is at Ban Pa Rai, Tambon Tung Pala, close to the railway (Hat Yai - Sungai Kolok route) between Na Pradu and Pa Rai Stations. It is located about 31 kilometres from Pattani town. By car, visitors can use highway no.42 (Pattani - Khok Pho), pass Na Ket Junction, then use highway no.409 (Pattani-Yala), pass Na Pradu Municipality and Wat Chang Hai Training Centre and turn to Wat Chang Hai for another 700 metres.

This old monastery was built more than 300 years ago, and contains the sculpture of Luang Pu Tuad, once an abbot of the temple. Also, the architecture of the stupa, chedi, temple, and bell tower are magnificently beautiful. Luang Pu Thuat and Wat Chang Hai are respected by people all over the country, Luang Pu Thuat being an educational monk It was told that he was able to turn sea water into fresh water. He died in Malaysia and his body was brought back to Wat Chang Hai. The annual festival to pay respect to his bones and ashes is in April. At Wat Chang Hai, visitors can pay respect during 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

King Rama VII Pavilion This Thai style pavilion was built for King Rama VII during his visit to watch the eclipse in 1929. It is about 26 kilometres from Pattani town on highway no. 42 in Khok Pho District Office.

Wat Chang Hai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre The centre displays and sells many southern handicrafts such as batik, imitation Kolae boats, handicrafts, mats, and ceramics.

Namtok Sai Khao National Park is l ocated in Tambon Sai Khao, covering the forests of Pattani, Yala, and Songkhla, with a total area of 68,750 Rai. This evergreen forest is full of various kinds of plants, and a variety of waterfalls. The most beautiful waterfall is Sai Khao Waterfalls, which can be reached on foot from the Park's Office along the creek. At the end, is the waterfall which is 40 metres high. The surroundings are evergreen forest. Visitors can swim in some natural ponds. Visitors can use highway no.409 (Pattani - Yala)for 28 kilometres to Na Pradu Junction, then turn to Napradu - Sai Khao route for about 7 kilometres. The Park also has bungalows available. For more details, visitors can contact the Forestry Department, Bang Khen, Bangkok, at Tel: 0-2570-5734, 0-2570-7223.

Namtok Phong Phong Being one of the tourist attractions in Namtok Sai Khao National Park, this waterfall is at Mu 8, Tambon Pak Lo. Accessibility to this site is by using highway no.42 (Pattani - Yala) and turning to highway no.409 to Ban Pak Lo, then turning right for another 5 kilometres. With seven levels, this waterfalls has a big pond at the lowest level. The area near the waterfall is shaded with many plants, suitable for relaxation.

Namtok Aran Warin Situated at Mu 4, Tambon Tung Pala, this waterfall is accessible by using highway no.409 (Pattani - Yala), turn right at the junction to Wat Huai Ngo for 6 kilometres. The total distance from Pattani is about 30 kilometres. Namtok Aran Warin is in the San Kala Khiri mountain range. There are 7 levels, where each level is about 300 - 500 metres apart.

Mai Kaen

Hat Sai Chai Bueng Ban Laweng Accessibility to the beach is by using highway no.42 (Pattani - Narathiwat) for 60 kilometres from Pattani, turn left to Amphoe Mai Kaen, and cross Koto Bridge for a further 8 kilometres. Chai Bueng Ban Laweng has different surroundings and nature. There is a large pond near the white beach. Moreover, there is a local handicraft centre (Ban Laweng) displaying weaving products.

Hat Bang Sai Located at Mu 6, Tambon Sai Thong, 74 kilometres from Pattani, the beach is about 5 kilometres in length.

Hat Pa Mai This beach is located at Mu 3, Tambon Sai Thong, an extension from Hat Bang Sai.

Festival

Chak Phra Festival This annual festival has been organised to commemorate the day that Lord Buddha came back from the heaven. Buddhists in Amphoe Khok Pho and nearby, will accompany the decorated boat procession from all temples. The procession will be composed of beautifully dressed people. Activities include dancing and offering food to Buddhist monks at the District Office's field for 5 days, 5 nights.

CChao Mae Lim Ko Niao Fair This fair is celebrated annually, 15 days after the Chinese New Year. Highlighting the event is the procession to carry the wooden sculpture of Chao Mae Lim Ko Niao-a goddess respected by the Chinese in Pattani. This annual fair also features extraordinary arts of endurance such as walking on fire. Before joining the festival for 7 days, participants of the fair need to be vegetarians for at least 7 days before the festival. Normally, the fair is celebrated widely by the people of Pattani and those of nearby provinces.

Fishing Sports in Sai Buri The event is annually held on the second weekend of May at Hat Wasukri, Amphoe Sai Buri. Due to the long coast and the great variety of fish, this sport has become very popular and exciting.

Hotels and accommodation

• CS Pattani : 299 Mu 4 Nongjik Road Amphoe Muang [0 7333 0090-6] : 900-1,500 baht
• Muang sai Resort : Amphoe Saiburi [0 7341 1318] : 250-400 baht
• My Garden : 8/28 Chareonpradit Road Amphoe Muang [0 7333 1055] : 300-800 baht Palace : 10-12 Piphit Road Amphoe Muang [0 7334 9171, 0 7334 9711] : 160-300 baht
• San tisuk : 29 Piphit Road Amphoe Muang [0 7334 9122, 0 7334 8773] : 200-400 baht
• Thai Suwan : 103 Mu 8 Nakuia Amphoe Muang [0 7333 1584] : 200-400 baht

Restaurants

• Kornkanok : 94-96 Nongjik Rd., Tel: 0-7333-2604 (Thai)
• Koseng : 37-39 Rong Lao Rd., Sai Khor, Tel: 0-7333-1109 (Thai)
• London : Yarung Rd., Tel: 0-7334-9697 (Thai & Chinese)
• Pan Thong : 37/11 Kalapor (Thai) Pattani Sport Club :: 99/9 Nongjik Rd., Tel: 0-7333-6090-6 (Thai)
• River : Rong Ang Rd., Tel: 0-7331-3091, 0-7333-1308 (Thai)
• Suan Aharn Ruan Pae :: Wattanathum Rd., Tel: 0-7333-3734 (Thai)

How to get there

* By car
Pattani is about 1,055 kilometres from Bangkok. Visitors can use highway no.35 (Thon buri - Pak Tho) for about 90 kilometres, then turn left to highway no.4 to Chumphon for about 460 kilometres. After that, use highway no.41 or 42 pass Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Pak-nam Thepa to Pattani. The total distance is around 505 kilometres.

* By train
From Hua Lamphong Station, there are both express and rapid trains to Pattani (Khok Pho) Station everyday. For more details, contact Service Unit at Tel:1690, 0 2223 7010 and 0 2223 7020.
From Pattani Station, buses and taxis are available between Khok Pho and Amphoe Mueang, a distance of about 29 kilometres.

* By bus
There are services of regular and air-conditioned buses of the Transport Co., Ltd. The buses leave from the Southern Bus Terminal to Pattani. For more details, contact at Tel: 0 2435 1119 and 0 2434 5557-8.

* By plane
There is no direct flight to Pattani. Visitors need to travel to Hat Yai (Thai Airways International provided round-trip shuttle bus (Hat Yai-Pattani) twice daily free-of-charge for passengers who make reservations in advance). Alternatively, visitors can use a regular bus or taxi from Hat Yai to Pattani for a distance of about 104 kilometres, and traveling time is approximately one hour and a half. Flight information can be requested at Tel: 1566, 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 or at Pattani Office Tel: 0 7333 5938.