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NARATHIWAT
Narathiwat is the southernmost Thai coastal province facing the Thai Gulf and borders northeast Malaysia. The provincial capital is 1,437 kilometers south of kilometers, two thirds of which are forested mountains. The inhabitants of Narathiwat (which means 'the residence of good people') are largely farmers and fishermen.
Attractions - in the city
Narathat Beach
This area, near the estuary of the Bangnara River, comprises a broad and extensive pine-lined beach with white sand. Several beachside restaurants serve native-style cuisine, and accommodation facilities are available.
Phra Buddha Taksin Mingmongkhon
Located in Wat Khakong, 6 kilometers from town on the Narathiwat-Rangae Road, this large seated Buddha image is covered with golden mosaic tiles, is 24 meters high and measures some 17 meters from knee to knee.
Taksin Ratchaniwet Palace
This coastal palace, in the area of Tanyong Mountain, was constructed in 1973 to accommodate members of the Thai royal family during their frequent visits to southern Thailand. Visits are permitted between 9.00 AM and 4.00 PM on days when royalty are not in residence.
Manao Bay
Known locally as Hat Ao Manao, this 4-kilometer long beach, near the royal palace, is backed by ecologically diverse coastal mangroves.
Yakung Village
Located 4 kilometers from the city hall, on the road to Rangae district, the village is noteworthy for the colorful batiks produced there.
Banthon Village
Located 16 kilometers from the provincial capital, and just beyond the airport, this scenic coastal fishing village, populated by Thai Muslims, is noteworthy for the hand painted Korlae fishing boats seen there. Colorful models of the craft are also made. The village is also well known for its reed mats, nam budu fish sauce and fish flavored chips.
Attractions - out of the city
Wat Chonthara Sing
This ancient temple, located 100 meters from the Amphoe Tak Bai marketplace, contains several noteworthy buildings, including chapels and meeting halls, wherein are found murals, statues and other religious objets d'art typifying southern Thai arts, religious beliefs and lifestyles.
Ko Yao
A wooden bridge connects this densely forested island with the area located in front of the Tak Bai district office.
Pa Phru To Daeng
Located some 19 kilometers from Sungai-Kolok on the road to Tak Bai, this more than 80,000-acre area is Thailand's largest remaining swamp forest. The area is still rich in flora and fauna. There are more than 400 varieties of trees, plants and vegetation indigenous to the area, and more than 200 mammal and bird species, including panthers, seven-colored squirrels, Singaporean rats, Malaysian red-cheeked flying squirrels and red-tailed magpie robins. A Forest Study Center is some 5 kilometers from Sungai-Kolok.
Tomo Chinese Goddess Shrine
Located on Puthorn Lane, just off Charoenkhet Road in Sungai-Kolok, this shrine is the scene of an annual festival when, on the 23rd day of the third lunar month, the images of the goddesses and god is ceremonially paraded around town.
Dan Sungai-Kolok
The principal east coast border checkpoint with Malaysia is located in Sungai-Kolok, a border town some 66 kilometers south of the Narathiwat provincial capital. A railway bridge connecting the two countries marks the actual border. As with any border town, Sungai-Kolok manages to reflect the major cultural characteristics of both countries.
Lochut Folk Museum
This museum is located 11 kilometers from Waeng district office in Ban Su-Kae village. The museum collection includes antique artifacts excavated in the area such as Malay-style knives (kris) and pottery. A great many of the items are at least 1,000 years old.
Sirindhorn Waterfall
This waterfall is located some 7 kilometers from Waeng district. Golden-leafed trees in the waterfall area bring considerable fame to Narathiwat.
Chat Warin Waterfall
This cascade, located some 6 kilometers away from Sungai Padi district office, is located in a richly vegetated area where wild durian trees are prominent.
Bajo Waterfall
This 60-meter-high waterfall is the most beautiful cascade in Narathiwat province. It is located 1 kilometer from Bacho district, or some 26 kilometers north of the provincial capital on the Narathiwat-Pattani road. A turning at Km. 73 leads to the waterfall, some 2 kilometers distant. Accommodation facilities are available.
300-year-old Mosque
Known locally as either Masajid Vadialhussein or Masajid Talomanoh, this unique wooden structure is located in Talomanoh village, some 4 kilometers south of the Bacho district office. The mosque was probably constructed in 1769 and combines Thai, Malay and Chinese art styles within one complex. Woodcarvings on various panels attest to the diversity of styles.
Wat Choengkhao
Located in Bacho district, off the Bacho-Raman highway, the temple is well known inasmuch as the body of the former abbot, Luang Pho Daeng, who died in 1979, has not decayed. The abbot's corpse is an object of local reverence.
Local Products
Batik, a fabric-coloring technique in which wax and colors react against each other in distinctive textures and linear, freehand patterns, is widely produced throughout Indonesia, Malaysia and southern Thailand. Batiks produced in Narathiwat number among the finest produced in Thailand.
Special Events
Specialties Festival & Longkong Fruit Fair
Staged each October in the provincial capital, this festival coincides with Korlae boat races between local crews.
Tomo Chinese Goddess Fair
Staged in Sungai-Kolok, usually during late April, this features dragon and lion dances, revelry and religious processions.
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