Narathiwat is another southern most province of Thailand bordering on the Malaysian territory. Arnphoe Songs' Ko Lok is an important junction where the Thai southern Railroad connects to a railway going through the border to Tumpad Station in Malayasia. Narathiwat is a province having beautiful natural scenery with both forests and seaside resorts. It is some 1,149 kms south of Bangkok.

Narathiwat is divided into 12 Amphoes, Muang , Ruso, Yi-ngo, Waeng, Bacho, flak Rai, Si Sahhon, Sukhirin, Chancre and King Arnphoe Cho Ai Rong occupies an overall area of 4,475 4 square kilometers, bordering on Pattani to the north. Kaianun State of Malaysia to the south, Yala to the east and the Indian Ocean to the west.

 

What to see and what to do in Narathiwat?

 

Hat Narathat beach, located near Narathiwat township area, is a white powdered sand beach along the coastline of the Pacific ocean. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in the South.

Phra Buddha Theism Ming Mongkon
This huge Sitting Buddha image was constructed on top of Khao Kong Hill, in Pat Khao Kong Tambon Lamphu, Amphoe Muang. The whole area occupies a space of 142 rai. The width of the lap of this Buddha image is 15 meters and the height from the base to the top of the finial is 24 meters. It is decorated with gold-coloured mosaic tiles.

Siri Maha Maya Pagoda
This bell-shaped pagoda is at Wat Khao Kung. The sacred Buddha's relics are enshrined in the top. This pagoda was constructed by Narathiwat people and dedicated to H.M. the Queen.

Thaksin Ratchanivet Palace is located on the eastern foothill of Khao Tanyong, 8 kms. from the town area on the road to Tak Bai. It is the royal residence when H.M. the King and his royal family make an annual visit to the South.

Hat Ao Manao is located at Mu 1, Tambon Kalawo Nua. This long beach stretches to the Bangnara River of which borders the Thaksin Ratchanivet Royal Palace. Along the beach, there is a line of pine trees and plenty of beautiful rocks.

Budo-Sungai Padi Mountains National Park can be reached by travelling along Highway no. 42 and then taking the side road near Amphoe Bacho for 2 kilometers. It is within the national park.

Ba Cho (or Pa Cho Waterfall) is the most renowned waterfall of Narathiwat. The falling water pours down a cliff in the west of Khao Nam Khang which is a mountain of Buda Ranges.

Chatwarin Waterfall, another waterfall in this national park, located in Tambon To Deng, Amphoe Sungai Padi, 3 kms. from To Deng Railway Station. The waterfall, Chat Warin, originates from Bukit Nawae Mountain and cascades down seven-levels with a pool at the lowest level.

Wat Chonlathara Singhe (or Wat Phithak Phaendinthai) is located at Mu 3, Tambon Chehe, about one kilometer from Tak Bai Market. One of the interesting things of this Buddhist monastery is an old temple (Bot Kao) which was built in the reign of King Rama V. The most attractive spot of the building is the fine mural painting by a priest painter from Songkhla. It opens daily for the public from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Also, there is a traditional sermon hall representing a mixed artistic style of Southern and Chinese architecture. In the old vihara, at the back of the monastery, there are a sculpture of the 4-handed God Vishnu, ceramic wares of Sung Dynasty and a reclining Buddha image.

Ko Yao is about 3 kilometers from Amphoe lak Bai. Near the intersection of Tak Bai Market, there is a bridge called Saphan Khoi Roi Pi which is 100 years old. The bridge, built across the Tak Bai river, links the mainland and Yao Island. The island's eastern white sandy beach is an ideal swimming area.

Korlae Boat Racing & Nara Thiwat Produce Festval is held in September every year. Staged at the Bangnara River, the festival features boat racing and a dove cooing contest. There is a market selling Narathiwat Produce, including longans and bulrush (Genus Scirpus), and local handicrafts.