Narathiwat
Narathiwat is the southernmost Thai coastal province facing the Gulf of Thailand and borders northeast Malaysia. The provincial capital is 1,437 kilometers south of Bangkok by road, and 1,116 kilometers by train. The province covers some 4,475 square kilometers, two thirds of which are forested mountains. The inhabitants of Narathiwat (which means “the residence of good people”) are largely farmers and fishermen. Narathiwat is the province having beautiful natural sceneries of both forests and the seaside resorts.
Narathiwat is currently divided into 12 districts, i.e., Muang, Rangae, Sungai Padi, Sungai Kolok, Ruso, Yi-ngo, Waeng, Bacho, Tak Bai, Si Sakhon, Sukhirin, Chanae and Sub District Cho Ai Rong bordering on Pattani to the north, Kalantan State of Malaysia to the south, Yala to the east and the Indian Ocean to the west.
Phra BuddhaTaksin Mingmongkol: Located in Wat Khaokong, 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.
Banthon Village:Â 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 handpainted Korlae fishing boats seen there. Colourful models of the craft are also made. The village is also well known for its reed mats, Budu sauce and fish-flavoured chips.
Naratat 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.
Manao Bay:Â It’s about 3 kms. away from town along the route Narathiwat – Tak Bai. This long beach stretches to the Bangnara River of which the right bank borders the Thaksin Ratchaniwet Royal Palace. Along the beach, there is an evergreen line of pine trees and a plenty of beautiful rocks.
Wat Cholthara Singhe:Â This ancient temple, located 100 meters from the Amphoe(district) Tak Bai marketplace, contains several noteworthy buildings, including chapels and meeting halls, wherein are found murals, statues and other religious objects d’art typifying southern Thai arts, religious beliefs and lifestyles.
Wat Cherngkhao:Â Located in BachoDistrict, off the Bacho-Raman highway, the temple is well known in as much as the body of the former abbot, Luang Pho Daeng, who died in 1979, has not declined. The abbot’s corpse is an object of local reverence.
Tomoh Chinese Goddess Shrine:Â 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 are ceremonially paraded around town in a colourful procession amid great celebrations.
300 Years old Mosque Known:Â Locally as either Masjid Wadi Al-Hussein or Masajid Talomanoh, this unique wooden structure is located in Talomanoh village, some 4 kilometers south of 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.
Pa Phru To Daeng:Â 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 an fauna. The Sirindhorn Peat Swap Forest is one of a number of peat swamp forests that are remaining in Thailand. There are many species of amazing living organisms in this forest, which has has a strong influence on scientists of various branches of science to come to study and carry out research work. More than 400 varieties of trees, plants and vegetation indigenous to the area, and more than 200 mammal and bird species, including panthers, seven-coloured squirrels, Singaporean rats, Malaysian red-cheeked flying squirrels and red-tailed magpie robins.
Sungai-Kolok Border:Â The principal east coat border checkpoint with Malaysia is located in Sungai-Kolok, a border town some 66 kilometers south of Narathiwat provincial capital. The actual border is marked by a railway bridge connecting the two countries. As with any border town, Sungai-Kolok manages to reflect the major cultural characteristics of both countries.
Lochut Folk Museum:Â This museum is located 11 kilometers from WaengDistrict 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.
Bajo Waterfall:Â This 60 meter-high waterfall is the most beautiful cascade in Narathiwat province. It is located 1 kilometers from BachoDistrict, or some 26 kilometers north of the provincial on the Narathiwat-Pattani road (Highway 42 ). A turning at Km. 73 leads to the waterfall, some 2 kilometers distance. Accommodation facilities are available.
Chat Warin Waterfall:Â This cascade, located some 6 kilometers away from Sungai PadiDistrict office, is located in a richly vegetated area where wild durian trees are prominent.
