Phatthalung
Accommodation in Phatthalung
Phatthalung showcases many sides of southern Thailand: a distinctive mountain overlooking the city, temples with Buddhist art, rice fields and markets offering local products. There are also the damp evergreen forest of Khao Pu–Khao Ya National Park, a cave with a cold pool and a limestone archipelago in Songkhla Lake. When planning your trip, you can first consider whether nature, cultural sites, insights into rice cultivation or active experiences should shape your stay.
Mountains, forest and special natural sites
Khao Ok Thalu is in Tambon Khuha Sawan in Amphoe Mueang Phatthalung. The mountain is about 250 metres high; near its summit is an opening you can look through. A staircase leads to the summit, from which visitors can look out over Phatthalung city. Its viewpoint and unusual opening give the mountain two very different aspects: it is both a landmark in the landscape and a destination for anyone seeking views over the city.
Khao Pu–Khao Ya National Park covers about 433,750 rai, or 694 square kilometres. The area is predominantly covered by moist evergreen forest. Animals found there include tapirs, rhinoceroses, monkeys, langurs and various birds. The forest therefore offers a nature-focused experience quite distinct from temples, markets and open rice fields.
Another natural site is Tham Phra Cave, located 700 metres north of the Khao Chai Son hot spring. Inside the cave is a cold pool about 1 metre deep that holds water year-round. In Amphoe Pak Phayun, Ko Si, Ko Ha and Ko Kra form a limestone archipelago in the Phatthalung Sea, which is part of Songkhla Lake.
Temples and history in Phatthalung
Wat Wang is in Tambon Lam Pam, 6 kilometres from Phatthalung city. Phraya Phatthalung (Thong Khao) had this important religious site built during the reign of Rama III. In the past, ceremonies of allegiance to the Rattanakosin Kingdom were held there. Tempera paintings in the ubosot depict Buddhist traditions; the principal Buddha image is also housed there. The cloister contains 108 stucco Buddha images. The murals, principal image and cloister figures each reveal the religious art of this site in a different way.
Wat Khuha Sawan is at the foot of Khao Khuha Sawan, near Phatthalung’s municipal fresh market. The temple was built during the Ayutthaya period and later became the first royal monastery in Phatthalung Province. Together with Wat Wang, it offers another way to explore the region’s history, though with a different historical context.
Rice fields, markets and local life
Na Po Kae in Amphoe Khuan Khanun is an ecotourism destination and learning centre focused on the traditional way of life of Phatthalung’s rice farmers. Visitors can learn about rice cultivation and try it themselves. The site offers views of rice fields and several photo opportunities; it also has a large car park and a shop selling drinks and food. Those looking not only to see the landscape but also to gain hands-on insight into rice cultivation will find a different focus here than at temple or nature visits.
Markets are also part of local life. Pa Phai Sang Suk Market welcomes visitors and opened on 28 January 2017. Vegetables, fruit, food and local products are sold directly to consumers by farmers and producers. The market in Amphoe Khuan Khanun has five areas, including one for local food, a relaxation area and an activity area with cultural performances and educational games for families. Another area is dedicated to learning in the Kwanjai Bamboo Garden.
Tai Not Market in Amphoe Khuan Khanun is a major cultural and community destination in the province. Local cuisine, cultural performances and distinctive products give it its own character. For families, the market can be an opportunity to discover regional foods and products together; the performances add a cultural dimension to the experience.
Outdoor activities and choosing the right area
Lan Khoi rafting in Amphoe Pa Phayom follows the Huai Nam Sai. The route is 5 kilometres long and takes about 2 to 3 hours. Rafting began there in 2011. Knowing the specific route length and approximate duration helps you plan this as a main activity, rather than equating it with a short visit to a market or temple.
When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home, you can first decide what you want to focus on: the temples and Khao Ok Thalu are in Amphoe Mueang Phatthalung, while Na Po Kae and the markets mentioned above are in Amphoe Khuan Khanun. The rafting is in Amphoe Pa Phayom, and the limestone archipelago is in Amphoe Pak Phayun.
Other places for regional orientation include Ko Mak, Khuan Khanun District, Nong Thong, Khuha Sawan and Khuan Khanun.
For a broader travel overview: Thailand.
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