Ao Manao Park

Located at Mu 1, Tambon Kaluwo Nua, the 4-kilometer beach connects with the eastern coast of Pattani Province. Divided into several segments by its rocky terrain, Hat Ao Manao borders on Thaksin Ratchaniwet Palace to the south. The beach is an ideal place for relaxation with its arboretum and row of pines. In addition, there is a beach forest study trail for nature enthusiasts. Native plants such as Chak Thale, Manao Phi and Toei Thale (appearance similar to a pineapple) can be found in the area. Private accommodations nearby are available for overnight stays. The beach is situated approximately 3 kilometers from town along the Narathiwat - Tak Bai route (Highway No. 4084).

 Ban Thon

A traditional Thai Muslim fishing village, Ban Thon is located approximately 16 kilometers from the city. The village is a well-known center for production of real and miniature Korlae boats, which is considered to be an exquisite form of local art. Boys over 13 years old traditionally make the miniature boats, costing from a few hundred baht to 2,000 bahts. Moreover, some children spend their free time making these miniature boats.

In addition, products made of Krachut sedge and Annonaceae leaves are also sold here. A few popular products are colorful and exquisitely designed eyeglass holders, bags and mats. They are value-for-money souvenirs ranging in price from 30 bahts to a few hundred bahts.

Other renowned village products are the sumptuous Budu sauce and fish crackers. Along the beach visitors will see lines of dried fish and many Budu sauce vats. The sauce is used extensively in southern cooking, similar to the use of fish sauce in Thai cooking. It is possible to see how the sauce is made and purchase some as souvenirs daily.

Visitors please note that on Fridays, villagers go to prayers and take the day off. Therefore, it may not be convenient to buy things on Friday. 

The village is located at Tambon Khok Tian, around 16 kilometers from the town on Highway No. 4136 (Narathiwat-Ban Thon).

 Ban Yakang

This is not an ordinary village, but is an old community established when the province was known as Bang Nara village. At present, the village is a major Batik production center with distinctive, traditionally made fabrics that have beautiful designs and fascinating colors. They are multi-purpose fabrics that are very popular among both local residents and tourists.

The village is located some 4 kilometers from the Provincial Hall on Highway No. 4055 (Amphoe Muang-Amphoe Rangae). Turn onto Soi 6 of Yakang 1 Road and proceed for about 700 meters.

 Hat Narathat

This white-powdered sandy beach stretching for 5 kilometers is located near the estuary of the Bang Nara River, where the annual Korlae boat races are held. The beach is naturally decorated with dense pine trees, which provide a tranquil shady area suitable for pitching tents. Several beachside restaurants serving southern-style cuisine and accommodation facilities are provided. The view from the beach is impressive, as there is a backdrop of fishing villages extending along the river and the bay is full of Korlae fishing boats.

Narathat Beach is located just 1 kilometer from town on Phichit Bamrung Road. Visitors can conveniently hire motorcycles, tricycles or mini-buses from town to the beach.

 Khao Kong Buddhist Park

The Park occupies an area of 142 rais (56.8 acres) in Tambon Lamphu, about 9 kilometers from town on the Narathiwat-Rangae route (Highway No. 4055). The main attraction in Wat Khao Kong is a graceful southern Buddha image, the golden Phra Phuttha Thaksin Ming Mongkhon, which is seated in the lotus position. The construction of the steel-reinforced concrete image that was decorated with gold mosaics started in 1966 and was completed in 1969. This mountaintop Buddha image, which is considered to be the most beautiful and largest (17 meters wide and 24 meters high) outdoor Buddha image in southern Thailand, is decorated in the South Indian style.

 New Central Mosque

The mosque is located at Ban Bang Nara, just before Narathat Beach. This mosque, which is the province’s second central mosque built in 1981, is a religious site highly revered by Thai Muslims. This 3-story Arabian-style building with a large dome on top has the main convention hall on the ground floor and the prayer rooms on the top 2 floors. In addition, there is a high tower that is used to call Muslims to prayer.

 Old Central Mosque

Also widely known as Yumiya Mosque, or Rayo Mosque, the compound is located to the north of town, further from the Provincial Hall on Phichit Bamrung Road, just before the intersection at the clock tower. This original wooden mosque was built in 1938 in the Sumatran-style and is the burial place of the old city Lord, Phraya Phu Pha Phakdi. Usually there is only one provincial mosque, but because this mosque is quite small, a new mosque was built at the mouth of Bang Nara River. However, this old mosque is still highly respected by locals and is regarded as the central one.

 Phikun Thong Development Study Center

The center was established according to an initiative of His Majesty the King who saw the necessity for a knowledge center for land reform in the area. The center has a complete range of activities such as analyzing and testing plants, livestock care, providing technical know-how and providing agricultural training. Occupying an area of 2,784,000 square meters, the center is divided into office buildings, demonstration plots and testing plots in swamp forest areas.

Royal projects include a soil project that adds maximum acidity to paddy soil, then attempts to find a solution so it can be used to counter acidic soil nationwide. Other projects include a new concept in agriculture that is used in areas with an abundant supply of water and planting of oil palm in highly organic soil. A small, fully integrated factory and Prince of Songkhla University jointly produce products from palm oil, like oil extracts, soap and butter that are sold to workers and outsiders. A livestock factory produces animal waste gas wells. There is also a project that plants Zalacca palm to supplement rubber plantations.

Furthermore, on weekdays the center operates a training center on making products from Krachut sedge and Annonaceae leaves.

People who come here to study also receive considerable enjoyment. This is in accordance with His Majesty the King’s intention that an observation tour should be similar to a picnic in a park. Every September, the center holds an exhibition that coincides with the Narathiwat Products Fair.

The center is located between Ban Phikun Thong and Ban Khok Saya in Tambon Kaluwo Nuea, about 1 kilometer from the Thaksin Ratchaniwet Palace and 8 kilometers from Narathiwat town on Highway No. 4084 (Narathiwat-Tak Bai).

 Siri Maya Pagoda

The bell-shaped pagoda is situated on the hill adjacent to the Khao Kong Buddhist Park. Small pagodas housing Phra Phrom images were built above all four doorways and the holy relics of Lord Buddha are enshrined at the very top of the pagoda. A convocation hall, with the outer walls decorated with carved, terracotta tiles is located on a nearby hill behind which is a figure of an elephant kneeling to present a lotus. In addition, the building’s awning portrays a warrior and an angel holding a jug. Local residents built the pagoda as a dedication to Her Majesty the Queen.

 Thaksin Ratchaniwet Palace

This Palace is on Tanyongmat Mountain, Tambon Kaluwo Nua, on the coast near Manao Bay. It is 8 kilometers from town on Highway No. 4084 (Narathiwat-Tak Bai). Situated on an area of 480,000 square meters at the summit of the Tan Yong Mut Mountain, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej commissioned its construction in 1973 as his royal summer residence. The compound is comprised of throne halls decorated with an assortment of trees which provide a good shade for the whole area. A craft center providing training on pottery and ceramics, as well as selling products is also located nearby. When the royal family is not in residence, the grounds are open daily for public viewing between 8.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. The Royal Family normally resides here between October and December. The garden provides a great view of the adjacent beach and contains an aviary. To visit the Palace, take a bus that goes to Amphoe Tak Bai and get off in front of the palace.

 Ko Yao

The island is located close to Wat Chon Thara Singhe. From Tak Bai District Market intersection, there is a 345-meter long wooden bridge spanning Tak Bai River to Ko Yao. The island’s attraction is its eastern seaside section with a white sandy beach and cozy ambience. In addition, most of the inhabitants are Muslim fishermen who dwell in simple homes in coconut plantations.

 Wat Chon Thara Singhe

This temple is at Mu 3, Tambon Chehe, on the bank of Tak Bai River. From the town, take Highway No. 4985 (Narathiwat-Tak Bai) until the Tak Bai District Market intersection, turn left and proceed for another 100 meters to the temple entrance.

In 1873, Phra Khru Ophat Phutthakhun established the temple and requested land from Phraya Kelantan for its construction. At that time, Tak Bai was still a part of Kelantan in Malaysia. This Buddhist temple, which played an important role in the secession of land between Siam and Malaya (then a colony of the United Kingdom) during the reign of King Rama V in 1909, is located in a predominantly Muslim community. The Thai side raised the fact that since this is a Buddhist temple, it should remain with Thailand. The British relented and agreed to use the Klok River (Tak Bai River) that flows through Tak Bai as the boundary. Therefore, the temple is also called “Wat Phithak Phaen Din Thai” or the temple that protects Thai sovereignty.

The temple is generally peaceful and has a spacious lawn on the riverbank that is ideal for relaxation. The chapel, built in the reign of King Rama V, has murals drawn by monks from Songkhla. The paintings depict the life of the Lord Buddha and the daily life of locals at that time. It also houses a main Buddha image made of gold, which covers its original features of a red mouth and black hair and situated on a 1.5-meter high base. From the style of the base, it is believed that this is a Mon image. Another building housing a reclining Buddha image has inner walls covered with old Sangkhalok porcelain.

To get there, take a bus to Tak Bai district. Other transportation options are mini-buses (20 bahts), vans (30 bahts and board at the roundabout in town) and buses. If traveling by bus, get off at Tak Bai intersection and walk for around 500 meters. Vans will take you right into the temple.

 Budo-Su-ngai Padi Mountain Range National Park

The park is part of the Sankala Khiri Mountain Range that serves as a natural border between Thailand and Malaysia. The area was once mostly inhabited by guerrillas, therefore, few people could get in to admire the natural beauty of the virgin jungle. It was only with the establishment of the Pacho Waterfall Park (later known as Budo-Su-ngai Padi National Park) in 1974 by the Royal Forest Department that the situation had changed. The park occupies an area of 294 square kilometers and extends into parts of Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani Provinces.

 Luang Pho Daeng of Wat Choeng Khao

The temple’s former abbot and a revered monk of the province, Luang Pho Daeng, died on 1 January 1979 at the age of 90 years old. After death, his body did not decompose, resulting in much reverence by local residents who placed his body in a glass coffin for others to pay their respect

This temple is situated at Mu 4, Ban Choeng Khao, Tambon Paluka Samo, approximately 13 kilometers from the District Office on the way to Pattani. Take Highway No. 42 (Phetchakasem Road), turn left at Ban Ton Thai and drive for 5.5 kilometers.

 Taloh-manoh Mosque (Wadil-husen Mosque or the 200-year Mosque)

Situated in Bacho District, the mosque is usually dubbed the 200-year mosque or 300-year mosque by the locals. It is believed that Haji Saihu, a religious teacher ordered a builder named Sae-ma to build the mosque in 1769.

Instead of using nails and screws, the whole mosque was traditionally built using old building tools such as Malarbar ironwood (a local timber known as Mai Takien) and wooden bolts and pins. The 26 wooden poles are 10x10 inches, the floor is two inches thick and window shutters are of solid wood boards. The mosque itself consists of two adjacent buildings built in a mixture of local Thai, Chinese, and Malay architectural styles. The most prominent feature is the building’s three-tiered roof where the Imam prays. The top tier features a dome constructed in the Chinese pavilion style. In the past, it functioned as the minaret or tower where people were called from at prayer times. Visitors can see the building from the surrounding area, however, those wishing to see the interior are are required to receive permission from the village Imam.

Next to the mosque is a Muslim graveyard. Rocks decorating the grave of deceased males will be round, while those for females would be half buried, with only half of the rock visible above ground.

The mosque is located in Ban Talo Mano, Tambon Subo Sawo, 25 kilometers from Narathiwat town. Take Highway No. 42 and make a turn at Burangae intersection.

 Hala-Bala Wildlife Reserve

A not-to-be-missed attraction for nature lovers, Hala-Bala is one of Thailand’s more recent conservation areas. Officially established in 1996, the reserve is located near the Thai-Malaysian border. Covering an area of approximately 433.16 square kilometers, it extends over Sankala Khiri Mountain Range and the deep forests of Hala and Bala Forests that are not connected to each other. Although they are a part of the same reserve, Hala Forest is in Amphoe Betong in Yala Province and Amphoe Chanae in Narathiwat Province while Bala Forest, the only part that is open to the public, spans Amphoe Waeng and Amphoe Su Khirin in Narathiwat.

Highway No. 4062 (Khwam Man Khong Road) goes through Sankala Khiri Mountain Range, making access to the reserve easier. Visitors can start at Ban Buketa in Amphoe Waeng, go through Bala Forest and end up at Ban Phu Khao Thong in Amphoe Su Khirin for a total distance of 18 kilometers. On both sides of the road are the most verdant jungles in Thailand. To study nature, you only have to drive through the area and you will likely see many extraordinary things from the park office on.

For nature enthusiasts, simply driving through the area from the Park Office onwards will provide extraordinary views of nature. Approximately 5 kilometers from the office, is a wildlife lookout point. The numerous Banyan trees flourishing in the area yield plenty of fruit for animals that regularly come to feed there. About 10 kilometers further is the Phu Khao Thong Protection Unit, a sub-office of the reserve. From here it is possible to see a sea of mist at dawn. Walking about 100 meters from the unit, visitors will find a gigantic Somphong (Kraphong) tree that has a diameter of 25 meters. The height of a section near the ground that supports the trunk is about 4 meters. This tree likes to grow near water and is a softwood tree used in making toothpicks or matches.

Along the route are several plants that are rarely found elsewhere in Thailand such as the Yuan tree of the bean family. This tree is regarded as the third tallest tree in the world, after the redwood and eucalyptus, respectively. It has a white trunk and can reach a height of 65 to70 meters. Normally, the tree is perfect for making furniture. Another tree located here is the Saya tree of the rubber family, which is the most striking tree of the Hala-Bala forest. Looking carefully, visitors will see hornbills as the forest are their preferred nesting sites. In addition, it is possible to see the Hua Roi Ru Nam tree, which is one of the newest plants found in the country.

Wildlife here creates an ecological balance for the area. Many of the animals are on the list of nearly-extinct animals of Thailand. They include the large black gibbon, or Sia Mang, that is totally black in color and nearly double the size of the white-handed gibbon. There is also the agile gibbon that is usually found on Sumatra, Borneo and northern Malaysian jungles and southern Thailand. With luck, visitors may be able to see two of these creatures hanging from a branch. The area also has Thut frogs that are the largest frogs in the country. It is about a foot long and weighs over 5 kilograms. The frogs live in watershed forests on high mountains. A survey discovered that four types of protected mammals, which are the Sumatran serow, tapir, marbled cat, and Asian two-horned rhinoceros, inhabit the area.

The hornbill, a rare bird, is an indicator of the state of the forest. Nonetheless, the reserve has 9 out of 12 species of hornbills in Thailand. These include the wrinkled hornbill, helmeted hornbill (the only kind of hornbill that has a thick upper beak and Indonesian villagers hunt it to get the beak to carve into ornaments like ivory), Oriental pied hornbill, great pied hornbill, white-crowned hornbill, bushy-crested hornbill, Malayan rhinoceros hornbill, black hornbill, and wreathed hornbill.

Visitors wishing to enter the area for nature study must write in advance to the reserve at P.O. Box 3, Amphoe Waeng, Narathiwat 96120 or the Wildlife Reserve Department of the Natural Resources Conservation Office, Royal Forest Department, Bangkok. As the reserve is a sensitive area, visitors are not permitted to stay overnight. The best time to study nature here is from late February to September, when there is little rain.

Getting there: Mini-buses can be hired from Amphoe Waeng Market or from Su-ngai Kolok train station.