Phatthalung is on the western coast of Songkhla Lake, 860 km from Bangkok. It covers an area of 3,424.5 sq km. This mountainous city is among the ancient cities in the South. Khao Ok Thalu or Mount Ok Thalu, the symbol of the city, is prominent by its height and can be seen from a distance. The performing arts of Nang Talung (puppet shadow play) and Nora dance have their origins in this city. It was assumed from evidence that Phatthalung had been a town built in the Srivijaya period. The original town was located at Hua Khao Daeng on the coast now opposite the city of Songkhla. Because of risks, the town was moved to various districts.
The province comprise of 11 Amphoe:- Mueang Phatthalung; King Amphoe Srinagarindra; Amphoe Khuan Khanun; Amphoe Khao Chaison; Amphoe Si Banphot; Amphoe Pa Phayom; Amphoe Tamot; Amphoe Kong Ra; Amphoe Bang Kaeo; Amphoe Pa Bon; Amphoe Pak Phayun.
'''Distances from Amphoe Mueang Phatthalung to Other Districts'''
From Bangkok, there are three routes:-
There is no airport in Phatthalung. Visitors can take a flight to Trang or Songkhla_fs Amphoe Hat Yai. For more information, contact the Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) at Tel. 1566, 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000; the Trang Office at Tel. 0 7521 8066, 0 7521 9923; the Hat Yai Office at Tel. 0 7424 5851 ? 2, 0 7424 3711, 0 7423 3433, or visit the website: www.thaiairways.com.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has a train service via Phatthalung_fs Amphoe Mueang Phatthalung, Amphoe Khuan Khanun, Amphoe Khao Chaison, Amphoe Pak Phayun, Amphoe Pa Bon, and Amphoe Bang Kaeo. For more information, call Tel. 1690, 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020, or contact the Phatthalung Railway Station at Tel. 0 7461 3106, or visit the website: www.srt.or.th.
The Transport Company Limited offers a daily bus service between Bangkok and Phatthalung, departing the Southern Bus Terminal on Borommaratchachonnani Road. For further details, call Tel. 0 2434 5557 ? 8, 0 2435 1199, 0 2435 1200, or visit the website: www. transport.co.th.
'''Phra Phutthanirarokhantarai Chaiyawat Chaturathit or Phra Si Mum Mueang (????????????????????????????????????????????????????)''' is the Buddha image of the South and an auspicious object of worship of Phatthalung. This bronze Buddha image in the posture of meditation, graciously given to the province of Phatthalung by His Majesty the King on 24 December 1968, is enshrined in a pavilion with four porches on the foreground between the City Hall and Provincial Court of Phatthalung.
'''Wat Khuha Sawan (?????????????)''' It is a temple located at the foot of Khao Khuha Sawan near the city market. This is one of the ancient monuments of Phatthalung. Assumably, it was built in around the 8th ? 10th centuries. Inside the cave, a giant reclining Buddha image, pagoda, and other Buddha images are found together with some earthen votive tablets of the Srivijaya period. Inscriptions of royal initials belonging to King Rama V and Their Majesties the King and Queen appear in front of the cave. Furthermore, stucco arts in Tham Nang Khlot depict folklore.
'''Khao Ok Talu (?????????)''' From Wat Khuha Sawan, follow Highway 4047 and Khao Ok Thalu or Mount Ok Thalu will be seen standing majestically to the east of the railway station. It is a symbolic figure of Phatthalung, having a height of around 250 m. There is a flight of stairs leading the way up to the mountaintop overlooking the city of Phatthalung. The distinctive feature is a hole near the top, where visitors can see through it.
'''Wat Wang (??????)''' It is a temple located in Tambon Lampam, around 6 km from town on Highway 4047 (the same route to Khao Ok Thalu). This is one of the important places of worship of Phatthalung. Initially, it was an ancient temple which was assumed to have been built in the late Ayutthaya period. During the reign of King Rama III, it was rebuilt by Phraya Phatthalung (Thongkhao). The temple once served as a ceremonial place for civil servants to swear an oath of allegiance to the king in the early Rattanakosin era. Later, the city of Phatthalung was moved to Tambon Khuha Sawan. The temple, therefore, was left in disrepair. In 1969, it was restored. The temple has many important items. The Ubosot (ordination hall) is in the architectural style of the Rattanakosin era, with the _eChofa_f- gable finial, _eBai Raka_f- crockets, and a front portico. Inside, there are tempera mural paintings which were assumed to have been drawn in the reign of King Rama IV. It was supposed that such paintings were the craftsmanship of the same artisans who drew the mural paintings in the Ubosot of Wat Phra Si Rattanasatsadaram or Wat Phra Kaeo. The paintings here depict the Lord Buddha_fs life and a congregation of deities. One hundred and eight stucco Buddha images are enshrined in the gallery around the ordination hall. In addition, there is a pagoda, Wihan (image hall), and a preaching pulpit with golden patterns, which were also built in the Rattanakosin era. It is an ideal place for those who are interested in Thai architecture.
'''Rulers_f New and Old Palaces (?????????????????? ??????? ? ???????)''' are located near Wat Wang. Once they served as a residence cum office of the governors of Phatthalung. Nowadays, some parts of them remain. Wang Kao or the old palace was built during the ruling of Phraya Phatthalung (Noi Chantharotwong). Later, the palace was inherited to Mrs. Praphai Mutamara, a daughter of Luang Si Worachat. Wang Mai or the new palace was built in 1889 by Phraya Aphaiborirak Chakkrawichit Phiphitphakdi (Net Chantharotwong), a son of Phraya Phatthalung who was the ruler of the city of Phatthalung at that time. The heirs of the Chantharotwong family gave the old and new palaces as national treasures to the Fine Arts Department. The palaces were registered as an ancient monument in 1983. The palaces are open daily, except for Mondays, Tuesdays, and public holidays, during 9.00 ? 12.00 a.m. and 1.00 ? 4.30 p.m. Admission is 30 Baht.
'''Phraya Thukkharat (Chuai) Monument (????????????????????????? (????))''' It is located at the Tha Miram T-junction in the Municipality of Mueang Phatthalung. According to history, Phraya Thukkharat was a former monk named Phra Maha Chuai staying at Wat Pa Lelai. During the War of Nine Armies in the reign of King Rama I, Phra Maha Chuai assisted Phraya Phatthalung who headed a force of villagers to fight against and defeat the Burmese army. Later, he left the monkhood and was royally appointed as Phraya Thukkharat in charge of official duties as an assistant to the city ruler. At the time, _gPhraya_h was the rank equivalent to the city ruler.
'''Hat Saen Suk Lampam (?????????????)''' It is a beach around 2 km from Wat Wang on Highway 4047. This sandy beach along the coastal line of Songkhla Lake is fringed by shady pine trees. The pavilion jutting into the sea called _eSala Lampam Thi Rak,_f serves as a viewpoint to admire the lake_fs surroundings. Additionally, there is a bridge linking the beach to a nearby small island called Ko Loi, which resulted from sediment compilation at the mouth of the Lampam River.
'''Coconut Shell Handicraft Centre of Mueang Phatthalung (??????????????????????????????????????)''' It is located at Mu 1, Tambon Chai Buri, around 6 km from town on the route to the Sai Yuan Junction. This is a village of handicrafts made from coconut shell. The products are so famous that their production place is acclaimed as the village of million-baht-worth coconut shells. From an initiative of Mr. Pluem Chukhong, Head of the community, coconut shells were introduced and designed into kitchen utensils and ornaments, such as spoon, coffee cup, water bowl, dipper, ladle, lamp, etc. Products are sold domestically and
overseas. To see the villagers_f way of life and purchase items of your choice, contact Mr. Pluem Chukhong at Tel. 0 7461 4512, 08 1465 5751.
'''Thale Noi Non-hunting Area (??????????????????????????)''' Though being declared a non-hunting area on 18 February 1975, it is commonly called _eThale Noi Waterfowl Park._f This is the first non-hunting area ever founded in Thailand, under the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Flora, Ministry of National Resources and Environment. The Khuan Khi Sian Peat Swamp in the area around Thale Noi or Noi Lake is the first Ramsar site of Thailand. This non-hunting area covers an area of around 285,625 rai. It has been selected as a significant wetland area of the country, including areas in three provinces; namely, Phatthalung, Songkhla, and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Its water area (Thale Noi Lake) accounts for 17,500 rai. Most parts of the Thale Noi Non-hunting Area are lakeside plains consisting of rice fields, peat swamp forest, and grasslands. Thale Noi Lake is around 5 km wide and 6 km long, having aquatic plants growing on the lake surface, such as hyacinth, Kong tree (Hanguana malayana), pale yellow-spiked rush, lotus, and floating plants. Its average depth is 1.25 m. Fauna inhabiting here comprises 287 species of waterfowls, 26 species of reptiles, and 6 species of mammals. The waterfowls are both resident and migratory, such as painted stork, black-headed ibis, grey heron, purple heron, little cormorant, black-crowned night-heron, etc. Interesting things at the Thale Noi Waterfowl Park are the Thale Noi Palace, sea of blooming lotus in the morning, flocks of waterfowls, the nesting and egg-laying grounds of waterfowls at Ao Mo and those at Khuan Thale Mong, Khuan Khi Sian Ranger Station, and the Sala Nang Riam viewpoint.
To get there: From the city of Phatthalung, take Highway 4048 (Phatthalung ? Khuan Khanun) for around 32 km; there are direction signs along the asphalt road. By train, get off at the Pak Khlong Railway Station to connect to a bus to Thale Noi for around 8 km. Furthermore, the Thale Noi Non-hunting Area offers a tourist information centre, a welfare shop, 5 reception houses, and 60 tour boats. For further details, call Tel. 0 7468 5230.
'''Wat Khian Kaeo (???????????????)''' It was recognized as a model temple for development in 1990. This ancient temple has Phrathat Bang Kaeo which is an imitation of Phra Mahathat Chedi of Nakhon Si Thammarat, but in a smaller scale. It is one of the ancient places of worship of Phatthalung believed to have been built in the early Ayutthaya period. Assumably, the temple area had been the location of the city of Phatthalung since laterite debris and numerous Buddha images were found. In addition, the temple houses a museum where Buddha images and crockery have been collected. To visit the museum, permission from the abbot is required. To get there: Take Highway 4081 and drive past Amphoe Khao Chaison for around 7 km. At Km 14 in Ban Bang Kaeo Tai, a direction sign on the left indicates the distance of 2.5 km to reach the temple.
'''Laem Chong Thanon (??????????)''' It is a fishing village in Tambon Chong Thanon. From the city of Phatthalung, follow Phetchakasem Road and turn left past Amphoe Khao Chaison for around 12 km. The total distance from the city of Phatthalung is 39 km. The village is on a hill sloping down to the beach of Songkhla Lake, and overlooking vistas and islands. Restaurants are also available for visitors.
'''Namtok Phraiwan (?????????????)''' It is a waterfall located in the area of Ban Phut Ranger Station, Khao Banthat Wildlife Sanctuary, in Tambon Khlong Chaloem. This large-scale waterfall is tranquil and full of shady trees. There are food shops in the waterfall area. To get there: From the town of Phatthalung, take Highway 4 and, at the Kong Ra T-junction, turn right to follow Highway 4122 for around 29 km. There is a direction sign indicating another 3 km before the waterfall. Visitors can get to the waterfall on their own by means of taking a mini-bus on the Namtok Phraiwan ? Phatthalung Line at the bus stop diagonally opposite the Phatthalung Railway Station. The mini-bus departs daily every 15 minutes during 7.00 a.m. ? 5.00 p.m. The last bus from Namtok Phraiwan to Phatthalung leaves at 3.00 p.m.
'''Namtok Lan Mom Chui (??????????????)''' It is a waterfall amidst a shady forest in the area of the Ban Tamot Wildlife Protection Unit. The waterfall has divided layers in different names and a pool of water where visitors can enjoy swimming. To get there: From Amphoe Tamot, take Highway 4121 and switch to Highway 4237 toward Wat Tamot for around 18 km. The waterfall is around 4-5 km after Wat Tamot.
'''Khao Pu ? Khao Ya National Park (???????????????????? ? ??????)''' It is the 42nd national park of Thailand, which was declared on 27 May 1982. Its area of around 433,750 rai covers some parts in Phatthalung, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Trang provinces. The most geographical features are forests in the Banthat Range which has a complex of mountains with _eKhao Hin Thaen_f as the highest mountaintop. This national park is an origin of the Trang and the Pak Phanang Rivers. In Phatthalung, it originates Khlong Lamai, Khlong Mai Siap, and Khlong Nam Sai; all the three canals flow to combine and become Khlong Cha-uat and the Pak Phanang River. Most of the floras belong to a moist evergreen forest. Various plants grow densely, such as Yang, Takhian, Lumpho, Krabak, Champa Pa, Phikun, etc. Wild animals consist of 60 species of mammals, such as serow, barking deer, deer, least horseshoe bat, black-bearded tomb bat, etc. About 286 species of birds are found, such as Asian paradise-flycatcher, white-rumped shama, plain sunbird, rufous-chested flycatcher, orange-breasted trogon, green-billed Malkoha, white-crowned hornbill, emerald dove, ruddy kingfisher, etc. About 67 species of reptiles include common blind snake, black jungle monitor, king cobra, Draco volans, banded slender-toed gecko, soft-shelled turtle, etc. About 15 species of fish are found, such as true eel, Clarias teijsmanni bleeker, Nieuhof_fs walking catfish, Huat fish, pearl danio, etc. Amphibians found here include the Malayan horned frog, Peter_fs Malaysian frog, dark-sided frog, Asian giant toad, Tenasserim eastern frog, lesser toad, green-backed frog, etc. About 70 species of insects are found, such as giant bee, cicada, weevil, bug, five-horned scarab beetle, great helen, great Saturn, jungleking, etc. In addition, other places of interest are as follows:-
'''Tham Matcha Pla Won (?????????????)''' It is a medium cave, about 2 km from the park headquarters, Inside, there are 3 spacious chambers, stalactites, stalagmites, limestone curtain, and many bats. Furthermore, the Asian giant toad and millipede are also found here. At the cave_fs end, a water pool of 10 sq m is the habitat of shrimp, shell, and Clarias teijsmanni bleeker.
'''Pha Phueng (??????)''' It is a limestone cliff, around 300 m from the park headquarters. Giant bees always come to make hundreds of hives here every year during February to April. Walking along the hillside to the top, visitors will find viewpoints for nature and species of plants.
'''Nature Trails (????????????????????????)''' There are 2 trails within the area of the park headquarters. They are suitable for a study of nature and, herbs, or research on natural resources and biological environment.
Additionally, there is Namtok Riang Thong, Tham Wang Nai Phut, Namtok Khuan Pra, and Namtok Pak Chaem. The park has 11 reception houses on offer together with a camping site for visitors. For further details, contact the Khao Pu ? Khao Ya National Park at Tel. 0 7461 9654-5, or the Reception House Service Section, Department of National Park, Wildlife and Flora, Bangkok, at Tel. 0 2562 0760, www.dnp.go.th. To get there: From the city of Phatthalung, take Highway 41 for around 20 km. Then, turn left at the Pho Thong Junction to follow Highway 4164 (Khuan Khanun ? Khao Pu Road) for around 17 km. See a direction sign and turn left for around 4 km before arriving at the park.
'''Khlong Hu Rae (????????????)''' It is located in Tambon Tha Maduea, 33 km from the city of Phatthalung. Go along Phetchakasem Road for around 20 km and turn left to follow the Khao Chaison ? Chong Ke Road (Highway 4081). Turn right in front of the Khao Chaison District Office for another 5 km before reaching the canal. There is a taxi motorcycle service in front of the Khao Chaison District Office. Khlong Hu Rae or Hu Rae Canal is large and full of clear and clean water. The canal_fs bottom is sandy and boulders lie at its depth. It is a place suitable for recreation and swimming. Restaurants are available for visitors.
'''Bang Kaeo Shadow Puppet Figure and Handicraft Centre (??????????????????????????????)''' It is located at Mu 1, Ban Bang Kaeo, Tambon Tha Maduea, 36 km from the town of Phatthalung. It is around 9 km from the junction of Phetchakasem Road and the train track, or another 200 m from the train track. The Bang Kaeo Handicraft village consists of 25 members who carve hides into puppet figures for Nang Talung and Nang Yai shadow plays, as well as new figures in patterns required by customers. Their craftsmanship is exquisite and highly skilled. The products are distributed for sale throughout the country and overseas in more than 15 countries. To visit and buy puppet figures, contact the village_fs Chairman, Mr. Im Chanchum, at Tel. 0 7469 7160, or the Community Development Office, Amphoe Bang Kaeo, at Tel. 0 7469 7380.
'''Tham Sumano (?????????)''' It is a cave located in Tambon Ban Na, around 21 km from the town of Phatthalung on Phetchakasem Road (Phatthalung ? Trang route). The cave is around 500 m from the road. Inside, there are some stalactites and stalagmites, as well as spacious chambers. The cave is cool and shady with spectacular nature. It comprises a system of 18 small caves. Buddha images in different postures are housed in the cave. The cave is also used for insight development and Dharma practices.
'''Manora or Nora (???????????????)''' It is a kind of local performing art in the South. Phatthalung, in particular, is called an origin of the Manora dance. Assumably, it was an influence from the South of India, together with Lakhon Chatri (theatrical show by males). However, some dancing patterns were changed to match folk cultures in each province. There are 12 major dancing patterns. The audience will see dancing patterns and listen to lyrics sung by dancers, be they impromptu or composed verses.
'''Talung (?????)''' It is a popular folk performance in the South. Talung puppet figures are made of hard dried sheets of cattle hide cut and carved beautifully into characters for a shadow play. The characters are usually painted wholly in black and each of them is put firmly between a split bamboo slat called _eMai Tap._f A character_fs mouth and hands will be moved to accord with the narration. A Talung ensemble comprises puppet masters who are also vocalists, and a band, totalling not over 8 persons. The musical instruments include pipe, drum, Phon (a kind of local drum) and gong.
Most of the local products are handicrafts, such as products from Krachut or bulrush mat of Amphoe Khuan Khanun_fs Tambon Thale Noi (by the Plai Trok Ruam Chai Group of Agricultural Housewives), Nang Talung puppet products of Amphoe Bang Kaeo, coconut shell products of Tambon Chai Buri_fs Ban Khok Wua, etc. Famous souvenirs include Kalamae or coconut toffee of Tambon Nang Lat, Kluai Chap or crispy buttered banana and Luk Yi (velvet tamarind) candy of Amphoe Mueang Phatthalung, Kung Kaeo or crispy baked prawn of Amphoe Pak Phayun, etc.
'''Thale Noi Bird-watching Festival''' It was initiated in 1998 as an extra activity for the Amazing Thailand Year, and designed to suit the most important attraction of Phatthalung. There are ecotourism activities on offer in the Thale Noi Non-hunting Area for a period of one month (14 February ? 15 March) when beautiful nature and birds can be seen. The activities in each day include a long-tailed boat ride to do bird-watching and admire aquatic plants, local performances, agricultural products for sale, learning about the community_fs way of life, and local products purchase.
'''Khaeng Phon Lak Phra or Chak Phra Tradition (?????????????????????????????????)''' It is held on the fourteenth day of the waxing moon, the full moon day and the first day of the waning moon in the eleventh lunar month, which coincides with the End of Buddhist Lent. It is a tradition to move around Buddha images both by land and by river. In Phatthalung, it is observed by land. Beating Phon or local drum controls the movement of a Buddha image procession. Each procession representing a temple has its own drum beaters. When two processions meet, they exchange a challenging tune of drum beating. A Phon beating competition is, therefore, held every year at the Phatthalung Stadium and Hat Saen Suk Lampam (Lampam Beach), Amphoe Mueang Phatthalung. Activities in the event include a Phon beating contest by representatives from temples in Phatthalung and neighbouring provinces, a Phon procession contest, a Phon beating style contest, dancing performances, Sat Tom (throwing a traditional dessert made of sticky rice wrapped with a young leaf of Kapho or mangrove fan palm), a Buddha image procession contest, religious rites, water sports on the Lampam Lake, local arts and exhibition of Phatthalung and nearby provinces, such as Krachut or bulrush mat weaving and coconut shell products.
'''Examples of Tour Programmes'''
'''Programme I''' One day, one night.
'''Programme II ''' One day, one night.
'''Tips for Forest Trekking / Bird-watching'''
'''A Boat Ride for Bird-watching'''
'''Important Telephone Numbers'''
'''Tourist Information Centre'''
'''Tourism Authority of Thailand'''
Head Office
1600 Phetchaburi Road, Makkasan
Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400
Tel. 0 2250 5500 (120 lines)
Fax: 0 2250 5511
E-mail: center@tat.or.th
Website: www.tourismthailand.org
'''Ministry of Tourism and Sports'''
4 Ratchadamnoen Nok Road
Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100
Open daily during 8.30 a.m. ? 4.30 p.m.
'''TAT Southern Office Region 2'''
Sanam Na Mueang
Ratchadamnoen Road
Mueang Nakhon Si Thammarat
Nakhon Si Thammarat 80000
Tel. 0 7534 6515-6 Fax: 0 7534 6517
E-mail: tatnksri@tat.or.th
Areas of responsibility: Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, and Phatthalung.