Pattani is a safe and lively province in Southern Thailand with old town, sacred temples, beautiful mosques, seaside location, a kilometer long market, and delicious food.
We stayed here for 8 days and were so impressed that we wanted everyone to experience it.
Safety in Pattani
Pattani is considered quite a big province and has a well-known university, lots of people, brightly lit roads, and nothing to worry about. The advice is just like any other big towns, i.e., don’t wander around to any ‘out-of-the-way’ areas alone at night.
And what about all the violence as seen in the news?
The stories seen in the news really happened. During the time I was in Pattani, there was news about bombings throwing, but it happened during the night in some distant remote districts where there were hardly any people around.
Dress Code
As the majority of the local population are Muslims, we highly recommended that women should dress conservatively, i.e., no tank tops, cropped waists, shorts, or miniskirts, that is appropriate and blend in with the local culture.
Best Attractions
Chao Mae Lim Ko Niao Shrine
Definitely one of the must-see attractions in Pattani. This shrine has stories that are related to several other places, such as Ban Khun Phithak Raya and Krue Sae Mosque. To save time, we will provide a brief narration on how are they all related.
The shrine’s original name was “Leng Ju Kiang Shrine” and was built in 1574.
Later, Phra Chin Kananurak*** invited Lim Ko Niao, a well-known and highly respected goddess from Ban Krue Sae to be enshrined in the shrine. And since then, the shrine’s name became known as Chao Mae Lim Ko Niao Shrine.
The statue of Goddess Lim Ko Niao inside the shrine is carved from a cashew nut tree and is considered highly sacred, especially for blessings about health.
It also enshrines many other gods, such as Zhou Sigong, the Ruby Goddess, and Tua Lao Ia. Therefore, the shrine is regularly visited by people that often come to perform rituals to ward off misfortunes.
If you are not so sure on how to perform such rituals, there is always a staff nearby who can give you detailed advice.
The chronicles of Goddess Lim Ko Niao and Krue Sae Mosque
Legend has it that Goddess Lim Ko Niao was a Chinese woman who came in search for her brother in Pattani following her mother’s wishes.
However, she could not convince him to return home as her brother had already married the daughter of Phraya Thani and converted to Islam. He also wanted to finish building the Krue Se Mosque first.
She was very saddened by this turn of events and decided to hang herself on a cashew nut tree. With her dying breath, she cursed that the mosque would not be built successfully.
Thereon after, whenever the mosque was nearly finished, it was struck by a lightning causing the roof to collapse. Visitors can evidently see that the Krue Sae Mosque has not been completed to this present day.
*** “Phra Chin Kananurak” is the father of “Khun Phithak Raya” and his house is a tourist attraction worth stopping by.
Location
• Google Maps
• The shrine is located in the Kuedajinor area and is just a short distance away from Khun Phithak Raya’s house.
Opening Hours
• 06.00-17.00 hrs.
• Closed on public holidays
• Every year on the 15th day of the waxing moon of the 3rd lunar month, a lively celebration for the goddess is held.
Admission Fee
• Free
References
• https://thai.tourismthailand.org
• https://th.wikipedia.org
• https://pattaniheritagecity.psu.ac.th
Kuedajinor
For anyone who enjoys reminiscing about the past, you should not miss Kuedajinor, which is a Chinese trading area since the ancient Ayutthaya period.
The architecture of this community is a mix of Chinese and Portuguese and is still very well looked after.
The area also features many attractive paintings that are suitable for taking photos.
“Kuedajinor” is a Malay word that means a Chinese community market; when broken down “kueda” means market, and “jinor” means Chinese.
Location
• Google Maps
Opening Hours
• 24 hrs.
Admission Fee
• Free
References
• https://readthecloud.co/travelogue-aromdee-pattani
• https://thai.tourismthailand.org
Ban Khun Phithak Raya
A century-old house that is an architectural reflection of the former prosperity of the Kuedajinor area. It also appears in old historical photographs during the Japanese landings in 1941.
The construction style still retains the aura of traditional China, as can be seen from the entire building structure, terracotta roof tiles, right up to the Chinese-style kitchen. The interior is decorated with the homeowner’s old items.
Anyone who likes historical tourist attractions and beautiful houses should not miss this place at all costs.
Location
• Google Maps
Opening Hours
• Advance reservation is required for a visit. The process is convenient and they also provide a guide to conduct the tour.
Admission Fee
• Free
Contact
• Tel: Miss Mayuree Songkaew, 081-609-4515
• Website: https://bankhunpitakraya.com
References
• https://virtualexpo.asa.or.th
• https://bankhunpitakraya.com
Krue Sae Mosque
An ancient religious place for Muslims that is over 200 years old and assumed to have been built during the Ayutthaya period. The building is not plastered and has mixed architecture of Islamic and Arabian styles.
It is a mosque that has not been successfully completed until this present day and, according to ancient legend, is related to the Goddess Lim Ko Niao.
Visitors can find Muslims praying silently all around the area. What you have to be careful of is not to walk in front of people who are praying. Tourists may enter the mosque, however, inside is only a small room with hardly any decoration.
Location
• Google Maps
Opening Hours
• 08.00-17.00 hrs.
Admission Fee
• Free
Reference
• https://www.bangkokpost.com
Take a Boat Trip at Bang Pu, Pattani
Take a long-tail boat ride through the lush mangrove forest. The main attraction is a 500-meter mangrove ‘tunnel’ where the boat will move slowly, giving us a chance to admire the surrounding nature.
Thereafter, the boat will float out of the canal into the wide sea, passing through the mangrove forest inhabited by dozens of birds. Then it will turn back into the small canal again before returning to shore. The whole trip takes about 60-90 minutes.
The scenery of the mangrove forest, the friendliness of the boat operators, and inexpensive prices, makes this one of our favorite spots in Pattani. So, don’t miss it.
Location
• Google Maps
Opening Hours
• 08.00-17.00 hrs.
Pricing
• A charter rate of 590 baht is available for 1-5 persons.
• For 6 persons or more, it’s 99 baht/person.
Contact
• Facebook: Bangputour
• Tel: 086-4912556, 084-0127690
References
• https://www.dasta.or.th
• http://www.chaicatawan.com
Wat Chang Hai Rat Buranaram
Features an old temple built more than 300 years ago, in which Luang Pu Thuat (Somdet Chao Phakho, Luang Pu Thuat that stepped on sea water and made it fresh), the highly-revered monk whom Southerners respected, was once an abbot, and is currently enshrined in a life-size statue.
As a result, there is a constant flow of tourists stopping by to pay their respects and ask for blessings.
Within the temple is an elephant statue and a pagoda containing the relics of the Lord Buddha that is 59 meters high and has a 7-tiered top made from 1524 grams of gold, suitable for taking photos as well.
This temple is located beside the railway line, far from Pattani city center. The route to and around the temple consist of lush green trees that are absolutely comforting to the eye.
Location
• Google Maps
Opening Hours
• 08.00-17.00 hrs.
Admission Fee
• Free
Reference
• https://thai.tourismthailand.org
Sai Khao Waterfall (White Sands Waterfall)
The waterfall was discovered about 90 years ago, and its source originates from the fertile evergreen forest of the Sankalakiri mountain range.
The waterfall is about 10 stories high but requires quite a bit of climbing. Therefore, tourists usually prefer playing in the waters of the first stage (including us).
Sai Khao Waterfall is not too far from Wat Chang Hai. Therefore, if you are visiting places outside of Pattani city center, we recommend you visit both places.
Location
• Google Maps
• Located not far from Wat Chang Hai, and it is recommended to visit both places on the same day.
Opening Hours
• 08.30-16.30 hrs.
• Closed between October 15-December 15
Admission Fee
• Adults: 20 baht
• Children: 10 baht
Contact
• Facebook: Namtok Sai Khao National Park
References
• https://nps.dnp.go.th
• https://thai.tourismthailand.org
Pattani Central Mosque
A large mosque opened in 1963 and its design is similar to the Taj Mahal combined with a Western-style church.
The building has a large dome in the center and 4 corner small domes flanked by minarets that are installed with loudspeakers for broadcasting calls to prayers.
Location
• Google Maps
Opening Hours
• Visitors are allowed to walk around 24 hours a day with no holidays.
• Visitors are not allowed to enter the building during prayer. Estimated times are 05.00, 12.00, 15.30, 18.00, and 19.00 hrs.
• Prayer times are not the same each day. Exact prayer times for each day can be viewed here.
Admission Fee
• Free of charge
Dress Code
• Dress conservatively, i.e., long pants or a skirt that covers your knees, and a shirt with sleeves.
• It is not necessary to wear a headscarf (hijab) to enter.
References
• https://pattaniheritagecity.psu.ac.th
• https://th.wikipedia.org
Bana Wooden Bridge
Bana Wooden Bridge features a very nice ambiance to visit, especially during the morning. The bridge was started from the collaborative efforts of the local community who wanted to create a mangrove conservation tourism destination.
“Bana” is Persian which means port city, as there used to be hundreds of cargo ships docked at the port in the past.
Location
• Google Maps
Opening Hours
• 24 hrs.
Admission Fee
• Free
References
• https://chailaibackpacker.com
• https://mgronline.com
Rong Peep Restaurant
A former metal bucket factory that has been renovated into a quirky café. The interior still retains the typical structure of a factory, and the machineries that were used to produce metal buckets are perfectly arranged as decorative items.
Vintage decorations are scattered all around, giving an ambiance similar to a gangster-era Chinese movie.
Not only is the place attractive, but it also features delicious food and beverages, such as mixed Radna (noodles in gravy sauce), chicken stir-fried noodles with creamy egg, and pickled egg on rice.
The downside is that this restaurant is in an alley and parking for private cars may be difficult to find.
Location
• Google Maps
Opening Hours
• 10.00-20.00 hrs.
Pricing
• $$
Rusamilae Market
Rusamilae Market is a street side market that is more than 1 kilometer long, and features a wide variety of clothing and food, with prices starting from 10 baht onwards.
This is a place that should not be missed by anyone who likes second-hand brand name products and appliances with wallet-friendly prices.
Location
• Google Maps
• To make it easy to understand, the area pinned on the map is considered the beginning of the market, whereas the end is towards Prince of Songkla University.
Opening Hours
• Sundays, around 08.00-12.00 hrs.
• Highly recommended going in the mornings as it gets pretty hot after 11.00 hrs.
Pattani Night Market
The small night market that offers a diverse range of affordable food from Thai Buddhists and Muslims, including rice and curry, Khanom Rang Khai, Khanom Krok, Krue Poh (fish crackers), and other Thai desserts.
A shop that we think you shouldn’t miss is a delicious Chinese chives dumpling shop. We have pinned it on the map for your reference.
Location
• Google Maps
Opening Hours
• From around 16.00 hrs. The market will begin to wind down at around 20.00 hrs.
• The Chinese chives shop is open between 16.00-19.00 hrs.
Other Attractions
Other interesting tourist attractions that are also worth mentioning include
Pattani Clock Tower
It is not a major tourist attraction, but becomes attractive when lights light it up in the evenings. Good for taking photos.
This place is also near the very delicious Pae-Chun pork noodle shop. If you stop by for noodles, visiting the clock tower is not a bad idea.
Location
• Google Maps
Opening Hours
• 24 hrs.
• Lights come on at around 18.00 hrs.
Chao Mae Lim Ko Niao Cemetery
After the passing of the Goddess Lim Ko Niao, her older brother buried her body at Pattani Bay.
After water flooded the original burial site, the mausoleum was moved to the side of Krue Sae Mosque. As for the statue of Goddess Lim Ko Niao, it has since been enshrined at the Goddess Lim Ko Niao shrine until this present day.
Location
• Google Maps
• It is next to Krue Sae Mosque
Opening Hours
• 24 hrs.
Admission Fee
• Free
References
• https://pattaniheritagecity.psu.ac.th
• https://thai.tourismthailand.org
Laem Ta Chee (Ta Chee Cape) and the road running along the coastline
Laem Ta Chee or Laem Pho is a sandy beach that is directly connected from Talo Kapo and Talo Samilae beaches.
It is formed from the sandbar that separates Pattani Bay and the Gulf of Thailand. What’s really interesting about this place is that the tip of the cape gets longer with each passing year.
The atmosphere of the coastline road before reaching the cape tip is very stunning and peaceful, especially during the sunset.
Unfortunately, the cape area is not so well-maintained as it should be, especially the toilet that is absolutely unusable. Maybe it’s because it’s quite a faraway destination and not frequented by tourists much.
Location
• Google Maps
Opening Hours
• 24 hrs.
• Not recommended for visits during the end of the year due to the Southern region’s rainy season.
Admission Fee
• Free
Reference
• https://thai.tourismthailand.org
Accommodations in Pattani
The Rooms Residence
A quiet and comfortable budget accommodation located in an alley near Pattani Hospital.
The rooms feature cool air conditioning, fast Wi-Fi network, and a makeup table that can accommodate laptops for working.
Parking is available under the building. However, if it is full, guests also have the option to park in the parking lot at the end of the alley which is located about 200 meters away, free of charge.
Book a room at The Rooms Residence with prices starting at only 690 baht per night.
• Agoda.com
ค้นหาที่พักจาก Agoda
Getting Around Pattani
Motorcycle taxis can be abundantly found around the city, especially in front of Pattani Hospital. Your hotel can also help to call a car for you.
For travels between districts, it is better to catch a bus at Pattani Provincial Transport Station, which also features taxis that uses an old classic Mercedes (that’s what I usually take when I was in Songkhla).
Most vans and buses have fixed prices along the route they run. But if you want to go outside of their usual routes, rates should be discussed individually with the drivers.
Pattani Province’s History
This area was once an important port for Chinese and Indian traders as evidenced in the records of many nations since the 11th Century (457-557 AD) and was known by its different names according to the local language of each country, such as Lang Yasu (Chinese), Langkasoka (Sanskrit), Langkasuka (Malay).
Lankasuka was a city where Buddhism flourished due to the discovery of antiques such as Buddha images, Mahayana Buddhist mantras written on pottery, and others.
Around the 19th Century (1257-1357 AD), Lankasuka reached its decline due to changes in the sea level making it no longer suitable to be a port city and the local population began to migrate. And it is assumed to be the origin of the present city of Pattani.
References
• https://www.pattanilocal.go.th
• https://th.wikipedia.org
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