At Khao Ok Thalu, one detail catches the eye that cannot be reduced to its height: near the summit of the approximately 250-metre-high mountain is an opening that you can see through. The mountain is in the Tambon Khuha Sawan of Amphoe Mueang Phatthalung. A staircase leads to the summit, from where visitors can look out over the city of Phatthalung. Here, a distinctive rock feature and views of the city come together.
Rock, Forest and Water
Khao Pu–Khao Ya National Park represents another side of the landscape. It covers about 433,750 rai, or 694 square kilometres, and consists mostly of moist evergreen forest. The park is home to tapirs, rhinoceroses, monkeys, langurs and various birds, among other wildlife.
A distinctive water feature is found in Tham Phra Cave, 700 metres north of the Khao Chai Son hot spring. The cave contains a cold pool about one metre deep, with water present year-round. Ko Si, Ko Ha and Ko Kra showcase a different kind of landscape: the three islands form a limestone archipelago in Amphoe Pak Phayun, in the Phatthalung Sea, which is part of Songkhla Lake. The cave and islands thus draw attention to very different natural features of the province.
Temples with Different Stories
Wat Wang is in Tambon Lam Pam, six kilometres from the city of Phatthalung. Phraya Phatthalung (Thong Khao) commissioned this important religious site during the reign of Rama III. In the past, it served as the venue for the oath of allegiance ceremony in the Rattanakosin Kingdom. Inside the ubosot, tempera wall paintings depict Buddhist stories, and the principal Buddha image is also located there. The cloister contains 108 stucco Buddha figures. The temple’s history and features can be appreciated together, while distinguishing its former ceremonial role from its present-day function.
Wat Khuha Sawan has a different historical context as well as a distinctive location: the temple stands at the foot of Khao Khuha Sawan and near Phatthalung’s municipal fresh market. It was built during the Ayutthaya period and later became the province’s first royal monastery. Together, the two temples reflect different historical associations: at Wat Wang, the focus is on its former role in the Rattanakosin Kingdom and its murals; at Wat Khuha Sawan, it is on its construction period and later status as a monastery.
Rice Farming, Markets and Local Life
At Na Po Kae in Amphoe Khuan Khanun, the way of life of rice farmers is the focus of an ecotourism destination and learning centre. Visitors can learn about the traditional lives of Phatthalung’s rice farmers and try rice cultivation for themselves. Views of rice fields are among the experiences described, along with several photo spots. The site also has a large car park and a shop selling drinks and food. Those interested in agriculture will find not only a landscape to admire, but also a hands-on connection to rice cultivation.
Pa Phai Sang Suk Market opened on 28 January 2017 and welcomes visitors. Farmers and producers sell vegetables, fruit, food and local products directly to consumers. The market has five areas, including one for local food, a relaxation area, an activity area with cultural performances and family-oriented educational games, and a learning area at Kwanjai Bamboo Garden.
Tai Not Market in Amphoe Khuan Khanun is also a significant cultural and community destination in Phatthalung Province. Local cuisine, cultural performances and distinctive products are part of its character. Together with Pa Phai Sang Suk and Na Po Kae, it offers a glimpse of different aspects of local life: direct sales of produce, cultural market areas and opportunities to learn about rice cultivation.
An Activity with a Specific Duration
Lan Khoi rafting on Huai Nam Sai covers a distance of five kilometres and takes about two to three hours. Rafting began there in 2011. Its approximate duration helps you plan for this activity, which offers a different kind of outing from a visit to a temple or market. You can choose what to explore in Phatthalung based on what interests you most: rocky landscapes and forests, historic temples, agriculture and markets, or an activity on the water.
Discover more destinations: Ko Mak, Khuan Khanun District, Nong Thong, Khuha Sawan, Khuan Khanun, Saraburi, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Si Thammarat.
For the broader travel overview: Thailand.
