While most people don’t think of Malaysia when thinking of southern Thailand, Narathwati is as much Malaysian as it is Thai. This province is at the south tip of the country, bordering Yala and Pattani, as well as the Malaysian states of Perak and Kelantan. The southern railway line ends in Narathiwat, making it an excellent location for a getaway.
In the past, the town was known as Manalo, a name derived from the Malay word for “border”. It was part of the Maenam Bang Ngae district and came under the administration of the Thai kingdoms of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. In the 18th century, Bang Ngae became a large trading town and was connected to the rest of the kingdom through well-developed transportation. King Rama V moved the administrative office from the village to the city of Manalo and gave it the name of “Narathiwat”.
In the nineteenth century, Narathiwat was part of the Malay Sultanate of Patani. It paid tribute to the Thai kingdoms of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, but gained independence in 1767. In 1909, King Rama I brought the town under his control and changed its name to Narathiwat, which means the residence of wise people.
One of the four provinces of Thailand with a predominantly Muslim population, Narathiwat is a Muslim community largely populated by farmers and fishermen. The town is home to numerous religious and historical sites. The provincial seal is a white elephant with a domed roof. The elephant commemorates the legendary white elephant Phra Sri Narat Rajakarini. While there is no mosque in the region, the town is home to several Buddhist temples, and some Hindu and Christian communities.
The town is divided into 12 districts. The central mosque of Narathiwat is a religious site for Muslims. It is located on Pitchitbamrung Road, approximately one kilometer from the provincial town. On Fridays, the mosque is the center for Thai Muslims. Interestingly, the central mosque of Narathiwat was built in 1981. Its domed roof represents a white elephant.
Must Do
There are many things to do in Narathiwat, including visiting the local markets and enjoying the local atmosphere. The riverside promenade is a popular venue for local festivals. A lively atmosphere is guaranteed in any season. Food stalls and souvenir shops line the street. The town also holds an annual fair in mid-Sep, where you can check out miniature Korlae boats. You can also find vendors of khao yam and fish crackers at the town’s market.
To learn more about the area, head to the Tourism Authority of Thailand office. It is just outside town on the Narathiwat-Takbai Road. The staff speaks English, and you can get maps of the Southern provinces and more. On a Saturday, make sure to take the time to visit the village’s famous Bang Nara Mosque and enjoy the festival. You can also try some of the town’s restaurants and see what all the fuss is about.
If you’re looking for a place to swim, Narathat Beach is a great place to spend the afternoon. The stretch of fine white sand stretches over the Bang Nara River and is dotted with fishing villages and food stalls. If you want to relax and enjoy the sun, this is a great destination for a relaxing day. If you’re a big fan of the sea, you can find some tasty seafood and snacks nearby at the beach.
Despite being a small town, Narathiwat pop about 40,000 is one of the largest provinces in Thailand. The population of the province is about 802,000 people makes it a wonderful place to visit. It is a beautiful area, with beautiful beaches and mountains. And there are fantastic temples and museums in the area. Its climate is tropical, so you can enjoy the beach and the surrounding mountains without worrying about the temperature.
There are many things to do in Narathiwat. There is a beautiful beach that stretches along the Bang Nga River. The beach is lined with fishing huts, and is a great place to relax after a long day of sightseeing. There are also food stalls and souvenir stalls in the area, so you can buy something special while you’re there. Throughout the year, there are many events to attend.
If you’re looking for something to do in Narathiwat, you should check out its many festivals. The city has a large Muslim population, so there are many festivals and events to celebrate. Visitors can enjoy a festival celebrating the Chinese goddess Tomo during the Chinese New Year and enjoy lion dances and religious ceremonies. If you’re visiting in September, be sure to check out the city’s annual royal cup, where boats race over the Bang Nara River.
The city’s climate is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 23degC to 34degC. It rarely falls below 21degC and rarely rises over 34degC. You can also visit the Sumatra-style wooden mosque in the town. This modern building was constructed in the late twentieth century. Moreover, the town is home to a number of other temples that are worth seeing.
Best Places to Eat in Narathiwat
One of the best places to eat in Narathiwat is the Nam Pong Road. It is a busy street with many options for Thai and international dishes. You can also enjoy local Muslim food with some of the many street food vendors. On the riverside, the Nangkom Tong Restaurant offers table seating with a floating segment below. There is also an excellent selection of khao yam, as well as fish crackers.
You can take a motorcycle taxi to get around town. In the evenings, the town is alive with festivities, including the famous Bang Nara Riverside Festival, which takes place on the last Saturday of the month.
Regardless of your dietary needs, you’ll be able to find delicious food in Narathiwat. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner with your loved one, a delicious local meal is sure to satisfy your hunger and thirst. The best places to eat in Narathiwat include noodle restaurants, seafood restaurants, and a wide variety of other dishes, which you can customize to suit your taste.
For a unique dining experience, try some of the local cuisines in Narathiwat. The locals have a great sense of humor and are known for their hospitable attitude. The climate of Narathiwat is generally overcast and oppressive, but the chilly winters are mild. The temperatures rarely fall below 21degC and never rise over 34degC.
Best Beaches in Narathiwat
Bang Nara Beach is a five-kilometer-long beach. The beach is flanked by the river, which is home to the annual Kolae boat races. Rows of pine trees line the river and offer some shade. You’ll also see a number of fishing villages spread along the bay. You can also visit the Bang Narai Temple Park, located about nine kilometers from town on Highway 4055. The Bang Ngarai Buddha is 17 metres high and 24 metres wide.
Another 2 beaches worthwhile checking out are Hat Narathat which is a 5km long sandy beach and is a popular beach for sailboarding. Ao Manao is a curved bay with casuarina trees off the sand. There are a number of vendors where you can get food and drinks. At the end of the beach you maybe able to see Thaksin’s Palace.
