Mountains, lakes and no tourists
Published/Last edited on 13th February, 2017.
If you’ve ever wondered what travelling in South Thailand was like before mass tourism arrived, make a trip to Phattalung. Filled with phenomenal food and laidback locals, the provincial capital stretches between striking limestone massifs where forest monks go to meditate. The rest of the province reveals one of Thailand’s best bird-watching venues along with mountains, waterfalls and an ancient palace set near the vast Songkhla Lake.
Phattalung truly is a rewarding destination for those who aren’t afraid to step off the well-trodden track. With that said, travellers accustomed to the English-speaking travel agents and Western restaurants found in places like Phuket, Krabi and Trang will be in for a shock. Very few locals speak English and getting around can be a challenge. Bring an open mind and a phrasebook, and you just might find the South Thailand that you’ve been searching for.
Historical details are foggy, but it’s thought that Phattalung was a minor kingdom administered by the Srivijaya Empire from the eighth to 11th centuries and the Nakhon Si Thammarat Kingdom in the 12th and 13th centuries, after which the area came under the sway of Ayutthaya. Most of the locals are Buddhist, with only around 10% of the population adhering to Islam. The violent civil disturbance that blights the nearby provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat has not spilled north into ... Travelfish members only please log in below to continue reading. The full text is around 800 words.)
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