PATTANI
Pattani is a southern Thai province offering a blend of cultural heritage and natural landscapes, featuring unique mosques like the Krue Se Mosque and historical sites such as the ancient town ruins in Yarang. Visitors can explore the provincial capital’s vibrant culture, its coastline along the Gulf of Thailand, or natural attractions like the Sai Buri River. Despite being a region with some security concerns, visitors can find safe areas with heavy security presence and enjoy local cuisine and the friendly local population.
POPULAR ATTRACTIONS:
- Wat Chang Hai Rat Buranaram
- San Chao Mae Lim Ko Niao
- Masjid Klang Changwat Pattani
- Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park
- Masjid Kerisik
- Namtok Sai Khao National Park
- Laem Tachi
- Yarang Ancient Town
POPULAR MARKETS:
- Jabangtigor Market: A famous, historic food and flea market in Pattani’s old town, known for its local dishes and secondhand goods. The name means “three-way intersection” in Malayu.
- Green Market: A cultural hub in Pattani that showcases local traditions and food. Popular street food like Pad Thai and Som Tum are often prepared fresh at the market.
- Sai Buri Old Town: An ancient port town with a market area that reflects its multicultural history.
- Features old wooden buildings and walkways with a distinctive Melayu architectural style.
CULTURAL & CULINARY EXPERIENCES:
- Historic and religious sites: Visit key landmarks like the historic Krue Se Mosque and the Lim Kor Niao Shrine.
- Local traditions: Experience the emphasis on politeness and respect, such as the “tumpang lalu” custom where young people pass behind elders.
- Natural landscapes: Explore the province’s natural beauty, including forests, rivers, and seas.
- Unique local dishes:
- Spicy goat soup: A signature dish known for its meaty, sour, salty, and slightly spicy taste, often prepared with whole spices and a distinct local sea salt.
- Duck soup: A flavorful, aromatic soup made with a large amount of pounded herbs and spices, including lemongrass and black pepper, with a creamy yolk sauce added for texture.
- Pulo Sama Udae: A flavorful local breakfast item with Malay influence, available at roadside carts.
- Halal food: Enjoy a diverse range of Halal dishes, from traditional Southern Thai and Malay to Chinese and European options.
- Chinese-influenced cuisine: Look for dishes with Chinese influences, such as thick noodles in gravy and seafood, at restaurants like Shininoai.
- Local drinks and snacks: Try teh tarik (pulled tea), a popular local beverage.
- Markets: Explore street markets to find delicious and affordable local meals, often priced as low as $1 per dish.
- Dining experiences: Dine at restaurants like Buanga Raya Restaurant for a full range of local and international Halal food, which sometimes includes live folk music.
WHY VISIT:
Pattani for its unique cultural blend, historic and religious sites like the Pattani Central Mosque and Chao Mae Lim Ko Niao Shrine, and diverse natural scenery including beaches, forests, and waterfalls. It offers an authentic, less-touristy experience compared to other Thai cities, with a relaxed atmosphere, abundant halal street food, and opportunities for cultural immersion.
HOW TO GET THERE:
From the Phuket to Pattani, you can take a Car or Bus or Flight.
BEST TIME TO VISIT:
February to April: This is your best bet for good weather. The rain is less frequent.
October to December: This is the peak of the rainy season for the Gulf of Thailand area.
May to October: Its broader rainy season for parts of Thailand.
