South Thailand / Kantang, Phattalung
Kantang
Kantang is a small town in Trang Province, right on the coast some 30km (19mi) southwest of the town of Trang.
Accommodation
Kantang;
97 Rasada Rd,
Tel 25-1093
15 rooms, sgl/dbl 100-200 (f, ac)
Siri Chai;
132 4 Sathonsathan-Phithak Rd
Tel 25-1172;
23 rooms, sgl/dbl 100-250 (f, ac)
Transportation
Bangkok - Kantang
A train for Kantang departs from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station daily at 18:30. Arrival at Kantang is at 11:30. Fare (excluding charges for rapid, express trains, aircon or sleeper) is 138 Baht for 3rd class, 290 Baht for 2nd class and 614 Baht for 1st class. The distance is 866km.
Kantang - Bangkok
One train daily leaves from Kantang for Bangkok at 12:40. Arrival is at 5:50.
Palian
Palian is a small town in Trang Province, right on the coast some 40km (25mi) southwest of the town of Trang.
Places of Interest
Surin Cave
A cave of great beauty near Palian.
Toan Teh Waterfall
A waterfall near Palian.
Palian Beaches
Nice beaches in the area are Chao Samran Beach and Tah Seh Beach. There are also several beautiful offshore islands such as Ko Sukon.
PHATTALUNG
Phattalung is a town with a unique landmark, two bizarre limestone formations, one of them hollow with a tunnel going through. The town is famed for its shadow plays in which figures cut out from bull hide are used.
The town is the capital of Phattalung Province which has an area of 3,424.5sqkm (1,322sqmi) and is divided into the six districts Muang (the town of Phattalung), Khao Chaison, Khuan Khanom, Pak Phayun, Kong Ra and Ta Mot and the sub-districts of Si Banphot and Pabon. The region is mountainous, and forested with a high plateau in the west sloping down towards the east to Songkhla Lake.
Accommodation
An Saeng;
18-20 Ramet Rd,
Tel 61-1406
9 rooms, sgl/dbl 80-140 (f)
Ho Fa;
28-30 Khuha Sawan Rd
Tel 61-1745 61-1920-2
94 rooms, sgl/dbl 130-260 (f, ac)
King Fa;
40/1 Ramet Rd,
Tel 61-1055
15 rooms, sgl/dbl 80-160 (f, ac)
Phattalung 1;
43 Ramet Rd
8 rooms, sgl/dbl 80-120 (f)
Phattalung 2;
34/1 Ramet Rd,
Tel 61-1045
15 rooms, sgl/dbl 100-180 (f)
Thai Hotel;
14-14/1-5 Dissara-Sakharin
Tel 61-1636;
50 rooms, sgl/dbl 150-250 (f, ac)
Thai Sakhon;
61 Ramet Rd,
Tel 61-1078
10 rooms, sgl/dbl 80-120 (f)
Places of Interest
Khuha Sawan Cave
Before arriving at Phattalung, one can see this hill, the top of which is split. At the left side is a cave in which Buddha images are enshrined along the wall. The locals are proud that King Rama V and King Rama VII have visited the cave.
Malai Cave
The cave has beautiful milky-white stalagmites and stalactites and ponds with clear and clean water.
Places of Interest
Saensuk Beach
The beach, 8km (5mi) from the town of Phattalung on the coast of Songkhla Lake, is lined with pine trees. Several offshore islands are nearby.
Khao Chaison Hot and Cold Water Ponds
The hot water pond is at the foot of Khao Chaison Hill near Khao Chaison village, some 20km (13mi) south of the town of Phattalung. A cold water pond, having a lot of small fish is nearby.
Khao Khram Waterfall
The waterfall, 30km (19mi) from the town of Phattalung, cascades through several levels from a high cliff. A reservoir suited for swimming is at the lowest level. The place is surrounded by evergreen forest.
Other Waterfalls
In addition, Phattalung has several other beautiful waterfalls such as Mom Jui Waterfall near Tamot; Ban Toan Waterfall near the town of Phattalung; Rui Nua Waterfall, Phraiwan Waterfall and Phaya Nakhon Waterfall near Si Banphot.
Phrathat Bang Kaeo
Buddha relics are enshrined in Wat Ta Khien near the old town of Bang Kaeo. It is the oldest Wat in Phattalung, constructed in the Ayutthaya period.
Transportation
Bangkok - Phattalung
Trains for various Southern destinations, all stopping at Phattalung, depart from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station at 12:35 (arr 3:15), 14:00 (arr 4:26), 15:15 (arr 5:41) and 16:00 (arr 7:15). Fares (excluding charges for rapid, express trains, aircon or sleeper) are 137 Baht for 3rd class, 288 Baht for 2nd class and 611 Baht for 1st class. The rail distance is 862km.
Buses from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal on Pinklao - Nakhon Chaisi Road (in Thonburi); 888km, non-aircon 165 Baht, 19:30; aircon 297 Baht, 19:00, 19:50, 21:10
Phattalung - Bangkok
Four trains from various Southern destinations, all stopping at Phattalung, depart for Bangkok at 15:34 (arr 6:35), 16:17 (arr 7:05), 18:14 (arr 8:35) and 18:49 (arr 10:00).
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