PATTANI

Pattani, the capital of Pattani Province, is the center of Islam in Thailand and has a fairly large mosque, aptly named Central Mosque.

Pattani Province is 1,055km (659mi). from Bangkok and has an area of 1377sqkm (532sqmi). It is divided into the 8 districts Muang (the town of Pattani), Khoke Pho, Mayo, Nong Chik, Panar, Saiburi, Yarang and Yaring, and the sub-districts of Thung Yang Daeng, Mai Kaen and Ka Pho. Topographically, the province is a low basin suitable for agriculture.

Accommodation

Ban Heng Lun;
61 Rudi Rd,
Tel 34-9081
6 rooms, sgl/dbl 60-80 (f)

Chin-A;
97 Pattani-Phirom Rd,
Tel 34-9664
13 rooms, sgl/dbl 80-150 (f)

Chong-A;
1904 Prida Rd,
Tel 34-9039
32 rooms, sgl/dbl 100-180 (f)

June;
308 Pattani-Phirom Rd,
Tel 34-9021
22 rooms, sgl/dbl 100-150 (f)

Palace;
3840 Soi Prida, Prida Rd
Tel 34-9171, 34-9711
42 rooms, sgl/dbl 100-300 (f, ac)

Santisuk;
1/16 Phiphit Rd;
Tel 34-9122, 34-9209
38 rooms, sgl/dbl 100-200 (f, ac)

Thai An;
67 Pattani-Phirom Rd,
Tel 34-8267
5 rooms, sgl/dbl 60-100 (f)

Thai Hua;
91 Pattani-Phirom Rd,
Tel 34-9056
8 rooms, sgl/dbl 60-100 (f)

Thai Suwan;
113 Mu 7, Tambon Bana
14 rooms, sgl/dbl 80-150 (f)

Places of Interest

Pattani Central Mosque

The most beautiful and largest mosque in Thailand is in the outskirts of Pattani on the Pattani-Yala Highway.

Old Mosque at Kra Se

According to legend this mosque, 7km (4mi) from the town of Pattani on the Pattani-Narathiwat Highway, was cursed by Chao Mae Lim Kaw Niew so that its construction was and will never be completed.

Wat Chung Hai

This ancient monastery, about 1km (0.6mi) off the Khoke Pho - Yala Road, was owned by Luang Paw Tuad and is respected by people all over the country.

Mouth of Pattani River

At the Pattani estuary, 3km (2mi) from the town of Pattani, is the Songkhla Nakharin University, as well as a picturesque fishing village with thousands of coconut trees lined on the beach. It is suitable for an afternoon of relaxation.

Sai Khao Waterfall

The area near the waterfall is a pleasant arboretum with a stream running from the falls through shrubs and bushes. One can get there via a 6km (4mi) access road which branches off the Khoke Pho - Yala Highway.

Beaches

Pattani has a number of nice beaches such as Khae Khae Beach, Panar Beach, 43km (27mi) east of the town of Pattani, Patatimaw Beach near Saiburi, some 60km (38mi) southeast of the town of Pattani, and near Pase Yawaw Village, a local center for boat building.

Transportation

Bangkok - Pattani

Buses from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal on Pinklao - Nakhon Chaisi Road (in Thonburi); 1,149km, aircon 365 Baht, 18:00, 2nd cl 284 Baht, 18:30

Provincial Flights

Pattani - Hat Yai

Thai Airways has a direct flight from Pattani to Hat Yai twice a week. Departures are in the late afternoon. While departure times might change every 6 months, the changes are likely to be minimal while the frequency is basically maintained. Flight time is around 30min.

Hat Yai - Pattani

Thai Airways has a direct flight from Hat Yai to Pattani twice a week. Departures are in the mid-afternoon. Flight time is around 30min.

In 1973, Singapore legalized sex-reassignment surgery.