Talk:Phatthalung/Listings

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Phra Phutthanirarokhantarai Chaiyawat Chaturathit or Phra Si Mum Mueang (พระพุทธนิรโรคันตรายชัยวัฒน์จตุรทิศหรือพระสี่มุมเมือง) is the Buddha image of the South and an auspicious object of worship of Phatthalung. This bronze Buddha image in the posture of meditation, graciously given to the province of Phatthalung by His Majesty the King on 24 December 1968, is enshrined in a pavilion with four porches on the foreground between the City Hall and Provincial Court of Phatthalung.

Wat Khuha Sawan (วัดคูหาสวรรค์) It is a temple located at the foot of Khao Khuha Sawan near the city market. This is one of the ancient monuments of Phatthalung. Assumably, it was built in around the 8th – 10th centuries. Inside the cave, a giant reclining Buddha image, pagoda, and other Buddha images are found together with some earthen votive tablets of the Srivijaya period. Inscriptions of royal initials belonging to King Rama V and Their Majesties the King and Queen appear in front of the cave. Furthermore, stucco arts in Tham Nang Khlot depict folklore.

Khao Ok Talu (เขาอกทะลุ) From Wat Khuha Sawan, follow Highway 4047 and Khao Ok Thalu or Mount Ok Thalu will be seen standing majestically to the east of the railway station. It is a symbolic figure of Phatthalung, having a height of around 250 m. There is a flight of stairs leading the way up to the mountaintop overlooking the city of Phatthalung. The distinctive feature is a hole near the top, where visitors can see through it.

Wat Wang (วัดวัง) It is a temple located in Tambon Lampam, around 6 km from town on Highway 4047 (the same route to Khao Ok Thalu). This is one of the important places of worship of Phatthalung. Initially, it was an ancient temple which was assumed to have been built in the late Ayutthaya period. During the reign of King Rama III, it was rebuilt by Phraya Phatthalung (Thongkhao). The temple once served as a ceremonial place for civil servants to swear an oath of allegiance to the king in the early Rattanakosin era. Later, the city of Phatthalung was moved to Tambon Khuha Sawan. The temple, therefore, was left in disrepair. In 1969, it was restored. The temple has many important items. The Ubosot (ordination hall) is in the architectural style of the Rattanakosin era, with the ‘Chofa’- gable finial, ‘Bai Raka’- crockets, and a front portico. Inside, there are tempera mural paintings which were assumed to have been drawn in the reign of King Rama IV. It was supposed that such paintings were the craftsmanship of the same artisans who drew the mural paintings in the Ubosot of Wat Phra Si Rattanasatsadaram or Wat Phra Kaeo. The paintings here depict the Lord Buddha’s life and a congregation of deities. One hundred and eight stucco Buddha images are enshrined in the gallery around the ordination hall. In addition, there is a pagoda, Wihan (image hall), and a preaching pulpit with golden patterns, which were also built in the Rattanakosin era. It is an ideal place for those who are interested in Thai architecture.

Rulers’ New and Old Palaces (วังเจ้าเมืองพัทลุง วังเก่า – วังใหม่) are located near Wat Wang. Once they served as a residence cum office of the governors of Phatthalung. Nowadays, some parts of them remain. Wang Kao or the old palace was built during the ruling of Phraya Phatthalung (Noi Chantharotwong). Later, the palace was inherited to Mrs. Praphai Mutamara, a daughter of Luang Si Worachat. Wang Mai or the new palace was built in 1889 by Phraya Aphaiborirak Chakkrawichit Phiphitphakdi (Net Chantharotwong), a son of Phraya Phatthalung who was the ruler of the city of Phatthalung at that time. The heirs of the Chantharotwong family gave the old and new palaces as national treasures to the Fine Arts Department. The palaces were registered as an ancient monument in 1983. The palaces are open daily, except for Mondays, Tuesdays, and public holidays, during 9.00 – 12.00 a.m. and 1.00 – 4.30 p.m. Admission is 30 Baht.

Phraya Thukkharat (Chuai) Monument (อนุสาวรีย์พระยาทุกขราษฎร์ (ช่วย)) It is located at the Tha Miram T-junction in the Municipality of Mueang Phatthalung. According to history, Phraya Thukkharat was a former monk named Phra Maha Chuai staying at Wat Pa Lelai. During the War of Nine Armies in the reign of King Rama I, Phra Maha Chuai assisted Phraya Phatthalung who headed a force of villagers to fight against and defeat the Burmese army. Later, he left the monkhood and was royally appointed as Phraya Thukkharat in charge of official duties as an assistant to the city ruler. At the time, “Phraya” was the rank equivalent to the city ruler.

Hat Saen Suk Lampam (หาดแสนสุขลำปำ) It is a beach around 2 km from Wat Wang on Highway 4047. This sandy beach along the coastal line of Songkhla Lake is fringed by shady pine trees. The pavilion jutting into the sea called ‘Sala Lampam Thi Rak,’ serves as a viewpoint to admire the lake’s surroundings. Additionally, there is a bridge linking the beach to a nearby small island called Ko Loi, which resulted from sediment compilation at the mouth of the Lampam River.

Coconut Shell Handicraft Centre of Mueang Phatthalung (ศูนย์รวมหัตถกรรมกะลามะพร้าวเมืองพัทลุง) It is located at Mu 1, Tambon Chai Buri, around 6 km from town on the route to the Sai Yuan Junction. This is a village of handicrafts made from coconut shell. The products are so famous that their production place is acclaimed as the village of million-baht-worth coconut shells. From an initiative of Mr. Pluem Chukhong, Head of the community, coconut shells were introduced and designed into kitchen utensils and ornaments, such as spoon, coffee cup, water bowl, dipper, ladle, lamp, etc. Products are sold domestically and overseas.

Amphoe Khuan Khanun

Thale Noi Non-hunting Area (เขตห้ามล่าสัตว์ป่าทะเลน้อย) Though being declared a non-hunting area on 18 February 1975, it is commonly called ‘Thale Noi Waterfowl Park.’ This is the first non-hunting area ever founded in Thailand, under the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Flora, Ministry of National Resources and Environment. The Khuan Khi Sian Peat Swamp in the area around Thale Noi or Noi Lake is the first Ramsar site of Thailand. This non-hunting area covers an area of around 285,625 rai. It has been selected as a significant wetland area of the country, including areas in three provinces; namely, Phatthalung, Songkhla, and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Its water area (Thale Noi Lake) accounts for 17,500 rai. Most parts of the Thale Noi Non-hunting Area are lakeside plains consisting of rice fields, peat swamp forest, and grasslands. Thale Noi Lake is around 5 km wide and 6 km long, having aquatic plants growing on the lake surface, such as hyacinth, Kong tree (Hanguana malayana), pale yellow-spiked rush, lotus, and floating plants. Its average depth is 1.25 m. Fauna inhabiting here comprises 287 species of waterfowls, 26 species of reptiles, and 6 species of mammals. The waterfowls are both resident and migratory, such as painted stork, black-headed ibis, grey heron, purple heron, little cormorant, black-crowned night-heron, etc. Interesting things at the Thale Noi Waterfowl Park are the Thale Noi Palace, sea of blooming lotus in the morning, flocks of waterfowls, the nesting and egg-laying grounds of waterfowls at Ao Mo and those at Khuan Thale Mong, Khuan Khi Sian Ranger Station, and the Sala Nang Riam viewpoint.

To get there: From the city of Phatthalung, take Highway 4048 (Phatthalung – Khuan Khanun) for around 32 km; there are direction signs along the asphalt road. By train, get off at the Pak Khlong Railway Station to connect to a bus to Thale Noi for around 8 km. Furthermore, the Thale Noi Non-hunting Area offers a tourist information centre, a welfare shop, 5 reception houses, and 60 tour boats. For further details, call Tel. 0 7468 5230.

Amphoe Khao Chaison

Wat Khian Kaeo (วัดเขียนบางแก้ว) It was recognized as a model temple for development in 1990. This ancient temple has Phrathat Bang Kaeo which is an imitation of Phra Mahathat Chedi of Nakhon Si Thammarat, but in a smaller scale. It is one of the ancient places of worship of Phatthalung believed to have been built in the early Ayutthaya period. Assumably, the temple area had been the location of the city of Phatthalung since laterite debris and numerous Buddha images were found. In addition, the temple houses a museum where Buddha images and crockery have been collected. To visit the museum, permission from the abbot is required. To get there: Take Highway 4081 and drive past Amphoe Khao Chaison for around 7 km. At Km 14 in Ban Bang Kaeo Tai, a direction sign on the left indicates the distance of 2.5 km to reach the temple.

Laem Chong Thanon (แหลมจองถนน) It is a fishing village in Tambon Chong Thanon. From the city of Phatthalung, follow Phetchakasem Road and turn left past Amphoe Khao Chaison for around 12 km. The total distance from the city of Phatthalung is 39 km. The village is on a hill sloping down to the beach of Songkhla Lake, and overlooking vistas and islands. Restaurants are also available for visitors.

Amphoe Kong Ra

Namtok Phraiwan (น้ำตกไพรวัลย์) It is a waterfall located in the area of Ban Phut Ranger Station, Khao Banthat Wildlife Sanctuary, in Tambon Khlong Chaloem. This large-scale waterfall is tranquil and full of shady trees. There are food shops in the waterfall area. To get there: From the town of Phatthalung, take Highway 4 and, at the Kong Ra T-junction, turn right to follow Highway 4122 for around 29 km. There is a direction sign indicating another 3 km before the waterfall. Visitors can get to the waterfall on their own by means of taking a mini-bus on the Namtok Phraiwan – Phatthalung Line at the bus stop diagonally opposite the Phatthalung Railway Station. The mini-bus departs daily every 15 minutes during 7.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. The last bus from Namtok Phraiwan to Phatthalung leaves at 3.00 p.m.

Amphoe Tamot

Namtok Lan Mom Chui (น้ำตกหม่อมจุ้ย) It is a waterfall amidst a shady forest in the area of the Ban Tamot Wildlife Protection Unit. The waterfall has divided layers in different names and a pool of water where visitors can enjoy swimming. To get there: From Amphoe Tamot, take Highway 4121 and switch to Highway 4237 toward Wat Tamot for around 18 km. The waterfall is around 4-5 km after Wat Tamot.

Amphoe Si Banphot

Khao Pu – Khao Ya National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาปู่ – เขาย่า) It is the 42nd national park of Thailand, which was declared on 27 May 1982. Its area of around 433,750 rai covers some parts in Phatthalung, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Trang provinces. The most geographical features are forests in the Banthat Range which has a complex of mountains with ‘Khao Hin Thaen’ as the highest mountaintop. This national park is an origin of the Trang and the Pak Phanang Rivers. In Phatthalung, it originates Khlong Lamai, Khlong Mai Siap, and Khlong Nam Sai; all the three canals flow to combine and become Khlong Cha-uat and the Pak Phanang River. Most of the floras belong to a moist evergreen forest. Various plants grow densely, such as Yang, Takhian, Lumpho, Krabak, Champa Pa, Phikun, etc. Wild animals consist of 60 species of mammals, such as serow, barking deer, deer, least horseshoe bat, black-bearded tomb bat, etc. About 286 species of birds are found, such as Asian paradise-flycatcher, white-rumped shama, plain sunbird, rufous-chested flycatcher, orange-breasted trogon, green-billed Malkoha, white-crowned hornbill, emerald dove, ruddy kingfisher, etc. About 67 species of reptiles include common blind snake, black jungle monitor, king cobra, Draco volans, banded slender-toed gecko, soft-shelled turtle, etc. About 15 species of fish are found, such as true eel, Clarias teijsmanni bleeker, Nieuhof’s walking catfish, Huat fish, pearl danio, etc. Amphibians found here include the Malayan horned frog, Peter’s Malaysian frog, dark-sided frog, Asian giant toad, Tenasserim eastern frog, lesser toad, green-backed frog, etc. About 70 species of insects are found, such as giant bee, cicada, weevil, bug, five-horned scarab beetle, great helen, great Saturn, jungleking, etc. In addition, other places of interest are as follows:-

Tham Matcha Pla Won (ถ้ำมัจฉาปลาวน) It is a medium cave, about 2 km from the park headquarters, Inside, there are 3 spacious chambers, stalactites, stalagmites, limestone curtain, and many bats. Furthermore, the Asian giant toad and millipede are also found here. At the cave’s end, a water pool of 10 sq m is the habitat of shrimp, shell, and Clarias teijsmanni bleeker.

Pha Phueng (ผา��ึ้ง) It is a limestone cliff, around 300 m from the park headquarters. Giant bees always come to make hundreds of hives here every year during February to April. Walking along the hillside to the top, visitors will find viewpoints for nature and species of plants.

Nature Trails (เส้นทางเดินศึกษาธรรมชาติ) There are 2 trails within the area of the park headquarters. They are suitable for a study of nature and, herbs, or research on natural resources and biological environment.

Additionally, there is Namtok Riang Thong, Tham Wang Nai Phut, Namtok Khuan Pra, and Namtok Pak Chaem. The park has 11 reception houses on offer together with a camping site for visitors. For further details, contact the Khao Pu – Khao Ya National Park at Tel. 0 7461 9654-5, or the Reception House Service Section, Department of National Park, Wildlife and Flora, Bangkok, at Tel. 0 2562 0760, www.dnp.go.th. To get there: From the city of Phatthalung, take Highway 41 for around 20 km. Then, turn left at the Pho Thong Junction to follow Highway 4164 (Khuan Khanun – Khao Pu Road) for around 17 km. See a direction sign and turn left for around 4 km before arriving at the park.

Amphoe Bang Kaeo

Khlong Hu Rae (แอ่งน้ำหูแร่) It is located in Tambon Tha Maduea, 33 km from the city of Phatthalung. Go along Phetchakasem Road for around 20 km and turn left to follow the Khao Chaison – Chong Ke Road (Highway 4081). Turn right in front of the Khao Chaison District Office for another 5 km before reaching the canal. There is a taxi motorcycle service in front of the Khao Chaison District Office. Khlong Hu Rae or Hu Rae Canal is large and full of clear and clean water. The canal’s bottom is sandy and boulders lie at its depth. It is a place suitable for recreation and swimming. Restaurants are available for visitors.

Bang Kaeo Shadow Puppet Figure and Handicraft Centre (ศูนย์ศิลปหัตกรรมรูปหนังบางแก้ว) It is located at Mu 1, Ban Bang Kaeo, Tambon Tha Maduea, 36 km from the town of Phatthalung. It is around 9 km from the junction of Phetchakasem Road and the train track, or another 200 m from the train track. The Bang Kaeo Handicraft village consists of 25 members who carve hides into puppet figures for Nang Talung and Nang Yai shadow plays, as well as new figures in patterns required by customers. Their craftsmanship is exquisite and highly skilled. The products are distributed for sale throughout the country and overseas in more than 15 countries. To visit and buy puppet figures, contact the village’s Chairman, Mr. Im Chanchum, at Tel. 0 7469 7160, or the Community Development Office, Amphoe Bang Kaeo, at Tel. 0 7469 7380.

King Amphoe Srinagarindra

Tham Sumano (ถ้ำสุมะโน) It is a cave located in Tambon Ban Na, around 21 km from the town of Phatthalung on Phetchakasem Road (Phatthalung – Trang route). The cave is around 500 m from the road. Inside, there are some stalactites and stalagmites, as well as spacious chambers. The cave is cool and shady with spectacular nature. It comprises a system of 18 small caves. Buddha images in different postures are housed in the cave. The cave is also used for insight development and Dharma practices.

Local arts and culture

Manora or Nora (มโนราห์หรือโนรา) It is a kind of local performing art in the South. Phatthalung, in particular, is called an origin of the Manora dance. Assumably, it was an influence from the South of India, together with Lakhon Chatri (theatrical show by males). However, some dancing patterns were changed to match folk cultures in each province. There are 12 major dancing patterns. The audience will see dancing patterns and listen to lyrics sung by dancers, be they impromptu or composed verses.

Talung (ตะลุง) It is a popular folk performance in the South. Talung puppet figures are made of hard dried sheets of cattle hide cut and carved beautifully into characters for a shadow play. The characters are usually painted wholly in black and each of them is put firmly between a split bamboo slat called ‘Mai Tap.’ A character’s mouth and hands will be moved to accord with the narration. A Talung ensemble comprises puppet masters who are also vocalists, and a band, totalling not over 8 persons. The musical instruments include pipe, drum, Phon (a kind of local drum) and gong.

Festivals

Thale Noi Bird-watching Festival It was initiated in 1998 as an extra activity for the Amazing Thailand Year, and designed to suit the most important attraction of Phatthalung. There are ecotourism activities on offer in the Thale Noi Non-hunting Area for a period of one month (14 February – 15 March) when beautiful nature and birds can be seen. The activities in each day include a long-tailed boat ride to do bird-watching and admire aquatic plants, local performances, agricultural products for sale, learning about the community’s way of life, and local products purchase.

Khaeng Phon Lak Phra or Chak Phra Tradition (งานประเพณีแข่งโพนลากพระหรือชักพระ) It is held on the fourteenth day of the waxing moon, the full moon day and the first day of the waning moon in the eleventh lunar month, which coincides with the End of Buddhist Lent. It is a tradition to move around Buddha images both by land and by river. In Phatthalung, it is observed by land. Beating Phon or local drum controls the movement of a Buddha image procession. Each procession representing a temple has its own drum beaters. When two processions meet, they exchange a challenging tune of drum beating. A Phon beating competition is, therefore, held every year at the Phatthalung Stadium and Hat Saen Suk Lampam (Lampam Beach), Amphoe Mueang Phatthalung. Activities in the event include a Phon beating contest by representatives from temples in Phatthalung and neighbouring provinces, a Phon procession contest, a Phon beating style contest, dancing performances, Sat Tom (throwing a traditional dessert made of sticky rice wrapped with a young leaf of Kapho or mangrove fan palm), a Buddha image procession contest, religious rites, water sports on the Lampam Lake, local arts and exhibition of Phatthalung and nearby provinces, such as Krachut or bulrush mat weaving and coconut shell products.

Buy

Most of the local products are handicrafts, such as products from Krachut or bulrush mat of Amphoe Khuan Khanun’s Tambon Thale Noi (by the Plai Trok Ruam Chai Group of Agricultural Housewives), Nang Talung puppet products of Amphoe Bang Kaeo, coconut shell products of Tambon Chai Buri’s Ban Khok Wua, etc. Famous souvenirs include Kalamae or coconut toffee of Tambon Nang Lat, Kluai Chap or crispy buttered banana and Luk Yi (velvet tamarind) candy of Amphoe Mueang Phatthalung, Kung Kaeo or crispy baked prawn of Amphoe Pak Phayun, etc.

Eat

• Khuhu 9/10 Pracha Bamrung Road, Tambon Khuha Sawan. Tel. 0 7461 1938.

• Phakphuak Phadungdonyo Road. Tel. 0 7461 3719.

• Khrua Kanya Phadungdonyo Road, Tambon Khuha Sawan. Tel. 0 7462 6775.

• Nong Nit Saen Suk Lampam Beach. Tel. 0 7460 4525.

• Lampam Resort&Hotel, Aphaiborirak Road. www.lampamresort.com Tel. 0 7460 4525.Fax 074 604 528

• Khuan Maphrao Food Garden 5 Mu 9, Tambon Khuan Maphrao. Tel. 0 7461 2895.

• Suan Phai Food Garden Asian Highway. Tel. 0 7461 2930. (Thai food).

• Im Yok 1 393 Ramet Road. Tel. 0 7461 3393. (Thai food).

• Im Yok 2 Phatthana Road, Tambon Khuha Sawan, Tel. 0 7461 1983.

Sleep

• Grand Mansion 64/12 Pracha Bamrung Road (behind the Siam Commercial Bank), Tambon Khuha Sawan. Tel. 0 7461 5705, Fax: 0 7461 2223. 56 rooms: 400 – 600 Baht.

• Sunshine Resort Phetchakasem Road, Tambon Tha Khae. Tel. 08 1093 3780. 20 rooms: 400 – 500 Baht.

• Dina Inn Chai Buri Road, Chong Ko T-junction. Tel. 0 7461 3026, 0 7461 1209. 24 rooms: 300 – 450 Baht.

• Tawan Dao Resort Chai Buri Road, Tambon Khuha Sawan. Tel. 0 7461 3029. 24 rooms: 300 – 450 Baht.

• Chai Han Resort Tambon Khuan Maphrao. Tel. 08 7297 9267. 10 rooms: 150 – 220 Baht.

• Tony Village Tambon Prang Mu, Phatthalung Road. Tel. 0 7461 3699. 32 rooms: 300 Baht.

• Thai Hotel 14-14/1 – 5 Ditsara-Sakharin Road. Tel. 0 7461 1636, 0 7461 1797 – 8. 50 rooms: 350 – 600 Baht.

• Ban Nang Nuan 53 Mu 9, Tambon Khuan Maphrao. Tel. 0 7461 2924. 25 rooms: 150 – 300 Baht.

• PK 1 Wirasak Ratchaphatthana Road, Tambon Khuha Sawan. Tel. 07461 6064. 35 rooms: 200 – 400 Baht.

• PK 2 173-174 Phetchakasem Road, Tambon Tha Miram. Tel. 0 7461 7560. 22 rooms: 200 – 300 Baht.

• River Tambon Tamnan. Tel. 0 7461 5460. 24 rooms: 150 – 300 Baht.

• Little Grand Hotel Phatthalung – Trang Road, Tambon Tha Khae. Tel. 08 1691 3333, 08 4312 6579. 70 rooms: 300 – 500 Baht.

• Holiday Hotel Phatthalung Phadungdonyo Road. Tel. 0 7461 2555. 13 rooms: 450 – 650 Baht.

• Lampam Resort&Hotel 88 Mu 6, Aphaiborirak Road, Tambon Lampam. Tel. 0 7460 4525, Fax: 0 7460 4528. www.lampamresort.com 68 rooms: 400 – 1,200 Baht.

• Ho Fa 28-30 Khuha Sawan Road. Tel. 0 7461 1920, 0 7461 1645. 73 rooms: 200 – 500 Baht.

--(WT-en) globe-trotter 19:01, 5 February 2010 (EST)