Of the four provinces in Thailand’s deep south, Narathiwat is the most eastern. It is bordered to the east by Malaysia and to the south by the Gulf of Thailand. The coastal province, which developed from fishing towns around the Pak Bara River’s mouth, is now renowned for its multi-cultural beauty, abundance of wildlife, and regional cuisine.
The finest place to start a trip is Wat Chon Thara Singhe, a Buddhist temple in Tak Bai that marks the border between Thailand and Malaysia. The old temple takes you back to 1909, when the Kingdom of Siam gave the British Empire back control of four districts in northern Malaysia.
As he takes a party of Thai tourists inside Wat Chonthara Singhe, a local driver and guide in Narathiwat remarks, “Thailand should have gained more land beyond this temple when the Siamese and British were discussing the division.”
“Back then, the Siamese couldn’t attend a meeting the British arranged them in the Kelantan forest. At this temple, they had collapsed from extreme intoxication.According to the local guide, the British designated the territory where the Siamese were exterminated as belonging to Siam, and everything outside of that was under British protection.
That’s a decent narrative for a trip to the historic location. However, the truth can appear in many different ways, as you will see while exploring the temple.
1873 saw the founding of Wat Chonthara Singhe.
The rest is obvious.The Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909, which would have divided the country into Northern Malaysia and Southern Thailand, was negotiated by the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Siam. The Siamese argued that the region around Wat Chon Thara Singhe belonged to Siam.
This was a subject on which both parties could agree because the Buddhist temple insisted that this was, in fact, Siam. You may see a replica of the treaty in a modest temple museum, where Ralph Paget and Prince Devawong Varoprakar, the British and Siamese delegates who signed it on March 10, 1909 in Bangkok, are depicted in life-size models.
The temple is also well worth visiting for the historical structure and fresco paintings that previously hosted King Rama VI of Siam on his journey to Narathiwat in 1915.Narathiwat, which was a part of the long-lost Patani empire, was a bustling hub for trade along the Maritime Silk Route. In search of wealth, excitement, and love, it drew traders, monks, and explorers from all over the world. The coastal province’s population is now more ethnically diverse, and to honor their respective religions, there is a Chinese shrine, a Muslim mosque, and a Buddhist temple there.
It is essential to see the Wadil-Husen Mosque.
The Wadil-Husen Mosque, also referred to as the “300 Years Old Mosque,” was constructed in the year 1624 and continues to ring the bells for prayer. The mosque blends many Chinese, Thai, and Malay architectural traditions. It is entirely made of ironwood. One of the outstanding examples of craftsmanship in Narathiwat may be found in the intricate carvings, entrance stairs, carved wooden doors and windows, calligraphy, and decorating.
The Islam Heritage Museum and Quran Learning Center should be your next stop if you leave the Wadil-Husen Mosque feeling motivated. The museum, which has a significant collection of ancient Quranic and Arabic manuscripts, is located about 15 minutes’ drive from the famous mosque. Texts from the Quran are handwritten on papyrus and parchment in several places. You’ll be shocked to learn that the 600–1000-year-old Qurans in this collection were transported from every country where Islam was practiced, including Malay Nusandara, India, Persia, Egypt, Yemen, Spain, Morocco, and Uzbekistan.
Narathiwat is endowed with lovely beaches, a straight and plentiful shoreline, and a fair amount of goats and locals that share the deserted golden sand strip. The province was born from a fishing community, and the freshest fish is still brought into Narathiwat kitchens and restaurants by the coastal fishing industry, which is still flourishing and robust. When a kolae, a traditional and colorful fishing boat, reaches the beach, you may occasionally witness kids enthralled and excited.
The Narathiwat Municipal Market is the finest spot to discover fresh fish and creative ideas because it’s where neighborhood fishmongers do their daily business. With little alleys offering locally grown and farmed goods, it’s a delightful area to meander through. You’ll be excited to discover information on regional fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood, as well as what to order at nearby restaurants and what is in season.
In the heart of Narathiwat, a plethora of eateries are tucked away along the Bang Nara River’s bank. Popular menu items include authentic southern fare like gaeng som pla (sour and spicy yellow curry), smelly beans, and shrimp and chicken stew in turmeric soup.
In the Thai and Halal kitchens of the Rim Nam restaurant, seafood Ho Mok (steamed seafood curry) and many other fish dishes are made. Mangkorntong is the best Chinese restaurant in town and should be visited by anyone craving chicken meals or deep-fried fish with mouthwatering salad on top. If you’re traveling from another city to Tak Bai to see Wat Chon Thara Singhe, reserve a table for lunch at Nat Phop Yung Thong and indulge in the best southern cuisine Narathiwat has to offer. Don’t forget to order the specialty of Narathiwat, salted threadfin dish.Where do residents of Narathiwat go to take a walk in the woods?
The Sirindhorn Peat Swamp Forest, with 66,000 acres of peatland with rich biodiversity, lies about 26 kilometers south of the town center of Narathiwat. Many different species of mammals, birds, fish, and amphibians find refuge there, and the area also provides fish to the nearby villages. This peatland can be enjoyed by everybody; you don’t need to be a microbiologist or a forager. From the visitor center to the heart of the evergreen forest, where beauty, mystery, and tranquility coexist, boardwalks wind their way across the lake.
Should you travel
Between Bangkok (Don Mueang) and Narathiwat, Thai AirAsia offers flights.
