Explore places in Narathiwat
Bordering Malaysia, Narathiwat sits at the bottom of Thailand and has a blend of cultures and scenic nature reserves. Unlike big cities like Bangkok and Phuket, it offers a slow pace of life and many natural spots to visit. Whether you’re a beach person or a mountain person, you can find them both in this city.
If you set up an adventure in the south of Thailand, we hope you don’t skip Narathiwat and make sure you include these nine sites in your itinerary for a fun journey.
1. Pha Nub Dao (ผานับดาว) — discover massive thick jungles covered in fog
Image credit: @zerntrino via Instagram
Pha Nub Dao is an ideal destination to hit in wintertime for nature lovers. It has viewpoints where you can appreciate beautiful mountain ranges covered in a sea of fog in the morning. A little challenge you will have is a 500-metre hike to reach a viewpoint and enjoy a breathtaking view.
There’s a campsite where you can take joy in camping and gazing at thousands of twinkling stars in the sky at night amid thick forests.
For homestays, prices start from ฿2,000 (~USD54.22)/night. You can check out สายธารทองรีสอร์ท, which is a resort you can find in the proximity to the mountain.
Address: Sukhirin, Sukhirin District, Narathiwat 96190
Opening hours: 24hr, Daily
Entrance fee: ฿180 (~USD5.42)
Contact: +66 6 3584 8300| Google Maps
2. Pajo Waterfall (น้ำตกปาโจ) — get some fresh air at a scenic 4-level waterfall
Image credit: @worakim via Instagram
Pajo Waterfall or น้ำตกปาโจ in Thai is a notable 4-level waterfall hidden in Budo Su-Ngai National Park. The first level is the largest level and offers a pool where you can relax and play in the water that flows 60 metres from the top.
The admission fee is ฿100 (~USD2.71) for foreigners and ฿50 (~USD1.36) for Thais.
Address: Lubo Sawo, Bacho, Bacho District, Narathiwat 96170
Opening hours: 9am-4.30pm, Daily
Entrance fee: ฿100 (~USD2.71) for foreigners and ฿50 (~USD1.36) for Thais.
Contact: +66 7 353 0406 | Google Maps
3. Masjid Wadi al-Husein (มัสยิดวาดีลอัลฮูเซ็น) — tour a 300-year-old mosque
As the oldest wooden mosque in Thailand, Masjid Wadi al-Husein was built in 1634 as a community for the Muslims during the time. The mosque connects two buildings and blends architectural elements from Chinese, Thai, and Malay styles, using materials like hummingbird tree wood and ironwood. Its most prominent features are carving patterns and a Chinese minaret on the roof.
These days, the mosque continues to be in use, with numerous Muslims visiting for their prayers. It stands as one of Narathiwat’s prominent attractions, attracting a considerable number of tourists.
Address: Lubosawo, Bacho District, Narathiwat 96170
Direction: Google Maps
4. Hala Bala Wildlife Sanctuary (เขตรักษาพันธุ์สัตว์ป่าฮาลา บาลา) — get away in an enormous lush forest with diverse creatures
Image credit: @sudip_saha_nature via Instagram
Hala Bala Wildlife Sanctuary, a serene wildlife sanctuary, offers an ideal nature retreat to escape the city’s hustle. During the rainy season and winter, the forest transforms into a misty wonderland. It hosts 500+ plant species, 50 mammal species, and 300 bird species, including 10+ types of hornbills. Nearby, Chulaporn Village 9 features the spectacular 100-meter Halazah Waterfall.
For a scenic experience, visit Bang Lang Dam and enjoy a long-tail boat ride with friends for ฿500 (~USD2.91) per boat that accommodates up to five people or opt for a 2D1N trip on a larger boat at ฿15,000 (~USD435.92) for 35 people, sharing the cost with fellow passengers.
Address: 4062, Lochut, Waeng District, Narathiwat 96160
Opening hours: 8am-6pm, Daily
Contact: +66 97 117 5567 | Chulaporn Village 9’s Facebook | Google Maps
5. Tha Phraya Sai Dam (เขื่อนท่าพระยาสาย) — spend peaceful time by a large lake in the middle of the city
Image credit: นราธิวาสกินไรดี via Facebook
If you’re going out downtown, look no further than Tha Phraya Sai Dam. It seems to be a relaxing spot to enjoy the lake view in the province. The atmosphere is pleasant, and you can take in the view of the dam in the comfortable, cool weather, making it suitable for chatting and leisurely strolls.
In proximity, you can also go look around Rim Khuen Market in the evening. It’s a night market that’s open from 2pm to 11pm every day.
Address: Bang Nak, Mueang Narathiwat District, Narathiwat 96000
Direction: Google Maps
6. Ao Manao (อ่าวมะนาว) — stroll on a long curving sandy beach on a summer day
Image credit: @nazofahhijab via Instagram
Just a 15-minute drive away, Ao Manao is known for its lovely sandy beach and clear waters. Many visitors enjoy picnicking under the shade of the pine trees along the shoreline and enjoy water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding.
Address: Moo 12 Kaluwo Nuea, Mueang Narathiwat District, Narathiwat 96000
Direction: Google Maps
7. Wat Khao Kong (พุทธมณฑลจังหวัดนราธิวาส) — visit a huge golden Buddha overlooking the city
Image credit: @alaskacnx via Instagram
Make a trip to Wat Khao Kong aka พุทธมณฑลจังหวัดนราธิวาส — a green temple complex with a huge Buddha statue placed atop a hill to visit. Turn to the left side, you’ll see an old creamy pagoda with a long stairway where you can climb up and snap its oldness. The temple is spread out and surrounded by a lot of trees, so you’ll find it calming and refreshing.
Address: Lam Phu, Mueang Narathiwat District, Narathiwat 96000
Direction: Google Maps
8. Narathat Beach (หาดนราทัศน์) — head to a 5-km beach for relaxing glamping
Image credit: @jo_atchapong via Instagram
If strolling along the beach is your passion, this Narathat Beach has a 5-kilometre sandy beach for you to enjoy the activity. The beach is quiet and offers a soothing atmosphere, making it a nice spot to have a picnic with a partner or family. Plus, the area hosts an annual boat race.
Address: Bang Nak, Mueang Narathiwat District, Narathiwat 96000
Direction: Google Maps
9. Pa Phru To Daeng (ป่าพรุโต๊ะแดง) — enjoy your time exploring a swamp forest
Image credit: @joobdusadee via Instagram
For nature lovers, we would like to invite you to check out this place for your joy. Pa Phru To Daeng aka Sirindhorn Peat Swamp Forest Nature Research is the last remaining large and biodiverse forest in pristine condition. It boasts high biodiversity and various benefits for both the environment and humanity. It was established with the primary objectives of studying, researching, and conserving the forest’s resources. Additionally, it aims to promote awareness among the public about the significance of this forest.
You’ll be surrounded by over 500 plant species, including large trees, shrubs, climbers, and groundcover plants, with some notable ones used for food and medicinal purposes. Moreover, it houses a diverse range of wildlife, from large mammals like bears and wild boars to elusive creatures like flying lemurs and pythons. It also stands as a vital natural treasure, rich in both flora and fauna, and plays a crucial role in ecological conservation efforts.
Lastly, entry to this destination is free.
Address: Puyo, Su-ngai Kolok District, Narathiwat 96120
Opening hours: 8.30am-4.30pm, Daily
Contact: +66 7 353 6065 | Google Maps
Have a good trip and enjoy Narathiwat
Narathiwat, located in southern Thailand, offers a rich tapestry of experiences waiting to be explored. It is characterized by a captivating blend of cultures, seamlessly intertwining Malay and Thai influences. This province beckons travellers with an array of things to do and see, promising a journey of cultural discovery and natural beauty.
It’s best to travel with your own car for convenience, but you can hail a taxi to get around in certain areas around the downtown area.
If you want more places to go, feel free to visit 8 historical parks worth visiting in Thailand, 8 colourful temples around Thailand, and 10 Chiang Mai mountains for camping.
Cover image adapted from:@zerntrino via Instagram, @tiniemainy via Instagram, @jo_atchapong via Instagram, and @joobdusadee via Instagram