Phatthalung: Temples, Markets and Landscapes

Phatthalung offers a range of experiences: temples with their own histories, markets selling local products, rice fields and distinctive landscapes. When planning your trip, you can first consider whether you want to focus on culture, nature or activities. The attractions are spread across different districts and offer a variety of options for your stay.

Views and Landscapes

Khao Ok Thalu is located in Khuha Sawan Subdistrict, Mueang Phatthalung District, and is about 250 metres high. Near the summit is an opening you can look through. A staircase leads to the summit, from where visitors can look out over the city of Phatthalung. The opening and the view of the city are two distinctive features that make the mountain an appealing destination.

Khao Pu–Khao Ya National Park offers a different kind of natural scenery. It covers about 433,750 rai, or 694 square kilometres, and consists mainly of moist evergreen forest. Animals native to the park include tapirs, rhinoceroses, monkeys and langurs, as well as various birds. The park’s size and wildlife make it a distinct focus alongside the temples and markets of the region.

Tham Phra Cave is located 700 metres north of the Khao Chai Son hot spring. Inside the cave is a cold pool about one metre deep, with water available year-round. Another striking landscape is formed by Ko Si, Ko Ha and Ko Kra: the three islands make up a limestone archipelago in Phatthalung Sea, in Pak Phayun District, which is part of Songkhla Lake. Phatthalung’s caves and islands thus offer two different kinds of natural scenery.

Temples and History

Wat Wang is located in Lam Pam Subdistrict, Mueang Phatthalung District, six kilometres from the city of Phatthalung. Phraya Phatthalung (Thong Khao) had this important religious site built during the reign of Rama III. In the past, it was the venue for the oath of allegiance ceremony in the Rattanakosin Kingdom. Inside the ubosot, you can see tempera murals depicting Buddhist teachings, as well as the principal Buddha image; 108 stucco Buddha images stand in the surrounding gallery.

Wat Khuha Sawan is located at the foot of Khao Khuha Sawan, near Phatthalung’s municipal fresh market. The temple was built during the Ayutthaya period and later became the province of Phatthalung’s first royal monastery. Together, the two temples reflect different historical connections: Wat Wang is associated with its founding under Rama III and the former oath of allegiance ceremony, while Wat Khuha Sawan is linked to the Ayutthaya period and its later status as a royal monastery.

Markets and Local Experiences

Pa Phai Sang Suk Market opened on 28 January 2017 and welcomes visitors. Farmers and producers sell vegetables, fruit, food and local products directly to consumers. The market has five areas, including one for local food, a relaxation area and an activity area featuring cultural performances and educational games for families. Another area is dedicated to learning in the Kwanjai Bamboo Garden. The market therefore combines shopping for local produce with a range of other offerings.

Tai Not Market in Khuan Khanun District is a major cultural and community destination in Phatthalung Province. Its features include local cuisine, cultural performances and distinctive local products. Unlike Pa Phai Sang Suk, whose areas also include educational and recreational offerings, Tai Not Market is particularly notable for its role as a cultural and community destination.

Na Po Kae in Khuan Khanun District is an ecotourism destination and learning centre. Visitors can learn about the traditional way of life of Phatthalung’s rice farmers and try rice cultivation themselves. Views of the rice fields, several photo spots, a large car park and a shop selling drinks and food round out the visit. The focus is both on learning about rice-farming traditions and gaining hands-on experience with rice cultivation.

Activities to Help Plan Your Trip

Huai Nam Sai is part of the Lan Khoi rafting route in Pa Phayom District. The route is five kilometres long and takes about two to three hours; rafting there began in 2011. The stated duration can help you fit the activity into your day’s itinerary. If you want to make rafting a firm part of your plans, check in advance whether it is available on your chosen date.

When choosing a hotel location, it can help to prioritise attractions based on your interests. Khao Ok Thalu and Wat Wang are in Mueang Phatthalung District, Na Po Kae and the two markets mentioned above are in Khuan Khanun District, and the Lan Khoi rafting route is in Pa Phayom District. These location details can help guide your planning; consider what you want to focus on during your stay before choosing a hotel for your trip.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Ko Mak, Khuan Khanun District, Nong Thong, Khuha Sawan, Khuan Khanun.

You can also discover these destinations: Nakhon Ratchasima, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai.

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