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Phatthalung | Phatthalung
is some 840 kms. from Bangkok. Entering the town, a high hollow hill
considered a symbol of Phatthalung stands out as the landmark of the
town. Phatthalung is the province that initiated two famous forms of
entertainment - Manora and Shadow Plays. It occupies an area of 3,424
square kilometres, most of which is forested mountains. The high plateau
in the west slopes down towards the east bordered by an extensive lake
originating from Songkhla.
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Phatthalung is administratively
divided into 10 districts and 1 sub-district: Amphoe Muang Phatthalung,
Amphoe Bang Kaeo, Amphoe Khao Chaison, Amphoe Khuan Khanun, Amphoe
Si Banphot, Amphoe Kong Ra, Amphoe Pa Bon, Amphoe Pa Phayom, Amphoe
Pak Phayun, Amphoe Tamot, and King Amphoe Si Nakhari.
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This is at Mu 1, Ban Bang Kaeo, Tambon Tha Madua.
It is about 9 kilometres from the Phetchakasem-railway intersection and
200 metres from the railway to the centre. The total distance from
Phatthalung city to the village is about 36 kilometres. The village has
25 members, all of whom make shadow play figures from hides in various
styles made to order. The work is delicate and beautiful. The products
are sold nationwide and exported to about 16 countries. For persons
interested in seeing and buying shadow play products, please contact
Mr. Im Chanchum, the centres president, or the Amphoe Bang Kaeo
Community Development Office at tel: 0 7469 7380.
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To get there, take Highway No. 41, (Phatthalung - Khuan Khanun route), turn left onto Route No. 4164 and continue to Amphoe Si Banphot where the park office is located. The park is located in the areas of 3 provinces: Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang and Phatthalung. The main attractions in the park include Tham Matcha Pla Won the cave near the park office which houses plenty of stalactites and stalagmites and a pond full of fish; Namtok Riang Thong the waterfall which is 3 kms. from the park.
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Ban Khok Wua, Tambon Chai Buri, is about 6
kilometres from the city on the road from Sai Yuan intersection. The
village is famous for making products from coconut shells, now called
the Million Baht Coconut Shell Village. The community leader, Mr. Plum
Chukhong, pioneered the idea of getting villagers to make products from
coconut shells that can be found locally. Products include kitchenware,
household items and decorations. Eventually over 100 households began
such an industry and later received support from the Industrial
Promotion Department. Popular items are spoons, coffee cups, mugs,
ladles, plates, bowls, lamps, and other decorations sold domestically
and to 16 countries worldwide. Visitors interested in seeing
demonstrations and buying products can contact Mr. Plum Chukhong, No.
42, Mu 1, Ban Khok Wua, Tambon Chai Buri, tel: 0 1465 5751.
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This is located at Amphoe Khao Chai Son 25 kms. from Phatthalung along Highway No. 4081. At the foot of Chai Son Hill there is a temple where the hot spring is situated. On the other side of the hill there is a cool stream flowing underneath the hill.
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This Buddha image is also known as Phra Si Mum
Mueang which is a sacred relic of Phatthalung. It is housed in a square
pavilion in an area between the provincial hall and the provincial
court. This bronze image in the meditation posture was given to the
province by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1968.
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Before arriving at Phatthalung township, one can see a hill,
the top of which is divided apart. On the left hand side
is a cave where Buddha images are enshrined.
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This monument is at Tha Miram intersection in
Phatthalung municipality. Records show that Phraya Thukrat was a monk
named Phra Maha Chuai who resided at Wat Pa Lilai during the reign of
King Rama I. When the Nine Armies War took place, Phra Maha Chuai
rallied villagers to help Phraya Phatthalung defeat Burmese forces.
When he left the monkhood, he was appointed by the king to be Phraya
Thukrat to help the city lord. His title of Phraya was of the same
level as the city lord.
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Both islands, in Songkhla Lake, can be reached by
leaving from Tambon Lam Pam pier (25 kilometres) or Pak Phayun pier (10
kilometres). The travelling time is about 1 hour. The islands are home
of flocks of sea swallows, so many that they are called Ko Rang Nok
(birds nest island). Concessions are given out for the collection of
the nests for sale. The natural beauty of the islands is one of the
finest in Phatthalung. King Rama V once visited here and left his
initials on a cliff. Nearby is a monument of him. As Ko Si and Ko Ha
are concession areas of the private sector, permission must first be
obtained in Pak Phayun district.
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This interesting place is at Tambon Lam Pam, near
Wat Wang. Originally a government place and the home of the city lord,
the part called Wang Kao (old palace), three adjoining Thai houses,
built in the time of Phraya Phatthalung (Noi Chantharotchanawong) when
he was the provincial governor. The palace later became the property of
Mrs. Praphai Mutamara, the daughter of Luang Si Worachat. The new
palace, or Wang Mai, was built in 1889 by Phraya Aphaiborirakchakrawichitphiphitphakdi (Net Chantharotchanawong), the
son of Phraya Phatthalung, then the provincial governor. The
Chantharotchanawong family has given this palace to the country. The
Fine Arts Department declared it a national historical site in 1983.
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A part of Songkhla Lake declared a non-hunting area is home to a hundred species of waterfowl. It is located in the area of Tambon Thale Noi,15 kms. from Amphoe Khuan Khanun or 32 kms. north of Phatthalung. A boat is available for tourists to watch water birds which are plentiful during December to April. Pink lotus blooms are widely seen in the lake every morning. Famous handicrafts woven from the bulrush are on sale in the village.
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This huge waterfall in Amphoe Kong Ra can be reached by Route No. 41222 and a left turn at Km. 31-32 for another 3 kms. The water cascades from the mountain top and can be clearly seen from a distance.
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Another name is Namtok Mom Chui. It is a small waterfall with a lovely basin suitable for swimming. The waterfall with a lovely basin suitable for swimming. The waterfall is located in Amphoe Tamot. Travel 33 kms. from Phatthalung along Highway No.4, turn left and go for another 4 kms. via Wat Tamot.
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The oldest historical site in Phatthalung was constructed during the Early Ayutthaya Period. Assumed to be the location of the old Phatthalung town, the compound contains several ruins including a chedi resembling the one at Nakhon Si Thammarat but smaller, and Buddha images of various sizes. The temple is located 7 kms, beyond Amphoe Khao Chai Son on Route No. 4018.
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The waterfall at Ban Khao Kram, Tambon Ban Na, is 30 kms. from town. Drive along the Trang- Phatthalung Highway till arriving at Ban Ton Sai at km.31-32, turn left and continue for another 7 kms. The waterfall cascades from a high cliff surrounded by verdant forest.
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A scenic beach along the coast of the Songkhla Lake is located 8 kms. from town. The shady beach lined with pleasant pine trees offers an impressive atmosphere at sunset. Comfortable bungalows by the lake are available.
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This important temple of Phatthalung constructed during
the reign of King Rama 3 is famous for splendid mural paintings
depicting the story of Buddha's life. The temple houses
some architectural buildings and more than 100 Buddha images
lined around the chapel. It is located 6 kms. from town
along Route No. 4047. Not far from the temple, there is
an old court where governers of Phatthalung used to reside.
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This is a cave located in the same range of Khao Ok Thalu.
It houses milky white stalagmite and stalactite formations
and a natural pond with clear water.
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The hollow hill about 250 metres high, regarded as the symbol of Phatthalung, is situated to the east of the railway station. One can climb up to the point where a large hole is situated.
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