Thailand Guidebook > Provinces > Southern Thailand

Yala, the southernmost province of Thailand, is located 1,084 kms. from Bangkok. The southern rail line joins Bangkok and Yala before it continues to Sungai Kolok and Malaysia. The population is Buddhist and Muslim. Its main economy depends on rubber plant production. Although Yala does not have any point bordered by the sea, its area abounds in perfect forest and boasts a large number of tourist attractions.

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Yala occupies an area of 4,521 square kilometres and is administratively divided into 7 districts and 1 sub-district: Amphoe Muang Yala, Amphoe Bannang Sata, Amphoe Betong, Amphoe Kebang, Amphoe Raman, Amphoe Than To, Amphoe Yala, and King Amphoe Krong Pinang. If you have already visited this Southern province, please share your highlights with other visitors to Thailand Guidebook.

Suan Khwan Muang This beautiful public park in the municipal area comprises a ground for the doves cooing contest and a large lagoon with a sandy beach imitating a seaside landscape.

Wat Khuha Phimuk Commonly called by the villagers as Wat Na Tham, the temple is 7 kms. from the township area along the road to Amphoe Yaha Alargee cave in the area enshrines an ancient reclining Buddha image of Srivijaya style, which is believed to have been constructed in 757 A.D.

Bang Lang Dam This huge dam in Tambon Ba Cho, Amphoe Bannang Sata, is 58 kms. from Yala township on the Yala Betong route. The dam, constructed as a project of the Pattani River Hydroelectric plant, offers beautiful scenery of mountains and the lake.

Namtok Ku Long or Namtok Sukthalai This is a huge waterfall with fine cascades. It is located in the forested area of Amphoe Bannang Sata, about 50 kms. from Yala township via the Yala-Betong Highway and 8 kms. along an access road. There is a royal pavilion built in honour of the King's Mother situated near the waterfall.

Namtok Than To Forest Park The main attraction of the park is a 9-level waterfall surrounded by thick forest. It is located at Km. 57-58 on the Yala-Betong route.

Sakai Tribal Village Another unique feature of Yala is the presence of a "Sakai" aboriginal community. It is located in Tambon Ban Hae. Amphoe Than To, 80 kms. from Yala on the Yala-Betong route. The Sakai with dark skin tone, flat face, flat nostrils and curly hair are now educated and earn their living by growing rice and rubber.

Amphoe Betong The southernmost borderland located about 126 kms. from Yala township is famous among Thai and Malaysian tourists for its misty mountain scenery and superb local dishes. Its modernisation is equivalent to the province itself or better than some certain province of Thailand. There is a road linking Thailand and Malaysia to the Betong Checkpoint. The biggest letter box in the world is seen in this town.

Hot Spring 13 kms. from the Betong market, it is a large hot springs with mineral water which is good for the cures of skin diseases and muscular pain.

Nomtok Inthason Situated 3 kms. beyond the hot springs, this is a lovely waterfall with a sandy basin among a shady forested area.

Piyamit Underground Shelter This is an underground retreat built by the communist guerrillas in 1976 on a wooded mountain. It is about 3 kms. from Nomtok Inthson and now preserved as a historical site.

Asian Barred Ground Dove Festival Dove-lovers from all over Thailand, as well as from other countries in the region like Singapore, Malaysia,and Indonesia come to Yala for this event which is held yearly in March. The highlight is a dove-cooing contest involving more than 1,000 competitors. Young prize doves are on sale along with local products.

COPYRIGHT: Information on this page is used with permission from the Tourist Authority of Thailand. Additional information from brochures produced locally and notes made by Panrit Daoruang and Richard Barrow. All photographs on this web site are the property of Panrit Daoruang.