Traveling Pattani with a Local

This is a deep dive into Pattani, a four-day, three-night trip. We are the type of people who spend a lot of time sightseeing, so we visited fewer places than others. This trip uses pictures to tell the story again. We apologize in advance that the pictures are not very beautiful.

This trip began in Hua Hin. After finishing work, we took a night train to Pattani. Upon arriving at Khao Pu Tiang, we changed into our pajamas. In the morning, we walked to the dining car and ordered breakfast from the train.

This was my first time taking a train beyond Hat Yai. Upon arrival in Hat Yai, military and police officers boarded the train and patrolled the entire route until we reached Khok Pho station in Pattani. Upon disembarking, we were greeted by the following scene.

From Kok Pho to Pattani City, there are shared taxis available. Upon boarding, I chatted with several locals who inquired about my fear and solo travel. They enthusiastically recommended tourist attractions in Pattani and wished me a pleasant trip before departing. This was my initial impression as an ordinary tourist visiting Pattani. I disembarked in front of Pattani Hospital for 30 baht and was greeted by a local. For this trip, the local recommended staying at Baan Suan Rim Nam Hotel, which costs 500 baht per night. The room was satisfactory.

After packing my bags, I went out with a local who took me to eat chicken rice at Ko Chiew.

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The local had to return to work, so they dropped us off at the hotel. After resting for a while, we went out to explore the city on our own. We gathered information from riding on the back of a motorbike, asking locals, and consulting hotel staff before setting off.

The first point of interest is the Pattani City Pillar Shrine.

Then cross the bridge over the Pattani River to the old town zone.

After passing by Uncle Jiu's Chicken Rice Shop, the destination of the self-guided walking tour was the Lim Ko Niao Temple.

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Passing through the archway of the Chinese market, cross the road to Wat Nikornchanaram. In the three provinces area, the church will always be closed. If you want to enter, you must first ask the abbot for permission. I have also encountered similar situations in many other places.

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Walking back through the old houses and buildings that are still beautiful. I learned from the locals that they will be preserved. It's beautiful and quiet.

I came across In_t_af Cafe, and the front of the shop was already nice. But what really wowed me was the back. I loved that it was right by the river.

My phone battery died, so I didn't take any pictures on the way back. On top of that, the local contact was waiting for us at the hotel and couldn't reach us. Haha. Then, the local contact took us to the Pattani Central Mosque, but I was wearing shorts and wasn't allowed to enter. I could only take pictures from outside.

We then arrived at the Kerisik Mosque during prayer time, still wearing shorts. Although we were allowed to enter, we decided to respect the place and the people who were still inside the mosque. Looking around, we noticed that everyone who entered the mosque was dressed modestly. We felt it was inappropriate to enter in our current attire.

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Returning to the city center, I enjoyed some street food (made-to-order dishes), specifically a red meat dish. It was surprisingly delicious.

The R.I.P. Cafe: A Taste of Resilience in Pattani

The R.I.P. Cafe offers a unique dining experience, immersing patrons in the theme of resilience amidst the ongoing conflict in Pattani. The cafe's name, an acronym for "Rest in Peace," serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost to violence in the region.

The cafe's menu features traditional dishes from Pattani, offering a taste of the local culture and a chance to connect with the community. By supporting The R.I.P. Cafe, visitors contribute to the economic empowerment of those affected by the conflict, fostering a sense of hope and healing.

The next morning, we traveled to Narathiwat. You can read more reviews at Road Trip in Narathiwat. (The Narathiwat trip includes photos from two trips to Pattani and Narathiwat.) On the way to Narathiwat, we stopped at Panare and were lucky enough to see the morning mist along the way.

The destination is Panae Beach. Along the way, the market is crowded with people and vehicles.

The legs came out and had the opportunity to take a picture of the Panara clock tower.

After visiting Budo-Su-ngai Padi National Park, Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary, and the 300-year-old mosque, we stopped by Bang Pu, Yaring. Before heading in, we decided to try "Madu Khatong" (thanks to the local who took a picture of the dessert's name for us).

A short stroll from the road leads to the Bang Pu community tourism area, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery while walking and eating. Boat trips to see fireflies are also available here, but as we hadn't made arrangements in advance, we were unable to take a boat trip. We simply enjoyed the atmosphere.

The reflection of the mosque in the water creates a unique and beautiful perspective.

A simple dinner at Napha Sukiyaki restaurant. We don't eat fancy, we eat simple, even by the roadside.

Upon returning to my accommodation, I prepared for bed. However, by 10 pm, I felt hungry and decided to walk to the convenience store in front of Pattani Hospital. The night was very quiet, but not frightening. There were some restaurants open, and officials were stationed at various points around the city. It did not feel dangerous.

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On the third morning of the trip, we set out early to watch the sunrise at Laem Pho. We were fortunate to witness a beautiful sky and observe the local fishing practices.

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The little one ran over to play, must be lonely, so cute.

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Driving out to Haad Ta Lo Samae, we witnessed a local fisherman casting his net, catching a small haul of fish for his family's consumption. As the sky began to darken, we finished taking photos and hopped back into the car just as the rain started to fall.

Grab a simple breakfast at the community market. Hot tea and nasi daza are available to choose from. There is so much to choose from that it's fun before eating.

We stopped to take some photos along the way, as the yellow dokkoon flowers were in full bloom. We are the type of people who like to stop and enjoy the moment, and we were not in a hurry. However, it was a pity to see so much litter.

After a while of having fun, we headed to Sai Buri. We really liked the stylishness of the old building zone.

The local guide also took us to the Wang Phipitthaphakdi, also known as Wang Sai Buri. The guide told us that this palace was built for the daughter who got married so that she could live nearby. When we visited, the caretaker was not there, so we could only walk around the palace.

Nearby is the Sai Buri Clock Tower.

Leaving Sai Buri, we stopped by Ban Ta Kae in Yaring. Why are we here? What's here? First, we try fresh palm sugar, straight from the stove. It's so fragrant and delicious! They also make palm sugar blocks here for sale.

The second point of interest here is a grove of orchids where horses run. However, during my visit, the area had recently been cleared of illegally dumped garbage, resulting in significant damage to the orchids.

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The third point of interest is the pavilion opposite Thepsirin School. This pavilion is over 100 years old. The paint used on the upper part is from Portugal, dating back to the early days of trade between Portugal and Thailand. It is beautiful but has deteriorated over time. The Fine Arts Department has restored it several times.

The fourth point is a large tree near the roadside pavilion. Locals say that some of its branches have been cut and others have broken off. They also say that someone once won the lottery by rubbing powder on the tree, which is why there are cloths tied around it.

Before heading back, we stopped by a local Isaan restaurant in Pattani. The locals recommended this place, and it was indeed delicious.

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This trip, we will continue to Hat Yai. I will split it into another review later, otherwise it will be too long. We took a van to Hat Yai for 100 baht.

My sincere gratitude to the local who took time off work to show me around, making the most of the available time.

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