Located
in the deep South on the border with Malaysia, Narathiwat is predominantly
Muslim and dependent on cross-border trade. The rail line ends
at Sungai Golok, 1,215 kms from Bangkok, which is an important
border crossing.
When His Majesty the King traditionally visits in September,
it is a time of great festivity, handicraft fairs, dove cooing
contests, and celebrations for fishermen. The Bang Nara River,
which flows by the town, is the setting for Korlae (southern-style)
boat racing.
A little north of the town, the beaches are undisturbed, apart
from a few small hotels, seafood restaurants and prawn farms,
while Manao Bay, next to the palace, is a popular spot.
Away from the coast, the province is quite mountainous. Budo
Sungai Padi Mountains National Park is home to the towering Bacho
waterfall, a temple built during the reign of King Rama V and
paths for trekking and tours. Pa Phru To Daeng, the biggest peat
swamp forest in Thailand, houses a large variety of flora and
fauna.
