Understand

Narathiwat, the easternmost province of the southern region, shares its border with the captivating country of Malaysia. The beating heart of economic and cross-border tourism lies in the vibrant town of Sungai Kolok, where Malaysians flock to indulge in holidays and shopping sprees. This region pulsates with an unending stream of diverse cultures and bustling trade. The majority of its population follows the Islamic faith, with the Yawi language beautifully interwoven into their daily conversations and writings. Derived from the spoken Malay language and adorned with consonants and alphabets inspired by Arabic, Yawi paints a mesmerizing linguistic tapestry. Covering a sprawling expanse of 4,475 square kilometers, the enchanting Province of Narathiwat is nestled along the eastern coastline of the resplendent Malay Peninsula. Its northern borders seamlessly merge with Pattani and the Gulf of Thailand, while the western boundaries meet Yala. To the east, the Gulf of Thailand extends its watery embrace, and to the south, Kelantan in Malaysia completes the mesmerizing panorama. Within this captivating region, lush primary rainforests intertwine with towering mountains, while splendid plains, where four rivers converge—Sai Buri, Bang Nara, Tak Bai, and Sungai Kolok—gracefully fade into the gulf. Narathiwat entices visitors with its tropical climate, characterized by two distinct seasons: the scorching summer and the refreshing rainy period, painting an ever-changing canvas of natural splendor during the wettest period from November to December.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Pad Thai: Pad Thai is a signature Thai dish consisting of stir-fried rice noodles with a uniquely balanced blend of sweet, sour, salty, and tangy flavors. It typically includes shrimp or chicken (though can be prepared with tofu for a vegetarian version), scrambled eggs, bean sprouts, and is garnished with crushed peanuts, lime wedges, and fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions. The dish is served with a side of som tam (green papaya salad) and mango sticky rice for a complete meal.

Tom Yum Goong: This spicy and aromatic soup is a beloved Thai classic that features a fragrant broth made from stock, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, galangal, lime juice, fish sauce, and chili paste. It's packed with succulent prawns, mushrooms, tomatoes, and other vegetables, with optional additions like snakehead fish or even chicken. The dish is often garnished with fresh cilantro and a sprinkling of pepper.

Mango Sticky Rice: This iconic Thai dessert is a delightful combination of sweet, creamy mango and glutinous rice. The sticky rice is cooked in coconut milk and sugar until it achieves a chewy texture, then served alongside ripe, juicy mango slices. The dish is sometimes garnished with toasted coconut flakes or sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor. It's typically enjoyed during the mango season (May to September) as a sumptuous, refreshing treat.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing