Introduction

Phatthalung is an ancient city in southern Thailand. It is a land of mountains. In town is Khao Ok Thalu, which is clearly visible from afar. Phatthalung is regarded as the birthplace of the shadow play and the Nora dance. From ancient times to the present, Phatthalung has been closely linked to Songkhla Province, particularly in terms of geography, history and migratory settlements through many ages.

During the Sri Vijaya period (13th-14th Buddhist century), the Phatthalung community received Indian cultural influence in the way of Mahayana Buddhism. In the reign of King Ramathibodi I (U Thong) of Ayutthaya, Phatthalung became one of twelve royal cities. Later during the reign of King Rama I in the Rattanakosin period, the king had the Ministry of Defense oversee Phatthalung, upgraded it to secondary city status and moved it to the mouth of Pam River. When there was an administration reform in the reign of King Rama V, Phatthalung prefecture came under Nakhon Si Thammarat prefecture until 1924, when King Rama VI relocated the city to Tambon Khuha Sawan where it has been ever since. Upon the abolition of the prefecture system in 1933, Phatthalung became a province outright. Phatthalung city is situated on the west bank of Songkhla Lake, about 846 kilometers from Bangkok. It has an area of 3,424.473 square kilometers and is divided into 10 districts and 1 subdistrict, as follows: Muang Phatthalung, Khuan Khanun, Pak Phayun, Kongra, Tamot, Khao Chai Son, Pa Bon, Bang Kaeo, Si Banphot, Pa Phayom, and the subdistrict of Si Nakharin.

Borders
North: Chauat in Nakhon Si Thammarat and Ranot in Songkhla
South: Rattaphum and Khuan Niang in Songkhla and Khuan Kalong in Satun
East: Songkhla Lake, Ranot, Krasae Sin, Sathing Phra, and Singhanakhon in Songkhla
West: Nakhon Si Thammarat (Banthat) mountain range, Huai Yot, Muang Trang, Na Yong, Yan Ta Khao, and Palian in Trang

Distance from Phatthalung city to nearby provinces
Nakhon Si Thammarati 99 kms.
Satun 134 kms.
Songkhla 121 kms.
Trang 56 kms.

Distance from Phatthalung city to its districts
Bang Kaeo 40 kms.
Si Banphot 35 kms.
Pa Bon 50 kms.
Khao Chai Son 28 kms.
Khuan Khanun 17 kms.
Kong Ra 40 kms.
Pak Phayun 66 kms.
Pa Si Pa Phayom 38 kms.
Si Nakharin 16 kms.
Tamot 39 kms.

How to get there

By Car
From Bangkok, there are 2 ways. The first is via the Phetchakasem National Highway No. 4 to Chumphon (Phathom Phon junction) into Ranong, Phangnga, Krabi, Trang, and Phatthalung. The total distance is 1,140 kilometers. The second route is to Chumphon and then onto Highway No. 41 (Asia) to Phatthalung, a total distance of around 846 kilometers.
By Bus
Transport Co. has daily Bangkok-Phatthalung services. Please call tel. 4351199, 4351200 or (074) 612070
By Train
The southern line runs through Muang, Khuan Khanun, Khao Chai Son, Pak Phayun, Pa Bon, and Bang Kaeo. Please call tel. 2237010, 2237020 or (074) 613106.
By Air
Phatthalung does not have an airport but can be accessed via those in nearby provinces. Please call Thai Airways International (Public) Co., Ltd. to make bookings at tel. 2800060, 6282000 or in Trang at tel. (075) 218066 or 219923, in Nakhon Si Thammarat at tel. (075) 311158, 342491 or 343874, and in Hat Yai at tel. (074) 245851-2, 243711, or 233433.

Festivals & events

Long Rua-Lae Nok Thale Noi Festival
was first held in 1998 as a special activity to mark the Amazing Thailand project and promote the most important tourist destination of Phatthalung. The festival consists of eco-tourism activities lasting 1 month (14 February-15 March) when there are plenty of birds and Thale Noi is at its most beautiful. The festival takes place in the Thale Noi Non-hunting area. Daily activities include boating on long-tailed boats to observe flora and fauna, local performances, agricultural produce for sale, demonstrations of native life, and an assortment of local products for sale.

Phon Lak Phra Festival
is the most important festival of the province. This popular Buddhist tradition is held at the end of the Buddhist Lent when people have a Buddha image procession by land or water. Phatthalung normally has a land procession accompanied by drums to give the procession a good rhythm. When a procession from one temple passes another temple, the procession participants will challenge the temple people to come out and see who can beat drums to give the best rhythm. This tradition has evolved to become a grand festival of Phatthalung. It is held every October. Processions will go take Buddha images throughout Phatthalung city. The festival is held at Phatthalung Provincial Stadium and Saen Suk Lam Pam beach in Amphoe Muang. Activities of the festival include drum competitions of temples in the province, dramatic arts, boat procession contest, folk plays, religious ceremonies, water sports on Lam Pam Lake such as boat races and water boxing, exhibitions, and arts and culture demonstrations of Phatthalung and nearby provinces like reed mat making and coconut shell products.