Narathiwat
Located 1,149 kilometers south of Bangkok is Narathiwat, the southernmost province in Thailand and one of the nation's five provinces that borders Malaysia. Access from Malaysia is convenient via a ninety-minute bus trip and two immigration points where travelers can cross into Thailand and vice versa. With Su-ngai Kolok serving as an economic and border tourism center, the province welcomes an increasing numbers of Malaysians and Singaporeans on short holidays or shopping sprees.
Narathiwat is situated on the eastern coast of the Malay Peninsula, bordering Pattani, Yala and Malaysia. With an area of nearly 4,500 square kilometers, of which 75 percent are jungles and mountains, visitors to the province are provided with great opportunities to relax at the beach take excursions to some of the magnificent temples. Narathiwat has a tropical climate and has only 2 seasons; summer and rainy. The wettest period is during November to December.
Narathiwat literally means "the residence of good people". The city of Narathiwat has an abundance of traditional culture and authenticity with village-like tranquility. The inhabitants of Narathiwat are largely farmers and fishermen with the majority being Muslims who use the spoken and written Yawi language (Yawi has roots from the spoken Malay language and uses Arabic consonants and alphabets). As such, Narathiwat is an amazing and unique area with a constant flow of culture and trade between Thais and Malaysians.
