Yala Province

General Information

Yala is the southernmost province of Thailand, with an area of 4,521 square kilometres. It is the only landlocked province in the south. Today Yala is the border province with many interesting facets: history, culture, and beautiful scenery. The province has a unique mixture of cultural heritage of several groups--Thai, Chinese, and Islam. The city centre has systematic town planning and is one of the educational centres of the south as well.
The word Yala was derived from the local word yalo meaning fish net. Yala used to be part of Pattani, a colony of the Sukhothai Kingdom. In B.E. 2310 when Ayutthaya fell to the Burman, southern colonies became independent. During the reign of King Rama I of the Rattanakosin Dynasty, the King sent his brother, Khrom Phra Ratchawangbowon Maha Surasihanat to take Pattani. In B.E. 2351, the King had Pattani separated into 7 smaller colonies, namely Muang Pattani, Muang Sai Buri, Muang Nong Chik, Muang Yaring, Muang Ra Ngae, Muang Raman, and Muang Yala. Yala had changed its rulers many times before Monthon was abolished in B.E. 2476 and finally became one of the provinces (Changwat) of Thailand.

How To Get There

Car
Yala is 1,084 kilometres south of Bangkok by road. One can take Highway 4 (Thanon Phetkasem) from Bangkok to Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Chumphon, then onto Highway 41 through Thung Song, Phatthalung, Hat Yai, Pattani, and Yala.

Bus
Air-conditioned bus services are run daily between Bangkok and Yala from the Southern Bus Terminal.

For further information please call the Southern Bus Terminal at tel: 0 2435 1119-200 or visit www.transport.co.th.

Thai Doen Rot Co.,Ltd (tel: 0 2435 7424) operates a daily bus service from Bangkok to Betong. The bus leaves the Southern Bus Terminal at 4 p.m.

Rail
Yala is 1,055 kilometres from Bangkok by rail. The State Railway Authority of Thailand operates daily rapid and express train services from Bangkok to Yala. Trains leaves the Bangkok Railway Station at 0.25 p.m., 2.45 p.m. and 3.50 p.m. For more information please call Travelling Service Unit, Bangkok Railway Station at tel: 1690, 0 2223 7010 and 0 2223 7020 or visit www.railway.co.th.

Air
There is no direct flight to Yala but Thai Airways International offers flights from Bangkok to Hat Yai. From Hat Yai one can either take the train, bus, taxi, or air-conditioned van to Yala. Please call Thai Airways at 1566, 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 for more information.

Festivals

ASEAN Barred-Ground Dove (Zebra) Cooing Contest

Date: The first Saturday and Sunday of March of every year at the Khwan Mueang Park

Background : Nursing zebra doves is very popular in the lower part of the southern region. The zebra dove's coo is very pleasing to the ear and the locals believe that as an auspicious animal, it would bring fortune to its owner,especially if it possesses the right features according to the books. Some believe that the dove is the symbol of peace and purity.

Thai Moslems in the south are very fond of zebra doves. Because a large number of locals love to keep them as pets, zebra dove contests have become prevalent during many festivals. In 1986, the municipal of Muang Yala and the Zebra Dove Club initiated the first regional cooing zebra dove contest. It received much popularity, giving rise to zebra dove farms. The most famous zebra dove farm is in Chana District, Songkhla.

Activities : On the day of the contest, the owners of the doves register and hoist their doves (which are in cages) to the tip of assigned poles. There are two rounds, lasting ninety minutes per round. The doves will be divided into three groups : Class A (with big voices), Class B (with medium voices), Class C (with small voices), and judged in their own group. Pre-established parameters are used to judge the cooing quality. The scores will be transformed into cooing quality levels according to each group of doves.

Judges will score taking into consideration, the duration and consistency of the dove's coo, and the quality of the coos. Today, there is another category of doves those that have big, medium, and small voices. Besides the zebra dove contest, there may be a contest of the most beautiful cages and a fair of pet dove equipment.

Java Songbird Contest

Yala is one of the southern provinces that favor Java Songbirds. It is widely believed that Java Songbirds are good luck charms that would bring good luck to their owners, especially those birds with prescribed characteristics. The Yala Municipality Authority and the Java Songbird Owner Association annually stage the ASEAN Java Songbird Contest on the first weekend of March. The first contest was held in B.E. 2529 and was very successful, leading to the annual event held on the ground of Suan Khwan Mueang.

The City Pillar Ceremony

The City Pillar Ceremony is held annually in May on the ground of the Yala Municipality Office features a model of the actual City Pillar being paraded around town. Stalls displaying goods for sale, exhibition, Government products, folk entertainment, such as Manora Dance, Nung Talung, and Hulu Li Ke, are also on hand.

Yala Product and Cultural Revival Festival

Yala Product and Cultural Revival Festival is held annually on the first weekend of August, on the grounds of the Yala Municipality Office. Folk cultures from the various groups in the border provinces of the south, mainly Chinese-Thai Buddhists and Thai Muslim, are performed. There are also contests for Chi La Dance, Best Dressed Banong, Si Bu-nga Siri (a special kind of potpourri), Rong-ngeng Dance, Annacit Singing contest in Malay and Thai languages, plus folk performances from various schools in the area. Exhibition of Yala's best produce is not to be missed.
Local Products

Betong Soy Sauce
Betong Soy Sauce is made from soybeans with special method.

Kluai Hin
Kluai Hin is a kind of banana, similar to Kluay Nam Wa, when boiled or glazed will have nutty taste.

Local Food
Tourists can also enjoy the wide variety of Betong specialties. They are: chopped Betong chicken, prepared with local chicken and ladled with Betong soy sauce; steamed Chinese carp in plum sauce, the fish is raised only in Betong and can be prepared for several dishes; khao yok is made from fatty pork roasted with taro; phak nam is a vegetable that grows in flowing streams found only in Betong, it is prepared for a soup or stir-fried.

Shogun Oranges
Orange is Yala's leading economic crop. They are similar to the green sweet oranges but have soft tastier flesh.

Attractions

Khuean Bang Lang
The Bang Lang dam is located at Ban Bang Lang, Tambon Bacho, on Highway 410, about 50 kilometres from Amphoe Muang Yala, then left for twelve kilometres. This dam is the first multi-purpose dam in the South, on Pattani River. It is 85 metres high with a crest of 422 metres long, and the reservoir capacity of 1,420 million cubic metres. His Majesty the King presided over the opening ceremony on 27 September B.E. 2524. An overlook upstream of the dam around the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand office affords a panoramic view of the dam and the surrounding hills. For cabin reservation please call (073) 299-237-8 and for boating in the reservoir please call 0 7328 1063-66 extension 2291.

Namtok Sukthalai
Also known as Namtok Kue Long, this waterfall is in the compound of the Southern Self-Development Community, on Khao Pok Yo which has a transmission station. The waterfall is on the Yala-Betong road, about 40 kilometres from Amphoe Muang, then turn left for another eight kilometres. It was discovered in B.E. 2507, consisting of five levels. The Princess Mother named it Namtok Sukthalai. One can swim in the small pool on several levels.

Tham Krachaeng
This cave is located at Ban Ka Sot, Tambon Bannang Sata, about 50 kilometres from Amphoe Muang Yala on Highway 410, passing the entrance to Bang Lang Dam then turn left onto a dirt road for 1.5 kilometres. The scenery is that of the mountains, the stream, and the cave, with the stream running through. During the dry season, one can walk along the stream through this cave to the other side and into an open area surrounded by mountains and lush forest.

Bala-Hala Forest
This is a lush rainforest with many rare plants and wildlife, especially birds. It is also the habitat of the Sakai. This forest occupies a large area at the boundary of Yala and Narathiwat. It is the headstream of the Bang Lang Dam. Tourists can take boat trips to enjoy the scenery from the 445th Division of the Border Patrol Police, Thanon Sukkhayang, Amphoe Betong.

Betong Hot Spring
Betong Hot Spring is situated at Ban Charo Parai Village, Tambon Tano Mae Ro, about five kilometres before reaching the Betong city centre, turn right from Highway 410 for another eight kilometres into the village. At the hottest spot, eggs are cooked in seven minutes. Hot spring shower is also available. It is believed that hot spring can cure muscle pain and minor skin irritation.

Betong Municipality Park
Also called Suan Sut Siam, this park occupies an area of about 120 square kilometres on a hill in the middle of Betong city centre. It is the overlook for the city, consisting of ornamental plants and flowering plants garden, avarium, health garden, a sportsground, a swimming pool, and a playground. It is suitable for recreation and exercising. If one travels on Tanon Sukyang for seven kilometres from the Park, one will reach the southernmost point of Thailand that has a road connection into Malaysia.

Betong Town
The word Betong is Malay, meaning bamboo. This district is at the southernmost point of Thailand, about 140 kilometres from Amphoe Muang Yala, on Highway 410. The road between Amphoe Than To and Amphoe Betong winds on the hillside, affording the scenery of the lake, forest, and rubber plantations. The Betong city centre is surrounded by mountains, resulting in cool climate and high rainfall with frequent fog in the morning. It is therefore dubbed The City in the Fog with Beautiful Flowers. Betong is a large developed district. Malaysian tourists often visit the area because of its proximity. The food is outstanding and has a lot of tourists attractions.

Travelling to Betong: from Amphoe Muang, one can take the van or taxi that operates hourly from across the Yala Railway Station. From Hat Yai there is an air-conditioned van to Yala and Betong, please call 0 7323 0905, 0 7323 3917-8, the service is at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Namtok Chaloem Phra Kiat Ro Kao
This is in Tambon Ai Yoe Weng, turn right from Highway 410, between Amphoe Than To and Amphoe Betong at the 32-33 kilometre stone, onto the dirt road for three kilometres. The waterfall is more than 30 metres high, surrounded by lush forest.
Namtok Inthason
Namtok Inthason is about 15 kilometres from Betong city centre, or about two kilometres further from the Hot Spring. It is a small waterfall with lush forest and pools for swimming and relaxing.

Phra Mahathat Chedi Phra Phutthathammaprakat
This is located on a hilltop in Betong city centre, on the ground of Wat Phutthathiwat, Thanon Rattanakit. The chedi is built in the modern Sivijaya style, covered in gold color. It is 39.9 metres high, built to commemorate the 69th birthday anniversary of Her Majesty the Queen. From the chedi one can see all of the temple ground and part of Betong city centre.

Piyamit Tunnel
Piyamit Tunnel is at Ban Piyamit 1, Tambon Tano Mae Ro. Take the same route as the Hot Spring for four more kilometres. This area is the village of the Thai Development Participants and was once the base of Malaya Communist Division 2. The tunnel was built in three months in B.E. 2519, winding through the mountain for about one kilometre, about 50-60 feet wide with multiple entrances. It was used as the air raid shelter and food storage area. At present there is an exhibition about its history including the way of life in the forest. It is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

The Largest Mail Box in Thailand
The Largest Mail Box in Thailand used to be located at the Bell Tower intersection of Betong. It was built in B.E. 2467 before World War II as the communication post for the townspeople, through the radio implanted on top of the box, and the mail slot below it. At present a new box had been built in a larger size (nine metres tall), and is located at the City Convention Hall (Sala Prachakhom). The new mail box attracts a large number of tourists who come to take the photograph.

The Swift
At dusk the swifts would fly about the city centre and come to rest at houses, on buildings and on electricity lines, especially on the Bell Tower that is well-lit at night. They have become one of Betong's symbols, although they are there only during the cool season when they flee from the cold weather of Siberia once a year, usually from September through March.

City Pillar Shrine
Yala's city pillar is located on Thanon Phiphitphakdi, in front of the City Hall. His Majesty the King graciously gave the top of the pillar to Yala on 18 May B.E. 2505. This shrine houses the City Pillar made of Chaiyapruk wood. It is 50 centimetres tall, bottom circumference is 43 inches, top circumference is 36 inches with the four-faced Bhrama and a flame on top. The surrounding area is a park that has been nicely tended. A festival to celebrate the City Pillar is held during 25-31 May.

Sanam Chang Phueak Park
This is located on Thanon Phiphitphakdi in an 80-rai plot of land (1 acre = 2.5 rai). It was used as the ground to give the King a white elephant (chang phueak) named Phra Sawet Sura Khachathan on 9 March B.E. 2511. The Park has a pavilion in the middle of a large pond and various sculptures of animals. The ground of the Park is also used for provincial activities.

Suan Khwan Mueang
This public park is located on Thanon Thetsaban 1, about 300 metres from the City Pillar Shrine. Its vast area of 207 rai has a separate sportsground and a 69 rai pond, landscaped with sandy beach and sea pines to remedy the landlocked problem of the province. Furthermore, singing bird contest (Nok Kao Java) is often held at this Park since it is the largest and the best ground for such contest in the south.

Wat Khuhaphimuk
Also known as Wat Na Tham, this temple is one of the three most revered places of the south, along with Phra Borommathat at Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phra Borommathat Chaiya at Surat Thani, signifying the importance of Buddhism in the area since the Srivijaya Period. This temple is located in Tambon Na Tham, about eight kilometres from the city centre, on the road to Amphoe Yaha. A stream runs through the ground of the temple. A figure of a giant, made in B.E. 2484 and named by the villagers as Chao Khao, protects the entrance of the cave that houses the reclining Buddha. Inside the cave is a large chamber that has been converted into a religious area, with an opening in the roof of the cave that lets in the sunlight. The reclining Buddha has been estimated to have been made in B.E. 1300, around the Srivijaya Period that is 81 feet and one inch long. It is believed that the sculpture was in the Sleeping Narai posture but later modified into the Hinayana reclining Buddha.

Yala Central Mosque
Yala Central Mosque is the main mosque of the province, completed in B.E. 2527, in western architectural style intertwined with the unique mosque frame. The front has about 30 wide steps leading to the upper terrace. The roof is square with a dome in the middle.

Namtok Bu Ke Pilo
Namtok Bu Ke Pilo, or Namtok Tawan Ratsami, is about 19 kms. from Amphoe Muang. Take the Yala-Kota Baru Road, then turn into Kota Baru through to Tambon Tha Ruea for about two kms. and turn into the village for another two kms. The entrance to the waterfall is about 500 metres from the village. This waterfall is different from other waterfalls in that when sunlight shines onto the water, the color of the underwater rocks all turn a beautiful yellow.

Namtok La-ong Rung (Rainbow Waterfall)
This is situated on the boundary between Amphoe Than To and Amphoe Betong, about 90 kilometres on the Yala-Betong road from Amphoe Muang. Turn right onto a dirt road at about 40 kilometres before reaching Amphoe Betong, for about 100 metres. The slippery trek leads along the stream from the waterfall calls for precaution. During the rainy season, the waterfall has the effect of the rainbow, hence the name.

Namtok Than To
Namtok Than To is situated in Tambon Tham Talu, on the Yala-Betong road (Highway 410), turn right at the 47-48 kilometre stone for about one kilometre. It is a large waterfall with cascading water running through seven levels with pools for swimming. The surrounding forest is lush with many interesting species including Si Yala with yellow blooms in February.

Sakai Village
The Sakai live at Mu 3, Tambon Ban Rae, about 80 kilometres on the road to Betong. The Sakai is an ancient nomad tribe who exists on hunting and gathering, is an expert on herbal plants and using darts for hunting. Their dwellings were originally made of bamboo, with thatch roof. Recently the Department of Social Work has developed the village by segregating the Sakai in one area and introduced rubber planting as their occupation. The Department also asked the Princess Mother for the naming of the group with the family name of Si Than To. At present, there are a few of the Sakai left at this village, the rest of the group has moved to other areas.

Continue reading here: Chanthaburi Province

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Readers' Questions

  • jarno jansson
    Where is the thai province of yala?
    8 months ago
  • The Thai province of Yala is located in the southern part of Thailand, bordering Malaysia.