Narathiwat

Narathiwat (นราธิวาส) is a city in Narathiwat Province on the Southern Gulf Coast of Thailand.

An introduction to Narathiwat

The city of Narathiwat has a population of about 40,000 and is the provincial capital. The province encompasses an area of 4,475 square kilometres. It is on the eastern coast of the (Malay) Peninsula. The north borders Pattani and the Gulf of Thailand and the west borders Yala and the east borders the Gulf of Thailand, and the south borders Kelantan, Malaysia. Most of the area consists of tropical rainforest and forested mountains. Narathiwat's climate is tropical, with only 2 seasons: summer and rainy. The wettest period is November - December.

The majority of the population is Muslim, with the Yawi dialect predominantly used in verbal communication. Yawi is a divergent dialect of (Malay) which still uses the original Arabic-based Yawi alphabet when written.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has a well-supplied office (gantong theaw) on Narathiwat-Takbai Road, just outside town. Get there by motorcycle taxi. Staff is quite helpful, speak English and can support you with maps and brochures on what to do and see in the southern provinces.

History

Originally, Ban Bang Nara or Manalo was just a village on the bank of the Bang Nara River next to the sea. In the reign of King Rama I, Ban Bang Nara was under the administration of Sai Buri. It later became a precinct and came under the responsibility of Rangae in Pattani province. In 1906, during the reign of King Rama V, Ban Bang Nara grew into a large community, with highly active land- and sea trade routes touching the town. The provincial government offices were shifted from Rangae to Ban Manalo. In 1915, King Rama VI visited Bang Nara and renamed the city Narathiwat, meaning "home of wise people".

Get in

By plane

Narathiwat Airport (NAW), about 15 km north of the city near the Chulabhorn military installation, is served by AirAsia with Flights to and from Bangkok (DMK).

Grey shuttle vanes run to Narathiwat (town), 100 Baht, Taba (Tak Bai) checkpoint, 180 Baht, and Sungai Kolok, 200 Baht.

Travel by train to Narathiwat

The nearest station is Tanyongmat, about 20 km from Narathiwat. However, better connections are likely to be had at Sungai Kolok. Several trains run daily.

The unrest in Southern Thailand has affected the railways, trains have been targeted and services can be cancelled. Trains running to Sungai Kolok had armed guards from Hat Yai, other than that, service is usually normal.

By bus

To/from Bangkok:Air-con buses by The Transport Co. Ltd (บริษัท ขนส่ง จำกัด (บขส.), bor-kor-sor) run between Bangkok's southern bus terminal (สายใต้, sai-tai) and Narathiwat bus terminal daily. The distance is ~1,161 kilometers and normally takes 14 hours. 24 seat VIP buses (พิเศษ, piset) cost 1,295 Baht and depart from Bangkok at 17:15. On the return, departure is at 12:30. 47 seat Class 2 buses (ม2) cost 669 Baht and depart Bangkok at 15:30 and Narathiwat at 12:45.

By minivan

Scheduled minivan services ply the routes between Sungai Kolok/Hat Yai/Yala/Pattani and the Narathiwat bus terminal on the outskirts of town, roughly 500 m past the Provincial Hospital on the left hand side of the road to Ranggae. Ticket prices are 80 Baht for Sungai-Kolok and 170 Baht to Hat Yai.

Get around

Take motorcycle taxis around the city area for about 10-20 Baht. Alternatively, a bicycle can be rented at a rate of 50 Baht/day to explore the city area. Motorcycle rentals are not readily available in town.

Songthaews ply the scenic route to Taba (Tak Bai) and take passengers from monument square to either Ratchanivet Palace or near Ao Manao National Park.

A new air-conditioned bus line connects the bus terminal with the beach at Hat Narathat. The fare is 9 Baht.

What to see in Narathiwat

• Ao Manao/Khao Tanyong National Park | Beautiful beach with a few large rocks, ideal for picnicking, bathing, and beach combing with only a few visitors. A true 4 star beach!

• Hat Narathat - หาดนราทัศน์

• Masjid Klang - มัสยิดกลาง | Known as the central mosque.

• Masjid Jangwat - มัสยิดจังหวัด | Known as the provincial mosque.

• Masjid Wadi Al-Husein (Talo Mano) - มัสยิดวาดินฮูเช็น | Known locally as Masjid Saam Roi Phi (มัสยิดสองร้อยปี) or "300-year-old mosque".

• Wat Khao Kong - วัดเขากง

What to do in Narathiwat

• Bang Nara Riverside Festival | Local atmosphere with lots of teens, live music, and food stalls lining the river.

• Narathiwat Fair | Annually, around mid-September.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Narathiwat

Miniature Korlae boats, colourful head caps, and head scarves.

Muslim Friendly Food & Restaurants in Narathiwat

Restaurants are plentiful. Most serve local Malay-style dishes. There are a couple of Chinese restaurants and food stalls. Around the market, especially in the late afternoon, you can find khao yam (Malay: nasi krapau) vendors. Narathiwat is famous for its fish crackers (Malay: krupuk ikan) and budu, a fermented fish Sauce that can be served salty or sweet. Ask around to find a nice place to eat.

Buy Muslim Friendly Condos, Houses and Villas in Narathiwat

eHalal Group Narathiwat is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Narathiwat. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Narathiwat.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Narathiwat ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Narathiwat. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Narathiwat, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Narathiwat are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@halal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Narathiwat

• Please check the latest Hotel Rates for Narathiwat

• Ocean Blue Mansion | A fairly new budget hotel, on the banks of Bang Nara River quite close to its mouth. Lift, cable TV, refrigerator, queen beds, hot showers, and air conditioning. Great views of the river and also of Khao Tanyong in the distance. Free covered parking, boat dock available on request.

• Pacific Hotel | Clean and simple rooms, (with hot showers & TV). Friendly and helpful staff. Small restaurant. Comfort-wise it is just below the Tanyong Hotel, but much less expensive.

• Tanyong Hotel | 23 comfortable standard air-con rooms, 24-hour restaurant, snooker club, private massage and disco.

• Imperial Hotel

Stay Safe

In 2004, long-simmering resentment in the southern-most Muslim-majority provinces burst into widespread violence in Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala Provinces. Rebel groups tend not to target foreigners. Some, however, have not ruled it out and foreigners have been killed and injured in terror attacks. The main target of bomb attacks are where people congregate: public markets, hotels, entertainment venues, and shopping areas. Train services to all three southern provinces have been sometimes halted due to rebel activities targeting trains.

Go next

• Sungai Kolok — border town, gateway to Kota Bharu and the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia

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