Yala

Yala (ยะลา) is based in Southern Thailand.

1 Yala Halal Travel Guide
2 Get in
3 Get around
4 What to see in Yala
5 What to do in Yala
6 Muslim Friendly Shopping in Yala
7 Halal Restaurants in Yala
8 eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Yala
9 Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Yala
10 Muslim Friendly Hotels
11 Telecommunications in Yala
12 Stay Safe
13 Go next

Yala Halal Travel Guide

Yala is the southernmost province of Thailand. It has an area of 4,521 square kilometres. It is the only landlocked province in the south. Yala is a border province with an interesting history, culture, and beautiful scenery. The province has a unique mixture of cultural legacy of several groups: (Thai), Chinese, and Muslim. The downtown 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 a part of Pattani, a colony of the Sukhothai Kingdom. In 1767 (2310 BE) when Ayutthaya fell to the Burmese and the southern colonies became independent. During the reign of King Rama I of the Rattanakosin Dynasty and the king sent his brother, Khrom Phra Ratchawangbowon Maha Surasihanat to take Pattani. In 1808 (2351 BE) and the king had Pattani partitioned into 7 smaller colonies, namely Mueang Pattani, Mueang Sai Buri, Mueang Nong Chik, Mueang Yaring, Mueang Ra Ngae, Mueang Raman, and Mueang Yala. Yala had changed its rulers many times before Monthon was abolished in 1933 (2476 BE) and finally became one of the provinces of Thailand.

Get in

By car

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

By plane

There are no direct connecting Flights 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. See Thai-Airways].

By train

Yala is 1,055 kilometers 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 12:25, 14:45, and 15:50.

By bus

To/from Bangkok:Air-con buses by The Transport Co. Ltd (บริษัท ขนส่ง จำกัด (บขส.), bor-kor-sor) run between Bangkok southern bus terminal (สายใต้, sai-tai) and Yala bus terminal daily. The distance is ~1,089 kilometers and normally takes 14 hours.

24 seats VIP bus (พิเศษ, piset) costs 1,215 Baht, departs from Bangkok at 17:30. On the reverse and the departure is at 14:00.
32 seats Class 1 B bus (ม1พ) costs 914 Baht, departs from Bangkok at 19:00 and Yala at 15:30.
40 seats Class 1 C bus (ม1ข) costs 783 Baht, departs from Bangkok at 17:00 and Yala at 16:30.
47 seats Class 2 bus (ม2) costs 609 Baht, departs from Bangkok at 14:00 and 18:00, Yala at 12:30 and 14:30.

Air-conditioned bus services are run daily between Bangkok and Yala from the Southern Bus Terminal. Departure times from Bangkok are as follows:

VIP Bus – 17:30.
Standard 1 Bus – 10:30 and 17:00.

For further information, call the Southern Bus Terminal at ☎ +66 2 4351119-200.

Thai Doen Rot Co.,Ltd (☎ +66 2 4357424) operates a daily bus service from Bangkok to Betong. The bus leaves the Southern Bus Terminal at 16:00.

To/from Sungai Kolok

Mini bus for 170 Baht or by train for 35 Baht. The travel takes about 2 hours. The train may be slower.

Get around

The city is somewhat walkable, depending on how far you're going (from the train station to the city pillar shrine is a bit long, but doable). There aren't a lot of taxis, even of the motorcycle variety, but you may find some at the train station.

The big circle on the map with streets radiating out from it is not a downtown area, but a park in the suburbs that hosts the city pillar shrine (see See below).

What to see in Yala

City Pillar Shrine - ศาลหลักเมือง | 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 Brahma and a flame on top. The City Pillar Ceremony (งานสมโภชเจ้าพ่อหลักเมืองยะลา) ceremony is held annually in May on the grounds of the Yala Municipal Office, in which the model City Pillar is paraded. The ceremony features stalls displaying goods for sale and exhibition, as well as government products, and folk entertainment, such as Manora Dance, Nung Talung, and Hulu Li Ke.
ASEAN Java Songbird Contest (งานมหกรรมแข่งขันนกเขาชวาเสียงอาเซียน): Yala is one of the southern provinces that favor Java Songbirds. It is widely believed that Java Songbirds are good-luck charms that bring good luck to their owners, especially if the birds possess certain characteristics. The Yala Municipality Authority and Java Songbird Owner Association annually stage the ASEAN Java Songbird Contest on the first weekend of March. The first contest, held in B.E. 2529, was popular and led to an annual event held on the grounds of Suan Khwan Mueang.
Yala Product and Cultural Revival Festival (งานเทศกาลฟื้นฟูประเพณีและของดีเมืองยะลา): The festival is held annually on the first weekend of August on the grounds of the Yala Municipal Office. Folk cultures from the various groups in the border provinces of the south, mainly Chinese-Thai Buddhists and (Thai) Muslim, perform at the festival. The festival also hosts contests for Chi La Dance, Best Dressed Banong, Si Bu-nga Siri (a special kind of Potpourri (music)|potpourri), Rong-ngeng Dance and Annacit Singing (in both (Malay) and (Thai) languages). Various schools in the area also present folk performances, while an exhibition of Yala's best produce is also displayed.
Yala Central Mosque (มัสยิดกลางจังหวัดยะลา): is the main mosque of the province in Western architectural style intertwined with the unique mosque frame. The front has about 30 wide steps leading to the upper terrace.
Sanam Chang Phueak Park (สวนสาธารณะสนามช้างเผือก): Used as the ground to give the king a white elephant (chang phueak) named "Phra Sawet Sura Khachathan". The park has a pavilion in the middle of a large pond and various sculpture of animals.
Suan Khwan Mueang (สวนขวัญเมือง): Its vast area of 207 rai has a separate sports ground and a 69 rai pond, landscaped with sandy beach and sea pines.
Wat Khuhaphimuk or Wat Na Tham (พระพุทธไสยาสน์วัดคูหาภิมุขหรือวัดหน้าถ้ำ): One of the three most-revered places of the south. 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.
Tham Mae Nang Montho (ถ้ำแม่นางมณโฑ): Inside the cave are large connecting chambers that are mostly dark. The highlight of this place is at the end of the cave with a large stalagmite resembling the shape of a meditating lady, hence the name of the cave.
Tham Sin (ถ้ำศิลป์): This is a very small and dark cave with ancient mural of different postures of the Lord Buddha and a painting of three women standing together on the cave wall that has deteriorated with time.
Bang Lang Dam (เขื่อนบางลาง): This dam is the first multi-purpose dam in the south, on the Pattani River. It is 85 metres high with a crest of 422 metres long, and a capacity of 1,420 million cubic metres.
Tham Krachaeng (ถ้ำกระแชง): A cave at Ban Ka Sot, Tambon Bannang Sata, about 50 kilometers from Amphoe Mueang Yala.
Namtok Sukthalai or Namtok Kue Long (น้ำตกสุขทาลัยหรือน้ำตกกือลอง): It consists of five levels. The princess mother named it “Namtok Sukthalai”.
Namtok Than To (น้ำตกธารโต): 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 (Saraca thaipingensis Cantley ex Prain) with yellow blooms in February.
Namtok La-ong Rung (Rainbow Waterfall) (น้ำตกละอองรุ้ง): A slippery trek that leads along the stream from the waterfall. During the rainy season and the waterfall has the effect of the rainbow, hence the name.
Sakai Village (หมู่บ้านซาไก): The Sakai are an ancient nomadic tribe which existed on hunting and gathering, expert in herbal plants and using darts for hunting. Recently the Department of Social Work has developed the village by segregating the Sakai in one area and introduced rubber planting as their occupation.
Namtok Bu Ke Pilo or Namtok Tawan Ratsami (น้ำตกบูเก๊ะปิโลหรือน้ำตกตะวันรัศมี): About 19 kilometers from Mueang District and the entrance to the waterfall is about 500|m|ft from the village. When sunlight shines onto the water and the underwater rocks turn yellow.
Betong (เบตง): A (Malay) word meaning 'bamboo'. This neighborhood is at the southernmost point of Thailand. The Betong downtown is surrounded by mountains, resulting in a cool climate and high rainfall, with frequent fog in the morning. It is therefore dubbed "The City in the Fog with Beautiful Flowers".
Phra Mahathat Chedi Phra Phutthathammaprakat (พระมหาธาตุเจดีย์พระพุทธธรรมประกาศ): This chedi is built in the modern Sivijaya-style, covered in a Gold color. It is 39.9|m|ft high, built to commemorate the 69th birthday of the queen.
Suan Sut Sayam (Betong Municipality Park) (สวนสุดสยาม): Overlooks the city, consisting of ornamental plants and a flowering plants garden, aviary, health garden, sports ground, swimming pool, and playground.
The Largest Mail Box in Thailand (ตู้ไปรษณีย์ใหญ่ที่สุดในประเทศไทย): Built in B.E. 2467, before World War II, as a communication post for the townspeople, with a radio installed on top of the box and a mail slot below it. A new and larger box was built ( 9|m|ft high), and is at the City Convention Hall (Sala Prachakhom).
Swifts (นกนางแอ่น): At dusk and the swifts fly around the downtown and come to rest on houses, buildings and electricity lines—especially on the Bell Tower that is well lit at night. The birds have become one of Betong's symbols.
Betong Hot Spring (บ่อน้ำร้อนเบตง): At Ban Charo Parai Village, Tambon Tano Mae Ro, about 5 kilometers before the Betong downtown.
Namtok Inthason (น้ำตกอินทสร): About 15 kilometers from Betong downtown and about 2 kilometers from the hot spring.
Piyamit Tunnel (อุโมงค์ปิยะมิตร): The tunnel was built in three months in B.E. 2519 and winds through the mountain for about 1 kilometers}}—it is about 50|ft|m wide with several entrances. It was used as the air-raid shelter and food storage area.
Bala-Hala Forest (ป่าบาลา-ฮาลา), or Suan Pa Phra Namaphithai Phak Tai, Section Two (สวนป่าพระนาภิไธยภาคใต้ ส่วนที่ - A lush rain forest with many rare plants and wildlife—especially birds. Also the home of the Sakai tribe, this forest occupies a large area at the boundary of Yala and Narathiwat.
Namtok Chaloem Phra Kiat Ro Kao (น้ำตกเฉลิมพระเกียรติ ร.9): In Ai Yoe Weng Sub-neighborhood and the waterfall is more than 30|m|ft high and is surrounded by lush forest.

What to do in Yala

Because of the recent bombings your cell phone's SIM card might be disabled on the way down here. You will still have data access. Go to Telewiz to register your SIM in Yala. (+66 73 228900-2) you'll need to show your passport and fingerprints.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Yala

Shogun oranges (ส้มโชกุน): Yala's leading economic crop. They are similar to green sweet oranges, but have softer flesh.

Kluai Hin (กล้วยหิน): A kind of banana, similar to kluay nam wa. When boiled or glazed, it has a nutty taste.
Betong Noodles (หมี่เบตง): Egg noodles.
Betong Soy Sauce (ซีอิ๊วเบตง): A special method is used to make the Sauce from soybeans.

Halal Restaurants in Yala

There are street stalls and small restaurants all over Yala. Like the rest of Thailand you are never far away from food. Yala is not used to many tourists so just smile a lot and point at the food you want.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Yala

Yala - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Yala, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Yala. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Yala and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Yala. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Yala. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Yala: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Yala.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Yala: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Yala, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Yala.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Yala, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Yala, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Yala and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Yala, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Yala, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Yala without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Yala is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Yala.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Yala is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Yala, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Yala Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Yala

eHalal Group Yala is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Yala. 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 Yala.

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 Yala 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 Yala. 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 Yala, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Yala 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@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Please visit eHalal Thailand for a full list of hotels in Yala.

Telecommunications in Yala

If you need a SIM card for your phone, you can get an AIS card and register it on the spot at the bigger of the two cell phone shops across the street from the train station. 7-Elevens in town sell TrueMove SIMs, but only if you have some form of Thai-issued identification (no foreign passports).

Stay Safe

In 2004, long-simmering resentment in the southernmost Muslim-majority provinces burst into violence in Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala provinces.

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