Discover Yala
Posted by Mr Tuk Tuk on June 17th, 2010 filed in The South, Travel destinationsWelcome to Yala, the southernmost province of Thailand. This interesting province is predominately Muslim and has a great deal or interesting history, culture and beautiful scenery to explore. The province’s unique mixture of Thai, Chinese, and Islamic cultural heritage makes it a very rewarding place to get to know.
Yala is well loved for its natural beauty, and the area comprises a large number of parks. Top of the list for nature lovers should be the Betong Municipality Park, which occupies an area of 120 square kilometres on a hill in the middle of Betong city centre. This park offers great views over the city as well as several large gardens, a sports ground, a swimming pool, and a playground. Another interesting park is Sanam Chang Phueak Park.
Yala Province is blessed with a large number of sparkling waterfalls to enjoy, most of which can be swam in. Not to be missed are Namtok Than To, Namtok Inthason, Namtok Bu Ke Pilo and Namtok La-ong Rung – which means Rainbow Waterfall in the Thai language. Betong Hot Spring is a great place to soak away your aches and pains and there are also some interesting caves to explore such as Tham Krachaeng, Tham Mae Nang Montho and Tham Sin, where you will discover an ancient mural depicting the different postures of the Lord Buddha and a painting of three women standing together on the cave wall.
Of course, in area with such an interesting background it is only natural that the diverse history and culture should be reflected in Yala’s temples. Among those of interest to visitors are Yala Central Mosque, Wat Khuhaphimuk and Phra Mahathat Chedi Phra Phutthathammaprakat, which is located on a hilltop in Betong city centre. The enormous chedi has been built in the modern Sivijaya style and covered in gold.
There are many other interesting attractions in the area such as the City Pillar Shrine, Bang Lang Dam and the Largest Mail Box in Thailand.