Phatthalung

Phatthalung (พัทลุง) is a city in the Southern Gulf Coast region of Thailand.

Understand
Phatthalung is on the west coast of Songkhla Lake, 860 km from Bangkok. This mountainous city is among the ancient cities in the south. Khao Ok Thalu or Mount Ok Thalu, the symbol of the city, is prominent by its height and can be seen from a distance. The performing arts of Nang Talung (puppet shadow play) and Nora dance have their origins in this city. It was assumed from evidence that Phatthalung had been a town built in the Srivijaya period. The original town was at Hua Khao Daeng on the coast, now opposite the city of Songkhla.

By car
From Bangkok, there are three possible routes:


 * Follow Hwy 4 to Chumphon and, at the Pathomphon intersection, take a turn toward Ranong, Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang, and Phatthalung, a total distance of around 1,140 km.
 * Follow Hwy 4 to Chumphon and switch to Hwy 41 toward Phatthalung, a total distance of 840 km.
 * Follow Hwy 4 past Chumphon, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat, change to Hwy 403, and at the Khao Chum Thong junction, switch to Hwy 41 toward Phatthalung.

By plane
There is no airport in Phatthalung. Visitors can take a flight to Trang or Hat Yai. For more information, contact Thai Airways at Tel. 1566, +66 2 800060, +66 2 6282000; the Trang Office at Tel. +66 75 218066, +66 75 219923; the Hat Yai Office at Tel. +66 74 245851–2, +66 74 243711, +66 74 233433.

By train
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) serves Phatthalung. Tel. 1690, +66 2 2237010, +66 2 2237020, or contact the Phatthalung Railway Station at Tel. +66 74 613106.

There are four trains per day from Bangkok, taking about 16 hours. Different trains have different combinations of 1st class sleepers, 2nd class A/C sleepers, 2nd class fan sleepers, and seats (not recommended as all these trains travel overnight). The train departing Bangkok at 16:10 and arriving in Phattalung at 08:26 is recommended, it has 2nd class sleepers, both A/C and fan carriages. 1st class A/C tickets cost 1500 baht, 2nd class A/C 1500-1700 baht, 2nd class fan sleepers 575 baht. Upper berths are always around 10% cheaper on Thai sleeper trains.

See




Buy
Famous souvenirs include "kalamae" or coconut toffee, "kluai chap" or crispy buttered banana, and "luk yi" (velvet tamarind) candy, and crispy baked prawns.

Drink
Although this area has a sizeable Muslim minority, alcoholic drinks are still widely available.

Go next
Take the train south to the regional centre of Hat Yai or further down the Southern Gulf Coast. From there, you can cross into Malaysia.

Or if heading north, Bangkok is only an overnight ride on a sleeper train away.