Yala Attractions
Yala
Yala is the busy capital of a densely populated flourishing province in the extreme south of Thailand not far from the Malaysian border. In the town the majority of the people are Chinese, in the province they are chiefly Malayans of the Islamic religion; the spoken language is Malayan.
By car: from Songkhla Highway 408 to Nathawi, then highways 42/409 (128 km (80 mi.)); alternatively take the coast road at Chana. From Pattani Highway 410 (43 km (27 mi)).
By bus: from Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal to Hat Yai (1000 km (621 mi.), 14 hours), connecting service from here.
By rail: station on the Bangkok-Malaysia line (from Bangkok-Hualampong 1055 km (656 mi.), about 20 hours; sleeper with air-conditioning).
Yala is the busy capital of a densely populated flourishing province in the extreme south of Thailand not far from the Malaysian border. In the town the majority of the people are Chinese, in the province they are chiefly Malayans of the Islamic religion; the spoken language is Malayan.
By car: from Songkhla Highway 408 to Nathawi, then highways 42/409 (128 km (80 mi.)); alternatively take the coast road at Chana. From Pattani Highway 410 (43 km (27 mi)).
By bus: from Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal to Hat Yai (1000 km (621 mi.), 14 hours), connecting service from here.
By rail: station on the Bangkok-Malaysia line (from Bangkok-Hualampong 1055 km (656 mi.), about 20 hours; sleeper with air-conditioning).
Wat Kuhaphimuk
Wat Kuhaphimuk, a rock temple c. 800, lies on the edge of the town. There is a well proportioned modern wiharn in an attractive nearby park. In one of the caves in the limestone rocks above the park (15-minute walk) can be seen a 24-m (79-ft) long reclining Buddha which is worshipped by the people of the area.
Other interesting temples are the Chinese places of worship; there are also several mosques in the town.
Other interesting temples are the Chinese places of worship; there are also several mosques in the town.
Yala Surroundings
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Bang Lang Reservoir
The Bang Lang reservoir makes for a scenic stop on Highway 410, en route to the village of Ban Ayerweng and the border town of Betong.
Caves
In the mountains around Yala numerous caves have been turned into temples. Of particular interest are the caves of Tham Koo Ha Pimsak (with a 25-m (82-ft) high Buddha) and the cave at Tham Silpa with fragments of 13th c. wall paintings (Srivijaya period). From Yala it is signposted on Highway 409 in the direction of Hat Yai.
