Pattani
ปัตตานี · Pattani Province
Population
45K
Budget / Month
$280
Internet
50 Mbps
Best Season
February to April
About Pattani
Pattani is one of Thailand's southernmost provinces and part of the historically Malay-Muslim deep south. Once the seat of the powerful Sultanate of Patani, the city has a cultural richness that stretches back centuries, blending Malay, Thai, and Chinese influences. The Kru Se Mosque, dating to the 1500s, is one of the oldest in Southeast Asia. The massive Pattani Central Mosque is among the largest in Thailand. The province has beautiful beaches, a river-mouth old town, and food that is distinctly different from the rest of Thailand, drawing heavily on Malay cuisine.
Pattani is part of the region that has experienced a separatist insurgency since 2004. While the conflict primarily affects security forces and specific targets rather than tourists, incidents do occur, and several governments maintain travel advisories for the province. Violence has decreased significantly in recent years, and daily life in the city continues normally. Very few foreign tourists visit, which means those who do experience an extraordinarily authentic and welcoming side of Thailand. However, travelers should check current advisories, register with their embassy, and exercise heightened awareness.
The old town, around the Pattani River mouth, is the most atmospheric part of the city. Chinese and Malay shophouses — many with Jawi script signs — line narrow streets that once served the international trade of the Patani Sultanate. The Leng Chu Kiang shrine reflects the Chinese merchant heritage, while every few blocks another mosque reminds you that this is a Muslim-majority city where five daily prayer calls are part of the soundscape.
Food is a major reason to come. Pattani cuisine draws heavily on Malay and Indonesian traditions — nasi dagang (coconut rice with fish curry) for breakfast, roti canai with rich curries, budu (fermented fish sauce) as a condiment, and an endless variety of kuih sweets at the morning markets. It is one of the most distinctive regional food cultures in Thailand.
Historical Note
Pattani was the capital of the Patani Sultanate, a powerful Malay kingdom that flourished from the 14th to 18th centuries as a major trade entrepot. It was conquered by Siam in 1785 and formally incorporated in 1909. The separatist insurgency that began in 2004 has shaped modern Pattani's profile, though violence has declined significantly since peaking in the late 2000s.
Best time to visit: February to April
At a Glance
Thai Name
ปัตตานี
Province
Pattani
Region
Southern
Population
45,000
Area
1,940 km²
Elevation
5 m
Postal Code
94000
Local Language
Pattani Malay (Jawi), Thai
Cost of Living
budget
/month10,000 THB
~$280 USD
comfortable
/month17,000 THB
~$475 USD
luxury
/month27,500 THB
~$765 USD
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal | 35 | 50 |
| Local restaurant meal | 50 | 100 |
| Cafe latte | 40 | 70 |
| Local coffee iced | 20 | 35 |
| Water 1.5L | 10 | 15 |
| Fresh fruit per kg | 25 | 50 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic guesthouse per night | 250 | 400 |
| Mid-range hotel per night | 500 | 1,000 |
| Best available hotel | 1,000 | 1,800 |
| Monthly rental | 3,500 | 7,000 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Motorbike taxi | 20 | 50 |
| Motorbike rental per day | 200 | 300 |
| Minivan to Hat Yai | 150 | 250 |
utilities
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Internet fiber per month | 500 | 800 |
| Mobile plan per month | 299 | 599 |
| Electricity per month | 500 | 1,500 |
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Movie ticket | 120 | 180 |
| Massage per hour | 150 | 250 |
Internet & Connectivity
Speed Test Averages
vs Bangkok Average (200 Mbps)
25% of Bangkok speed
Providers
Coworking Spaces
0
Weather & Climate
February to April offers the driest weather — the southeast monsoon brings heavy rain from October through January. Visit during Hari Raya Aidilfitri (end of Ramadan, date varies) to see the community at its most festive, though be prepared for some closures.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30 | 23 | 130 | 82% |
| Feb | 31 | 23 | 50 | 80% |
| Mar | 32 | 24 | 60 | 78% |
| Apr | 33 | 25 | 80 | 78% |
| May | 33 | 25 | 140 | 80% |
| Jun | 33 | 25 | 120 | 80% |
| Jul | 32 | 24 | 110 | 80% |
| Aug | 32 | 24 | 130 | 81% |
| Sep | 32 | 24 | 170 | 83% |
| Oct | 31 | 24 | 260 | 85% |
| Nov | 30 | 24 | 540 | 87% |
| Dec | 30 | 23 | 420 | 86% |
Things to Do
Kru Se Mosque (Masjid Kru Se)
มัสยิดกรือเซะ
Hauntingly beautiful ruins of a 16th-century mosque, one of the oldest in Southeast Asia, with a tragic history and legend.
Pattani Central Mosque
มัสยิดกลางปัตตานี
One of Thailand's largest and most impressive mosques with striking modern Islamic architecture.
Pattani Old Town
Walk through the Chinese-Malay shophouse quarter near the river — faded grandeur with real atmosphere.
Leng Chu Kiang Shrine
ศาลเจ้าแม่ลิ้มกอเหนี่ยว
Major Chinese shrine dedicated to Lim Ko Niao, reflecting the Chinese merchant heritage of the old port city.
Yarang Ancient Town
เมืองโบราณยะรัง
Archaeological site outside the city with remains from the Srivijaya-era Langkasuka kingdom.
Pattani Beach (Hat Talo Kapo)
หาดตะโละกาโปร์
Long sandy beach popular with locals, especially at sunset.
Morning Market Exploration
Morning markets in Pattani offer Malay-Thai food, colorful textiles, and songkok caps.
Panare Beach
หาดปะนาเระ
Quieter beach area in the Panare district, less visited even by locals.
Food & Dining
นาซิดาแฆ
Nasi Dagang
Coconut milk rice served with fish curry — a classic Malay-Muslim breakfast.
40-70
Morning markets and breakfast stalls
โรตีมะตะบะ
Roti Canai / Roti Mataba
Flaky flatbread served with curry — ubiquitous and delicious, both savory and sweet versions.
30-60
Roadside stalls all day
ข้าวหมกไก่
Khao Mok Gai
Thai-Muslim chicken biryani — aromatic, deeply flavored, and a Pattani specialty.
50-80
Muslim restaurants and market stalls
สะตอ
Sata
Grilled fish paste wrapped in banana leaf — a Pattani specialty with deep umami flavor.
10-30
Market vendors
บูดู
Budu
Fermented fish sauce used as a condiment with rice and vegetables — an acquired taste and a regional staple.
20-60
Local restaurants and home-style meals
ขนมหวาน
Kuih (Thai-Malay Sweets)
Colorful steamed cakes and desserts made with rice flour, coconut, and palm sugar.
10-30
Morning markets
Night Markets
- Pattani Central Market evening stalls
Food Streets
- Old town riverside
- Pattani Central Mosque area
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm
200 - 350
THB / night
Budget Hotel
250 - 500
THB / night
Mid-Range
500 - 1,000
THB / night
Luxury
1,000 - 1,800
THB / night
Studio /mo
3,000 - 5,000
THB / night
1BR /mo
3,500 - 7,000
THB / night
Best Areas for Tourists
Best Areas for Long Stay
Booking Tip
CS Pattani Hotel is the main mid-range choice. Options are very limited — book ahead or arrive early. There are no international chains or boutique properties.
Getting There from Bangkok
Flight to Hat Yai + minivan
1.5h + 2h
1500-4000 THB
Bus from Southern Terminal
14-16 hours
600-1000 THB
Train to Yala + minivan
14-16 hours
500-1500 THB
Getting Around
Motorbike taxi
WidespreadThe primary way to get around town
20-50
Songthaew
LimitedShared pickups on fixed routes
15-30
Motorbike rental
LimitedFrom guesthouses; essential for exploring the province
200-300
Tuk-tuk
LimitedOccasional; negotiate the fare
30-80
Neighborhoods
City Center / Riverside
Historic Sino-Malay old townThe main commercial and historic area around the Pattani River mouth with shophouses, markets, and the Chinese shrine.
Best for: Visitors and most accommodation
Prince of Songkla University Area
Academic and modernPSU Pattani campus area with student cafes and slightly more modern amenities.
Best for: Longer stays and students
Coastal Areas (Talo Kapo / Panare)
Sleepy coastalBeach areas outside the city center — quiet, local, scenic fishing communities.
Best for: Day trips and beach escapes
Festivals & Events
Hari Raya Aidilfitri
วันฮารีรายอ
The most important celebration — the city comes alive with family gatherings, new clothes, and special foods.
Hari Raya Haji
Festival of Sacrifice with community celebrations and shared meals.
Lim Ko Niao Festival
เจ้าแม่ลิ้มกอเหนี่ยว
Chinese-Thai festival honoring the shrine's goddess, drawing devotees from across Thailand.
Songkran
สงกรานต์
Celebrated modestly by the Buddhist Thai community.
Practical Info
Hospital
Pattani Hospital
Best SIM Provider
AIS or TrueMove
ATM Availability
Common
Language Tip
Pattani Malay (Jawi) is the primary local language. Thai is widely understood. English is very rarely spoken — a translation app is essential.
Drinking Water
Do not drink tap water. Bottled water widely available.
Tipping Culture
Not expected
7-Eleven Density
Common
Emergency Numbers
Tourist police 1155, Emergency 191
Day Trips
Yarang Ancient Town
Archaeological ruins from the Langkasuka kingdom.
Narathiwat
Neighboring deep south province with similar Malay-Muslim culture and Tak Bai beach.
Songkhla / Hat Yai
Lake city and commercial hub with shopping and international amenities.
Betong via Yala
Thailand's southernmost town with sea of mist viewpoint and Chinese heritage.
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pattani safe to visit?
Pattani is part of Thailand's insurgency-affected deep south. Violence has decreased in recent years and is not targeted at tourists, but incidents do occur. Check your government's travel advisory, stay in the city center, avoid nighttime travel in rural areas, and be aware of your surroundings.
Will I be the only tourist?
Almost certainly yes, particularly if you are a Western foreigner. You will attract curious and friendly attention.
Can I buy alcohol?
It is very difficult. This is a Muslim-majority area and alcohol is not widely sold. Some Chinese-owned shops may carry beer. Do not expect bars or nightlife.
How do I get there?
Fly to Hat Yai, then take a minivan or bus (2-2.5 hours). There is no commercial airport in Pattani.
Is the food different from the rest of Thailand?
Very much so. Pattani food is Malay-influenced — biryani, roti, fermented fish sauce (budu), and coconut-rich curries. It is one of the most distinctive food cultures in Thailand.
What should I wear?
Modest clothing for both men and women. Women should cover shoulders and knees and bring a headscarf for mosque visits.