24 November 2015

Solo Singapore to Pattani The Deep South Gulf of Thailand!


Pattani (ปัตตานี), also spelled Patani in Malay, is the capital of a province of the same name in Deep Southern Thailand.

Have been riding to Betong,Yala,Su-ngai Kolok and HatYai never to Pattani. A mystery to me and why not Pattani? The very first time you heard the word "Pattani" is already link with many disturbing news about "violence". Google "Pattani" you will find lot of negative news about insurgency, conflict, bombing... and it's real. Ask any Thai friend not living in the south they will tell you "No "No", bomb many many!".

Warning advise from Thai : "Anyone who wish to visit South Of Thailand should exercise special caution and remain vigilant with regard to their personal security."
So why take risk going Pattani? There is 2 time I had fail going to Laos and not being superstition the deep south is calling there is a place to visit before mile passunm. The solo deep south unfinished ride!

Distance


Break record due to no rain and traffic manage to reach Betong border in 8hrs.

Betong clock tower!

 Take photo with Thailand tallest mailbox!

Eat breakfast at Betong

Foot massage for 2 hrs before heading next stop. RM$28/hrs
 Bang Lang Dam bridge
Bang Lang Dam view
Twist and turn from Betong to Yala Bang Lang bridge! 50km from Betong

Krachaeng Cave 96km from Betong.

The river sink entrance. 
8th longest cave in Thailand length 5633meter.
Lost in Yala town suddenly the sign to Pattani all gone! Stop and ask for direction from drink stall owner.
The end of Yala road turn left to Pattani! :)
My Garden Hotel Pattani (Beside Pattani clock tower)
A helpful lady bring me to this hotel when I was parking outside 7-11 asking for direction. 
620baht per night old but clean hotel with fast wifi  (Thailand Standard) :p 

Old but clean room and environment.
The only bike park beside security post!

Pattani roundabout clock tower! Busy day and night.

Pattani have many nice ambience cafe this one near my hotel.
Almost 90% of population in Pattani is Muslim. 
But there is a mix combination of hala or non hala thai foods stall/restaurants to choose from. 
You will be spoilt with choices and for price-wise foods are cheaper compare to Betong and Hatyai.


Statues of King Rama V in Pattani!
King Rama V one of the most respectful King in Thailand he abolition slavery in Siam!



Pattani Central Mosque
  It's one of the most beautiful and largest mosques in Thailand. Took 9 years to built it is the centre for religious ceremonies to be performed by the Muslims in the South!


 The kakak sell very cheap 3 sticks of chicken ball, tofu, hotdog and a bottle of drinking water only 40baht outside Central Mosque.


City Pillar Shrine
Constructed on 13 April 1951 when Phraya Rattana Phakdi was the governor. This site is mostly worshipped by the Pattani people and visitors.


Bikes park outside of Banchama Rachutit School.


 Left bank of the Pattani River!

Roam around the street!



 Lim Ko Niao Shrine 
The story has it that Lim Ko Niao was a Chinese girl that came to Siam by ship looking for her brother Lim To Khiam, who married the Pattani governor's daughter and had changed his religion to Islam. However, she was not successful, and so she hung herself on the cashew nut tree. Her brother buried her at this place.

 IN_T_AF CAFE"& GALLERY





 Visited the Pattani famous IN_T_AF CAFE & GALLERY! Everyone of them are so friendly was given the book Pattani Retweet and cup of ice milk tea! Was there around 1:30pm but they are open only on 4pm (Thai Time) never get to try the good foods there.

 Met this nice gentlemen Mr Ding when I was asking for directions.
He even bring me to a small cafe to relax and insist paying the bill.



After small talk with Mr Ding I left Pattani and head toward HatYai.
I'm happy I came to Pattani although I did not cover the whole Pattani.
One day I may visit again :)

SG-MY-Betong-Yala-Pattani-Hatyai



3 October 2015

Quote from movie RUSH

Niki Lauda: There's no need to drive fast. We're not in a hurry, we're not being paid. There is no reward for the risk. So why would I drive fast?

Photo Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niki_Lauda#/media/File:Lauda,_Niki_1973-07-06.jpg