Yala

Yala, the southernmost province of Thailand, derived its name from the word “yalor” which means “fishing net”, fishing being the primary means of livelihood in the lowland town of Yalor. In the local Patani Malay language the province is better known as Jolor. It is a big city with beautiful landscapes.

Yala originally under the Malay Sultanate of Pattani and paying tribute to Sukothai and Ayutthaya, became independent in 1967 but again was brought under Siam’s control during the reign of King Rama I. In the year 1909 it split off and became an independent province.
Yale has a number of places of tourist attraction and Watt Khuhaphimuk is one of them, known as Watt Na Tham. This temple is one of the three most important places of this province manifesting the importance of Buddhism since the period of Srivijaya. This temple has a figure of a giant at the entrance signifying protection of the cave sheltering the reclining Lord Buddha. This was structured in B.E.2484 and the village residents gave a nomenclature of Chaos Khao.
Bang Lang Dam at Ban Bang Lang and is the first multi-purpose dam on the river Pattani. It is 85 meters high, crest of 422 meters long and the reservoir having a capacity of 1420 million cubic meters in situated in the Amphoe Bannang Sata. Guelong Waterfall and Krasaeng Cave forming other places of tourist interest of Yala province belongs to this district.
Namtok Kue Long or otherwise known as Namtok Sukthalai was given the name by Princess Mother. This also forms a place of tourist attraction.
Namtok Inthason forms another place of visit at Yala province. It is 15 kilometers far from Betong city centre i.e. about two kilometers from the Hot Spring. It is a small waterfall with green forest and swimming pools for refreshment.
Sakai, the nomadic tribal inhabitants of the Sakai Tribal Village have proficiency in ayurvedic plants and hunts using a weapon known as dart. Originally, the Yala tribal, Sakai inhabited houses made of bamboo with thatched roof but lately the Department of Social Work has introduced rubber planting as the primary occupation of the area. As a result only a few inhabitants still live in the Sakai Tribal Village whereas the rest has moved to other places. Piyamit Underground Shelter or Piyamit Tunnel as it may be called was built in B.E.2519 in three months. This place is a site to visit in the Yala province, with its 50-60 feet wide multiple entrances. The tunnel was used as the air raid shelter and area for storage of food.
Amphoe Betong, the southernmost district (Amphoe) of Yala province of Thailand. It is popularly known as “The City in the fog with Beautiful Flowers” as there are heavy showers and fog in the morning.
Yala is one of the provinces of Thailand where majority of the population are Muslim, speaking Patani Malay language. Like each place, Yala also has its typical provincial identity. Shogun oranges, similar to green sweet oranges is the leading economic crop of Yala. The people believe that java Songbirds bring good luck to their owners.