Su-ngai Kolok Checkpoint seems livelier than Narathiwat town, probably because it is the largest border trading area in the province, and cross-border traffic is common between Thailand and Malaysia. A bridge linking the 2 countries is open from 05.00-21.00 hrs. Thais like to cross to Rantu Panyang to buy electrical goods and snacks, while Malays come over to shop for food and fruits.
Su-ngai Kolok Checkpoint is around 1 km. from Su-ngai Kolok train station. From Narathiwat town, there are 2 routes. The first one is by taking Highway No. 4055 (Narathiwat-Rangae) and turning left at Ban Manang Tayo, then take Highway No. 4056 to Amphoe Su-ngai Padi into Su-ngai Kolok. The second route is by taking Highway No. 4084 from Narathiwat town to Amphoe Tak Bai, and turn right to Highway No. 4057 (Tak Bai-Su-ngai Kolok) for 66 kms.
From Su-ngai Kolok Checkpoint, you can drive across the bridge to Kota Bahru in Malaysia, but each car must be insured (see details under Taba Checkpoint). For a border pass, call tel. 0- 7361-4296.
Chat Warin Waterfall is at Tambon To Teng, not too far from town. Take Highway No. 4056 to Su-ngai Padi Hospital, then turn left for 6 kms. The entrance is a good asphalt road in Budo-Su-ngai Padi National Park. This is a medium-sized waterfall that has a year-round water supply and is shaded by the many trees in the area.
The most striking plant here is the rare Bangsun Palm that is found in the jungle around 1,800 metres above sea level. Originating from Malaysia, the plant is a low tree with many branches that can get as high as 3 metres. It has neatly arranged, large, diamond-shaped leaves. The palm is regarded by many as the most beautiful palm in the world and is found only in this forest.
The name "Bangsun Palm" was given by Professor Prachit Wamanon, advisor of the royal projects, when he inspected the area and found the palm had grown in a Muslim village. The professor saw that the palm leaf was similar to a "Bangsun," a large umbrella used in processions. The locals call the palm Buke Ipae, meaning mountain centipede, probably because the flower is shaped like a centipede.
Budo-Su-ngai Padi Mountain Range National Park was part of the Sankala Khiri mountain range that divides Thailand and Malaysia. The area was a haven for guerrillas, and few people ventured in to see the natural beauty of the jungle here. However, when the situation improved in 1974, the Royal Forest Department established Pacho Waterfall Park that later became Budo-Su-ngai Padi National Park. The park occupies an area of 294 square kilometres and extends into parts of Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani.
The Budo mountain range is part of the Indo-Malayan tropical jungle that has high humidity because of the year-round rainfall that it receives. This is a biologically diverse jungle when compared to other jungles of similar size. This type of tropical jungle is found only in the equatorial zones (the area between the 23.5 degrees north and south of the Tropic of Cancer). In Thailand, this area spans from the Kra Isthmus down. Botanists divide the world's tropical forests into three zones; American rainforest, Indo-Malayan rainforest and African tropical forest.
The most distinctive plant here is "Golden Leaves" or "Yandao." This plant was first discovered and made known to the world here in 1988. The vine leaves are gold in colour, similar to a hardwood tree of the genus Bauhinia, but considerably larger. Some leaves are even larger than the palm of a hand. The edges of the leaves are curved throughout, like 2 ovals connected to each other. The leaves have a soft velvet-like texture. They have beautiful gold or bronze/rainbow colours. When sunlight reflects on them, they give off a lovely glow that can be seen from a distance. If the tree grows in a damp area, the leaves will be especially thick and soft. When fully matured, the leaves will turn bronze/silver and finally green. The white flowers of the tree are equally attractive. There is a nice one near the park office. Another important, rare and expensive plant found here is the rattan "Takha Thong."
Rare animals in the area include rhinoceros, agile gibbons, tapirs, and Sumatran serows. The most significant animal is the spectacled langur that inhabits Southeast Asia in the south of Myanmar and Thailand, and all the way to Malaysia and some islands. It lives on high mountains and in deep jungles in groups of around 30-40. The strongest male is the leader. The langur is usually shy, afraid of humans and not aggressive like monkeys. Apart from the spectacled langur, there are 3 other types in Thailand ; banded langurs, gray langurs and northern spectacled langurs. All 4 species of langurs are currently endangered mammals.
The park has several waterfalls, such as Phu Wae, Pacho and Pako. The best known and accessible is "Pacho" that has a high cliff. The word "Pacho" is a Malay word meaning 'waterfall'. Tourists can go up the 9 levels of the waterfall. It is the province's largest waterfall and one of the most beautiful in southern Thailand. However, as the jungle around the area is somewhat damaged, there is little water in the dry season.
Other interesting spots are Sala Than That that was used as a rest area by King Rama VII when he visited Narathiwat. A stone bearing his initials is in the area. Tourists can come here throughout the year. Getting There: The waterfall is 26 kms. from Narathiwat town. Take Highway No. 42 to Amphoe Bacho to the intersection into the district, then turn right for about 2 kms. to the park office.
