Reclining Buddha Image at Wat Khu Ha Phi Muk or Wat Na Tham is one of the three most revered places of the south, along with Phra Borom Mathat at Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phra Borom Mathat Chaiya at Surat Thani, signifying the importance of Buddhism in the area since the Srivijaya Period. This temple is located in Tambon Na Tham, about eight kms. from the city centre, on the road to Amphoe Yaha. A stream runs through the ground of the temple. A figure of a giant, made in 1941 and named by the villagers "Chao Khao", protects the entrance of the cave that houses the reclining Buddha. Inside the cave is a large chamber that has been converted into a religious area, with an opening in the roof of the cave that lets in the sunlight. The reclining Buddha has been estimated to have been made in 757, around the Srivijaya Period, and is 81 feet and one inches long. It is believed that the sculpture was originally in the Sleeping Narai posture, but later modified into the Hinayana reclining Buddha.
Tham Mae Nang Montho is a cave on the Yala-Yaha highway, about six kms. from the city centre. The cave can be reached with a guide who can be contacted at the foothill. One has to trek through scrub and a marble quarry for about 15 minutes to the cave entrance. Inside the cave are large, connecting chambers that are mostly dark. A torch is highly recommended. The highlight of this place is at the end of the cave where a large stalagmite resembling the shape of a meditating lady, hence the name of the cave, is located.
Tham Sin is another cave that can be reached via the same route as Tham Khu Ha Phi Muk, for one km. further, then turn left for another km. passing the Ban Tham Sin School. On the left is a small trek leading to a hill next to the road. The cave is 28 metres high above the ground with steps leading to the entrance. This is a very small and dark cave with ancient mural of different postures of the Lord Buddha and a painting of three women standing together on the cave wall that has deteriorated with time. The mural was assumed to be of late Srivijaya Period, around the 14 th - 15 th centuries. A torch or a lamp is highly recommended to view the mural and the cave itself.
Bang Lang Dam is located at Ban Banglang, Tambon Bacho, on Highway 410, about 50 kms. from Amphoe MueangYala, then left for twelve kms. This d was the first multi-purpose dam in the South, on Pattani River. It is 85 metres high with a crest of 422 metres long, and a reservoir capacity of 1,420 million cubic metres. His Majesty the King presided over the opening ceremony on 27 September 1981. An overlook upstream of the dam, around the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand office, affords a panoramic view of the dam and the surrounding hills. For lodging reservations, please call 0-7329-9237-8 and for boating in the reservoir please call 0-7328-1063-66, extension 2291.
Tham Krachaeng is a cave located at Ban Ka Sod, Tambon Bannang Sata, about 50 kms. from Amphoe Mueang Yala on Highway 410. Pass the entrance to Banglang Dam, then turn left onto a dirt road for 1.5 kms. The scenery is that of the mountains, the stream, and the cave, with the stream running through. During the dry season, one can walk along the stream through this cave to the other side and into an open area surrounded by mountains and lush forest.
Sukthalai Waterfall or Nam Tok Kue Long is in the compound of the Southern Self-Development Community, on Khao Pok Yo which has a transmission station. The waterfall is on the Yala-Betong road, about 40 kms. from Amphoe Mueang, then turn left for another eight kms. It was discovered in 1964 and consist of five levels. The Princess Mother named it "Nam Tok Sukthalai". One can swim in the small pool found on several levels.
Namtok Than To is situated in Tambon Tham Talu, on the Yala-Betong Road (Highway 410), turn right at the 47-48-km marker and continue for about one km. It is a large waterfall with cascading water running through seven levels, with pools at each level suitable for swimming. The surrounding forest is lush with many interesting species, including Si Yala (Saraca thaipingensis Cantley ex Prain) with yellow blooms in February.
Sakai Village at Moo 3, Tambon Ban Rae, is about 80 kms. on the road to Betong. The Sakai, an ancient nomad tribe whose existence was based on hunting and gathering, were experts on herbal plants and used darts for hunting. Their dwellings were originally made of bamboo, with thatch roof. Recently, the Department of Social Work has developed the village by segregating the Sakai in one area and introduced rubber planting for their occupation. The Department also asked the Princess Mother to name the group with the family name of "Si Than To". At present, there are a few of the Sakai left at this village since the rest of the group have moved to other areas.
Namtok Bu Ke Pilo, or Namtok Tawan Ratsami, is about 19 kms. from Amphoe Muang. Take the Yala-Kota Baru Road, then turn into Kota Baru through to Tambon Tha Ruea for about two kms. and turn into the village for another two kms. The entrance to the waterfall is about 500 metres from the village. This waterfall is different from other waterfalls in that when sunlight shines onto the water, the color of the underwater rocks all turn a beautiful yellow.
