Yala, the southernmost province of Thailand, is located 1^.084 Km. from Bangkok. The Southern rail line joins Bangkok and Yala before it continues to Sungai Kolok and Malaysia. The population is Buddhist and muslim. Its main economy depends of rubber plant production. Although Yala does not have any point bordered by the sea, its area abounds in perfect forest and boats a large number of tourist attraction.

Yala occupies an area of 4^.521 square kilometers and is administratively divided into 7 districts and 1 sub-district: Amphoe Muang Yala, Amphoe Bannang Sata, Amphoe Betong, Amphoe Kabang, Amphoe Raman, Amphoe Than To, Amphoe Yala, and Amphoe Krong Pinang.

Attractions

Suan Khwan Muang: This beautiful public park in the municipal area comprises a ground for the doves cooing contest and a lagoon with a sandy beach imitating a seaside landscape.
Wat Khuha Phimuk: Commonly called by the villages as Wat Na Tham, the temple is 7 Km. from the township area along the road to Amphoe Yala. A large cave in the area enshrines an ancient reclining Buddha image of Srivijaya style, which is believed to have been constructed in 757 AD.
Bang Lang Dam: This huge dam in Tambon Ba Cho, Amphoe Bannang Sata, is 58 Km. from Yala township on the Yala-Betong route. The dam, constructed as a project of the Pattani River Hydroelectric Plant, offers beautiful scenery of mountains and the lake.
Namtok Ku Long or Namtok Sukthalai: This is a huge waterfall with fine cascades. It is located in the forested area of Amphoe Bannang Sata, about 50 Km. from Yala township via the Yala-Betong Highway and 8 Km. along an access road. There is a royal pavilion in honor of the King's Mother situated near the waterfall.
Namtok Than To Forest Park: The main attraction of the park is a 9 level waterfall surrounded by thick forest. It is located at Km. 57-58 on the Yala-Betong route.
Sakai Tribal Village: Another unique feature of Yala is the presence of a “Sakai” aboriginal community. It is located in Tambon Ban Hae, Amphoe Than To, 80 Km. from Yala on the Yala-Bethong route. The Sakai with dark skin tone, flat face, flat nostrils and curly hair are now educated and earn their living by growing rice and rubber.
Amphoe Betong: The southernmost borderland located about 126 Km. from Yala township is famous among Thai and Malaysian tourists for its misty mountain scenery and superb local dishes. Its modernization is equivalent to the province itself or better than some certain provinces of Thailand. There is a road linking Thailand and Malaysia to the Betong Checkpoint, the biggest letter box in the world is seen in this town.
Hot Spring: 13 Km. from the Betong market, it is a large hot springs with mineral water which is good for the cures of skin diseases and muscular pain.
Namtok Inthason: Situated 3 Km. beyond the hot springs, this is a lovely waterfall with a sandy basin among a shady forested area.
Piyamit Underground Shelter: This is an underground retreat built by the communist guerillas in 1976 in a wooded mountain. It is about 3 Km. from Namtok Inthason and now preserved as a historical site.

Major Events

Asian Barred Ground Dove Festival: Dove-lovers from all over Thailand, as well as from other countries in the region like Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia come to Yala for this event which is held yearly in March. The highlight is a dove-cooing contest involving more than 1^.000 competitors. Young prize doves are on sale along with local products.