Sungai Kolok Travel Guide

Sungai Kolok is a perfect destination for travelers who want to explore natural beauty and unique culture of Southern Thailand. This comprehensive tour guide will provide you with all the necessary information for planning your trip to Sungai Kolok.


Introduction to Sungai Kolok

Sungai Kolok is a small border town located in Southern Thailand near the Malaysia-Thailand border. It has become popular among tourists in recent years due to its close proximity to Malaysia and its beautiful natural scenery. The town is surrounded by lush green forests, pristine beaches, and stunning waterfalls, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. Besides natural beauty, Sungai Kolok is also famous for its unique culture, which is a blend of Thai and Malay influences. In this comprehensive tour guide, we will explore the best places to visit, the food and drink scene, the local culture and customs, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Sungai Kolok

Sungai Kolok has many cultural and natural attractions that are worth visiting. The following list provides a brief overview:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Sungai Kolok Railway Station
  • The Museum of Muslim Art and Culture
  • Wat Bang Nak Temple

Natural Attractions of Sungai Kolok: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Narathat Beach
  • Bala Hala Forest Park
  • Khao Nam Khang National Park
  • Ton Nga Chang Waterfall

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sungai Kolok

Sungai Kolok has a diverse range of hiking and biking trails that allow travelers to explore its natural beauty.

  • Khao Nam Khang National Park - This park is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts, with several trails that take you through lush rainforests and offer stunning views of nearby mountains and waterfalls.
  • Bala Hala Forest Park - This park has several easy trails that are ideal for cyclists and hikers who want to explore the beauty of the forest.

Best Things to Do in Sungai Kolok: Activities and Tours

Sungai Kolok offers a wide range of activities and tours that cater to different interests. The following are some of the best:

  • Island Hopping Tour - This tour takes you to explore the beautiful islands in the Gulf of Thailand, including Koh Samui and Koh Tao.
  • Elephant Trekking - Take an adventurous elephant ride in the forest and enjoy the scenic beauty of Sungai Kolok.
  • Fishing Tours - Go on a fishing tour and catch some of the biggest fish in the gulf.

Week-Long Itinerary for Sungai Kolok

If you have a week to spend in Sungai Kolok, you can make the most of your time and explore the town’s hidden gems. Here is an itinerary to guide your travels:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Sungai Kolok Railway Station and the Museum of Muslim Art and Culture
2 Go on an Island Hopping Tour
3 Take a hike at Khao Nam Khang National Park
4 Explore the beautiful beaches of Narathat Beach
5 Enjoy a day of fishing tours
6 Explore the Bala Hala Forest Park
7 Visit Wat Bang Nak Temple and the Ton Nga Chang Waterfall

Food and Drink Scene of Sungai Kolok

Besides the famous street food, Sungai Kolok has various local dishes and drinks that appeal to food lovers. Here are some dishes and beverages you must try when visiting Sungai Kolok.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Massaman Curry - A Thai curry that is flavored with various spices and served with rice.
  • Nasi Kerabu - A Malay dish that consists of blue rice served with fried chicken and sambal belacan.
  • Tom Yum Goong - A spicy and sour soup with prawns.

Local Beverages

  • Teh Tarik - A sweet and creamy tea made with condensed milk.
  • Coconut Shake - A refreshing drink made with fresh coconut water.
  • iced coffee - A strong coffee that is served chilled and sweetened with condensed milk.

Where to Stay in Sungai Kolok: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Sungai Kolok has many accommodation options, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels.

  • The Renaissance Riverside Hotel is a luxury hotel with modern amenities located on the banks of the Sungai Kolok River.
  • De Chen Hotel is a mid-range hotel located in the heart of Sungai Kolok town.
  • Zena hostel is a budget-friendly hostel for solo travelers and backpackers.

What to Buy in Sungai Kolok: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Sungai Kolok has plenty of local products that are excellent souvenirs to take home.

  • Batik cloth - A beautiful hand-dyed cloth that is famous in Malay culture.
  • Keropok - A local snack made from fish or prawn crackers.
  • Lemongrass oil - An aromatic oil made from lemongrass that is excellent for massages.

Local Culture and Customs of Sungai Kolok

Sungai Kolok has a unique cultural experience that is a mix of Thai and Malay cultures. Some of the customs and traditions popular in the town include:

  • Respect for elders - The people of Sungai Kolok have great respect for their elders and follow traditions to honor them.
  • Baju Kurung - A traditional Malay dress worn by women.
  • Nang Talung - A traditional shadow play performance.

Best Time to Visit Sungai Kolok

The best time to visit Sungai Kolok is between November and February, when the weather is cooler and the humidity is lower. During this time, you can enjoy outdoor activities without worrying about the heat.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sungai Kolok

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Carry enough water and sunblock when going outdoors.
  • Bargain when shopping in local markets.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothes while visiting religious places.
  • Disrespect the monarch and royal family of Thailand.
  • Show public affection towards your partner.

Safety and Health

Safety in Sungai Kolok

Sungai Kolok is typically a safe town to visit and explore, but travelers should take some safety precautions.

  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash when going out.
  • Be wary of pickpockets and keep a close watch over your possessions.
  • Avoid walking in unlit or secluded lanes at night.

Health in Sungai Kolok

The water in Sungai Kolok is not safe for drinking, so travelers should stick to bottled water. Additionally, travelers should take precautions against mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved clothing and applying mosquito repellent.

Getting to Sungai Kolok: Transportation Options and Logistics

Sungai Kolok is located in Southern Thailand and can be accessed by various transportation options.

Airports Near Sungai Kolok

The nearest airport to Sungai Kolok is Narathiwat Airport, which is approximately 16 km away. Another option is the Hat Yai International Airport, which is about 163 km away.

Bus Stations Near Sungai Kolok

The Sungai Kolok Bus Station is located in the town center and is well-connected to major cities in Thailand.

Other Options

Travelers can also hire a taxi or rent a car and drive down to Sungai Kolok from nearby cities.

How to Get Around in Sungai Kolok

Travelers can easily get around Sungai Kolok town by using local transport options like taxis, tuk-tuks, and motorbikes. Additionally, renting a bicycle is a great way to explore the town at your own pace.

Where to Go Next from Sungai Kolok: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Sungai Kolok is located near several other destinations that are worth exploring.

  • Koh Samui, Thailand - A beautiful island in the Gulf of Thailand famous for its stunning beaches and luxury resorts.
  • Hat Yai, Thailand - A bustling city known for its vibrant nightlife and shopping streets.
  • Penang, Malaysia - A UNESCO World Heritage Center known for its cultural and architectural heritage.

Conclusion

Sungai Kolok is a perfect destination for travelers who want to explore natural beauty and unique culture of Southern Thailand. This comprehensive tour guide provided you with all the necessary information for planning your trip to Sungai Kolok. Book your flights, pack your bags and have an unforgettable experience in this beautiful town!