The 36th of Thailand’s 76 provinces, Narathiwat is southernmost within the kingdom and one of five provinces that share a border with Malaysia. Known for its tropical climate and topography of mountains and jungle, the province is home to some of the most picturesque of the southern beaches and several historically important temples.
Narathiwat beach, located less than a mile from the provincial town, is a popular spot of powdery white sand along the Gulf of Thailand coastline. At the summit of Khao Kong hill the immense sitting Buddha image of Phra Buddha Theism Ming Mongkon resides, glittering in gold-colored mosaic tiles.