Phatthalung lies between 2 mountain peaks, Khao Ok Talu (Punctured Chest Mountain) to the northeast and Khao Hua Taek (Cracked Skull Mountain) to the northwest. Local legend says these 2 mountains, the ‘mistress’ and ‘wife’, fought over the male Khao Muang (City Mountain), with both incurring injuries. The 250-m Khao Ok Talu has a naturally formed tunnel near its peak, the ‘punctured chest’, while Khao Hua Taek has a dented peak (cracked skull).

Located on Khao Hua Taek, the Ayutthaya-style Wat Tham (cave) Kuha Sawan became the province’s first royal temple and contains many Buddhist grottoes. Numerous statues of monks and Buddha images are housed inside the lower cave, while the upper cave has a great view of Khao Ok Talu and the surrounding areas. The front of the cave contains inscriptions written by various members of the royal family.

Phra Phut Nirokuntarai Chaiyawat Chaturathit, or commonly known as ‘Phra Si Muem Muang’, is the holiest Buddha image in Southern Thailand and the principal image associated with Phatthalung. The gold-casted image is housed in the Chaturamuk Pavilion in the foreground area between the provincial hall and the provincial court.

Contrary to its name, Thale Noi (Small Lake) Waterfowl Park is the largest wetland bird reserve in Thailand that serves as a resting and feeding ground for thousands of exotic migratory birds flying from China and Siberia to Sumatra and Australia. Though it has a swamp-like appearance, it is actually a freshwater lake with a maximum depth of 1.5 meters. The best way to explore the 30 sq km park is by long-tailed boats, though a viewing platform in the middle of the lake is ideal for bird-watching, especially at dawn. The 150 plus migratory bird species visit the park during the months of January and April, swelling the population to as high as 100,000. The population starts to shrink in May and only a small number of native species are left during October to December.

The restored Governor’s Palace occupies a peaceful site in the small fishing community of Lam Pam, slightly east of the city. Built in 1889, the palace is comprised of 2 individual buildings. Closer to the road, the outer teak building served as the living quarters for the governor’s family. The main building is built around a courtyard with a large tree and is situated by the river.

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