Highway 408 from
Amphoe Singha Nakhon to Amphoe Ranot follows the
coastline and its many beautiful sites, including
temples dating from the thriving Siwichai Kingdom in the
7th – 12th centuries.Many of these temples relate to Luang Pho Thuat,
who, according to the legend, miraculously turned salt
water into fresh water.This monk has been greatly revered by many Buddhists in
Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.Palm sugar and local handicrafts made from palm
materials abound here.Visitors are welcome to join the many
conservation- oriented activities organized by the local
conservationists.
The fortress of old Songkhla at Hua Khao Daeng The ancient port flourished in Sultan Sulaiman’s
reign (1620-1668).Mr. Lamar, a French engineer, conceived the
Songkhla city plan at Hua Khao Daeng.Laid out as a rectangle surrounded with 18 gun
fortresses, the city was protected against invaders
coming from the Gulf of Thailand.
Wat Suwan Khiri This archaeological site in Singha Nakhon, the old
Songkhla at Laem Son, is patronized by Na Songkhla clan.The Chinese-styled, 7-storied pagoda in front of
the ubosot, constructed by Chao Phraya Phichai Khiri in
1798, has the same shape and size as its contemporary in
Wat Machimawat.
The Shrine of Chao Phraya Wichian Khiri : This Chinese
pavilion houses the statue of Thuat Hua Khao Daeng,
greatly revered locally, especially among fishermen.
Wat Cha Thing Phra The temple was probably erected in 999 and later
renovated in the reign of King Ekathostarot.Shaped like a large bell with a narrow neck, Phra
Maha That Chedi was built in 999, during the Siwichai
era.The
reclining Buddha statue in the wihan supposedly dates
back from the Siwichai era.During annual celebration on the 1st day of the
waning moon in May, a competition of local artisits
depict the Buddha’s life.The bell tower dates from King Rama V’s reign.The stucco around the base depicts Nang Talung,
the popular shadow play.For future details, contact the abbot, Phra Khru
Prasat Sin Phrot, at (074) 397126, 455025.
Nok Nam Khu Khut Park Hunting and fishing are prohibited in this part of
Songkhla Lake.
The park covers around 227,916 rai or 364 sq. km. In
Thale Luang.
From January to March, water-fowl migrate from Siberia
to the park.Five blinds have been set up for bird-satching in appropriate
places in the park.The best time to see the birds is in the evening
as it is cool and the setting sun creates a beautiful
backdrop.A
good pair of binoculars is a must as well as a bird
watching manual, a notebook and a comfortable hat.Guided tours by boat can be reserved at rate of
200 baht per hour for a boat for 5-7 persons.Details available at (074) 797042.
Wat Di Luang This old temple dates from the Ayutthaya period.It is one of the important sites in Sathing Phra
associated with Wat Phakho.Luang Pho Thuat was ordained as a novice here.
This temple, located on Khao Phiphet Sing,
Tambon Chumphon Amphoe Sathing Phra, is also
called Wat Phra Ratchapradit-sathan.It was built in 1514 in the reign of Somdet
Phra Rama Thipbodi the Second, and renovated in
1610 in the reign of King Ekathotsarot.The latter King consecrated 63 temples, from the mouth of
Songkhla Lake at the Hua Khao Daeng to Khao
Phang Krai, to be under Wat Phakho’s
jurisdiction.Somdet Chao Phakho, the abbot, was assigned
to oversee the whole jusrisdiction.Traditionally the king would present some
of the Crown Property to important temples, so
as to make merit, to elongate the religion, and
to nourish monks and local people.By this, the central govemment could use Buddhism to hold the
community together, to demarcate its cultural
boundary and to prevent priate threat.Some places worth visiting in Wat Phakho
include the following : Phra Malik Chedi was
raised on an older foundation of the pagoda,
along the southern artistic style.It was destroyed by invaders and renovated
in the time of Somdet Phra Ratcha Muni, in the
same style as Phra Mahathat in Nakhon Si
Thammarat province.
The Buddha’s Footprint on the summit of Wat
Phakho houses Somdet Chao Phakho’s statue.It is one of 5 traces of Buuddha, according
to Sri Lankan legend.The monument to Somdet Chao Ratcha Muni
Sami Ram (Phakho) is a life-size statue of the
venerable monk.Phra Phutthasaiyat was created by a local
artist and enshrined in wihan, north of the Si
Rattana Mahathat Chedi.Phra Song Khrueng Thuat is the
highly-dressed Buddha statue in posture of
carrying an alms bowl.At the end of Buddhist Lent, people parade
this statue on a boat to the Pho (Bodhi)
pavilion, about 1 Kilometer from the temple.
Wat Si Yang The temple in Siwichai period, located in Ranot, was
called Wat Si Kuyang or Wat Phra Khru Rong Phakho during
the Ayutthaya period.Somdet Chao Phakho studied the Jataka here before
being ordained at Wat Di Luang.Sites of archaeological and historical interest
include: The base of pagoda was constructed with earthen
bricks and coral, bound together with wood resin rather
than cement.
This was a typically Siwichai technique.Ubosor this hall is made of brick and stucco on a
high base.
A stairway leads to a single doorway.The 2 windows on each side of the door are
decorated with decorative stucco patterns.The front gable has stucco reliefs depicting a
flowering plant.
The gable peak is shaped like the head of a grate
serpent.The Buddha statue in the posture of subduing
mara, is enshrined in the ubosot.Born the angel holding a bunch of flowering rice,
is said to have been dug up during the construction of
Wat Si Yang school.
Wat Chedi Ngam This Siwichai temple is in Ranot about 3 kilometers
north of Wat Si Yang, was under the jurisdiction of Wat
Phakho during Ayutthaya period.The subordinate pagodas around the large one
refer to Nirvana.
The 8 bell-shaped pagoda made of brick and coral
represent the eightfold path to Nirvana, while 4 pagodas
on high base in four direction represent the 4 Noble
Truths.
Cultural Tour with the Sathing Phra Sang San group.
This group formed in 1997, includes local people
from many walks of life who share the same ideas
of strengthening the community.The group has carried out activities for
children, and coordinated with groups of
housewives in making Tanot palm sugar.
It now joins hands with local academics and
community networks, such as the Rak Khu Khut
group, to organize cultural trips in Sathing
Phra.The trip includes visits to ancient
temples, witnessing palm climbing and palm sugar
making, and sailing in Nok Nam Khu Khut Park.
