Fishing vessels working at the break of dawn in Narathiwat.
Narathiwat, located on Thailand’s picturesque east coast, is one of the southernmost provinces of the kingdom and a gateway to adventure for cycling enthusiasts.
With its proximity to Kelantan, Malaysia, and easy access via two border checkpoints, Narathiwat is a prime starting point for exploring the region on two wheels.
Cycling on the breakwater of Narathat beach.
The journey begins thrillingly with a ride across the Golok River, connected by a bridge, leading directly from Rantau Panjang in Kelantan into Thailand. Just 33km further lies Pengkalan Kubor, another vital checkpoint by the Golok river mouth.
From here, you can catch a roll-on-roll-off ferry to Tak Bai, the Thai border town. Although this service operates hourly and can be unreliable, those who board the ferry at Pengkalan Kubor are in for a memorable experience.
The ferry charges around 60 baht (RM7.73) for cars, with reduced fares for commuting passengers.
Narathiwat is best explored on two wheels.
Before embarking, ensure your passport is stamped at the Malaysian border and necessary documents, such as your car registration, are submitted to avoid re-entry complications.
The 20-minute ferry ride concludes with immediate customs and immigration processing. Car owners must present the TM2 (information of conveyance) and TM3 (passenger information) forms alongside Thai vehicle insurance. Assistance is available through petition writers for a nominal fee, smoothing out this part of the journey.
Narathat beach offers a pristine view of the South China Sea.
With all formalities complete, the scenic rural road 4048 beckons, leading to Narathiwat via the national highway route 42.
Approximately 47.5km from Tak Bai, Narathiwat offers a range of accommodation, with hotel prices varying from RM80 to RM200 per night.
For cycling enthusiasts, a ride along Narathat Beach provides the perfect start. The cycling path by the beach leads to a picturesque breakwater area, ideal for a sunrise cycle.
Explorers can also explore the old quarter of Narathiwat town, adorned with pre-war buildings showcasing turn-of-the-century Chinese architecture.
The duty-free shopping area in Pengkalan Kubor, Kelantan.
The grand mosque, central to the town and a vital place of worship for the predominantly Muslim community, marks a cultural highlight.
Culinary adventurers will enjoy Akhoo by Nasir on Sopasai Road in Bang Nak. It offers a variety of halal Southern Thai cuisine and is a local favourite known for quality food at reasonable prices.
Nature lovers must take a cycling trip to Ao Manao-Khao Tanyong National Park. Just 7.6km from the town centre, it promises a serene hour-long ride filled with natural beauty.
Cycling from Narathiwat offers a full day of exploration from sunrise to sunset.
One of the main roads leading to Narathiwat’s town centre.
The next destination is Pattani, 93km away along Highway 42. For the more ambitious, a ride from Tak Bai to Songkhla spans 238km, leading some to continue west towards Hat Yai or Bangkok, adding up to nearly 1,182km on the odometer.
Whether you’re a casual cyclist or a seasoned tourer, Narathiwat provides a unique blend of outdoor adventure and cultural immersion, making it a perfect escapade on two wheels.
