π Updated 21 Jun 2026
The first question most people planning a Pattani trip ask is how to get there with the least wasted time. The answer depends on where you're starting from and what matters most to you. If you want to save money and aren't in a rush, the Southern Line train is a relaxed long ride. If you want to arrive quickly, flying into Hat Yai and connecting by van is what locals and travellers choose most often. And if you want the freedom to explore the province on your own schedule, hiring a car is far more flexible, since the sights are spread across several districts.
Check before you actually travel
Pattani is in the deep south border area, where safety advisories are issued from time to time. Before you set off, it's worth following the news and the latest official announcements for the area. Sticking to main routes and travelling during daylight hours feels more comfortable. Most main tourist routes operate as normal, but it's always good to confirm first.
Taking the train from Bangkok to Pattani
The State Railway of Thailand's (SRT) Southern Line runs several services through Pattani each day, including the special express trains on the Krung Thep Aphiwat-Sungai Kolok line. Pattani's station is Khok Pho Station, located in Khok Pho district rather than in Pattani town itself. After getting off, you'll need to connect onward into town, another 25-30 kilometres.
- It takes a fair while β Bangkok to Khok Pho is around 18-20 hours, so most people opt for an overnight sleeper, going to bed and waking up just as you arrive.
- Several price tiers β from budget 3rd-class fan seats up to air-conditioned 1st-2nd class sleepers that are more comfortable to lie down in. Book ahead on the SRT's d-ticket website.
- Connect onward from Khok Pho β outside the station you'll find songthaews, motorcycle taxis and hired cars into town. Allow extra time for this leg.
Sleeper booking tip
The air-conditioned 2nd-class sleeper, lower berth, is the most popular and sells out quickly over long weekends. If your travel dates are set, booking 1-2 weeks ahead gets you a better berth than turning up on the day.
Bangkok to Pattani by coach
The coach is another option that takes you straight into Pattani town, with no need to connect onward like the train. They depart from the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai, on Borommaratchachonnani Road), with several companies running the Bangkok-Pattani-Yala-Narathiwat route. Most are single-deck air-conditioned or VIP coaches that leave in the afternoon to early evening, running overnight to reach Pattani in the morning.
- Travel time β around 14-16 hours, similar to the train but dropping you right in town.
- VIP seats are comfier β they recline a lot, with onboard service, well suited to a long overnight ride.
- You arrive at Pattani bus terminal β it's in town, so connecting onward to your hotel or first stop is easy.
Fly into Hat Yai and connect by road (the popular way)
Pattani has no commercial airport, so most people fly into Hat Yai International Airport (HDY), which has several flights from Bangkok each day. The flight takes about 1 hour 20 minutes, then you connect into Pattani in roughly another hour and a half. It's the fastest and most flexible option for anyone coming from far away.
- Van into town β there's a marked van-into-town counter at the airport where you can buy tickets on the spot. The fare into Hat Yai town is around ΰΈΏ100, then you take a separate Hat Yai-Pattani van.
- Hat Yai-Pattani van/minibus β about 110 kilometres, taking roughly an hour and a half, with a fare of around ΰΈΏ120 per person. They run frequently throughout the day.
- Taxi/private transfer β there are direct Hat Yai airport-Pattani transfer services, around ΰΈΏ150 and up per person, or roughly ΰΈΏ600 for a whole car. Good if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling as a group.
If you arrive in the evening
Public vans usually stop running in the early evening. If your flight lands at Hat Yai after dark, it's best to book a private car or taxi in advance, so you don't end up waiting a long time or unintentionally spending a night in Hat Yai.
Self-drive car hire in Pattani
Pattani's sights are spread across several districts β Krue Se on the edge of town, Sai Khao Falls in Khok Pho, and Laem Tachi in Yaring. Having your own car lets you get around freely and manage your own time. There are a few car-hire services in Pattani town, but you'll find more choice in Hat Yai, so many people hire a car at Hat Yai airport and drive straight into Pattani.
- Hire from Hat Yai β the airport and Hat Yai town have several rental operators, both big brands and local ones. Driving into Pattani via Highways 43/42 is straightforward.
- Motorbike hire β there are motorbike rental shops in Pattani town, ideal for getting around the city and the Anoru old town, at reasonable prices. But for longer cross-district trips, a car is more comfortable.
- Have your documents ready β driving licence, ID card/passport, and always check the car's insurance coverage before you take the keys.
Driving in the area
Stick to main routes and drive during daylight, and fill up the tank before heading out of town, since petrol stations in some districts are far apart. If you come to a checkpoint, follow the officers' instructions politely β it's a normal part of the area.
How to reach Krue Se, Sai Khao Falls and Laem Tachi
These three are the main sights visitors to Pattani rarely miss, but each lies in a different direction. With your own car, it's easier to plan your days neatly. Here's how to reach each one.
Krue Se Mosque
On Highway 42 (Pattani-Narathiwat), about 7 kilometres from town β under 15 minutes to drive or ride. The Lim Ko Niao Shrine is right nearby, so you can fit both into one trip.
Sai Khao Falls
Inside Sai Khao Falls National Park in Khok Pho district. Take Highway 409 (Pattani-Yala) and enter via Wat Huai Ngo, around 40-50 minutes from Pattani town. Great for nature lovers.
Laem Tachi (Laem Pho)
In Yaring district. Drive from Yaring across the Khlong Yamu bridge, hugging the sea for about 10 kilometres to the tip of the cape β or take a Buna Dara tour boat from Talo Kapo pier to see Pattani Bay from the water.
Group your sights to save driving
Krue Se and the Anoru old town are on the town side and can be combined in one day. Laem Tachi and Yaring are to the east, while Sai Khao and Khok Pho are to the south, towards Yala. Splitting your days by direction means less driving and more time to actually enjoy each place.
A sample plan for exploring the province
Old town + Krue Se
Coast + Laem Tachi
Khok Pho nature, or on to Yala
Distances: Pattani-Hat Yai-Yala-Narathiwat
The three deep-south provinces and Hat Yai are close enough together to reach within a few hours, so many people combine Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat into one trip. Here are the rough distances to make planning your days easier.
- Hat Yai - Pattani β about 110 kilometres, roughly an hour and a half. Van/minibus fare is around ΰΈΏ120.
- Pattani - Yala β about 40 kilometres, around an hour, passing right through Khok Pho. You can stop at Sai Khao Falls along the way.
- Pattani - Narathiwat β about 100 kilometres, roughly an hour and a half to two hours, running along Highway 42 past Krue Se.
- Yala - Narathiwat β about 130 kilometres, with a connecting road and regular three-province vans.
Respect local culture
Pattani is a Muslim-Malay city with a beautiful culture. When entering a mosque or sacred site, dress modestly, cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes where signs ask. Women may want to bring a scarf just in case, and ask permission before photographing people. You'll get a warm welcome from locals.
Ready to plan a full Pattani trip?
See the Pattani travel guide β