The ancient city of Yarang gives Pattani a distinctive historical landmark: it is about 1,000 years old, covers approximately 9 square kilometers, and has a large, oval city plan. Another highlight is Koh Losin, a protected area for marine and coastal resources about 72 kilometers off the mainland. These two places present Pattani from different perspectives: as a place with a long urban history and as a destination that also includes an offshore marine area.

Yarang: an ancient city with many functions

Yarang is located in Tambon Yarang, Amphoe Yarang, Pattani. Its approximate area of nine square kilometers and large oval shape draw attention to an expansive city plan rather than a single historic building. For many centuries, the ancient city was an important port and a center of administration, trade, and culture. Its historical role therefore extended beyond a single function: Yarang brought together various aspects of urban life. For anyone interested in Pattani’s history, it offers a specific point of focus whose age, size, and recorded role provide both a spatial and a chronological context.

Koh Losin: a protected marine area

Koh Losin is located about 72 kilometers off the mainland, within Amphoe Sai Buri in Pattani. This approximate distance conveys its position as an offshore area and adds a maritime perspective to the local location details. Since July 28, 2022, Koh Losin has been protected as an area for marine and coastal resources. This status offers a distinct focus when considering Pattani alongside the historic city of Yarang: here, the emphasis is on protecting marine resources and the island’s offshore location.

Another historic site in Pattani

Another local historical landmark is the Najmuddin Mosque in Ban Saikhao, Amphoe Khok Pho, Pattani. The local community built it in Buddhist Era 2150. The date and the named builders give this site a clearly defined historical perspective, while Yarang’s long history as a port and center of administration, trade, and culture points to a larger urban complex. Together, these two accounts illustrate different scales of local history: a community and its building on one hand, and an ancient city with multiple functions on the other.

Thailand in a broader cultural context

In the wider context of Thailand as a destination, Ayutthaya and Sukhothai serve as distinct historical landmarks. The Historic City of Ayutthaya was founded around 1350 and was the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai. Its remains are characterized by prangs—reliquary towers—and huge monastery complexes. Ayutthaya’s architecture also combines Khmer styles with early Sukhothai styles, while Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya is located on an island surrounded by the Chao Phraya, Pa Sak, and Lopburi rivers. The Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns form a serial World Heritage Site comprising three geographically close ancient cities. The Buddhist monuments and sculptures of Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai, and Kamphaeng Phet are considered masterpieces of art in the distinctive Sukhothai style.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Yarang District, Panare District, Chumphon, Yasothon, Phitsanulok, Buriram, Uthai Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima.

For the broader travel overview: Thailand.