Yala: A Destination Beyond the Headlines

Yala, a southern province in Thailand, often evokes confusion and questions. "What is there to see in Yala? Is it safe to travel there?" These are common inquiries, yet they only fuel our desire to explore. We yearn to experience Yala firsthand, to unravel its mysteries and discover its hidden gems.

Join us on a journey to Yala, where we'll delve beyond the headlines and uncover the true essence of this enigmatic province.

This trip was part of the TAT's "One Night Stay with Locals" project, which allows tourists to experience community-based tourism. We were assigned to visit the Chulabhorn Development Village 9 community in Yala province, one of 13 participating communities.

Let's go to Yala!

This trip, we flew to Hat Yai and stayed for one night to prepare for our early morning departure to Chulabhorn Development Village 9 in Yala Province. After landing and picking up our rental car, we headed to our hotel. We stayed at the M One Residence for the night.

Day 1: Journey to Chulabhorn Development Village 9

Departing from Hat Yai, we couldn't miss the opportunity to savor the city's renowned breakfast: dim sum. We indulged in a delightful meal at Chok Dee Tae Jeem, a local favorite known for its authentic flavors. This culinary stop served as a perfect energy boost before embarking on our journey to the Chulabhorn Development Village 9. The winding roads leading to the village, as evident from our Maps app, demanded a hearty breakfast to fuel our adventure.

After a comfortable four-hour drive from Hat Yai, we finally arrived at the Chulabhorn Development Village 9. The main road was smooth, but the last half-hour climb up the winding mountain road was a bit challenging.

Stepping out of the car, we were warmly welcomed by Guide Lin Ping. Without wasting any time, Community Officer Ms. Yu Lian led us to visit the Chulabhorn Development Village 9 Historical Museum. If you come here and don't listen to Ms. Yu Lian's stories about the village, you'll be missing out big time. As a young woman, Ms. Yu Lian was a communist in Malaya who played a part in building this village.


Following the captivating storytelling of P'Yulien, our guide, P'Linping, led us to a delightful lunch at Baan Sabai, a local restaurant offering authentic home-cooked dishes. The meal was a culinary journey through the region's flavors, featuring a delectable array of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The highlight was the sour curry with catfish, devoid of any fishy odor, and the stir-fried snakehead fish with ginger. The shrimp paste chili dip and stir-fried fiddlehead fern added a touch of spice and local flair. The dessert was a sweet symphony of freshly picked rambutan and fragrant durian, a true paradise for durian enthusiasts. As they say in the south, "Mueh ni horai raeng," which translates to "This meal was incredibly delicious!"

After finishing our meal, we returned to our homestay to collect our belongings. The accommodation here has a communal area, which is used for larger groups. However, as there were only four of us, we stayed in a village homestay supported by the owner, Ms. Hong. The bedrooms did not have air conditioning, but the nights were comfortably cool, and a single fan was sufficient.

After packing our belongings, Ko, another member of the community, picked us up in his car to head to the Suspension Bridge Nature Trail. The 10-minute drive was a relaxing journey for tourists who wanted to walk to the suspension bridge to enjoy birdwatching, nature, and take photos with the classic bridge. Underneath the bridge is a clear, cool stream where you can play and have fun.

The trail to Halasa Waterfall, as described by guide Ling Ping, is expected to be teeming with blood-sucking leeches. However, during our visit, we were fortunate not to encounter any. The 15-minute walk to the waterfall was a leisurely stroll.

After a short walk, we will encounter the real Halasa Waterfall, which is characterized by the presence of giant fig trees.

Today, the guide Lin Ping said that the water level is a bit low, but it is still beautiful.

This is the face of the community guide, Guide Lin Ping. He is very friendly and funny. He even poses for a handsome photo. 555

After leaving Halaszah Waterfall Beach, we stopped by Krating Beach for a quick visit during the hot season. It is a stream flowing from Halabala Lake, with the afternoon sunlight reflecting on the water's surface, combined with a 360-degree mountain view. Oh, I could sit here all day!

On our way back from Krating Beach, we stopped by a deer farm to feed the deer. The fawns were absolutely adorable.

After a tiring day, it was time for dinner. Aunt Sabai prepared dinner for us as usual, as delicious as ever. This time, however, there were some additions: stir-fried Leea indica leaves with eggs and the highlight, deep-fried snakehead fish. It was incredibly delicious. After dinner, we sat down and chatted with Aunt Sabai and Auntie Hong in front of the homestay in a friendly atmosphere.

Day 2: The Real Mountain Climb Begins!

Waking up at 5 am to hike the nature trail to see the **sea of mist at Pha Hin Yok**. To appreciate the beauty of nature, one must first immerse oneself in it. This means walking! Let me tell you, the path to Pha Hin Yok is a true jungle trek. You'll be wading through thickets and climbing hills, but the natural trail is teeming with diverse plant life.


After a 30-minute walk, we finally reached our destination: the sea of mist. The breathtaking view from the top of Pha Hin Yok was well worth the climb. We took deep breaths of fresh air, feeling our fatigue melt away. We then sat down to soak in the atmosphere (or perhaps just to catch our breath, haha) for about 8 o'clock before heading back down the mountain.

Before descending, we encountered a group of young children who were incredibly skilled at climbing the mountain. We were thoroughly impressed by their abilities and captured some photos of them to share.

After safely arriving back downstairs, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast at our aunt's house. The breakfast included rice porridge and bread, with unlimited refills! We were all very satisfied.

Our guide, Ko, informed us that the Orang Asli were harvesting rambutans and mangosteens near his house. He invited us to observe them, but cautioned that they would not greet outsiders due to their distinct way of life. We were fortunate to encounter them, as their arrival is unpredictable.

After showering and getting dressed, it was time to say goodbye to Chulabhorn Village 9. Before leaving, Lin Ping suggested visiting the **Halabala Lake Viewpoint** and the **Bang Lang Dam**, which were conveniently located on the way back. The view of Halabala Lake during the hot season was a perfect example of the Thai proverb "When the water recedes, the sandbank emerges," creating a unique and beautiful landscape.

And finally, end your trip at Bang Lang Dam.

Total Expenses (4 people)

  • Flights from Bangkok to Hat Yai (roundtrip): 7,035 Baht / 1,750 Baht per person
  • Car rental from Hat Yai Airport (2 days, 1 night): 1,800 Baht / 450 Baht per person
  • Community tour package (2 days, 1 night): 1,300 Baht per person (includes accommodation for 1 night, 3 meals, guide fees, and transportation)
  • Accommodation in Hat Yai (M One Hotel): 500 Baht per night
  • Fuel costs: 1,200 Baht / 300 Baht per person

Contacting the Community or Booking Accommodation

Conclusion

Visiting the Chulabhorn Development Village 9 community allows us to experience the authentic atmosphere of local life.

After engaging in conversations with local residents and learning about the rich history of this region, our two-day-and-one-night stay in Yala has left us captivated.

And Chulabhorn Development Village 9. See you again next time.

Thank you to the supporters of this project.

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