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HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS IN THAILAND

TAT Head OfficeTourism Authority of Thailand1600 New Phetchaburi Road, Makkasan, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, THAILANDTel: +66 02 250 5500 (120 automatic lines)Fax: +66 02 250 5511 TAT Contact Center: 1672Website: www.tourismthailand.org, tourismproduct.tourismthailand.orgE-mail Address: [email protected]



Content 10 Perutusan Daripada Sheikhul Islam 11 Prefece 25 Introduction HALAL RESTAURANTS IN HOTELS BANGKOK 32 Sinthorn Steakhouse Restaurant & Buffet CHIANG MAI 33 Ban Pi Huen Nong Halal Khantoke 34 Khrua Sakulchai 35 Khum Khantoke 36 Ruammitr 1 CHAING RAI 37 Doi Chaang Coffee @ Art 38 Rimkok Islamic Khao Soi 39 Sakina Islam Food 40 Salima 1 (on Doi Mae Salong) CHON BURI 41 Muslim Seafood Restaurant KRABI 42 Abdullah Halal Food 43 Kanabnam View Seafood 44 Nuea Thong Grilled Chicken (Kaiyang Nuea Thong) 45 Paknam Krabi Seafood 46 Ruan Talay Restaurant 47 Sofeyatara Krabi Muslim Restaurant

Content PHANG NGA 48 Panyi Mutiera Seafood PHUKET 49 Pantai Seaview Restaurant 50 Phuket Fanta Sea SATUN 51 D’ Andaman Thai Food 52 Nergara Restaurant 53 Rimle Kitchen 54 Suchada Halal Food 55 Sirada Kitchen SONGKHLA 56 Maroc de’ Nest Home 57 Maroc Garden 58 Nesthome TRANG 59 Khao Pubpa Halal Food 60 Koh Libong 61 Krua Khanitta B. HALAL RESTAURANTS IN HOTELS BANGKOK 64 Al Meroz Hotel, The 65 Chaopraya Park Hotel 66 Grand Diamond Suites Hotel Bangkok 67 Nuovo City Hotel 68 Regent Ramkamhaeng 22 69 Resort Bangphlat 70 Ziniza The Boutique Serviced Apartment

Content CHIANG MAI 71 Chiang Mai Rattanakosin Hotel 72 Maetaeng Elephant Park & Clinic 73 Tao Garden Health Spa & Resort CHON BURI 74 A-ONE The Royal Cruise Hotel Pattaya 75 Valida Cottage KRABI 76 Ao Nang Phu Pi Maan Resort and Spa 77 Ao Nang Princeville Resort & Spa 78 Ao Nang Silver Orchid Resort 79 Ban Sainai Resort 80 Krabi Front Bay Resort 81 Krabi Phetpailin Hotel 82 Railay Village Resort&Spa 83 Sunda Resort 84 Sunrise Tropical Resort 85 Tama Hotel NAKHON SI THAMMARAT 86 Twin Lotus Hotel PHANG NGA 87 Le Coral Hideaway Beyond Phuket 88 Phunga Hotel PHUKET 89 Phuket Graceland Resort and Spa 90 Royal Paradise Hotel & Spa SONGKHLA 91 Daiichi Hatyai Hotel 92 Haad Kaew Resort

Content 93 Hatyai Holiday Hotel 94 Hatyai Paradise Hotel and Resort 95 Hatyai Rama Hotel 96 Kosit Hotel 97 V.L. Hatyai Hotel C. HOTELS & RESTAURANTS MUSLIM FRIENDLY AYUTTHAYA 100 Atika Kitchen 101 Kruta Steak 102 Usman Steak Halal 103 Yi-loh Muslim Restaurant BANGKOK 104 Aaleyah by Chomkwan 105 Bed by Thapra 106 Bella Cairo 107 Boonsiri Place 108 Moom-Pak Coffee 109 Muslim Cuisine, The 110 Sophia Restaurant & Bakery CHIANG MAI 111 Jen Pao Restaurant 112 Romena Grand Hotel Chaing Mai CHIANG RAI 113 Greenview Place Mae sai 114 Ruammitr 2 CHON BURI 115 Amir Halal Food

Content KHON KAEN 116 Kairostip Chicken 117 Subaidah Muslim Restaurant KRABI 118 Krua Rabeab’s Inter Buffet Halal Food 119 Phu Pha Ao Nang Resort and Spa’s Restaurant NAKHON RATCHASIMA 120 Ayah Steak 121 Caesar Kitchen (Krua Caesar) 122 Narknava Resort NONTHABURI 123 Regent Ngamwongwan Hotel PHETCHABURI 124 Aminah Muslim Food 125 Rak Café 126 Krua Kiang Kluen PHUKET 127 Bangtao Beach Chalet Resort 128 Bangtao Village Resort 129 Charcoal Steak House 130 Marina Kitchen SATUN 131 Fahat Coffee & Restaurant SONGKHLA 132 Hansa JB Hotel 133 INDEX The Provincial Islamic Committee ( Halal Affairs)|Muslim Prayer Room at Airports |Prayer Rooms in Tourism Area and Shopping Malls|Hospitals in Bangkok, Chon Buri, Pattaya, Phuket, Nakhon Ratchasima, Krabi |Islamic bank of thailand|Islamic Events and Festivals in Thailand, Islamic Bank of Thailand | Travel Agency |List of Musjid | Airlines|Consulate| TAT Offices



Message from the Sheikhul Islam Thailand is blessed with beautiful topography and natural resources plus a perfect combination of diverse cultures that blend in together harmoniously. This unique quality is a part of the attraction that always draw in visitors from around the world to this land of smile over and over again.The government of Thailand, the Halal Tourism has emerged accommodate tourists in thetogether with the Ministry of and it is well-acknowledged Muslim Market so that every-Tourism and Sports, sees the around the world, especially in thing coincides with the rulesimportance in the develop- the United States, Europe, Asia of the Islam religion. This isment of tourism in Thailand and of course, Thailand. With particularly important whenso that it will reach an inter- Saudi Arabians as the major it comes to dining, prayernational standard in order to clientele in this competitive time and activities. For thiscompletely accommodate market, the Halal tourism has reason, the Tourism Authoritytourists in every segment and a 10 percent growth rate in the of Thailand has published alevel. This means that tourists entire tourism industry around guidebook called “Halal Hotelsget to enjoy a diverse range of the world. and Restaurants in Thailand”tourism to suit their preferenceswhether it is agricultural Thailand is another country for the purpose of promotingtourism, eco-tourism, cultural with strong determination Halal tourism and to facilitatetourism, medical tourism or to develop the Halal Market, tourists in the Halal market.business tourism. The main which is evident in government Muslim tourists will find it veryaim is to fully develop and policies and related business convenient to locate hotels andexpand the tourism industry operators. A large number find restaurants to suit theirfor the benefit of both tourists are willing to organize and needs and business operatorsand business operators. Today, prepare facilities in order to in Thailand will benefit greatly from it as well. May Almighty Allah bestow success to the Tourism Authority of Thailand and all related business operators for always. (Aziz Phitakkumpon) The Sheikhul Islam of Thailand

PrefaceThailand has always been regarded as one ofthe world’s top destinations among visitors withits vast range of attractions, fascinating cultureand beautiful natural topography to explore.In addition, it is in the nature of Thai people toembrace cultural differences which inevitablycome with foreigners, a fact that makes it evenmore attractive as a tourist destination. Visitorsfrom around the world, no matter what religionor race, are sure to feel welcome in this ‘Landof Smile’.Currently, one of the largest groups of foreignersto visit Thailand are those from the MiddleEastern countries who live by the Islamic rules;a fact which sets them apart from travelers ofother religions in terms of choices in food, lodg-ing and activities.In order to best serve tourists of the IslamicReligion, The Tourism Authority of Thailand hasput together this directory with the intentionto help make their stay in the Kingdom a moreconvenient and fulfilling one.

Say, [O Muhammad],“Travel through theland and observe howHe began creation.Then Allah willproduce the finalcreation. Indeed Allah ,over all things, iscompetent.” surah al ankabut 29 : 20

halal hotels and restaurants in thailand 13 thailandmyan- laos Geographicalmar combodia Structures malaysia Thailand is situated in Southeast Asia and has a land area of 513,115 square kilometers. It shares a border with Lao PDR and Cambodia at the east, and Malaysia and the Gulf of Thailand at the south. At the west are Myanmar and the Andaman Sea, and Myanmar and Lao PDR at the north. Weather Thailand has three main seasons. The summer months start around mid-February and end around mid-May. The rainy season begins around mid-May and lasts until mid-October. The cooler months are from mid-October to about mid-February. But since Thailand is situated in the tropical zone, the weather tends to be warm and humid year-round. Preface

14 halal hotels and restaurants in thailandREGIONSThe National Research Council has separated Central, East, West and South. Each regionregions within the country into six differentparts according to their natural geographical differs in weather conditions, topography,structures; these include the North, Northeast, culture, accent and some aspects.THE NORTH history of Lanna culture, the Loei or fields of wild flowers inThe northern region has a northern region is excellent for Chaiyaphum.primarily hilly topography visitors wishing to experienceand is home to several top beautiful, exotic culture. Moreover, this area is home toholiday destinations including many historical sites includingChiang Rai, Chiang Mai and THE NORTHEAST the Ban Chiang ArchaeologicalMae Hong Son. In the winter Also known as I san, this region site in Udon Thani or Phu Faekmonths, this area enjoys cool covers a total land area of Historical Park in Kalasin whereweather more than any other 168,854 square kilometers or footprints of large, carnivorousregions of Thailand, making it one third of the entire country. dinosaurs dating back 140possible to grow certain fruits It consists largely of flat plains million years were found.like lychees and strawberries. and some mountainous terrainBeing surrounded by moun- with many natural attractionstains and having had a long to enjoy like Phu Kradeung inPreface

halal hotels and restaurants in thailand 15THE CENTRAL including Pattaya in Chon Buri missed are the beautiful, long,The central part of Thailand province, Lan Island, Kham shallow beaches of Cha-Am,is so fertile that it is known as Island, Sichang Island,Samet Hua Hin, Pranburi and Prachuab‘the hub of food and water’ of Island in Rayong province, Kiri Khan.the country and also home to Chang Island, Kut Island of TratBangkok, the country’s capital. province and more. THE SOUTHThe terrain in the Central The south is home toRegion is mostly flat, with the THE WEST many world famous touristChao Phraya River-the lifeline The west covers 53,679 destinations like Phuket,of Thailand, running through rais of land with the lengthy Krabi, Phang Nga, Samui,it. This strategically ideal Tanaosri Mountain Range as Tao Island and a long list oflocation also made Ayutthaya a natural divider between other verdant islands almostthe chosen capital city of the Thailand and Myanmar. Out- everyone dreams of visiting.kingdom overtwo hundred standing provinces include Both sides of the southernyears ago. Tak, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, coast, the Andaman and the Phetchaburi and Prachuab Kiri Gulf of Thailand, have its ownTHE EAST Khan where visitors can enjoy magnetic quality that keepsEastern Thailand has the important historical attractions visitors coming back again andmost variety in topography: like the Bridge of the River Kwai again; a fact that catapultedmountains, shorelines, islands in Kanchanaburi or Khao Wang tourism to the top of theand flat plains. There are and Marukathaiyawan Palace country’s income makingseveral famous attractions here in Phetchaburi. Also, not to be industry.With an exciting range of things to see and fully promote the tourism industry, spending ado, Thailand has slowly but surely become holiday in Thailand will leave visitors with thea top destination for holidaymakers around most memorable experience to cherish for athe world. And with the genuine friendliness lifetime.of its people and the government’s policy to Preface

16 halal hotels and restaurants in thailandThailand and Its Multicultural Society million being Muslims. And since everyone can respectBuddha Islam and accept the differences in90 % culture, it is easy and natural 7% for Thais to genuinely welcome Christian foreign cultures tourists bring 2% with them. Other 2% A good example of multicultural society can be found aroundThailand is ruled under religions. Everyone can live the Nongjok District. It is locat-a democratic form of together in harmony and run ed at the east side of Bangkok,government with the King as their businesses in the same bordering Chachoengsao andHead of State which allows society with equal opportuni- Pathumthani Provinces. Beingits citizens the right to choose ties. the largest district in Bangkoktheir own religious beliefs. with the majority of peopleAlthough the majority of The current population in being Muslims, this area alsoThais are Buddhists, there is Thailand is approximately 65 has the highest number ofno difference in treatment million with over 50 million mosques in Bangkok. Buttowards those from other being Buddhists and about 10 the familiar sight of Buddhist temples standing alongside mosques and ChinesePreface

halal hotels and restaurants in thailand 17 merchants selling goods to Muslim clients can be seen every day as there are no boundaries between races. Another highlight of Nongjok District is its street food scene. During the Ramadan, both sides of the streets are lined with Halal food stalls during night time and mosques are beautifully lit with decorative lights as a celebration to this sacred period.His Majesty Apart from the fact that To better serve and understandthe King as the Thailand has a law, which the customs and needs of allUpholder of All sustains the differences in Muslims living in the country,Religions religious beliefs, another a Head of the Muslims is important factor which keeps appointed to conduct all the morals of the people in Islamic affairs within the tact is having His Majesty King country, according to Section Bhumibol Adulyadej as the 6 in the Act of Parliament. Upholder of all Religions. For Moreover, the King has shown the longest time, Thai kings his own support by initiating have been the core of unity and several projects including respect among the Thai people the publishing of the Koran even though the country is in Thai language, refurbish- run within the framework of ment of mosques around a Constitutional Monarchy the country and attending with the Prime Minister as (or appointing a royal family head of government. member in his place) the annual Mawlid Ceremony. His genuine concern for the people, regardless of religion, has inevitably earned him love and respect by all. Preface

18 halal hotels and restaurants in thailand THE CHULARJMONTRI (THE SHIEKHUL ISLAM) The Chularajmontri is the leader of the Islamic religion in Thailand who provides advice to the Thai government, particularly the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Culture, about Islamic affairs. According to the record of Somdet Phra Barom Trai Lok Nat (1448-1488) of the Ayutthaya period, it was said that the Chularajmontri existed but nobody knew who he was. It was only during the period of Somdet Phrachao Songthamduring 1620-1628 that His title was directly succeeded Chularajmontri title is votedExcellency Sheika Ahmed was by those from the Sheika by members of the Islamicappointed by the king and Ahmed’s family, which was Council and the system hasthus became the first official then made official by the king. been kept until today.Chularajmontri of Siam. For But after Siam went under amany generations after, the period of political change, theThe Central Islamic Council of ThailandThe Central Islamic Council of King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Chularajmontri as chairmanThailand is an organization, October 17, 1997, with details and a committee consisting ofwhich is a juristic person stated in section 16 as follows: members selected from Islamicaccording to the law under the committees from differentact of service to the Islamic There is to be a council with provinces and others which areReligion Organization of 1997. the title of ‘Central Islamic selected by the Chularajmontri.It was granted by His Majesty Council of Thailand’ with thePreface

halal hotels and restaurants in thailand 19Authority of the Central Islamic Council of Thailand1.Offer advice to the Thai govern- 5.Set rules of management for 9.Issue announcements and certi-ment, particularly the Ministry of each province’s Islamic Council fy matters concerning the IslamicInterior and Ministry of Culture, and mosques. religion.about regulations according to 10.Promote Islamic religious ac-the Act. 6. Act on behalf of the provinces, tivities and education. which do not have its own Islamic 11. Coordinate with the related2.Offer advice concerning the Council, or delegate the duty to a government sectors concerningIslamic religion to the Islamic neighboring province, which has Islamic affairs.Committee of each province and an Islamic Council. 12. Carry out other duties statedIslamic Committees of mosques. in this act. 7.Make decisions concerning peti-3.Set up subcommittees to carry tions according to Section 41. Prefaceout tasks issued by the Central Is-lamic Council of Thailand. 8.Manage the documentation and registration of properties4.Set up rules concerning property and keep records of income andmanagement and profit-making expenses for the Central Islamicfor each province’s Islamic Council Council of Thailand.and mosques.

20 halal hotels and restaurants in thailandThe Science The Science Center of Halal at The center constantly madeCenter of Chulalongkorn University was developments in science andHalal at initiated by Dr. Vinai Dahlan technology of halal, coveringChulalongkorn in 1995 in a small lab within different branches in the field,University the Faculty of Allied Health which earned it many awards at Sciences. Its purpose was to an international level. Now, its develop halal forensic science main aim is to ensure physical for the benefit of Muslim and mental well-being of and non-Muslim consumers. Muslim consumers in Thailand The small lab continuously and around the world in expanded until it was accordance with the concept of recognized as the world’s first ‘Religiously and scientifically science center of halal. Qualified’.Preface

halal hotels and restaurants in thailand 21 Preface

22 halal hotels and restaurants in thailand Standard Halal Food and Services for TourismThe standard for halal food Of course, the fundamentaland services for tourism has rules of handling halal foodbeen issued by the Ministry is strictly practiced by allof Tourism and Sports in venues from choosing theconjunction with the Central right ingredients to foodIslamic Council of Thailand preparation according to thesince 2007. For several years, Islamic religion. In general,studies and evaluations visitors can enjoy dining inhave been made, and it restaurants with ‘Full Halalwas concluded that certain Certification’, or venues whichstandards must be met in order are ‘Muslim-friendly’ as theyto receive certification by the are also halal restaurants,Council. However, getting the which have no certification.certification is not compulsory Moreover, there are ‘Halalalthough it will serve as a guide Basic Standard’ venues, whichfor Muslim tourists to take entail all eleven qualificationsadvantage of the services more according to the Islamicconveniently. It will also raise religion and the ‘Law andthe standard for tourism and Voluntary Standard’ venuesensure no shortages of halal which are places governed byrestaurants for travelers. the ninetyfive rules of the law. Visitors will, therefore, have full confidence in consuming safe and delicious halal food during their travels in Thailand.Preface

halal hotels and restaurants in thailand 23MEDICAL TOURISM A major concern for people At the moment, 35 hospitals while traveling overseas is have passed the standard, sickness and accidents. This which makes up 70 percent of is particularly important for the total goal. Muslim travelers since the method of treatment must A good example of a standard not conflict with their religion halal kitchen can be found in including setting up of an Satun Hospital, which received associate, the use of black high ratings from patients and magic or alcoholic substances their families. Surveys show and other means. that they are satisfied and have confidence in the Hospital’s Today, several hospitals in food by up to 95.22%. The Thailand have sufficiently set Hospital’s further plan, then, up facilities to cater to Muslim is to apply for a standard halal patients from the Middle East certification and create halal and other Muslim countries. menus that are beneficial By the year 2017, the Ministry for health, such as, low-fat of Health has plans for 50 rotis and health tea. More- hospitals in the Southern over, it will provide guidance region to incorporate a 100% to subsidiary hospitals and standard halal kitchen for the business operators who wish benefit of local citizens who to develop their halal food are mainly Muslims. standard. Preface

24 halal hotels and restaurants in thailand Traveling to Thailand1. Foreigners who wish to 3. Certain nationals are eligi- 6. The purpose of visittravel to Thailand must apply ble for a visa on arrival and can must coincide with the visafor an entry visa at the Thai remain in Thailand for 15 days application.Embassy or Consulate in their or less.country of residence, or a Thai 7. Travelers must check theirEmbassy assigned to that 4. Foreigners traveling from visa validity and period of staycountry. Further information countries with a Yellow Fever before entering Thailand tocan be obtained from all Thai Outbreak must show an Inter- avoid complications. A fine ofEmbassies or the website of national Health Certification 500 THB. is charged per per-the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. on Yellow Fever Vaccination. son per day of overstay. For more information, please call2. There are two groups of 5. Requirement for a visa appli- Tel. 02 141 9889 or log on topassport holders of certain cation into Thailand the website at ‘www.bangkok.nationals that are eligible to immigration.go.th’.travel into the Kingdom of - Passport with a minimumThailand without an entry visa of 6 months prior to expira- 8. Foreign nationals travelingaccording to the agreement. tion. into the Kingdom are not allowed to work in the country 1) Citizens of countries who - Documents to prove that without a work permit. Forare exempted from obtaining the visitor will return to their more information, please loga tourist entry visa are entitled country or the next destination onto the Ministry of Labour’sto remain in the Kingdom for (return ticket and visa). website at www.mol.go.th.no more than 30 days. - The traveler must not be 9. Foreigners who have 2) Countries whose citi- an individual banned from received an entry visa into thezens do not require an entry entering the Kingdom accord- Kingdom by the Thai Embassyvisa into Thailand if they hold ing to the Immigration Act of or Consulate may be refuseda specific type of passport 1979. He/she may be required entry by the Immigrationincluding a diplomat passport, to show a minimum amount Department if he/she is foundgovernment official’s passport of cash, (for instance 20,000 to be in conflict with theor other types listed in the THB.) for expenses incurred Immigration Act of 1979.agreement. while residing in the Kingdom.Preface

Chiang Rai map of thailand Chiang Mai muslim friendly destination in thailand Hotels Restaurants in Thailand KHON KAEN Nakhon Ratchasima Ayutthaya BangkokChon Buri PHETCHABURI TransportationPhang - nga Phuket NAKHON SI THAMMARAT Krabi Trang Satun Songkhla

26 halal hotels and restaurants in thailandINTRODUCTION While the predominant religion for the citizens of Thailand is Buddhism, the Muslim community makes up approximately 6-10% of the country’s population. This unique group of people is scattered across the kingdom with the majority residing in Bangkok and the southern provinces, making it convenient for travelers to find a nice selection of halal food and services. While passing along the streets, one may discover beautiful mosques that showcase magnificent architecture distinctive of the Muslim world.Ayutthaya Just less than two hour’s drive Thailand, this ancient cityBangkok north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya was once the capital of SiamChiang mai is famous for its fascinating up until the late 1700s when ancient ruins. Before the it was destroyed by invading kingdom became known as Burmese troops. A melting pot of diverse in Soi Nana or Sukhumvit cultures, the capital city Soi 3 and this area offers of Thailand offers endless accommodation, which is very wonders for travelers. The popular among visitors from biggest concentration of Arab the Middle East. halal restaurants can be found A true gem of the north, province is filled with unique Chiang Mai is a destination not traditions and offers endless to be missed for those wishing cultural attractions, shopping, to catch a glimpse of the handicrafts and a long list of Lanna culture. This charming things to do for visitors.Preface

halal hotels and restaurants in thailand 27Chiang rai This northernmost province also steeped in Lanna culture.Chon buri of the kingdom, which Among its many attractions has steadily been gaining are Doi Tung and the GoldenKhon Kaen popularity among travelers, is Triangle.KRABINakhon Ratchasima Home to Pattaya City, a world for many reasons-amazing famous seaside town where beaches, modern facilities, visitors from every corner of diverse dining opportunities, the world have come to love, shopping and entertainment. Chon Buri is teaming with Also, the less-than-two-hour facilities to cater to the ha- drive from Bangkok makes it lal market. It is very popular even more convenient to visit. The fifth largest Northeastern park including Phu Wiang Na- province, KhonKaen is known tional Park with dinosaur fos- for its fine Mudmee silk and sils and ancient civilization. natural-dyed cotton. Also, there are plenty of natural attractions, caves and national This southern province located 150 islands, Krabi has become on the Andaman coast is one of the most sought-after known around the world for seaside destinations for holi- its beautiful beaches and daymakers around the world dreamy islands. Home to some for more than two decades. Also known as Khorat, this the Northeastern provinces of province is located at the Thailand who speak a Laotian end of the Khorat Plateau. It dialect. is also the gateway to Isan or Preface

28 halal hotels and restaurants in thailandNakhon Si Thammarat Located on the west side of this area was part of the Ligor the Gulf of Thailand, it is the Kingdom and an important second largest province of the center of historical Buddhism. South. Back in ancient times,Phang Nga Also a beautiful and pictur- example is the local inhabitantsPhETCHABURI esque southern province of of Ko Panyi, an island originally Thailand teaming with fertile built on stilts. Their ancestors natural attractions, Phang Nga were seafaring fishermen who is home to a large Muslim came from Java during the 18th community who were origi- century. nally fishermen. A fascinating Considered as the ‘Gateway historical landmarks is Khao to the South’, this extremely Wang, a palace compound popular royal seaside town built during the reign of King offers long, beautiful shore- Rama 4. Not to be missed are lines and pony rides on the traditional Thai sweets that are beach. Among its numerous indigenous to the area.PHUKET The largest island in Thailand verdant beaches and natural dubbed as ‘the Pearl of attractions while at the same the Andaman’, Phuket is time booming with shopping undoubtedly one of the best opportunities, diverse dining known tourist destinations options, entertainment and in Thailand. It offers endless excellent accommodation.Preface

halal hotels and restaurants in thailand 29Satun Sharing a border with Malaysia, breath-taking and much lessSongkhla it is not surprising that the touristy than Phuket and Krabi.TRANG majority of Satun’s population The city’s night market is a are descents of Malaysian great place to browse around, Muslims. This peaceful and it is where you can find an province is home to Tarutao array of halal street food. and Lipe Islands, which are Situated on the Malay Peninsula, the Malay language. Approxi- Songkhla is a peaceful province mately a fourth of the locals are located on the Gulf of Thailand. Malays whose ethnicity and cul- Its original name was Singgora, ture are similar to those from which means ‘City of Lions’ in Kelantan, Malaysia. A lovely southern province a great choice for those who located along the coast of the love lush forests, limestone Andaman Sea, it is home to cliffs, clear ocean water and some of the most beautiful genuine hospitality of small islands that are truly idyllic and town locals. less touristy. Trang is absolutely Preface