Khao Ok Talu — Local services in Phatthalung Province

Steep stairs, limited views – unless you are brave and climb all the way.

Frankly, Ok Talu looks nicer from the city or one of the cafés nearby (we recommend: ที่นี่พัทลุงคอฟฟี่). The climb up is a good workout on 1000+ stairs, which are very well maintained and have guard rails all the way to the top. Almost the entire way is covered by trees and therefore not too hot, but the trees also block the views to the plains below. At the end of the stairs there is a small temple and the famous hole where you can see through down to Phatthalung town. BUT! There's a big fence with narrow mesh, so your view will be obstructed, and to take a clear picture one needs very long arms or a selfie stick. From the temple it's possible to climp up all the way to the top for unconstrained views. But it's a full vertical climb only assisted by a rope with some knots in it. There is no safety and if you slip and fall you will get hurt badly. We didn’t have good enough shoes to give it a try. Sandals or flip flops will definitely not suffice.

We climbed late in the afternoon, when also quite a number of locals were walking up. We were greeted very friendly and occasionally heard the kids shout "Farang!!" to their parents, which tells us that they don't see many foreign tourists here.

Maybe the view from the top is 5 stars. But the view from the end of the stairs isn't. Hence the 4 stars for the experience (5 stars for the workout)

Note: park here to start the climb: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hvtK5RbHaQg5KbuQA and stay to the right when the path forks after about 5minutes. If you have extra time and energy, also go left to a magical temple - review here:...

The highlight of any visit to Phattalung. Go early to beat the heat, take water and pack light. The entrance, if you’re still half asleep, can be a bit deceptive given the signage—it’s the path through the big tacky elephant statues, not the path beforehand up some stairs or the path afterwards into the temple. The hike up to the hole in the mountain is long and arduous—1,099 steps I was told. There are some good views west along the way. Once you reach the hole, a series of ropes lead up the sharp and steep cliff side to the summit. If you’re lucky, a local volunteer will be there offering to guide you up. Take the guide! They can show you the handholds and footholds of this challenging climb (and frankly a bit dangerous). Remember, the climb down is even more difficult. But if you manage it, you’ll be rewarded by fantastic views of Phattalung and the road west to the Nakhon Si Thammarat chain, Khao Daeng, Khao Ching Cho and Khao Chai Buri to the north, Songkhla Lake to the east and south to...

There are 2 places of interest on the hill, both accessible by foot up flights of steps. The beginning part of the path leads you up to a junction; left to the temple and right to thetop of the hill. The hike to the top of the hill may be a little taxing on your legs but well worth the efforts as you get to the round hole (cave) on the hillside which is visible from the town. Here you will also see a small Buddhist temple. This spot is well-shaded and cool with wind blowing through the hole. For the more adventurous, there is a guide here who can take you right to the top of the hill with a 360 degree view of Phattalung. Overall a great place for a quiet relaxing morning. For me this is the best spot in Phattalung, though it needs some efforts getting up early and willing yourself...