Narathiwat, facing the Gulf of Thailand and bordering Malaysia, is best known for the large and vibrant frontier town of Sungai Golok. As a rail junction, it is a major communications crossroads and a place offering a wealth of shopping and entertainment.

Elsewhere, Narathiwat boasts one of the South's most beautiful beaches, a 2 km stretch of fine white sand just outside the provincial capital, while notable among the cultural attractions are the 24 m high golden seated Buddha image of Mingmongkhon Thaksin, Thaksin Ratcha Nivet Palace and the old Buddhist temple of Wat Chonthala Singhe.