Phatthalung is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Satun and Trang.

During the reign of King Ramathibodi I of the Ayutthaya kingdom in the 14th century Phatthalung became one of twelve royal cities.
At the end of the 18th century King Rama I submitted the city to the Ministry of Defense, which was responsible for all the southern provinces.
During the administrative reform by King Chulalongkorn Phatthalung became part of the Monthon Nakhon Si Thammarat.

The province is located on the Malay Peninsula. To the east it borders the large shallow Songkhla lake, while the west is covered by mountains of the Nakhon Si Thammarat chain.
The Khao Pu - Khao Ya National Park is located in these mountains at the border to Trang.

Khao Pu - Khao Ya National Park is in Ban Nai Wang, Tambon Khao Pu, about 37 kilometres from the city. Take Highway No. 41 to Amphoe Khuan Khanun, then turn left onto Highway No. 4164 to Amphoe Si Banphot. Drive for 17 kilometres,more...

Thale Noi reserve in Thailand. It can be reached via Highway No. 4048 from Amphoe Muang to Amphoe Khuan Khanun and to Thale Noi, for a total distance of 32 kilometers.
The road is paved asphalt all the way. The reserve is the responsibility of the Royal Forestry Department and covers 450 square kilometers, divided into 422 square kilometers of land (94%) and 28 square kilometers of water (6%), or Thale Noi.More...