Cycling To The The Lost Kingdom of Langkasuka: Is Yarang the Key?

Have you ever wondered what lies beneath the hills in your own backyard? While we often walk past mounds of earth without a second thought, archeologists in Thailand are using cutting-edge technology to reveal cities that have been hidden for millennia.

One such place is the Yarang Ancient City in Pattani. Spanning an impressive 9 square kilometers, this site is widely believed to be the administrative heart of the Langkasuka Kingdom—one of the oldest and most influential empires in the Malay Peninsula.

What Makes Yarang So Special?

Unlike many static ruins, Yarang was a living city that was abandoned and rebuilt repeatedly over centuries. Recently, Thailand has employed LiDAR technology (Light Detection and Ranging) to "see" through dense vegetation. The results? New structures and layouts that weren't visible to the naked eye.

Perspective: If we applied this same technology across Malaysia, imagine what we’d find. That hill behind your house? It might not just be a hill; it could be a hidden pyramid or a forgotten tomb waiting to be rediscovered.

A Living History

Despite its historical gravity, Yarang isn't just a dusty museum. During my visit, the ancient bricks served as a playground. I joined a group of local kids for a high-stakes game of baling selipar (shoe tossing).

It was a stark contrast: standing on the ruins of a thousand-year-old civilization while dodging flying slippers. By the time we headed home, there were more than a few red marks (berbirat) on our faces—a painful but hilarious reminder that history and modern life often collide in the most unexpected ways.