Neighboring districts are (from the south clockwise) Khao Chaison, Kong Ra, Srinagarindra, and Khuan Khanun of Phatthalung Province, and Ranot and Krasae Sin of Songkhla province.

In 1917, it was renamed Lampam (ลำปำ), following the name of the tambon housing the district administration.

The district is divided into 14 sub-districts (tambons), which are further subdivided into 144 villages (mubans).

The town (thesaban mueang) Phatthalung covers tambon Khuhu Sawan, and small parts of tambons Khao Chiak, Tha Miram, Prang Mu, Lampam, Tamnan, and Khuan Maphrao.

Missing numbers are tambon which now form Srinagarindra District.