Thailand

Songkhla

With its beaches, picturesque lake, and coconut-shaded holiday villages, the beautiful and green Songkhla is a sought-after tourist destination. Here’s an overview of the main attractions.

Which traveler visiting Songkhla could forget the lovely sandy beaches of Samila and Son On? Perched on a reef, a golden mermaid gently combs her hair. A young fisherman named Sunthon Phu caught sight of her under the moonlight. Frightened, the mermaid vanished, and the fisherman pined away for her all his life. This legend inspired artist Jitr Buabus to sculpt the Laem Samila statue, which is the most famous icon of Songkhla.

The capital of the province of the same name, Songkhla, located in the southeastern part of the Gulf of Thailand, combines rich museums and quality monuments with stunning natural scenery. After sunbathing on the beach, take a stroll through the historic center to visit notable buildings that blend Chinese, Thai, and Persian influences. Conclude your journey with a boat tour on Lake Songkhla, Thailand’s largest natural lake, followed by a cruise to the islands. While the destination primarily caters to families, it will not disappoint wealthy travelers, spa enthusiasts, gourmet diners, or those seeking luxury hotels.

History

Archaeological excavations reveal the presence of an important ancient maritime port on the outskirts of the city. This was between the 10th and 13th centuries, during the time when the Indian kingdom of Tambralinga controlled southern Thailand. Trade with India, Persia, and the Arabs enlivened the port city.

Its name, Songkhla—or Singgora in Malay—derives from the rocky promontory shaped like a lion overlooking the bay (Hin Khao Tang Kuan). In the 18th century, Songkhla saw thousands of Chinese immigrants who left their poor plots of land in Fujian and Guangdong to engage in trade. Their economic rise was accelerated by the tax farming system, under which a merchant association paid a fixed sum set by the Ayutthaya government to collect taxes. Thus, the Na Songkhla family grew wealthy at the expense of the local residents. They were assigned the main taxes, abusing their commercial power to easily climb the political hierarchy. After the old governor was dismissed in 1777, one of their members was appointed to this prestigious position, which remained in the family according to succession rights.

Today, the residence of the Na Songkhla governors has been converted into a national museum

Songkhla, the great city on two seas

As a tourist destination, Songkhla can claim the title despite competition from its rival, Hat Yai. The city has just over 75,000 residents. Modern infrastructure has been developed for tourists: zoos, ornamental parks, star-rated hotels, beachfront resorts, massage institutes, etc. However, the coastline and the mountainous hinterland reveal two different worlds; one, predominantly Buddhist, is blessed with easy money, while the other, populated by Muslim ethnic groups, still relies on subsistence agriculture. Pursuing a community-based tourism development that includes mountain stays will help mitigate income disparities.

What to see and do?

Beach outings, visits to the historic center, boat trips on Lake Songkhla, or folk music concerts? Whatever your preference, Songkhla can offer you a vacation that suits your taste.

White, sandy beaches

Samila beach

With its white sand, pine trees, and seafood restaurants, Samila Beach is undoubtedly the most popular beach in the city. The bronze mermaid with long hair turns heads among young travelers. Many take photos near the statue and seize the chance to give it a kiss.

To the right of Laem Samila stand stone statues of a cat and a mouse, each with its own legend (a secret we’ll let you discover). Walking three kilometers further, you’ll reach Khao Kao Seng Beach, known for its splendid rock formations.

Son on the beach

To the north of Samila, the Son On Peninsula constantly attracts a crowd of bathers. At the end of the beach, admire the statue of Prince Chumphon, regarded as the father of the Thai navy.

Religious heritage

Wat Matchimawat

Built in the 17th century during the Ayutthaya era, Wat Matchimawat, or Wat Khlang, as it is also called, is the most important Buddhist temple in Songkhla. A wealthy local heir named Yai Si Chan is said to have financed its construction. It houses a museum with various artistic pieces from Songkhla, Sathing Phra, and Ranot.

Wat Chai Mongkon

This temple from the late 19th century is located halfway between Phet Mongkhon and Chai MongKohn. Its chedi, which contains relics of the Buddha, is worth visiting.

Natural heritage

Lake Songkhla

To escape the urban hustle, take a breath of fresh air, or spend family time, tourists do not hesitate to travel the 33 kilometers separating the lake from the city center. Lake Songkhla is poetically dubbed the "small sea" to distinguish it from Thalé Noi, the "big sea." Boat services are available if you wish to explore the lagoons, approach the birds, or discover fishing techniques invented by the locals. Don’t miss the cruise to the nearby islands: Ko Ha, Ko Mak, Koh Yo, Ko Rai, etc.

Thalé Noi Wildlife Sanctuary

Located nearly 10 kilometers from Lake Songkhla, the Thalé Noi Wildlife Sanctuary hosts a unique gathering of migratory birds. A delight for ornithologists!

Historical heritage

Songkhla City Pillar Shrine

This shrine witnessed the founding of the city. Inside stands a wooden cassia javensis pillar, a gift from Rama III to the provincial governor.

Tinsulanond Bridge

Crossing the Tinsulanond Bridge, beautifully suspended over Lake Songkhla, is a highlight of the tour. No concrete bridge in Thailand can rival its length. It offers a 360-degree view of the city.

The Great Naga Serpent

Here is a route to take if you are with young children: Three kilometers long, it allows you to appreciate the city from all angles.

Songkhla National Museum

The building was constructed by Phraya Sunthararak, who served as Deputy Governor from 1878 to 1894. The mansion then became the residence of senior officials before becoming the city hall. The collection includes Thai and Chinese porcelain, furniture, jewelry, and other valuables left by the Na Sangkhla family, showing how the leaders exploited poor peasants for personal gain.

Phatammarong Museum

Not far from the National Museum, on Chana Road, is another interesting museum: the Phatammarong Museum. The exhibition focuses on the memorabilia of Tinsulanond, a Thai Prime Minister and statesman who dominated the country’s political landscape in the 80s and 90s. Hailing from Songkhla, Tinsulanond is a local pride. The building also houses the tourism office.

Climate in Songkhla

Like other southern Thai beach destinations, Songkhla enjoys a tropical monsoon climate. The heat is relentless throughout the year, with heavy rainfall, particularly between October and December. Tourists planning a beach holiday or a lake trip should choose dates between February and March. Sunscreen is a must.

How to get there?

Songkhla is accessible by bus from Bangkok, Hat Yai, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Buses from The Transport Co. Ltd. take 12.5 hours to travel from Bangkok to Songkhla. The departure point is Sai Tai Mai Bus Station in southern Bangkok. For more comfort, opt for tourist-class buses, although the ticket costs double that of regular buses (€31.50). Departure is at 6 p.m.

Getting around

For foreign visitors, the Singora tram is an excellent way to tour the city's attractions. The service is free, but reservations are required in advance.