'''Songkhla''' (?????) is the provincial capital of Songkhla Province. The city itself is surrounded by beaches such as Samila (??????) & Son Awn (??????) and also known as "the great city on two seas". With the beaches, some historical centres and nice green parks, this place is definitely a good battery recharge point before heading to more lively Hat Yai.
Understand
Songkhla or Singgora in Malay, was a city of an old Malay Kingdom of Langkasuka with heavy Srivijayan influence. It has been under Thai suzerainty since the 18th century.
Previously a port and a coastal trading post where Indian, Persian and Arabian merchants came to exchange their products, this place was initially named "Sing Lha" after the 2 lion-shape islands at the mouth of the city's lake. Currently, these 2 islands are known to us as Ko Nu (Rat Island) and Ko Maeo (Cat Island).
In the 18th century many Chinese immigrants from Guangdong and Fujian came here. One of them won the bidding for the major tax farm of the province in 1769, thus establishing the Na Songkhla (i.e. 'from Songkla') family as the most wealthy and influential. In 1777 the family also gained political power, when the old governor was dismissed and Luang Inthakhiri (Yiang, Chinese name Wu Rang (??)) became the new governor. In 1786 the old governor started an uprising, which was however put down after four months. The post was inherited in the family and held by 8 of his descendends until 1901, when Phraya Wichiankhiri (Chom) was honorably retired as part of the administrative reforms of Prince Damrong Rajanubhab. The family's former home is now used as the Songkhla National Museum.
Get in
By bus
The government bus station has relocated to Th Nakhon Nok (??? ??????), a few metres from Viva Hotel.
'''To/from Bangkok:''' Air-con buses by [http://www.transport.co.th/ The Transport Co. Ltd] (?????? ????? ????? (???.), ''bor-kor-sor'') run between Bangkok southern bus terminal (??????, ''sai-tai'') and Songkhla bus terminal daily. The distance is ~984km and normally takes 12.5 hours.
24 seats VIP bus (?????, ''piset'') costs 1125 baht, departs from Bangkok at 18:00. On the reverse, the departure is at 16:45.
47 seats Class 2 bus (?2) costs 563 baht, departs from Bangkok at 08:00, 14:30 and 19:00, Songkhla at 07:30, 11:30 and 14:00.
'''To/from Chumphon:''' Class 2 bus (?2) costs 290 baht, departs daily.
'''To/from Nakhon Si Thammarat:''' Class 2 bus (?2) costs 125 baht, departs daily.
'''To/from Surat Thani:''' Class 2 bus (?2) costs 125 baht, departs daily.
'''To/from Hatyai:''' Ordinary buses depart to Hat Yai from Th Ramwithi (??????????) for 18B. From Hat Yai, you need to catch one at the bus stop along Th Phetkasem (??? ????????), at the intersection close to Th Montri 1 (??? ????? 1).
By minivan
Minivans depart to Hat Yai from the Th Ramwithi (??? ???????) for 30B. On the other hand, minivans leave for Yala and Pattani for 90B from southern part of Th Ramwithi (??? ???????), at the intersection close to Th Chaimongkol (??? ???????).
Get around
Songthaew plies around city for 12 baht. Motorcycle taxis did the same for 20B. Expect rates to double at night.
See
'''Ban Sattha''' (??????????) is situated on a hill slope overlooking the Tinsulanond Bridge to Ko Yo. It is surrounded by coconut plantations. The city people had it built for H.E. Prem Tinsulanond, the Privy Councilor and Statesman, when he was the Prime Minister. Construction was completed on 26 August 1991. In 1996, H.E. Prem gave the house back to the people of Songkhla. There is a public library nearby.
'''Institute for Southern Thai Studies''' (????????????????????), situated on Ko Yo, near the foot of the second part of the Tinsulanond Bridge. It was established in 1978 for the studies of southern art and culture. Its museum has comprehensive exhibits on local art and culture, and southern lives as well as artifacts echoing local wisdom accumulated through several generations. The systematic exhibits cover more than 30 rooms displaying history, religion, tradition, occupation, folk play, handicrafts, and various artifacts. Viewing points for the Songkhla Lake and aquaculture farms should not be missed. Admission fee is 50 baht. Call 0 7433 1185-8.
'''Khao Noi''' (???????), near Samila Beach, has a road to the hilltop for paying homage to the statue of Prince Lop Buri Ramet (The Southern Viceroy), and to view the city. On the east is a public park with food services and tennis courts. On the northeast is Suan Seri, another park with ornamental plants in animal shapes. Tamnak Khao Noi, on the south, was built in 1911 as the residence of Prince Lop Buri Ramet and was used by His Majesties the King and Queen on their visit to the south in March 1959. Today the mansion is the residence of the Songkhla Provincial Governor.
'''Khao Kao Seng''' (???????????) is located about three kilometers to the south of Hat Samila. It can be reached via the road to The National Coastal Aquaculture Institute. It is one of the beautiful beaches of Songkhla, dotted with large boulders one of which is on a rock, the locals call it _gHua Nai Raeng_h. It was said that underneath this boulder there used to be treasures stored by the people as funds for the construction of the Nakhon Si Thammarat Chedi and had protecting spirits.
'''Khao Tang Kuan''' (?????????) at Samila Beach has the Sala Vihan Daeng, the royal pavilion built during the reign of King Rama V. On the hilltop is a Dvaravati chedi housing the Buddha_fs relics that was built during the Nakhon Si Thammarat Empire. In October there is a festival to clad the chedi with a cloth, to pull the Buddha_fs image, and to offer alms to monks. A panoramic view of the city and the Songkhla Lake can be enjoyed on the hilltop. To reach the top, take a 30B cable lift or climb 305 steps. The cable lift service is available daily, 08:30 ? 18:30.
'''Ko Yo (??????)''' is a small island in the Songkhla Lake but is the important tourist attraction of Songkhla. The island, covering an area of 3,710 acres, can be reached via Tinsulanond Bridge The coastal plain is suitable for agriculture, resulting in famous fruit-growing such as a special kind of jackfruit called Jampada. Another famous product is the hand-woven fabric.
'''Laem Sai Estuary Fortress''' (?????????????????????) was constructed in the reign of King Rama III, at the time of the city_fs establishment. Today this fortress is behind the Songkhla Provincial Police Headquarters.
'''Phathammarong Museum''' (??????????????????), on Chana Road near the Songkhla National Museum. It was constructed constructed in the late 80s, built in a Thai style to resemble the birthplace of H.E. Prem Tinsulanond, the former Prime Minister and Statesman who is a Songkhla native. The construction was based on his testimony when his father was the prison warden. Admission is free, open from Tue to Sun, 8:30-16:00, close on public holiday. The tourist information center is at the entrance of the museum. Guilded tour to the museum will be given by the tourist information center personnel who will also hand you a copy of useful Songkhla tourist brochure with a useful map inside.
'''Samila Beach''' (??????????), about 2.5 kilometers from the fresh market (Thalat Supsin or Thalat Sot Thetsaban). This peninsula is well-known for its white sandy beach, shady pine groves, and the statue of a mermaid that is Songkhla_fs symbol. East of this statue is cat and rat sculptures. This is a nice, peaceful beach to stroll along, plenty of benches can be found between casuarina trees. Many facilities such as sidewalks, pavilions havce veen added to enhance this place as the main attaraction of Songkhla. It is serviced by Hat Yai-Songkhla buses. From within the city, one can take a minibus to the beach.
'''Son On Beach''' (??????????) is situated to the northwest of Laem Samila. It is well shaded with sea pines. At the end of the peninsula stands the statue of Prince Chumphon Khet Udomsak. This peninsula is the best spot to view Ko Nu and the Songkhla Lake.
'''Songkhla_fs City Pillar''' (?????????????????), on Nang Ngam Road, is a revered site to Songkhla_fs population. The Chinese architectural style building was constructed together with the city itself. Nearby dwellings, especially on Nakhon Nai and Nakhon Nok Roads also bear the same influence. The Chinese immigrants who came to settle there at the beginning of the 24th Buddhist Century had a major role in the establishment of Songkhla, hence, the distinctive Chinese lifestyle of the area.
'''Songkhla Lake''' (????????????), the only natural lake in Thailand is about 80 kilometers long and 20 to 25 kilometers wide. It is a freshwater lake with brackish water near the mouth. There are several islands across from its mouth, the major ones include Ko Yai, Ko Si, Ko Ha, Ko Kaeo, Ko Mak, Ko Rai, and Ko Yo. Boats are available for touring the lake. The port behind the post office or the fresh market has all-day long-tailed boat services.
'''Songkhla National Museum''' (??????????????????????????), on Chana Road, 0 7431 1728, [http://www.thailandmuseum.com/thaimuseum_eng/songkhla/main.html]. The museum was originally built by Phraya Sunthararak (Net Na Songkhla), the assistant Governor of Songkhla during 1878-1894, as Songkhla ruler_fs mansion in Chinese style. It became the domicile of Songkhla_fs upper administrative officers and finally the City Hall. It displays southern folk art and crafts, Thawarawadi and Siwichai artifacts, prehistoric finds, old Thai and Chinese ceramics, art objects of the southern peninsula. It has a notable collection of the artifacts of the _eNa Songkhla Family_f that used to rule the city. It is open to the public, from 9am to 12 noon and 1pm to 4pm, except Mondays, Tuesdays, and public holidays. Admission is 30B.
'''Songkhla Zoo''' (?????????????) is an open zoo, on the Songkhla-Chana Highway, Tambon Khao Rup Chang. It was established for the preservation of Thai wildlife and to return them to the wild. The zoo covers a hilly area with an asphalt ring road. The various animals have been grouped separately, such camels, birds, red gaur, tigers, crocodiles, and others. One of the highlights in the zoo not to be missed is the viewing point for the city where food stalls are available. For more information please call 0 7432 5037-8.
'''Tinsulanond Bridge''' (????????????????) spans the Songkhla Lake and is part of Highway 408. It is the longest concrete bridge in Thailand, with two parts: the first part connects the coast of Amphoe Mueang Songkhla at Ban Nam Krachai to the southern coast of Ko Yo, this part is about 1,140 metres long; the second part connects the northern shore of Ko Yo to the coast of Ban Khao Khiao, a length of 1,800 meters. It was opened to traffic on 25 September 1986.
'''Wat Chai Mongkhon''' (??????????), on Phetmongkhon-Chaimongkhon Road, has a chedi that was built to house the Buddhist relics brought back from Langka by a monk named _gNa Issaro_h who was teaching Pali there in B.E. 2435.
'''Wat Matchimawat''' (Wat Khlang, ????????????????????????), on Sai Buri Road, is a large temple and the most important in Songkhla. It is about 400 years old. It was said that Yai Si Chan, a millionaire of Songkhla donated a large sum of money to construct the temple. Later on Wat Liap was built on the north, and Wat Pho on the south. The people then changed the name of the temple from _gWat Yai Si Chan_h to _gWat Khlang_h or _gWat Matchimawat_h. This temple also has the Phattharasin Museum that houses various artifacts gathered from Songkhla, Sathing Phra, Ranot, and elsewhere.
Do
Buy
Mini golden mermaid statue replica for 20B.
Eat
'''Bua Kaeo Seafood''' (?????????????) 20 Ratchadamnoen Road Tel: 0 7431 4816
'''Bun Riam''' (????????) Ratchadamnoen Road, Leam Son On Tel: 0 7431 1484
'''Ladda''' (?????) 1 Wichianchom Road Tel: 0 7431 3111
'''Krua Wanlop''' (?????????) Laem Son On Tel: 0 7431 2421
'''Tae Photchana''' (????????) Nang Ngam Road Tel: 0 7431 1505
Drink
The Dark Side
The Office
Corner Bier
Patlang Restaurant & Bar
Tawee Bar
Lamp Bar
Sleep
Budget
Guest House Romantic
Songkhla Guest House
Yoma I Guest House
ABC Guest House (140 - 300 Bath, Very friendly owner) - 05.2008
Mid-range
Viva Hotel
Splurge
BP Samila Beach Hotel & Resort. amila Beach. ttp://www.bphotelsgroup.com/bpsml/bpsmlset.html. ooms 2300-2500 baht, suites 5000-20,000 baht, discounts available. High-rise hotel conveniently located on Hat Samila adjacent to the mermaid statue. Numerous good restaurants nearby. Rates include breakfast buffet. Frequent weddings and other events may detract from a relaxed holiday feeling. Guests with a sea view may catch local residents performing early morning aerobics.
Rajamangala Pavilion Beach Resort. achamangala Pavilion Beach Resort. halatat Beach. ttp://www.pavilionhotels.com/rajaman/. Boutique resort located on Hat Chalatat about 3 long blocks South of the mermaid statue.
Get out
'''Namtok Boriphat Forestry Park''' (????????????????????) is about 52 kilometers from Amphoe Mueang Songkhla, on Highway 406, at the 35-36 kilometer stone. Turn onto a dirt road for about one kilometer. It is a small all-season waterfall.