Songkhla

Songkhla , 950 kilometres from Bangkok, a town with a thriving fishing community and the lovely Samila beach and the Great Songkhla Lake hosts the 520- square- kilometre Khu Khut Waterfowl Park, the home of some 140 species.Songkhla is one of the most famous seaside resort towns of the south having Hat Yai as the principal commercial, communications and entertainment centre and regularly attracts visitors from nearby Malaysia and Singapore.
The province is situated on the eastern side of the Malayan Peninsula occupying an area of 7,393 square kilometres, bordering on Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phatthalung to the north; Yala, Pattani and States of Kedah (Sai Buri) and Perlis to the south; the Gulf of Thailand to the east, Satun and Phatthalung to the west. It is administratively divided into 14 Amphoes ; they are: Amphoe Muang, Chana, Hat Yai, Na Thawi, Ranot, Rattaphum, Saba Yoi, Sadao, Sathing Phra, Thepha, Khuan Niang, Krasae Sin, Na Mom, Singha Nakhon.

Songkhla is an eastern coastal province in Southern Thailand covering some 7,150 square kilometres.
The provincial capital, also called Songkhla, is 950 kilometres south of Bangkok. Songkhla was formerly known as Singha-la (Lion) by Indian, Persian and Arabian merchants since the small offshore Cat and Rat islands had a somewhat leonine appearance from the sea.
Once a medieval pirate stronghold, Songkhla is a historic, albeit sleepy Gulf town with a thriving fishing community and the fine Samila Beach facing Cat and Rat islands.

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City Attractions

SAMILA BEACH, some 3 kilometres from the Municipal Market on Ratchadamnoen Road, is characterised by soft white sand and beachside pine trees. The most prominent landmark is a Golden Mermaid statue on the headland fronting the beachside Samila Hotel.

KHAO NOI, the low hill behind the hotel, commands a panoramic view of Songkhla town and the Samila Beach. The hill's SUAN SERI contains a small topical garden.

The Samila Beach WATER SPORTS CENTRE provides water sports equipment, including rowing boats, paddle boats and speedboats. Shower facilities are also available.

SONGKHLA GOLF COURSE (Thong Yai Golf Course) is beside the Samila Hotel. The 9-hole beachside course is open to the public daily. The Green Fee is 100 baht. The Caddy Fee is 50 baht. The Golf Club Rental Fee is 200 baht. Golfers can make reservations by telephoning the Samila Hotel at (074) 311310.

SON ONN BEACH is directly north of Samila Beach. Hundreds of beachside pine trees provide cool shade and several restaurants offer simple but deliciously fresh seafood and deckchairs for beachside relaxation. The area is particularly attractive and popular late afternoon and evening.

CAT & RAT ISLANDS are prominent landmarks facing Son Onn and Samila beaches. Coastal island waters are favoured by anglers.

KHAO SENG headland is some 3 kilometres south of the Samila Beach headland and shelters a Muslim fishing village where distinctive Koralae boats are decorated with hand-painted floral motifs.

THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF COASTAL AQUACULTURE, 1 kilometre south of Khao Seng, was established in 1981 as a development and information centre for coastal fishery resources development. Attractions include laboratories, a fish museum and hatcheries for important marine life, including prawns, turtles, giant sea perch and groupers. Visitors may telephone (074) 311895 during office hours to gain entry.

TUNG KHUAN MOUNTAIN is west of Khao Noi. Steps lead to the summit. Ancient pagodas and royal pavilions are major attractions.

PAK NAM LAEM SAI FORT, along Laem Sai Road from Khao Tung Khuan, dates from the early 1800s, when 'modern' Songkhla was constructed.

SONGKHLA NATIONAL MUSEUM on Rongmuang Road dates from the 1 1870s. The lovely complex was built in southern Thai Chinese architectural style as the residence of a local luminary. The museum houses Thai objects d'art from prehistoric to modern times, and several archaeological artifacts discovered locally. The museum is open daily, except Monday and Tuesday, between 9.00 and 12.00 AM, and 1.00 to 4.00 PM.

ANCIENT CITY WALLS beside the museum mark the limits of the ancient town.

CENTRAL MARKET on Nakhon Nai Road opposite the Post Office is the major venue for purchasing fresh poultry, meats, fish, vegetables, spices and fruit. The market operates every day from early morning to late afternoon.

SONGKHLA FISHERY STATION on the shore of the Great Lake is the major unloading place for trawlers. Early morning and late afternoon activity reveals the amazing variety and volume of fish caught. Much is exported as fresh or processed produce.

SONGKHLA'S SUNDAY MARKET (Sunday mornings only) offers a bewildering range of household, agricultural, garden and fashionable products traded by local merchants.

NAKHON NAI ROAD is the oldest road in Songkhla. Ancient dwellings along the thoroughfare display distinctive Chinese architectural influence.

SONGKHLA CITY PILLAR dates from the early 1800s and is highly revered by local people.

WAT MATCHIMAWAT (Wat Klang) on Saiburi Road is Songkhla's largest monastery. The complex is some 400 years old and houses a museum containing several ruins and artifacts discovered throughout southern Thailand.