| Amphoe
Muang
:: Ban Sattha (Home of Faith)
The hill-top house overlooking the Tinsulanond Bridge
that connects Ko Yo was built in 1991 and was completed
in 1996. Surrounded by coconut plantations, the compound
was built by local residents to honor H.E. Prem Tinsulanond,
the Privy Councilor and Statesman, when he was Prime
Minister. H.E. Prem graciously returned the house to
the people of Songkhla.
:: Khao Kao Seng
Approximately three kilometers to the south of the famous
Hat Samila is Kao Seng fishing village, which has one
of the most beautiful beaches in Songkhla. Along the
coastline are several pieces of rocks, one of which
stands out above the cliff. The local residents refer
to that rock as "Hua Nai Raeng". Kao Seng
is a corruption of the name derived from the Thai word
"Kao Saen", referring to the nine hundred
thousand bahts treasure that is buried under Hua Nai
Raeng. Kao Seng can be reached via the road to the National
Coastal Aquaculture Institute.
:: Khao Noi
Located in proximity to Laem Samila, this small hill
has a hiking path that winds up to the top where the
statue of Prince Lop Buri Ramet (The Southern Viceroy)
is situated. There is a viewpoint where it is possible
to enjoy a panoramic view of the city. On the northeast
is Suan Seri (Seri Park), a nicely landscaped park decorated
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 Their Majesties
the King and Queen on a visit to the south in March
1959. Today the mansion is the residence of the Songkhla
Provincial Governor.
:: Khao Tang Kuan
Another charming attraction located at Laem Samila is
Khao Tang Kuan. This is the location of the famous Sala
Vihan Daeng, the royal pavilion built during the reign
of King Rama V. An additional attraction is a hill-top
Dvaravati chedi housing the Lord Buddha’s relics that
was built during the Nakhon Si Thammarat Empire. From
this hilltop, visitors can admire a panoramic view of
the city and the Songkhla Lake. Every October, there
is a festival to drape the chedi with a cloth and to
offer alms to monks who descend to the foot of the mountain
to receive alms. In addition, monks travelling by boat
from other temples in Songkhla would proceed along the
waterfront so that the local residents can offer alms
and pull their boats, which is considered highly merited.
:: Ko Nu and
Ko Maeo
Perhaps the most well-known symbol of Songkhla province,
both islands are located off the shore of Laem Samila.
According to the legend, a dog, a cat, and a mouse,
traveling on a Chinese sampan stole the merchant’s magic
crystal and tried unsuccessfully to swim ashore and
drowned. The mouse and cat became the islands in the
Songkhla Lake while the dog died on the shore and became
the hill called Hin Khao Tang Kuan near the bay. Totally
destroyed, the crystal then became the white sandy beach
called Hat Sai Kaeo which literally means crystal sand
beach.
:: Ko Yo
A small island in the Songkhla Lake that has recently
become an important tourist attraction in Songkhla.
Covering an area of 9,275 rais (3,710 acres), the island
is accessible via the Tinsulanond Bridge. Geographically,
the island’s coastal plain is suitable for agriculture
such as a special kind of jackfruit called Jampada.
Another famous island product is its hand-woven fabric.
:: Laem Sai
Estuary Fortress
The Fortress was constructed during the reign of King
Rama III, when the city was established. Today, the
Fortress, which is located behind the Songkhla Provincial
Police Headquarters, stands as a timeless proof of Songkhla’s
rich heritage.
:: Laem Samila
Located in the City Municipality, about 2.5 kilometers
from the fresh market (Thalat Supsin or Thalat Sot Thetsaban),
the peninsula is renowned for its powdery sandy beach,
shady pine groves, and the statue of a mermaid – Songkhla’s
most famous landmark. It is easily accessible via Hat
Yai-Songkhla buses. From the city, visitors can take
a minibus directly to the beach.
:: Laem Son On
A peninsula situated to the northwest of Laem Samila
that is naturally shaded with sea pines. At the end
of the peninsula is the statue of Prince Chumphon Khet
Udomsak, 28th son of King Rama V and founder of the
Royal Thai Navy. The best view of Ko Nu and Songkhla
Lake can be spotted from here.
:: Phathammarong Museum
Located on Chana Road near the Songkhla National Museum,
Phathammarong Museum is a Thai-style museum constructed
to resemble the birthplace of H.E. Prem Tinsulanond,
the former Prime Minister and Statesman who is a Songkhla
native.
:: Songkhla Lake
This lake is the largest lake in Thailand covering an
area of approximately 80 kilometers long and 20 to 25
kilometers wide in Songkhla and Phatthalung Provinces.
In addition, it is the only natural, fresh-water lake
in Thailand. Several islands across from its mouth namely,
Ko Yai, Ko Si, Ko Ha, Ko Kaeo, Ko Mak, Ko Rai, and Ko
Yo are worth visiting for relaxation. Boat services
are available for touring the lake. The port behind
the post office or the fresh market has all-day long-tailed
boat services.
:: Songkhla Zoo
Located on the Songkhla-Chana Highway, Tambon Khao Rup
Chang, this open- zoo was established with an aim to
preserve Thai wildlife. When they are ready, the wildlife
will be returned to the wild. The zoo occupies a hilly
area with an asphalt ring road. Various animals which
have been grouped separately, such camels, birds, red
gaur, tigers, crocodiles, etc., are major residents
here. One of the highlights in the zoo that should not
to be missed is the scenic viewpoint overlooking the
whole city of Songkhla. Food stalls are available. For
more information please call 074 325037-8.
:: Songkhla’s City Pillar
Located on Nang Ngam Road, the pillar, which is highly
revered by the local residents, was constructed when
the city was built. This area of the city has distinctly
Chinese characteristics as can be seen in the Chinese-style
building where the pillar is enshrined and nearby buildings
on Nakhon Nai and Nakhon Nok Roads. The distinctive
Chinese lifestyle and influence in the area is due to
the presence of Chinese immigrants, who came to settle
in Songkhla at the beginning of the 24th Buddhist Century
and had a major role in the establishment of Songkhla.
:: The Institute for Southern
Thai Studies
This Institute is situated on Ko Yo, near the foot of
the second part of the Tinsulanond Bridge. Established
in 1978 to undertake the study of southern arts and
culture, the institute has been transformed into a live
museum that exhibits comprehensive sets of local art
and culture, and southern lifestyles. The systematic
exhibitions cover more than 30 rooms with displays concerning
history, religion, tradition, occupation, folk play,
handicrafts, and various artifacts. In addition, there
are presentations that recount local wisdom, which has
been accumulated and passed down through several generations.
Other than the exhibitions and presentation, there are
several viewpoints where visitors can admire Songkhla
Lake and aquaculture farms in the institute. Admission
fee is 50 baht. Call 0-7433 -1185-8 for more information.
:: The Songkhla
National Museum
Located on Chana Road, the Museum, constructed in the
Chinese style, was originally built in 1878 as the mansion
of Songkhla’s ruler. It later became the domicile of
Songkhla’s upper administrative officers, the City Hall
and in 1953, the building was converted into a museum
to exhibit lower southern artifacts. Today it is the
place where local archaeology, history and folk art
and culture can be studied and appreciated. Noteworthy
is the collection of artifacts of the ‘Na Songkhla Family’
that used to rule the city. It is opened to the public,
from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., except
Mondays, Tuesdays and public holidays.
:: Tinsulanond Bridge
The bridge, which is the longest concrete bridge in
Thailand, spans Songkhla Lake and is part of Highway
408. The bridge has two parts with the first part connecting
the coast of Amphoe Mueang Songkhla at Ban Nam Krachai
to the southern coast of Ko Yo for a total distance
of 1,140 meters. The second part connects the northern
shore of Ko Yo to the coast of Ban Khao Khiao for a
total distance of 1,800 meters. It was opened to traffic
on 25 September 1986.
:: Wat Chai Mongkhon
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 “Na Issaro”
who was teaching Pali there in 1892.
:: Wat Matchimawat or Wat Khlang
Located on Sai Buri Road, this large temple
is perhaps the most important Buddhist temple in Songkhla.
It is said that Yai Si Chan, a Songkhla millionaire
donated a large sum of money to construct this more
than 400 years old temple. Later on Wat Liap was built
to the north and Wat Pho to the south. The local residents
then changed the name of the temple from “Wat Yai Si
Chan” to “Wat Khlang” or “Wat Matchimawat”. This temple
also has the Phattharasin Museum that houses various
artifacts collected from Songkhla, Sathing Phra, Ranot,
and other places.
Amphoe
Sathing Phra
:: Khu Khut Waterfowl Park
(Tha-le Sap Songkhla Wildlife Refuge)
Established as a wildlife refuge on 19 April 1976, the
park occupies an area of 227,916 rais (91,166 acres)
in both Songkhla and Phatthalung Provinces. In fact
this Park is part of Tha-le Sap Songkhla or Songkhla
Lake. The survey taken by the Royal Forestry Department
discovered 44 families, 137 genus, and 219 species of
birds. The best times to view the birds are from December
to March. Boats are provided by the park office at 150
baht an hour. This Park is situated at Mu 4, Tambon
Khu Khut, about 55 kilometers from Songkhla, on Highway
4083 and three kilometers from the highway into the
park. For more information please call the Park Office
at Tel: 0-7439-7042.
:: Sating
Phra Ancient Community
This community can be dated back to the early Southern
period when most of the inhabitants were seafaring merchants
who traded with the Chinese and Indians. Situated 500
meters from the Gulf of Thailand and 3,500 meters from
Songkhla Lake, the community left its ancient ruins
made from brick and stone, as well as Chinese pottery
from the Tung dynasty (618-908) and Yuan dynasty (1279-1368).
From town district take highway 408 for 36 kilometers.
:: Wat Cha
Thing Phra
This is a magnificent temple to visit particularly for
archeology enthusiasts. Established in 999, the temple
has several ancient ruins from the Srivijaya Period
such as Chedi Phra Maha That, Wihan Phra Phutthasaiyat
(reclining Buddha), and the bell tower. The monastery
is located at Mu 4, Tambon Cha Thing Phra, just 200
meters from the District Office.
:: Wat Pha
Kho or Wat Ratchapraditsathan
This temple was the seat of Somdet Pha Kho or Luang
Pho Thuat Yiap Nam Tha-le Chuet, the most revered monk
in the south. It is said that one day, a pirate ship
sailed along the coast and saw Somdet Pha Kho who seemed
different from other people walking in the area. The
pirates wanted identify the difference so they docked
and kidnapped him. However, the ship did not sail very
far before it stopped for no apparent reason and had
to anchor there for several days until they ran out
of freshwater. Somdet Pha Kho took pity on them so he
put his left foot in the sea, making it sparkle and
turn into freshwater. The pirates became faithful, asked
for his pardon, and took him ashore. From then on the
people started to pay homage to the monk. The temple
is located at Mu 6, Tambon Chumphon, on Khao Phatthasing,
about 48 kilometers from Songkhla, on the Songkhla-Sathing
Phra Highway.
Amphoe
Singhanakhon
:: Chedi Ong Dam (The Black
Chedi)
It was built by Chao Phraya Phra Khlang (Dit Bunnak)
and Somdet Chao Phraya Borom Maha Phrayurawong to commemorate
the victory over the Sai Buri Revolt in 1830. The Chedi
is situated at the top Khao Daeng, Tambon Khao Daeng.
:: Chedi
Ong Khao (The White Chedi)
This Chedi was built by Phraya Si Phiphat (That Bunnak)
and Somdet Chao Phraya Maha Phichaiyat to commemorate
the victory over Sai Buri, Pattani, Penang, and Malayan
Revolts. After the victory, Phraya Si Phipat remained
in Songkhla for two years and built this Chedi to accompany
the first one, before he returned to Bangkok.
Amphoe
Rattaphum
:: Namtok Boriphat Forestry
Park
Namtok Boriphat Forestry Park is about 52 kilometers
from Amphoe Mueang Songkhla. To get to this small all-season
waterfall, drive along Highway 406, at the kilometer
35 and 36 marker, switch to use a dirt road and proceed
for about one kilometer.
Amphoe
Hat Yai
:: Hat Yai
Hat Yai, which is situated approximately 28 kilometers
from the city of Songkhla, is an important gateway to
Malaysia and Singapore. Strategically located only 60
kilometers from the port of entry at Sadao, Hat Yai
has only recently been developed and has rapidly been
transformed into the commercial, transportation, communication,
educational, and tourism hub of the south. Tourists
enjoy shopping at Hat Yai for various goods ranging
from fresh produce to consumer products such as electrical
appliances. The area of Niphat Uthit 1, 2, or 3 Roads
is where major commercial shops are located. Several
shopping centers available include Lido Shopping Center,
Odeon Shopping Center, Sanehanuson, Hat Yai Plaza Shopping
Center, and Si Kimyong Market on Phetkasem Road.
:: Hat Yai
Municipal Park
The park is located on Kanchanawanit Road and is approximately
six kilometers from the city center on the Hat Yai-Songkhla
Highway. A popular recreational spot for the local residents,
the park is beautifully decorated with colorful flowers.
With a pavilion in the middle of the pond, an aviary,
and food stalls, the park is the perfect place to spend
a peaceful evening. Additional attractions include a
statue of King Rama V that is enshrined at the foot
of the hill near the aviary, a hill-top Brahman shrine
and a jade statue of Guan-yin, the Chinese Goddess situated,
at the southern foothill near the boy-scout camp.
:: Namtok
Ton Nga Chang
Located in the Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary, about
26 kilometers from the city, this 7-tiered waterfall
is one of the beautiful waterfalls of the south. The
waterfall offers scenic views, with the third level
being the most beautiful as the stream is separated
into two, resembling the elephant’s tusks. Trekking
trails are provided for tourists with adventurous hearts.
To reach the waterfall by car, follow
the Hat Yai-Rattaphum Road for 13 kilometers, then turn
left at Ban Hu Rae and proceed for another 13 kilometers.
Alternatively, a tuk-tuk can be hired to take visitors
to the waterfall for two to three hours at between 300
bahts to 400 bahts. On the other hand, visitors can
also take the minibus from the fresh market (Talat Sot
Thet Sa Ban Hat Yai).
:: Wat Hat
Yai Nai
Located on Phetkasem Road, near Khlong U Taphao Bridge,
the monastery is where Phra Phuttha Hattha Mongkhon,
a large reclining Buddha measuring 35 meters long, 15
meters tall, and 10 meters wide, is enshrined. Highly
revered by both Thai and foreign tourists, the image
is believed to be the third largest reclining Buddha
in the world.
Amphoe
Thepha
:: Hat Sakom
The beach is set amidst white powdery sand and shady
trees, which makes it highly suitable for relaxation.
Travelers can hire a fishing vessel to Ko Kham, which
is just 2 kilometers offshore and is a perfect place
to go fishing. Food and accommodation are available
for tourists. This beach is about 53 kilometers from
Amphoe Mueang Songkhla, on the Songkhla-Chana-Thepha
Highway.
Amphoe
Na Thawi
:: Khao Nam Khang Historic
Tunnel
This Tunnel is situated in Khao Nam Khang, Mu 1, Tambon
Khlong Kwang, approximately 4 kilometers from the Park
Office. Once known as the Piyamit Village 5, the tunnel
was operated by Communist insurgents. After almost 40
years of fighting with the Thai Government, the Communist
Party was dispersed and became part of Thai Development
Participants in 1987.
Thailand’s largest and longest man-made
tunnel, it was completed in two years with three separate
corridors and three levels deep. The tunnel itself could
accommodate about 200 persons with several rooms such
as conference room, sick bay, radio transmission room,
kitchen, firing range, etc.
:: Khao Nam
Khang National Park
This Park, covered with verdant forests, is where two
magnificent waterfalls namely Ton Dat Fa and Ton Lat
Fa are located. There are two routes to the park: from
Amphoe Sadao the distance is 26 kilometers or from Amphoe
Na Thawi on the Na Thawi-Ban Prakop Road with a distance
of 31 kilometers . For more information, please call
Amphoe Na Thawi Office at 074 371010.
Amphoe
Sadao
:: Wat Tham Khao Rup Chang
The temple uses the cave, which was partitioned
into several rooms and has delicate stalactites and
stalagmites, as temple grounds. This temple is located
in Tambon Padang Besar, about 13 kilometers from Padang
Besar Market.
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