Songkhla has fine beaches, enchanting waterfalls, and a tranquil lake-a manifestation of its abundant natural resources. While Songkhla is noted for its fishery industry, Hat Yai serves as a transportation and communications hub of the South, with this bustling town linking with various destinations in the neighboring provinces and in Malaysia. Only 30 kilometers apart and with contrastive characteristics, Hat Yai and Songkhla can be ideal places for the tourist to visit: Hat Yai, a fast booming city in trade and business, while Songkhla remains a sleepy town still able to maintain its unique identity of ancient and historical flavors.

Songkhla covers an area of 7,393.9 square kilometers (approximately 1,848,472 acres). It is divided into 16 administrative Amphoe (districts), i.e. Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Hat Yai, Amphoe Chana, Amphoe Ranode, Amphoe Bangklam, Amphoe Namom, Amphoe Khlong Hoykhong, Amphoe Nathawi, Amphoe Singha Nakhon, Amphoe Khuanniang, and Amphoe Krasaesin. The population of the province is 1,159,672.

By Train: Train services linking Bangkok and Hat Yai include both rapid and express trains. For further details, contact Hat Yai Railway Station: (074) 243705, 246267-8, 243978.

By Air: THAI Airways International offers many flights daily between Bangkok and Hat Yai. For information, please contact THAI’s Hat Yai Office: (074) 245851, 244282, 243711

Khoa Tang Kuan: This hill lies next to Khao Noi and on its top (2,000 feet above the sea level) is located are of the important temples of Songkhla, built during the Nrkhon Si Thammarat era using the Tahvaravadee art style. The hilltop commands a panoramic view of Songkhla and is reached by climbing the stairway on Rachadamnern Road. The temple performs an annual ceremony of placing a robe around the pagoda, Tak Bart Devo (offering food for hungry souls) and a Buddha statue procession in October. Next to the temple is a red pavilion built in 1888 by the then ruler of Songkhla, Phraya Wichien Khiri (Chom), under the command of King Rama VI.

Laem Son Onn: This is a promontory which lies northwest of Samila Beach. Hundred of pines trees line both sides of the road leading to Laem Son Onn. At the tip of the promontory is located the statue of Kromluang Chumphon Khate Udomsak, where the open view provides an ideal location for admiring the sunset and scenic beauty. Food stalls under the shade of pine trees offer a variety of delicious snacks and local dishes. From Laem Son Onn, Rat Island can be seen at its closest point.

Cat and Rat Island: These prominent marine landmarks facing Samila Beach and Laem Son Onn with rodent-like and feline shapes have been the symbol of Songkhla sine ancient times. These islets’ coastal waters are favored by local anglers. Legend has it that a Chinese merchant who frequently navigated his junk with full load of goods arrived in Songkhla for trading with local people. On his return trip, his junk would be filled with the local merchandise which was sold to his customers in China. On one occasion, while he was purchasing goods in the town of Songkhla, he accidentally caught sight of a cute cat and a dog, begged to buy them form the owner, and brought them on board his junk. Life on board the junk was naturally dull enough for the animals. Upon a return trip to Songkhla, the cat and the dog decided to find a way to escape back to Songkhla. The animals were aware that the Chinese merchant possessed a magic crystal ball which enabled them to swim across the sea to the land. The cat then tricked a rat living in the junk into stealing the crystal ball from the merchant by promising the rat that it would be allowed to go on land together. When the junk was nearing the shore of Songkhla, the rat stole the ball, clutched it in its mouth and swam along with the cat and the dog toward the shore. While swimming, the rat which was ahead of the other animals realized the value of the ball and knew too well that upon reaching the shore it would be taken away by the mightier cat and dog. Therefore, the rat decided to keep the ball for itself, and so did the cat who swam hard toward the rat. The rat was so frightened, trying to escape from the cat that it accidentally dropped the ball. Without the magic ball, both animals were eventually drowned, and the spot where they died later became Cat and Rat Island respectively. It was fortunate for the dog that it was able to swim ashore, but it too finally died of exhaustion. The beach where the dog died became Khao Tang Kuan, a hill fronting Samila Beach. The magic ball disintegrated into fine sand forming Haad Sai Kaeow (The Beach of Crystal Sand) which lies north off Laem Son Onn.

Lotus Pond (Sra Bua): A small pond is divided into to parts, in the middle of each stands a pavilion on stilts. The pond contains various species of fish and other marine life. Around the pond is a miniature garden and a raised platform used as a stage for performances during festivals.

Songkhla National Museum: Located o Rong Muang and Chana Road, the Museum, a former residence of Phraya Soonthornrak (Nate Na Songkhla), was build I 1878, In 1894 Phra Wichit Worasart (Chao Phraya Yommarat) designated it as a residence for provincial inspectors of Songkhla and Nakhon Si Thammarat, and from 1896, it was used as a city hall of Monthon Nakhon Si Thammarat. At present, the Museum houses art objects and archeological artifacts from the pre-historic period of Baan Chiang and the Stone Age and the Neolithic period of Kanchanaburi as well as the artifacts from the ancient Srivijaya Kingdom. It is open for visitors from 9:00 to 12:00 am. And 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday to Friday. Its is closed on official holidays. Across from the Museum lies the old city wall of Songkhla.

Phatammarong Museum: Located on Chana Road across the street from the Museum, it features a Thai style house build as a replica of the childhood house of Songkhla’s well known son, senior statesman and former prime minister, Prem Tinasulanonda, whose father was a prison warden at that time.

Cannon Fortress at Laem Sai: The fortress, now lying behind the premise of Songkhla Police Station, was built in the reign of King Rama III at the same time Songkhla was moved to the present site.

City’s Pillar Shrine: Called “Sarn Chao Lak Muang Songkhla” and located on Nang Ngarm Road, the shrine was revered and worshipped by people in Songkhla and from neighboring provinces. Built to commemorate founding of the city, the Chinese architectural styled shrine has influenced other buildings in the town. Particularly prominent are the Sino-Portuguese styled ouses on Nakhon Nai and Nakhon Nork Road. Unfortunately, some of these historic buildings have been left unrenovated and have deteriorated.

Wat Matchimawat (Wat Klaang): Built 400 years ago as a royal temple, this monastery is located on Saiburi Road. It was formerly known as “Wat Yai Sri Chan” after a rich merchant in Songkhla who patronized the construction of the temple. Because of its location between two new temples – Wat Liab to the north and Wat Pho to the south, the temple was called “Wat Klaang” (center temple) by local residents and was later officially named “Wat Matchimawat” by Chao Phraya Nongther Krom Muen Wachirayanwaroros on his visit to Songkhla in 1888. The interior of the temple displays murals depiction the history of Songkhla and Buddhist philosophy. In addition, the “Phattharasin” museum in the temple houses interesting ancient art object collected from Amphoe Muang Songkhla, Sathing Phra, Ranode, and else where.

Chedi Prahbarommathat Wat Chai Mongkhol (A pagoda containing Buddha bone relics): This revered pagoda is located in Wat Chai Mongkhol on the corner of Petch Mongkhol and Chai Mongkhol Road. In 1892 a Buddhist monk named Na Issaro who taught Pali at the temple visited a town in Sri Lanka where relics of Buddha’s bone were kept. The monk became acquainted with a rich Sri Lankan merchant who had many pieces of Buddha’s relics in his possession and agreed to donate some to the monk. Upon his return to Songkhla, the monk constructed a pagoda which contained the holy Buddha’s relics where devotees came to worship regularly.

Khao Noi Palace: This mansion is located to the south of Khao Noi hillock on Sadao Road. It was built as a residence of Prince Chao Fah Yukhon Khamphorn (Krom Luang Lopburi Ramase) when he was Phra Samut Thesaphibaan of Monthon Nakhon Si Thammarat, and later Somdet Upprarat of Monthon Pak Tai (Southern Territory). The present King and Queen used to stay at this mansion on an earlier trip to the South in 1959. At present the mansion is used as the residence of Governor of Songkhla.

Kao Seng: Kao Seng is a small fishing village 3 kilometers south of Samila Beach. Near the village is the National Institute of Coastal Marine Aquaculture and a Buddhist monk sanctuary. Legend tells that the ruler of Nakhon Si Thammarat wanted to build a pagoda with Buddha’s relics in his city and he then requested for other devotees to make contributions for this religious undertaking. Nai Raeng, ruler of a city under the jurisdiction of Nakhon Si Thammarat, yearned to join in this great feat. He then set off on a sea journey for Nakhon Si Thammarat along with his subjects and treasures. On the way his boat was caught in a violent storm and had to come ashore for repair. However, during his stopover, he was informed that the construction of the Great Pagoda in NakhonSi Thammarat had already been completed and he then misses his chance of making great merit. Disappointed, Nai Raeng held his breath to commit suicide, Before his death, he ordered his servant, who then complied, to decapitate him and placed his head on a large rock near the shore and hid his treasure worth 900,000 Baht under the rock. Kao Seng, the present name of the village, is a corruption of the name derived from the Thai word “Kao Saen”, refering to the nine hundred thousand Baht treasure and the rock is called Hua (the head of) Nai Raeng. Many people still believe that Nai Raeng’s soul is still keeping watchful eyes over his treasure at the site.

Songkhla Zoo: Located on a 911 Rai plot at No. 189 Songkhla-Chana Road, Tambon Khao Roop Chang, Amphoe Muang, Songkhla, the open zoo houses variety of animal species, domestic and foreign, ranging from camels, birds red bulls, tigers, crocodiles, etc. The zoo serves not only as a place for viewing various species of wild animals, but also as an ideal bird’s eye view spot for admiring the scenic beauty of Songkhla. Food is available for visitors. For further information, please contact Tel (074) 325037-8.

Baan Satta: This house was built in 1991 by residents of Songkhla fro its famous son, former prime minister H.E. Genral Prem Tinasulanonda, senior statesman and a Privy Councilor. The house was later returned to Songkhla people in 1996 and a public library was built next to the house to commemorate the King’s 50^th Anniversary of his Ascension to the Throne. Situated on the hill, the house, which is open to the public, serves as a vantage point for enjoying the scenery of Songkhla, over looking Tinasulanonda Bridge, the longest in the country. Surrounding the house are decorating plants and trees which provide cool shade for visitors.

Black Pagoda is located on the top of Khao Daeng Hill in Amphoe Singha Nakhon. It was built by Chao Muang Phra Khlang (Dis Bunnag) or Somdet Phraya Ongyai (Somdet Phraya Borom Maha Prayoorawong on occasion of a victory over the rebellion of Kedah in 1830.

White Pagoda was built by Phraya Sri Phiphat (Thad Bunnag) or Somdet Maha Phichai Yat in memory of the victory over the rebellion of the rulers of kedah, Patani, and Penan. After suppressing there billion, Phraya Sri Phiphat governed Songkhla for two years. During which time he built the white pagoda on top of the hill as a twin of the black one.

Songkhla Lake: Songkha Lake is the largest lake in Thailand covering extensive areas in Songkhla and Phattalung province, the later some 80 kilometers from the estuary to the north. The widest width of the lake ranges between 20 to 25 kilometers. It is a fresh water lake except in the area close the sea where the water is brackish. Numerous species of water plants and marine life are found in abundance in the lake.

Pa Prem Recreateional Garden: The garden is located on the shore near the head of the first section of Tinaulanonda Bridge (From Baan Nam Krachai to Koh Yor). This lakeside garden is filled with flowering and ornamental plants and provides shady and cool area for picnic. It also features a children’s playground.

Tinnasulanon Bridge: The bridge is part of Highway 4146, linking Highway 407 (Hat Yai-Songkhla) and Highway 4083 (Songkhla-Ranode). It starts from the mainland side at Baan Nam Krachai, passing through Koh Yor island, and is connected to Khao Khiao on the other side fo the mainland. The bridge facilitates faster transportation across the lake without having to use the busy ferry services in town of Songkhla. Construction began on March 26, 198 and completed on September 25, 1986, and the opening ceremony was presided over by the Crown Prince. The bridge contains two sections. The first section links Amphoe Muang Songkhla at Baan Nam Krachai with the southern shore of Koh Yor island, 940 metes in length, excluding a tied beam of 100 meters at each end. The second section links the northern shore of Koh Yor island with Baan Khao Khiao on the mainland with a length of 1,700 meters, excluding a 225 meter tied beam on Koh Yor side and a 100 meter tied bea on Khao Khiao shore.

Koh Yor Island: Koh Yor is one of many islands in Songkhla Lake. Most islanders are engaged in fruit orchard farming and fishing. It can be accessed through Tinnasulanon Bridge and has winding paved roads around the island. Notable tourist attractions on the island are the Institute for Southern Thai Studies, a sweet and juicy local jack fruit called “Jampada”, and a distinctive hand-woven fabric. Lake-front restaurants offer a variety of delicious and affordable seafood cuisine. Wat Khao Bor is the place for fortune seeker. Inside this temple is a stone figure of an elephant which is believed to bring good luck. Those who rub it might be able to detect magic numbers which can be used in trying their luck.

Institute for Southern Thai Studies: The institute is located on Highway 4146 in Moo 1, Tambon Koh Yor, Amphoe Muang Songkhla, on the northeastern side of the island near the upper section of Tinasulanonda Bridge. Built on a site a approximately 10 acres 1978, the institute serves as the center for studies and research on Southern Thai cultures. The complex of the institute include the exhibition buildings, some at the foot of the hill while other are on the hill-top. Each building houses a special collection of culturally valuable items, art objects and artifacts discovered in the South. Exhibitions of the Southern people’s way of life and customs from the early period to modern times are also shown. A special library caters for individuals interested in Southern Thai history and culture. The outdoor compound is decorated with miniature plant gardens and Thai styled pavilions. Souvenirs can be obtained from the gift shop in the compound. From the hilltop one can sees a panoramic view of Koh Yor as well as Songkha Lake. Accommodation is also provided for visitors. Admission fee is 10 Baht for children, 20 Baht for adults; 30 Baht for Asian nationals, and 50 Baht for other nationals. For information, please contact Tel: (074) 331185-8

Maharat Beach: The beach is located 500 meters from the District Office. The there kilometer long beach with crystal sand is serene and an enjoyable location for swimming. Its is lined with pine trees, providing cool shade for relaxation.

Wat Phakho (Wat Rachpraditsatharn): Built around 43 B.C., this renowned temple is located on the hill of Phattasing at Moo 4, Tambon Chumphon, Amphoe Sathing Phra. The revered monk named Somdet Phakho, who commands much respect among local residents, used to reside at this temple. Many ancient objects and artifacts housed I the temple included a reclining Buddha statue, Buddha’s footprint, a magical crystal ball belonging to Somdet Chao Phakho, a replica of Somdet Chao Phakhoa in posture of meditation, and statue of posture of meditation, and statue of Somdet Chao Phakho in a pilgrimage posture. The temple can be reached by taking Highway 407, across Tinnasulanon Bridge, entering highway 4083 (Songkhla-Ranode), and then taking a left turn at Km. 110. It is about 48 kilometers from Songkhla.

Roo Noksak Cave: The cave is located 14 kilometers from the District Office at Moo 4, Tambon Khooha. A crystal clear stream flows along the cave. Stalagmites and stalactites of various shapes and forms are most fascinating for visitors. Part of the 300 meters long cave is dark while the other is bright. Trekking through the cave is quite adventurous since trekkers have to climb some steep cliffs in order to complete the exciting journey.

Hat Yai Municipality Park: The park is located 6 kilometers from Hat Yai city center on Kachanvanit Road (Hat Yai-Songkhla). It is a recreational area for Hat Yai residents as well as other visitors. The park complex is decorated with beautiful flowering and ornamental plants. A pavilion was built jutting into a small man-made lake. A small size zoo and a bird park provide visitors with a glimpse of wild animals and various species of birds. At the foot of hill near the bird’s park is a statue of King Rama V. On the hilltop is a shrine of the Hindu god Brahma. On the north side of the hilltop overlooking the scout camp is located a shrine of the Chinese goddess Kuan-im.

Tone Nga Chang Waterfall: The waterfall is located in a wildlife reserve area 26 kilometers from Hat Yai. It can be reached by taking the Hat Yai-Rattaphoom Road, turning left at the 13 kilometer milestone and going further for another 13 kilometers. Of all the seven cascades, the third one is the most fascinating, with the water falling into two large streams resembling an elephant’s tusks (Tone Nga Chang means “waterfall like an elephant’s tusks” in the local dialect). The water flows all year long. The area is also ideal for trekking and enjoying unspoiled nature.

Wat Aek Cherngsae: Formerly known as Wat Aek, the temple is located at Tambon Cherngsae, Amphoe Krasaesin. It houses a sacred Buddha statue made of coral reef. The present figure, a size of 70 cm. at the lap and 120 cm. high is covered with cement. For further information, please contact the temple at (074) 399075

Laem Khwai Rab Wildife Protection Unit: The reserve covers the area of Tambon Koh Yai, Amphoe Krasae Sin, and the unit office is located on the shore of Songkhla Lake. It can be reached by boat from Khookhood or by road passing Krasaesin District Office. Form the premise visitors can see hundreds of birds, particularly in the morning and at dusk.

Holy Well: It is located at Moo 4, Tambon Koh Yai, 7 kilometers from the District Office. The legend says that a Buddhist monk names Phra Sin Narai and a layman called Khoon Vichai Bhrama Sarn traveled from India to Kingdom of Ayuddhya and on their way they stopped over and dug a well here, claimed to be sacred. The water in the well runs abundantly all year long.

Khao Nam Khang National Park: The area in the park is covered with virgin forests where there are two waterfalls called Tone Dard Fah and Tone Lard Fah. The park can be accessed by two routes: 26 kilometers from Sadao and 31 kilometers from Nathawee on Nathawee-Baan Prakob Road. For more information, please contact Nathawee District Office, Tel: (074) 371010.

Khao Nam Khang Historical Tunnel: This man-made tunnel, located at Moo 1, Tambon Khlong Kwang, Amphoe Nathawee, was once a base of members of the outlawed Communist Party of Manaya (CPM) who surrendered en masse to the Thai authorities on March 13, 1987. Renamed as the “Friendship Village” the premise was the site of the battles for 40 years. It is the largest man-dug tunnel in the country and took two years to complete. The three level tunnel with 1000 meters winding paths and multiple entrances and exits can accommodate 200 people. The tunnel can be reached by paved roads.

Wat Tham Khao Roop Chang: This temple is located in Tampbon Padang Besar. It utilizes a cave in the premise as place for performing religious practices. Exotic stalagmites and stalactites are eminent in the cave. The interior of the cave is partitioned into many chambers. The temple premise is cool and peaceful. It is about 13 kilometers from Padang Besar market.

The following are the schedule for bull fighting at each arena.

First Saturday of the month Nern Khoom Thong Arena

First Sunday of the month Khlong Ngae Arena

Second Saturday of the month Baan Chamao, Nakhon Si Thammarat

Fourth Saturday of the month Baan Nam Krachai Arena

Fourth Sunday of the month See Yaek Khooha Arena, Amphoe Rattaphoom

Dove Singing Contest: Cooing doves are popular among Southerners, particularly resdents of the five Southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Satun, and Songkhla. The most sought after birds are from breeding farms in Chana, some 40 kilometers from Hat Yai on Highway 408, where dove lovers from neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore flock the district to purchase the birds. Dove cooing competitions are held annually between January and July. Criteria used in judging the quality of dove’s sound is based on pitch, melody, volume, and continuity in its singing. Winning birds are valued for as much as a million Baht.

Songkhla’s two shooting ranges are open to the public daily.

Roochirawong Shooting Range is opposite Hat Yai Police Station. Open daily, the rang offers pistols and rifles for rent, along with training coaches. Details may be obtained by contacting (074) 243311.

Songkhla Navy Base Shooting Rang is located in the premise of Songkhla Navy Base on Chalathat Road. Open daily, the range also offers pistols and rifles for rent. Food is also served at its seaside restaurant. Contact (074) 311451-5 for further details.

Thai Boxing, a martial art unique to Thailand, has been a popular national sport. Boxing competition is organized throughout the country. Two boxing stadiums are open to visitors to Songkhla. Songkhla Navy Base Boxing Stadium (074-311451-5, Ext. 2049) holds weekly fighting competition on Wednesdays and Fridays nights and Hat Yai Boxing Stadium (074-232682) organizes a fight on occasions. Tickets are available at the gate.

Golf is enjoyed by a large number of people Thailand. Golf courses have mushroomed during the past decade. There are many golf courses in Songkhla to cater to local golfers as well as those from Malaysia and Singapore.

Hat Yai Resort & Golf Club (18 hole, 7,010 yards, 480 acres) is located at Ban Wangpa, Tambon Thoongsao, Amphoe Rattaphoom (near Tone Nga Chang Waterfall); Tel: (074) 434770-9 Fax: 434778. Services include transportation to the course, restaurant, and 7 sets of golf clubs for rent at 300 Baht per bag.

Hat Yai Country Club (9 holes, 52 acres) is located at Tambon Banphru, Amphoe Hat Yai. Contact the sale office at (074) 2332582, 343121. Services include restaurant, swimming pool, 5 sets of golf clubs for rent at 350 per bag. For Monday-Friday tee off; the green fee is 300 Baht for non-members, 100 Bath for members, and 150 Baht for member’s guests. For weekend tee-off, 400 Baht for non-members, 100 Baht for members, and 200 Baht for member’s guest. Caddie fee is 100 Baht.

Khor Hong Golf Course (9 holes, 20 acres) is located in Senanarong Military Camp of the Fourth Region Army (Tel: 074-211500-3, Ext. 549). Services include a restaurant, 3 sets of golf clubs for rent at 300 Baht per bag. The green fee is 200 Baht for Monday-Friday tee-off and 400 Baht for weekend. Caddie fee is 100 Baht.

Thong Yai Golf Course (9 holes, 32 acres) is located next to Samila Beach in Songkhla. Contact the sales office at (074) 323761. Services include a restaurant, 2 sets of golf clubs for rent at 350 Baht per bag. The green fee for Monday-Friday tee off is 150 Baht and 250 Baht for the weekend. Caddie fee is 100 Baht.

Southern Hill Golf & Country Club (18 holes, 192 acres) is located in Tambon Thoongloong, Amphoe Hat Yai. Contact the sales office at Baan Suzuki Co., Ltd. (074) 3433560-3. Services include a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a restaurant.

Khoh Yor Hand-Woven Fabric is the island’s famous cottage industry. The long lasting fine cloth with varied designs made by the locals can be tailored into men’s or ladies’ apparels. The fabric is sold in shops selling local products and souvenir shops in Hat Yai and Songkhla, and at the market in Koh Yor.

Shrimp or Fish Rice Crisps produced in Songkhla are well-known for their taste and reasonable price. They are available at shops selling local products.

Cashew Nuts are a common snack or used in cooking in many Thai dishes. They are sold in the baked or uncooked form and can be bought from vendors in Hat Yai or shop selling local products.

Shadow Puppet is folk entertainment of the South and is popular among the people in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthlung, Trang, and Songkhla. The puppets are crafted from cow hide, painted, and when used in shadow plays, are placed against the screen where strong back light outlines the shadow of the puppets on the screen. The movement, the dialogues and the events in the show are controlled by the puppet master. Crafted shadow puppets are sold for souvenirs or decoration.

Loy Krathong is a Thai traditional event dating from the Sukhothai period. It held throughout the country on the 15^th night of the waxing moon of the 12^th lunar month (around the middle of November). The festival is held to honor the goddess of the river and to make atonement for offenses made during the year. A float is made from banana leaf or other buoyant material. Candles and incense sticks, and even pieces of nail and coins are placed in the “Krathong” to float away one’s misfortunes. The fun-filled night also features fireworks, float design competition, and the Miss Noppamas beauty contest.

Thamboon Duen Sip Festival

Important Telephone Numbers around Hat Yai (Area Code 074)

Hat Yai International Airport 2510008-12

Hat Yai Metropolitan Municipality 244777, 243050

Hat Yai Police Station 243333, 231645

Highway Police 193, 211222

Rajyindee Hospital 220300-4

Sikharin Hospital 366950-66

Songkhla Hospital 321072-3

Songkhla Municipality 322347

Songkhla Police Station 311011