Songkhla

A skippable, very small traditional building approximating the former living space of a local political figure. It was constructed in the late-1980s, built in 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. The tourist information centre is at the entrance of the museum. Guided tours of the museum are given by tourist information centre personnel who will also hand you a copy of useful Songkhla tourist brochure with a useful map inside.

This peninsula is well-known for its white sandy beach, shady pine groves, and the statue of a mermaid that is Songkhla's symbol. East of this statue are 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 have been added to enhance this place as the main attraction of Songkhla. It is serviced by Hat Yai-Songkhla buses. From within the city, one can take a minibus to the beach.

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.

A revered Songkhla symbol. The Chinese-style building was constructed together with the city itself. Nearby dwellings, especially on Nakhon Nai and Nakhon Nok Rd also bear the same influence. The Chinese migrants who came to settle there at the beginning of the 24th Buddhist Century (about 200 years ago) had a major role in the establishment of Songkhla, hence, the distinctive Chinese lifestyle of the area.

The only natural lake in Thailand is about 80 km long and 20 to 25 km 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 longtail boat services.

The museum was built by Phraya Sunthararak (Net Na Songkhla), the assistant Governor of Songkhla during 1878-1894, as Songkhla's rulers mansion in Chinese-style. It became the domicile of Songkhla's 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, and art objects of the southern peninsula. It has a notable collection of the artifacts of the Na Songkhla Family who used to rule the city.

An open zoo was established for the preservation of Thai wildlife and to return animals 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 present.

The bridge spans Songkhla Lake on Hwy 408. It is the longest concrete bridge in Thailand, with two parts: the first part connects the coast of Songkhla at Ban Nam Krachai to the southern coast of Ko Yo, this part is about 1,140 m long; the second part connects the northern shore of Ko Yo to the coast of Ban Khao Khiao, a length of 1,800 m. It was opened to traffic in 1986.

It 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 2435 BCE.

It is a large temple, the most important one in Songkhla. It is about 400 years old. It was said that Yai Si Chan, a Songkhla millionaire, 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 "Wat Yai Si Chan" to "Wat Khlang" or "Wat Matchimawat". This temple also has the Phattharasin Museum that houses various artifacts gathered from Songkhla, Sathing Phra, Ranot, and elsewhere.

Take a tour with the Singora Tram. Tours run 6 times a day, starting at 09:00. Hourly departures at the city wall/national museum. The tour around the city takes about 40 minutes.

Take a ferry across the estuary. Ferries leave frequently and take cars and motorbikes.