Songkhla has many different facets: Khao Tang Kuan offers clear views of Songkhla city and Songkhla Lake, while the old town’s streets, protected areas and places in Hat Yai District appeal to other interests. The topics described here offer different points of reference for choosing what to focus on.
City, Lake and Ko Yo
Songkhla Lake is a natural, brackish coastal lagoon and the only one of its kind in Thailand. Khao Tang Kuan brings together two distinct aspects: clear views of the city and lake, and a Dvaravati-style chedi, also located on the hill. The landscape and architecture are therefore equally part of the character of the place.
The Tinsulanonda Bridge crosses Songkhla Lake and connects Mueang Songkhla District with Ko Yo. Ko Yo has a variety of orchards and archaeological sites, including Wat Khao Bo and Wat Thai Yo. This brings together several different themes: the lagoon and its views, gardens and archaeological sites.
Protected Areas and Landscape
Khu Khut Water Park was declared a non-hunting wildlife sanctuary at Songkhla Lake on April 13, 1975. The protected area covers parts of Mueang Songkhla, Rattaphum, Sathing Phra and Krasae Sin districts. A survey by the Forestry Department recorded 219 bird species there. This figure is a survey result, not a current population estimate.
Another protected area is Khao Nam Khang National Park. It extends across Na Thawi and Sadao districts in Songkhla Province. Together with the wildlife sanctuary at the lake, it shows that Songkhla is associated with more than just the lagoon: the protected areas mentioned cover different districts. When planning your trip, it is therefore worth deciding first which places you want to focus on, rather than treating a single viewpoint as the basis for a complete day’s itinerary.
Old Town, Culture and Food
Various streets in Songkhla’s old town feature street art reflecting local life; individual works may change. Nakhon Nai and Nang Ngam streets have been home to well-established local shops selling savory and sweet foods for several decades. Individual businesses may change. Street art and food shops offer two different perspectives on the old town: public artworks on the one hand, local food culture on the other.
Architectural styles and symbols also make their own impression. Songkhla National Museum is a complex of buildings in the Chinese architectural style. The Golden Mermaid statue is a symbol of Samila Beach. Together with the Dvaravati-style chedi on Khao Tang Kuan, these offer a variety of architectural and cultural themes without needing to combine them into a single itinerary.
Hat Yai as a Separate Focus
Hat Yai District is part of Songkhla Province and is a southern hub for communications, trade and transport. Kim Yong Market is located in the district’s urban area and sells produce and souvenirs. Individual vendors and the range of goods may change. Hat Yai Municipal Park is also in the district and serves as a recreational area for the people of Hat Yai, the surrounding area and foreign tourists. The Hat Yai cable car connects Phra Buddha Mongkol Maharaj with the Brahma statue on Khao Kho Hong.
When looking for hotels in Songkhla, you can first decide what you want to focus on: the old town and food culture, the lake and protected areas, or the places mentioned in Hat Yai District. Then compare the specific locations of the listings and check their availability before booking.
Discover more destinations: Hat Yai, Cha Thing Phra, Sadao, Songkhla, Ban Phru, Thung Khamin, Khlong Hoi Khong, Bang Klam District, Pak Bang, Phatong, Khlong Hae, Ban Khao, Prik
Return to the main travel overview: Thailand.
