Songkhla City Pillar Located on Nang Ngam Road,
this was constructed when the city was built and is highly
revered by local people.
Songkhla National Museum The Museum is located on
Chana Road. Dating from the 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, from 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.
Wat Matchimawat Also known as Wat Klang, this is
Songkhla's largest monastery. Located on Sai Buri Road,
the complex is some 400 year old and houses a museum which
displays several ruins and artifacts discovered throughout
southern Thailand.
Wat Chaimongkhon This temple is located near the
Songkhla Railway Station. The main pagoda contains a holy
relic of the Lord Buddha obtained from Sri Lanka.
Laem Samila Another name of this cave is Laem Sai.
Located 3 kms. from town, it is characterised by soft white
sand and beachside pine trees. The most prominent landmark
is a mermaid statue on the headland. Accommodation and restaurants
are available. Two offshore islands are Ko Nu and Ko Maeo
where coastal island waters are favoured by anglers.
Khao Noi Khao Noi is a small hill behind Samila
Beach. There is a public park called Suan Seri which contains
topiary garden. It commands a panoramic view of Songkhla
town and Samila Beach.
Khao Tangkuan This hill is located to the west of
Khao Noi. Steps lead to the summit, approximately 2,000
feet above sea level. There is an ancient pagoda, constructed
by the command of King Rama IV in the year 1866, situated
on the top and a royal residential building at the foot
of the hill.
Kao Seng One of the most beautiful beaches of Songkhla
is located 3 kms. south of Samial Cape. There are several
pieces of rock along the coastline and one of which stands
out above the cliff. The inhabitants call that rock "Hua
Nai Raeng" having a legend that has been told for a
long time about the nine hundred thousand baht valued property
buried underneath
Laem Son On this cape is located to the northeast
of Samila Cape. Hundreds of pine trees provide cool shade
and several restaurants offer simple, but delicious fresh
seafood. The area is particularly attractive and popular
late afternoon and evening.
Hat Sai Kaeo A white sandy beach with a length of
3 kms. is opposite to Laem Son On, 7 kms. from Songkhla.
Accommodation is available.
Thalesap Songkhla The Songkhla Lake extends from
its estuarine entrance near the Son On Beach some 80 kms.
north. The freshwater lake reaches some 20 kms. at its widest
point and is Thailand's largest inland body of water. The
lake contains several islands, and supports two notable
bird sanctuaries located in Phatthalung and Songkhla.
Tinsulanond Bridge This is the longest concrete
bridge in Thailand with a length of 2.6 kms. Completed in
1986, the bridge goes across the Songkhla lake and fills
up the missing link for Highway No. 408, which joins the
major Southern Thai provinces on the western shore of the
Gulf of Thailand. |
Ko
Yo A small island in Songkhla or merely 20 kms. from
Hat Yai; is accessible by crossing the Tinsulanond Bridge.
Attractions on the island are orchards; the weaving of Ko
Yo fabric; a giant sea perch farm as well as two old monasteries;
Wat Khao Bo and Wat Tai Yo.
The Institute
of Southern Thai Studies Situated on Ko Yo, the institute
houses a collection of southern Thai folk arts categorically
grouped into Folk Technology Park, Shadow Play Garden, Ancient
Beads Garden, Traditional Medicinal Garden and Bamboo Culture
Garden. A great variety of local plant species within the
museum's compound makes it an exceptionally appealing place.
Ban Sattha
or Home of Faith A place in honour of General Prem Tinsulanond,
a Thai statesman who was born in Songkhla, is situated 3
km. south of the Tinsulanond Bridge.
Khu Khut Waterfowl
Park A residential area of hundreds of waterfowl is
accessible from Songkhla via Tinsulanond Bridge and Highway
No. 4083 totaling a distance of 32 kms. where a 3 km. access
road branches off on the left. As a part of Songkhla Lake,
it can be reached by boat from the park's office. The best
time for bird watching is in the cool season between November-February.
Wat Pha Kho
This famous temple is in Amphoe Sathing Phra where Luang
Pho Thuat, a venerated holy man, once resided. According
to legend, Luang Pho Thuat was kidnapped by pirates. Their
ship was blown off couse during a violent storm and their
fresh water was exhausted. They suffered great discomfort
until Lang Pho Thaut inserted his left foot into salt water
to make it drinkable. The pirates were so grateful, they
immediately released him. A statue of the great man, a Reclining
Buddha image, a stupa and murals number among the temple's
attractions.
Hat Yai
Linked to Songkhla by Route No. 407, Hat Yai is the principal,
town of Songkhla province and the Southern Thailand's major
commercial, communications, entertainment and shopping center.
Namtok Ton
Nga Chang This towering seven-tiered waterfall cascades
down a steep cliff in two streams resembling elephant tusks.
The waterfall is at its loveliest when the water is most
abundant, generally from October to December. It is accessible
via the Hat Yai-Rattaphum Highway for a distance of 13 kms.
Namtok Boriphat
Forest Park From the road leading to Amphoe Hat Yai,
turn left at Amphoe Rattaphum intersection at Km. 50. This
place is a beautiful rest area where a waterfall cascades
down amidst trees and limestone. There is a path provided
for tourists to walk around the falls.
Dove Farms
at Amphoe Chana Amphoe Chana is 40 Km. southeast of
Hat Yai. The cooing doves are popular with villagers. Dove
singing competitions are organised annually between January
and July among dove lovers in Chana and nearby provinces.
The judging of the dove's sound is based on pitch, melody
and volume.
Khao Nam Khang's
Historical Tunnel Located in the Khao Nam Khang National
Park at Tombon Khlong Khwang, Amphoe Nathawi, 92 kms. from
Hat Yai along the Hat Yai-Na Thawi- Ban Prakop-Khao Nam
Khang route, the tunnel has been renovated and preserved
as a historical site and tourist attraction after the long
battle against communist terrorists was over in 1987. Dug
into the mountain, the 1-km. long tunnel consists of 3 levels
with 16 entrances and many rooms such as bedrooms, a meeting
room, and shooting range. Outside the tunnel is a basketball
course, kitchen, marriage ceremonial room and residence
for followers. It took 2 years to complete the construction. |