Songkhla Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Songkhla with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Songkhla

Welcome to Songkhla, a vibrant city located in the Southern Gulf Coast of Thailand. This historical and cultural city is famous for its beautiful natural scenery, diverse culture, and delicious local cuisine. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or a food lover, Songkhla has a lot to offer.

List of Places to Visit in Songkhla

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Songkhla National Museum: This museum exhibits the history, culture, and traditions of the region, dating back to ancient times.
  • Hat Yai Temple: This ancient temple is considered to be one of the most impressive architectural wonders in Songkhla.
  • Songkhla Old Town: Walk along the streets of the ancient town to admire the well-preserved architecture of its old buildings, including the Tinsulanonda Bridge.

Natural Attractions of Songkhla: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Khao Nam Khang National Park: For adventurous travelers, this park is ideal due to its forested hills, scenic waterfalls, and hiking trails.
  • Songkhla Lake: Known for its picturesque views, Songkhla Lake is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
  • Tang Kuan Hill: A scenic spot located on the north side of Songkhla city. The hill offers visitors an excellent view of Songkhla city and a peek into local customs.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Songkhla

  • Khao Nam Khang National Park Hike: Hike through a beautiful landscape with a bird’s eye view of the province, making for an adventurous day trip.
  • Coastal Ride: Rent a bike and head to the coast of Songkhla to explore the beaches and scenery along the way.

Best Things to Do in Songkhla: Activities and Tours

  • Visit the local beaches or go island hopping for a fun-filled day at the beach.
  • Explore the city’s night market, which offers a variety of traditional Thai street food.
  • Take a tour of the temples and museums for a cultural experience.

Week-Long Itinerary for Songkhla

Day Activities
1 Explore Songkhla Old Town, visit the museums, and enjoy dinner at the night market.
2 Take a tour of the ancient temples and learn about the local customs.
3 Rent a bike and ride along the coast, stopping to enjoy the beautiful scenery and local cuisine.
4 Hike through Khao Nam Khang National Park and view the picturesque scenery.
5 Take a day trip to the nearby islands and enjoy the beaches.
6 Experience the city’s nightlife and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
7 Relax and unwind by Songkhla Lake, soaking up the peaceful atmosphere.

Food and Drink Scene of Songkhla

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tom Yam: A spicy and sour soup that blends in different seafood and meats.
  • Kuay Teow: A type of noodle soup that offers a variety of flavors and tastes.
  • Pad See Ew: A stir-fried noodle dish that is sweet, salty, and savory.

Local Beverages

  • Cha Yen: A sweet Thai iced tea.
  • Singha Beer: One of the most popular beer brands in Thailand.
  • Coconut Juice: Freshly squeezed coconut juice served in its natural shell.

Where to Stay in Songkhla: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • BP Samila Beach Hotel: A beachfront hotel with an outdoor pool and a popular seafood restaurant.
  • Hi Season Hotel: A modern hotel located in central Songkhla, offering comfortable rooms with air conditioning.
  • Samila Camping and Resort: A family-friendly resort located in a natural setting.

What to Buy in Songkhla: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Shadow Puppets: A traditional art form unique to Southern Thailand.
  • Herbal Medicine: Treatments, oils, and salves created from medicinal herbs.
  • Handicrafts: Handmade souvenirs such as baskets, pottery, and wood carvings.

Local Culture and Customs of Songkhla

  • Songkhla is home to various ethnic groups, including Malays, Chinese, and Thais, making it an ideal place to experience diverse cultures and traditions.
  • Local customs include respect for Buddhist temples and practices, as well as modest dress codes for temple visits.

Best Time to Visit Songkhla

The best time to visit Songkhla is between December to February when the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear with low humidity.

Do’s and Don’ts of Songkhla

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Dress modestly when visiting temples.
  • Learn a few words of Thai to communicate with locals.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect the local religion or customs.
  • Touch or take pictures with wild animals.
  • Speak too loudly or be disruptive in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Songkhla

Overall, Songkhla is considered a safe city for tourists. However, it is always best to stay aware of your surroundings, especially when traveling alone at night or carrying valuables.

Health in Songkhla

Make sure to bring any necessary medications with you, as Songkhla may not have the specific medication you need. Medical care is available in Songkhla, but it may be limited.

Getting to Songkhla: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Songkhla

The nearest major airport to Songkhla is Hat Yai International Airport, just a 40-minute drive from the city center.

Bus Stations Near Songkhla

Songkhla has a central bus station that connects tourists to other major cities in Thailand, including Bangkok.

Other Options

Tourists can also take a train, rent a car or motorbike, or hire a taxi to reach Songkhla.

How to Get Around in Songkhla

Walking and cycling are great ways to get around Songkhla’s city center. Songthaews, buses, and taxis are also available for visitors to get around the city and out to other nearby areas.

Where to Go Next from Songkhla: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Hat Yai: Just a 20-minute drive from Songkhla city, this bustling city is well-known for its nightlife and shopping centers.
  • Koh Samui: This island paradise is worth the trip for its beautiful beaches and natural scenery.
  • Surat Thani: A bustling city with a rich history and culture, including old temples and magnificent waterfalls.

Conclusion

Songkhla is a charming city with a long history, warm hospitality, and beautiful natural landscape. We hope this comprehensive guide helps you plan your visit, experience the local culture, and make lifelong memories.

Laem Samila beach Laem Samila beach Songkhla city Songkhla city Naga head at Song Thale Park Naga head at Song Thale Park Mermaid statue at Samila beach with Ko Nu and Ko Maeo in the background Mermaid statue at Samila beach with Ko Nu and Ko Maeo in the background Songkhla National Museum Songkhla National Museum