Songkhla: Lagoon, Old Town and Culture

Khao Tang Kuan offers a clear view of Songkhla city and Songkhla Lake. A Dvaravati-style chedi is located on Khao Tang Kuan. The view and the architecture provide two distinct highlights for a trip to Songkhla.

Songkhla Lake and its protected areas

Songkhla Lake is a natural, brackish coastal lagoon and the only one of its kind in the country. The protection of this landscape is also part of the region’s character: Khu Khut Water Park was declared a non-hunting wildlife sanctuary on Songkhla Lake on 13 April 1975. The wildlife sanctuary covers parts of the Mueang Songkhla, Rattaphum, Sathing Phra and Krasae Sin districts. A study by the Department of Forestry recorded 219 bird species there.

Another protected natural area is Khao Nam Khang National Park. It extends across the Na Thawi and Sadao districts in Songkhla Province. These varied landscapes and protected areas offer different themes around which to plan your trip.

Bridge, Ko Yo and cultural sites

The Tinsulanonda Bridge crosses Songkhla Lake and connects Mueang Songkhla District with Ko Yo. Ko Yo has a variety of fruit orchards. Archaeological sites also shape the island: these include Wat Khao Bo and Wat Thai Yo. The landscape and archaeological sites offer two distinct points of interest for travellers interested in Ko Yo.

In Songkhla itself, architecture and notable landmarks are among the region’s cultural highlights. Songkhla National Museum is a complex of buildings in the Chinese architectural style. The Golden Mermaid statue is considered a symbol of Samila Beach. Together, an architectural description and a well-known beach symbol represent different facets of the region.

Old Town and local food culture

In Songkhla Old Town, street art on various streets reflects local life. Its appearance may change. Another aspect of everyday life can be found on Nakhon Nai and Nang Ngam streets: for several decades, they have been home to established local shops selling savoury and sweet foods. Individual businesses may change, but the streets’ longstanding association with local food is part of their character.

Hat Yai: shopping, leisure and attractions

Hat Yai District is part of Songkhla Province and is a southern hub for communications, commerce and transport. Kim Yong Market is located in the district’s urban area, where produce and souvenirs are sold. Individual vendors and the specific range of goods may change.

Leisure and culture are also part of what to explore in Hat Yai. Hat Yai Municipal Park is located in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, and serves as a place of recreation for Hat Yai residents, people from nearby areas and international tourists. The Hat Yai cable car connects Phra Buddha Mongkol Maharaj with the Brahma statue on Khao Kho Hong.

Choose your hotel priorities

If you’re looking for a hotel in Songkhla, first decide what will shape your trip: the lagoon and protected landscape, Old Town culture and local food, or the urban attractions of Hat Yai District. Ko Yo adds orchards and archaeological sites to the mix. Setting a priority can help you choose where to stay based on the interests that matter to you on your trip.

Explore 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 and Prik.

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