Songkhla is about as far from Bangkok as you can get for tourists, lying almost 1,000kms from the capital on the Gulf coast in the extreme south of Thailand. It’s a fun town with nice beaches and cheap hotels.
Songkhla, a peninsular, is primarily a fishing community that is also home to many expat oil workers. The lanky Samila Beach runs along the eastern part of the peninsular and is the main focus, while Son Orn Beach runs along the top and has the most relaxing restaurants.
There is plenty to do in and around Songkhla apart from visiting the beaches, with the cute Khao Seng Muslim fishing village to the south of Samila Beach, with its colorful boats. A couple of hills near the head of the peninsular have great views over the town and sea while a nine-hole golf course in front of the BP Samila Hotel offers diversion, as do Cat and Rat islands lying just offshore. The well done Songkhla Zoo and the nearby Khu Khut Waterfowl Park on the massive Songkhla Lake just north of the town are also of interest.
Getting There & Away
Buses, taxis and minivans run from Hat Yai to Songkhla throughout the day, with minivans being the best value for money versus time taken. Hat Yai International Airport is the main gateway for Songkhla and is 1 hour, 20 minutes flying time from Bangkok.
Things to Do
Songkhla Attractions
- Samila Beach
-
Features soft golden sand with shady pine trees backing it. be sure to check out the golden mermaid statue near the samila hotel, a prominent songkhla landmark.
- Songkhla Zoo
-
A fine open zoo set over a hilly area with many unique attractions and a host of popular animals.
- Songkhla Lake (Thaleh Sap)
-
Stretching for about 50kms and featuring the well-established khu khut waterfowl park.