| History of
Songkhla
Songkhla,
a medieval pirate stronghold, is a historic, albeit sleepy town with a thriving
fishing community. Another Srivijaya outpost in Thailands southern region, Songkh la
was initially named Sa-thing". Previously a port and a coastal trading post
where Indian, Persian and Arabian merchants came to exchange their products, the
place was named "Sing Lha" after the 2 lion-shape islands at the mouth
of the city's lake. At present, these 2 islands are Koh Nu (Rat Island) and Koh
Maeo (Cat Island). The old part of Songkhla is located at the present-day Amphoe
Sathing Phra.
Todays Songkhla
Over
the last few decades, Songkhla has been rapidly developed and is currently a unique
attraction worth visiting. Blessed with natural resources such as fine beaches,
enchanting waterfalls, and a tranquil lake, the province has an abundance of tourist
attractions and an amazing range of seaside resort towns. Moreover, the old section
of Songkhla still maintains its unique identity of ancient and historical flavors
through local architecture and cuisine. While
Songkhla is noted as a fishing community set in a peaceful atmosphere, Hat Yai,
on the other hand, serves as a transportation and communications hub of the south
with links to various destinations in the neighboring provinces and Malaysia.
Despite being only 30
kilometers apart, Songkhla and Hat Yai have uniquely contrasting characteristics
and are ideal places to visit. Songkhla
is administratively divided into 16 districts: Muang Songkhla, Ranot, Krasae Sin,
Sathing Phra, Singhanakhon, Khuan Niang, Rattaphum, Bang Klam, Hat Yai, Na Mom,
Chana, Thepha, Na Thawi, Saba Yoi, Sadao, and Khlong Hoi Khong. |
The
kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway
to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. Its shape and geography divide into
four natural regions : the mountains and forests of the North, the vast rice fields
of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and
the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula South. Thais are well-known
for their friendliness and hospitality. A large majority of over 62 million citizens
of Thailand are ethic Thai, along with strong communities whose ethnic origins
lie in China, India and elsewhere. About 7 million people reside in the capital
city of Bangkok. 
hon
Si Thammarat and Phatthalung Provinces to the north, Yala and Pattani Provinces
to the south, and Satun and Phatthalung Provinces to the west.
