Hat
Yai
 Hat
Yai, which is situated approximately 28 kilometers
from the city of Songkhla, is an important
gateway to Malaysia and Singapore. Strategically
located only 60 kilometers from the port of
entry at Sadao, Hat Yai has only recently
been developed and has rapidly been transformed
into the commercial, transportation, communication,
educational, and tourism hub of the south.
Tourists enjoy shopping at Hat Yai for various
goods ranging from fresh produce to consumer
products such as electrical appliances. The
area of Niphat Uthit 1, 2, or 3 Roads is where
major commercial shops are located. Several
shopping centers available include Lido Shopping
Center, Odeon Shopping Center, Sanehanuson,
Hat Yai Plaza Shopping Center, and Si Kimyong
Market on Phetkasem Road.
Hat
Yai Municipal Park
The park is
located on Kanchanawanit Road and is approximately
six kilometers from the city center on the
Hat Yai-Songkhla Highway. A popular recreational
spot for the local residents, the park is
beautifully decorated with colorful flowers.
With a pavilion in the middle of the pond,
an aviary, and food stalls, the park is the
perfect place to spend a peaceful evening.
Additional attractions include a statue of
King Rama V that is enshrined at the foot
of the hill near the aviary, a hill-top Brahman
shrine and a jade statue of Guan-yin, the
Chinese Goddess situated, at the southern
foothill near the boy-scout camp.
Namtok
Ton Nga Chang
Located in the Ton Nga
Chang Wildlife Sanctuary, about 26 kilometers
from the city, this 7-tiered waterfall is
one of the beautiful waterfalls of the south.
The waterfall offers scenic views, with the
third level being the most beautiful as the
stream is separated into two, resembling the
elephants' tusks. Trekking trails are provided
for tourists with adventurous hearts.
To
reach the waterfall by car, follow the Hat
Yai-Rattaphum Road for 13 kilometers, then
turn left at Ban Hu Rae and proceed for
another 13 kilometers. Alternatively, a
tuk-tuk can be hired to take visitors to
the waterfall for two to three hours at
between 300 baht to 400 baht. On the other
hand, visitors can also take the minibus
from the fresh market (Talat Sot Thet Sa
Ban Hat Yai).
Wat
Hat Yai Nai
Located on Phetkasem
Road, near Khlong U Taphao Bridge, the monastery
is where Phra Phuttha Hattha Mongkhon, a
large reclining Buddha measuring 35 meters
long, 15 meters tall, and 10 meters wide,
is enshrined. Highly revered by both Thai
and foreign tourists, the image is believed
to be the third largest reclining Buddha
in the world.
Ban
Sattha (Home of Faith)
The hill-top house overlooking
the Tinsulanond Bridge that connects Ko Yo
was built in 1991 and was completed in 1996.
Surrounded by coconut plantations, the compound
was built by local residents to honor H.E.
Prem Tinsulanond, the Privy Councilor and
Statesman, when he was Prime Minister. H.E.
Prem graciously returned the house to the
people of Songkhla.
Khao
Kao Seng
Approximately three
kilometers to the south of the famous Hat
Samila is Kao Seng fishing village, which
has one of the most beautiful beaches in Songkhla.
Along the coastline are several pieces of
rocks, one of which stands out above the cliff.
The local residents refer to that rock as
"Hua Nai Raeng". Kao Seng is a corruption
of the name derived from the Thai word "Kao
Saen", referring to the nine hundred
thousand bahts treasure that is buried under
Hua Nai Raeng. Kao Seng can be reached via
the road to the National Coastal Aquaculture
Institute.
Khao
Noi
Located in proximity
to Laem Samila, this small hill has a hiking
path that wind up to the top where the statue
of Prince Lop Buri Ramet (The Southern Viceroy)
is situated. There is a viewpoint where it
is possible to enjoy a panoramic view of the
city. On the northeast is Suan Seri (Seri
Park), a nicely landscaped park decorated
with ornamental plants in animal shapes. Tamnak
Khao Noi, on the south, was built in 1911
as the residence of Prince Lop Buri Ramet
and was used by Their Majesties the King and
Queen on a visit to the south in March 1959.
Today the mansion is the residence of the
Songkhla Provincial Governor.
Khao
Tang Kuan
Another
charming attraction located at Laem Samila
is Khao Tang Kuan. This is the location of
the famous Sala Vihan Daeng, the royal pavilion
built during the reign of King Rama V. An
additional attraction is a hill-top Dvaravati
chedi housing the Lord Buddha's relics that
was built during the Nakhon Si Thammarat Empire.
From this hilltop, visitors can admire a panoramic
view of the city and the Songkhla Lake. Every
October, there is a festival to drape the
chedi with a cloth and to offer alms to monks
who descend to the foot of the mountain to
receive alms. In addition, monks travelling
by boat from other temples in Songkhla would
proceed along the waterfront so that the local
residents can offer alms and pull their boats,
which is considered highly merited.
Ko
Nu and Ko Maeo
Perhaps the most well-known
symbol of Songkhla province, both islands
are located off the shore of Laem Samila.
According to the legend, a dog, a cat, and
a mouse, traveling on a Chinese sampan stole
the merchant's magic crystal and tried unsuccessfully
to swim ashore and drowned. The mouse and
cat became the islands in the Songkhla Lake
while the dog died on the shore and became
the hill called Hin Khao Tang Kuan near the
bay. Totally destroyed, the crystal then became
the white sandy beach called Hat Sai Kaeo
which literally means crystal sand beach.
Ko
Yo
A small island in the
Songkhla Lake that has recently become an
important tourist attraction in Songkhla.
Covering an area of 9,275 rais (3,710 acres),
the island is accessible via the Tinsulanond
Bridge. Geographically, the islands coastal
plain is suitable for agriculture such as
a special kind of jackfruit called Jampada.
Another famous island product is its hand-woven
fabric.
Laem
Sai Estuary Fortress
The Fortress was constructed
during the reign of King Rama III, when the
city was established. Today, the Fortress,
which is located behind the Songkhla Provincial
Police Headquarters, stands as a timeless
proof of Songkhla's rich heritage.
Laem
Samila
Located in the City
Municipality, about 2.5 kilometers from the
fresh market (Thalat Supsin or Thalat Sot
Thetsaban), the peninsula is renowned for
its powdery sandy beach, shady pine groves,
and the statue of a mermaid Songkhla's most
famous landmark. It is easily accessible via
Hat Yai-Songkhla buses. From the city, visitors
can take a minibus directly to the beach.
Laem
Son On
A peninsula situated
to the northwest of Laem Samila that is naturally
shaded with sea pines. At the end of the peninsula
is the statue of Prince Chumphon Khet Udomsak,
28th son of King Rama V and founder of the
Royal Thai Navy. The best view of Ko Nu and
Songkhla Lake can be spotted from here.
Phathammarong
Museum
Located on Chana Road
near the Songkhla National Museum, Phathammarong
Museum is a Thai-style museum constructed
to resemble the birthplace of H.E. Prem Tinsulanond,
the former Prime Minister and Statesman who
is a Songkhla native.
Songkhla
Lake
This lake is the largest
lake in Thailand covering an area of approximately
80 kilometers long and 20 to 25 kilometers
wide in Songkhla and Phatthalung Provinces.
In addition, it is the only natural, fresh-water
lake in Thailand. Several islands across from
its mouth namely, Ko Yai, Ko Si, Ko Ha, Ko
Kaeo, Ko Mak, Ko Rai, and Ko Yo are worth
visiting for relaxation. Boat services are
available for touring the lake. The port behind
the post office or the fresh market has all-day
long-tailed boat services.
Songkhla
Zoo
Located on the
Songkhla-Chana Highway, Tambon Khao Rup Chang,
this open- zoo was established with an aim
to preserve Thai wildlife. When they are ready,
the wildlife will be returned to the wild.
The zoo occupies a hilly area with an asphalt
ring road. Various animals which have been
grouped separately, such camels, birds, red
gaur, tigers, crocodiles, etc., are major
residents here. One of the highlights in the
zoo that should not to be missed is the scenic
viewpoint overlooking the whole city of Songkhla.
Food stalls are available.
Songkhla's
City Pillar
Located
on Nang Ngam Road, the pillar, which is highly
revered by the local residents, was constructed
when the city was built. This area of the
city has distinctly Chinese characteristics
as can be seen in the Chinese-style building
where the pillar is enshrined and nearby buildings
on Nakhon Nai and Nakhon Nok Roads. The distinctive
Chinese lifestyle and influence in the area
is due to the presence of Chinese immigrants,
who came to settle in Songkhla at the beginning
of the 24th Buddhist Century and had a major
role in the establishment of Songkhla.
The
Institute for Southern Thai Studies
This Institute is
situated on Ko Yo, near the foot of the second
part of the Tinsulanond Bridge. Established
in 1978 to undertake the study of southern
arts and culture, the institute has been transformed
into a live museum that exhibits comprehensive
sets of local art and culture, and southern
lifestyles. The systematic exhibitions cover
more than 30 rooms with displays concerning
history, religion, tradition, occupation,
folk play, handicrafts, and various artifacts.
In addition, there are presentations that
recount local wisdom, which has been accumulated
and passed down through several generations.
Other than the exhibitions and presentation,
there are several viewpoints where visitors
can admire Songkhla Lake and aquaculture farms
in the institute.
The
Songkhla National Museum
Located on Chana Road,
the Museum, constructed in the Chinese style,
was originally built in 1878 as the mansion
of Songkhla's ruler. It later became the domicile
of Songkhla's upper administrative officers,
the City Hall and in 1953, the building was
converted into a museum to exhibit lower southern
artifacts. Today it is the place where local
archaeology, history and folk art and culture
can be studied and appreciated. Noteworthy
is the collection of artifacts of the Na Songkhla
Family that used to rule the city. It is opened
to the public, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and
1 p.m. to 4 p.m., except Mondays, Tuesdays
and public holidays.
Tinsulanond
Bridge
The bridge, which is
the longest concrete bridge in Thailand, spans
Songkhla Lake and is part of Highway 408.
The bridge has two parts with the first part
connecting the coast of Amphoe Muang Songkhla
at Ban Nam Krachai to the southern coast of
Ko Yo for a total distance of 1,140 meters.
The second part connects the northern shore
of Ko Yo to the coast of Ban Khao Khiao for
a total distance of 1,800 meters. It was opened
to traffic on 25 September 1986.
Wat
Chai Mongkhon
Wat Chai Mongkhon, on
Phetmongkhon-Chaimongkhon Road, has a chedi
that was built to house the Buddhist relics
brought back from Langka by a monk named Na
Issaro who was teaching Pali there in 1892.
 Wat
Matchimawat or Wat Khlang
Located on Sai Buri
Road, this large temple is perhaps the most
important Buddhist temple in Songkhla. It
is said that Yai Si Chan, a Songkhla millionaire
donated a large sum of money to construct
this more than 400 years old temple. Later
on Wat Liap was built to the north and Wat
Pho to the south. The local residents then
changed the name of the temple from Wat Yai
Si Chan to Wat Khlang or Wat Matchimawat.
This temple also has the Phattharasin Museum
that houses various artifacts collected from
Songkhla, Sathing Phra, Ranot, and other places.
Khao
Nam Khang Historic Tunnel
This
Tunnel is situated in Khao Nam Khang, Mu 1,
Tambon Khlong Kwang, approximately 4 kilometers
from the Park Office. Once known as the Piyamit
Village 5, the tunnel was operated by Communist
insurgents. After almost 40 years of fighting
with the Thai Government, the Communist Party
was dispersed and became part of Thai Development
Participants in 1987.
Thailands
largest and longest man-made tunnel, it
was completed in two years with three separate
corridors and three levels deep. The tunnel
itself could accommodate about 200 persons
with several rooms such as conference room,
sick bay, radio transmission room, kitchen,
firing range, etc.
Khao
Nam Khang National Park
This
Park, covered with verdant forests, is where
two magnificent waterfalls namely Ton Dat
Fa and Ton Lat Fa are located. There are two
routes to the park: from Amphoe Sadao the
distance is 26 kilometers or from Amphoe Na
Thawi on the Na Thawi-Ban Prakop Road with
a distance of 31 kilometers.
Namtok Boriphat Forestry Park Namtok Boriphat
Forestry
Park is about 52 kilometers from Amphoe Muang
Songkhla. To get to this small all-season
waterfall, drive along Highway 406, at the
kilometer 35 and 36 marker, switch to use
a dirt road and proceed for about one kilometer.
Wat
Tham Khao Rup Chang
The
temple uses the cave, which was partitioned
into several rooms and has delicate stalactites
and stalagmites, as temple grounds. This temple
is located in Tambon Padang Besar, about 13
kilometers from Padang Besar Market.
Khu
Khut Waterfowl Park (Tha-le Sap Songkhla Wildlife
Refuge)
Established
as a wildlife refuge on 19 April 1976, the
park occupies an area of 227,916 rais (91,166
acres) in both Songkhla and Phatthalung Provinces.
In fact this Park is part of Tha-le Sap Songkhla
or Songkhla Lake. The survey taken by the
Royal Forestry Department discovered 44 families,
137 genus, and 219 species of birds. The best
times to view the birds are from December
to March. Boats are provided by the park office
at 150 baht an hour. This Park is situated
at Mu 4, Tambon Khu Khut, about 55 kilometers
from Songkhla, on Highway 4083 and three kilometers
from the highway into the park.
Sating
Phra Ancient Community
This community can be
dated back to the early Southern period when
most of the inhabitants were seafaring merchants
who traded with the Chinese and Indians. Situated
500 meters from the Gulf of Thailand and 3,500
meters from Songkhla Lake, the community left
its ancient ruins made from brick and stone,
as well as Chinese pottery from the Tung dynasty
(618-908) and Yuan dynasty (1279-1368). From
town district take highway 408 for 36 kilometers.
Wat
Cha Thing Phra
This is a magnificent
temple to visit particularly for archeology
enthusiasts. Established in 999, the temple
has several ancient ruins from the Srivijaya
Period such as Chedi Phra Maha That, Wihan
Phra Phutthasaiyat (reclining Buddha), and
the bell tower. The monastery is located at
Mu 4, Tambon Cha Thing Phra, just 200 meters
from the District Office.
Wat
Pha Kho or Wat Ratchapraditsathan
This temple was the
seat of Somdet Pha Kho or Luang Pho Thuat
Yiap Nam Tha-le Chuet, the most revered monk
in the south. It is said that one day, a pirate
ship sailed along the coast and saw Somdet
Pha Kho who seemed different from other people
walking in the area. The pirates wanted identify
the difference so they docked and kidnapped
him. However, the ship did not sail very far
before it stopped for no apparent reason and
had to anchor there for several days until
they ran out of freshwater. Somdet Pha Kho
took pity on them so he put his left foot
in the sea, making it sparkle and turn into
freshwater. The pirates became faithful, asked
for his pardon, and took him ashore. From
then on the people started to pay homage to
the monk. The temple is located at Mu 6, Tambon
Chumphon, on Khao Phatthasing, about 48 kilometers
from Songkhla, on the Songkhla-Sathing Phra
Highway.
Chedi
Ong Dam (The Black Chedi)
It
was built by Chao Phraya Phra Khlang (Dit
Bunnak) and Somdet Chao Phraya Borom Maha
Phrayurawong to commemorate the victory over
the Sai Buri Revolt in 1830. The Chedi is
situated at the top Khao Daeng, Tambon Khao
Daeng.
Chedi
Ong Khao (The White Chedi)
This Chedi was built
by Phraya Si Phiphat (That Bunnak) and Somdet
Chao Phraya Maha Phichaiyat to commemorate
the victory over Sai Buri, Pattani, Penang,
and Malayan Revolts. After the victory, Phraya
Si Phipat remained in Songkhla for two years
and built this Chedi to accompany the first
one, before he returned to Bangkok.
Hat
Sakom
The
beach is set amidst white powdery sand and
shady trees, which makes it highly suitable
for relaxation. Travelers can hire a fishing
vessel to Ko Kham, which is just 2 kilometers
offshore and is a perfect place to go fishing.
Food and accommodation are available for tourists.
This beach is about 53 kilometers from Amphoe
Muang Songkhla, on the Songkhla-Chana-Thepha
Highway.
USEFUL
CALLS
| Police Tourist |
1155 |
| Highway Police |
1193, 0 7421 1222 |
| Police Station |
191, 0 7431 1011 |
| Hat Yai Police Station |
191, 0 7424 3333 |
| Post Office |
0 7431 1013 |
| SongKhla Hospital |
0 7433 8100
0 7432 1082-6
0 7432 1072-3
0 7423 0800-4 |
| Hat Yai Hospital |
0 7427 3100
0 7423 0800-4 |
|
Tourism Authority of Thailand
|
0 7423 1055
0 7423 8518
0 7424 3747 |
|
