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Songkhla

Songkhla, Songkhla, Thailand

Discover the Enchanting Blend of Old and New in Songkhla Escape the ordinary and step into a world of vibrant culture, fascinating history, and natural beauty in Songkhla, a captivating coastal city nestled in Southern T…

#coastal city#historical sites#cultural diversity#local cuisine#tourist destination

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Songkhla.

Top Hotels in Songkhla

Top Flights to Songkhla

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Songkhla.

Tours

Samila Beach

A popular beach known for its scenic views and the iconic Golden Mermaid statue.

Songkhla Old Town

Explore the historical area with its mix of Sino-Portuguese architecture and street art.

Khao Tangkuan Hill

A hill offering a panoramic view of Songkhla, reachable by a cable car ride.

Wat Matchimawat (Wat Khlang)

A historic temple known for its beautiful architecture and museum.

Shopping

Kim Yong Market

A bustling market offering a variety of goods from food to clothing.

Outdoor

Thale Noi Waterbird Park

A paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, offering boat tours to observe migrating birds.

Songkhla Lake

The largest natural lake in Thailand where you can enjoy a peaceful day out in nature.

Songkhla Zoo

A zoological park offering a habitat for diverse animal species, and a children's water park.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Songkhla.

Currency

฿ | THB | Thai Baht

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Songkhla, Songkhla, Thailand is not available.

Languages

Thai, Thai, Malay

Average weather

Songkhla

Jan

29°23°

Feb

30°23°

Mar

31°24°

Apr

32°25°

May

32°25°

Jun

32°25°

Jul

32°25°

Aug

32°25°

Sep

31°24°

Oct

30°24°

Nov

29°23°

Dec

29°23°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Songkhla.

What people love

Songkhla, located in Songkhla province, Thailand, offers a variety of attractions and activities for travelers. Some of the pros of traveling to Songkhla include:

Beautiful Beaches: Songkhla is known for its pristine beaches such as Samila Beach and Chalatat Beach, where visitors can relax, swim, and enjoy water sports.
Cultural Heritage: The city of Songkhla has a rich cultural heritage with historical sites like the Songkhla Old Town, offering a glimpse into the city's past with its charming architecture and museums.
Delicious Cuisine: Songkhla is famous for its local cuisine, which includes fresh seafood dishes, traditional Thai street food, and unique southern Thai flavors.
Natural Attractions: Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the nearby Khao Nam Khang National Park, which features lush forests, waterfalls, and wildlife for hiking and eco-tourism activities.
Friendly Locals: Travelers often praise the warm hospitality of the locals in Songkhla, making visitors feel welcome and comfortable during their stay.
Shopping and Markets: Songkhla boasts colorful markets and shopping streets where visitors can shop for local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs to take home.
Festivals and Events: The city hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, including the Songkhla Seafood Festival and traditional Thai cultural celebrations, providing unique cultural experiences for visitors.

Overall, Songkhla offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality, making it a fantastic destination for travelers looking to explore a different side of Thailand.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Songkhla, Thailand, could include:

Weather: Songkhla can experience heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, which typically lasts from May to December. This could potentially disrupt travel plans and outdoor activities.
Language Barrier: While English is spoken in some tourist areas, overall communication might be challenging as Thai is the primary language spoken in Songkhla.
Limited Public Transportation: Songkhla may have limited public transportation options, which could make getting around the city and surrounding areas more difficult for travelers.
Safety Concerns: As with any destination, travelers should be aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety, especially in tourist areas where petty crime can occur.
Limited Tourist Infrastructure: Songkhla may not have as developed tourist infrastructure compared to other popular destinations in Thailand, which could impact the overall travel experience for some visitors.

Please note that these are general considerations and may not apply to every traveler's experience. It's always a good idea to research further and consult with local authorities or travel experts for the most up-to-date information.

Songkhla, located in southern Thailand, is a province with a rich history and cultural heritage. Over the centuries, it has played an important role due to its strategic location as a port city on the Malay Peninsula.

Historical Background

Early History: The area that is now Songkhla was historically part of the ancient Malay kingdom of Langkasuka, which existed around the 1st to the 7th century CE. Langkasuka was a significant trading center and was influenced by Indian culture, which can be seen in the remnants of Hindu and Buddhist art and architecture.
Srivijaya Empire: Between the 7th and 13th centuries, the region was part of the Srivijaya Empire, a powerful maritime kingdom based in Sumatra. Songkhla served as an important trading post during this period, facilitating trade between the Malay Archipelago and the rest of Asia.
Ayutthaya Kingdom: In the 14th century, Songkhla became part of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, a Siamese kingdom that was a dominant power in Southeast Asia. During this time, it was a significant port for trade with foreign merchants.
19th Century: In the early 19th century, Songkhla came under the influence of the Thonburi and subsequently the Rattanakosin Kingdoms, which are predecessors to modern Thailand. It was during this period that Songkhla was established as a province.

Significant Events

Colonial Era: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Songkhla, like much of Southeast Asia, was influenced by European powers, although it was never colonized. Its position as a trading hub continued to be significant during this period.
World War II: During World War II, Songkhla was occupied by Japanese forces as part of their campaign in Southeast Asia. The Japanese used the port as a base for operations in the region.

Historical Figures

Nai Chan (เจ้าพระยานคร): He was a significant local figure who played a crucial role in the administration of Songkhla during the Ayutthaya period.

Important Landmarks

Samila Beach: Known for its picturesque views and the iconic Golden Mermaid statue, Samila Beach is a major tourist attraction in Songkhla.
Songkhla Old Town: This area is renowned for its well-preserved Sino-Portuguese architecture and vibrant street art, reflecting the town's diverse cultural influences.
Wat Matchimawat (Wat Klang): A historic Buddhist temple in Songkhla, known for its beautiful architecture and as a center of cultural activities in the region.
Songkhla National Museum: Housed in a former governor's mansion, the museum offers insights into the region's history, culture, and archaeology.
Khao Tang Kuan: This hilltop site offers panoramic views of Songkhla and features a stupa that dates back to the 19th century.

Songkhla continues to be an important cultural and economic center in southern Thailand, with a blend of historical influences and modern development.