Songkhla Between Lagoon, Old Town and Nature

Songkhla has many different sides: Songkhla Lake is a natural brackish coastal lagoon, street art and long-established food shops shape the old town, and Hat Yai adds an urban touch. When planning your trip, it helps to first consider whether you mainly want to discover city life, culture, or nature. You can also use these interests to guide your choice of location for a holiday rental.

Songkhla Lake and Natural Areas

Songkhla Lake is a natural brackish coastal lagoon and the only one of its kind in the country. A non-hunting wildlife sanctuary on the lake covers parts of Mueang Songkhla, Rattaphum, Sathing Phra, and Krasae Sin districts. A study by the Department of Forestry recorded 219 bird species there. If you are interested in lagoon landscapes and birdlife, these details offer a special connection to nature as you explore the region.

The Khu Khut Water Park is part of the sanctuary and was declared a non-hunting wildlife sanctuary at Songkhla Lake on April 13, 1975. This date marks the designation of the area. The Khao Nam Khang National Park is a separate area: it extends across Na Thawi and Sadao districts in Songkhla Province. The two areas represent different regional nature themes that you can take into account when choosing your destinations.

Old Town, Views and Culture

In Songkhla Old Town, street art on various streets reflects local life. Nakhon Nai and Nang Ngam streets have also been known for several decades for their established local shops serving savory and sweet foods. A visit lets you discover everyday scenes and a long-standing food culture as two distinct aspects of the old town.

Khao Tang Kuan is home to a Dvaravati-style chedi, with clear views of Songkhla city and Songkhla Lake. Those interested in architecture and history will find a different focus at the Songkhla National Museum, a complex of buildings in the Chinese architectural style. On Samila Beach, the Golden Mermaid statue is a symbol of the beach. These different attractions can help you decide whether to focus your stay more on the city’s history, architecture, or famous landmarks.

Ko Yo and Hat Yai

The Tinsulanonda Bridge crosses Songkhla Lake and connects Mueang Songkhla district with Ko Yo. Ko Yo has a variety of fruit orchards and archaeological sites, including Wat Khao Bo and Wat Thai Yo. The island therefore offers both agricultural scenery and historic sites. If you want to include these themes in your trip, you can plan Ko Yo as a regional focus in its own right.

Hat Yai is part of Songkhla Province and is a southern hub for communications, commerce, and transport. The Kim Yong Market, where produce and souvenirs are sold, is located in the city. The city park is a recreation area for the people of Hat Yai, the surrounding area, and foreign tourists. Another distinctive feature is the Hat Yai cable car, which connects Phra Buddha Mongkol Maharaj with the Brahma statue on Khao Kho Hong. If you want to focus on the city, market, and these sites, you can use Hat Yai as a base for your trip; if you are planning a stay centered more on the old town or the lake, the attractions there offer a different point of reference.

Other Areas of Songkhla

Other places that can help you orient yourself in the region include 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.

For the broader travel overview: Thailand.