Just a 30 minute drive from Hat Yai and accessible by bus or taxi is Songkhla. In spite of Hat Yai's bright city lights, it is this sleepy little coastal town which is the provincial capital of Songkhla province. However, Songkhla's main claim to fame is as a charming beach resort.

Steeped in history and long ago famous as a pirate stronghold, the resort offers a peaceful retreat and manages to retain its own identity, while also ensuring the visitor a wide choice of accommodation and other modern facilities. Here too, lies the Prince of Songkhla University, one of Thailand's premier educational institutions.

Beaches of Songkhla

Songkhla boasts two main beaches, Samila Beach and Son Onn Beach. The former, on Ratchadamnurn Road, is a 3km pine-fringed stretch of soft white sand. The most prominent landmark being the Golden Mermaid Statue. Behind the beach is Khao Noi Hill, which has a small topiary garden and commands panoramic views of the town. Directly north of Samila is Son Onn Beach. The latter is an idyllic spot where pine trees provide cool shade and several restaurants serve deliciously fresh seafood. Offshore are Cat and Mouse islands, coastal landmarks that are popular with anglers.

Songkhla National Museum

Located on Rongmuan Road, it dates back from the 1870s. the lovely complex was built in southern Thailand Chinese architecture as the residence of a local luminary. The museum houses Thai objects d'art from prehistoric to modern times, and several archeological artifacts discovered locally. The ancient town wall, marking the limits of the ancient town is just beside the museum.

Wat Matchimawat & Wat Chaimongkhom

Also of considerable cultural interest are Wat Matchimawat and Wat Chaimongkhom. The former, a 400 year old temple, is Songkhla's largest monastery and contains a museum. The latter is where the main pagoda enshrines a holy relic of the Lord Buddha obtained from Sri Lanka, and Pak Nam Laem Sai Fort dating back to the early 1800s.