Songkhla

 Songkhla is a border province in Southern Thailand, adjoining the state of Kedah in Malaysia. It has been known as a principal sea port and coastal trading post from time immemorial. As a historic town, Songkhla has inherited ancient ruins, arts, and places of cultural importance in addition to its unique tradition, dialect, and folk entertainment, a reflection of its rich cultural heritage for later generations to appreciate.
    Songkhla has fine beaches, enchanting waterfalls, and a tranquil lake - a manifestation of its abundant natural resources. While Songkhla is noted for its fishery industry, Hat Yai, the major district of the province, serves as a transportation and communications hub of the South, with this bustling town linking with various destinations in the neighboring provinces and in Malaysia. Only 30 kilometers apart and with contrastive characteristics, Hat Yai and Songkhla can be ideal places for the tourist to visit: Hat Yai, a fast booming city in trade and business, while Songkhla remains a sleepy town still able to maintain its unique identity of ancient and historical flavors.

Samila Beach Lying approximately 2.5 kilometers from the municipal market, the beach is characterized by fine white sand and lined with shady pine trees. From Samila Beach one can see Laem Son Onn to the northeast and Chalathas Beach to the south. On a clear day, Kao Seng Hill can be seen further to the south.The major landmark of the beach is the Golden Mermaid statue, a prominent symbol of Songkhla. 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. 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 Mueang 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. 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, more...