Songkhla & Around

Introducing Songkhla & Around

Despite a delightful location buttressed by Thale Sap Songkhla (Lake Songkhla) on one side and the Gulf of Thailand on the other, Songkhla isn’t seeing much tourist traffic these days. Although ‘the great city on two seas’ hasn’t experienced any of the Muslim separatist violence plaguing nearby Hat Yai, it’s still catching the same bad press. Which is a bit of a shame, as Songkhla is the last safe (at least for the moment – always check the situation before travelling around here) city where you can experience the unique flavour of Thailand’s predominately Muslim Deep South.

Even though Songkhla is the capital of the region, it feels like a backwards country town. The city is surrounded by beaches on all sides, has several green parks dotted around and has a pretty historical centre – it’s a pleasant place to pass a few days and partake in the beachside city life. The seafood served along Hat Samila is exceptional. Though the white beach is not that great for swimming, the sand and casuarina trees along Hat Samila can be visually striking. The population is a mix of Thais, Chinese and Malays, and the local architecture and cuisine reflect this fusion at every turn.

Big-name international petroleum companies and their exploration interests offshore bring an influx of multinational (particularly British and American) oil-company employees. The result is a strong Western presence in Songkhla that has helped create a relatively wealthy and prosperous town.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009