Songkhla Songkhla

naipokna

Songkhla Lake

4 Songkhla

CONTENTS

HOW TO GET THERE 7 ATTRACTIONS 9 Mueang Songkhla 9 Amphoe Ranot 17 Amphoe Krasae Sin 18 Amphoe Sathing Phra 19 Amphoe Singha Nakhon 19 Amphoe Thepha 20 Amphoe Na Thawi 20 Amphoe Sadao 22 Amphoe Hat Yai 23 Amphoe Rattaphum 26 Amphoe Khuan Niang 26 INTERESTING ACTIVITIES 27 MAJOR EVENTS 27 LOCAL PRODUCTS 28 SUGGESTED ITINERARY 29 USEFUL CALLS 30 Laem Samilha Songkhla Thai Term Glossary Thepha, Na Thawi, Saba Yoi, Sadao, and Khlong Amphoe: District Hoi Khong. Ao: Bay Ban: Village HOW TO GET THERE Chedi: Stupa or Pagoda By Car From take highway no. 35 Hat: Beach (Thonburi-Paktho) via Samutr Sakhon, Samutr Khao: Mountain Songkram and turn left to highway no. 4 Khlong: Canal (Phetchakasem Road) to Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ko: Island , Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Laem: Cape Trang, , and Songkhla, a total Mueang: Town or City distance of 950 kilometres. Namtok: Waterfall By Bus: There are daily buses from Bangkok to : Sub-district Songkhla and Hat Yai. Depart from Bangkok’s Wat: Temple Southern Bus Terminal everyday. The journey Note: English spelling here given tries to approxi- takes about 13 hours. For more information, mate Thai pronunciat please contact The Transport Co., Ltd, Tel. 1490 www.transport. Songkhla is a southern border province, adjacent co.th to the State of (Sai Buri), . It has Piya Rungrueng Tour, Tel. 0 7442 8972 been an important port and coastal province of Sri Siam Tour, Tel. 0 2885 7981 Songkhla since the past with Amphoe Hat Yai as O!ce 0 7431 3211, Hat Yai O!ce 0 7442 8229 the southern centre of commerce, transportation Siam Doen Rot, Tel. 0 2894 6160-2 Songkhla and rapid economic growth. The province is O!ce 0 7431 3211, Hat Yai O!ce 0 7423 4638 ideal for tourism because of its two distinct By Train: The State Railway of Thailand provides characteristics: the old buildings of Amphoe daily rapid and express train services from Mueang Songkhla, and the developed Amphoe Bangkok to Hat Yai. The trains depart from Hat Yai, separated by only about 30 kilometres. Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Railway Station. The old part of Songkhla is located at the Travelling time is about 17 hours. For more present-day Amphoe Sathing Phra. Indians, information, please call, Tel. 1690 www.railway. Persians, and Arabs came to trade and called co.th or Hat Yai Railway Station Tel. 0 7426 1290, the place “Singhla”. The name came from two 0 7423 4978 islands with the shape of crouching lions at the By Air: There are many airlines operating "ights mouth of the . The islands are from Bangkok to Hat Yai International Airport, presently called Ko Nu and Ko Maeo. as follows: Songkhla occupies an area of 7,393 square From Suvarnabhumi Airport kilometres, and is administratively divided into - Thai Smile Airways Tel. 1181, 0 2118 8888 16 districts: Mueang Songkhla, Ranot, Krasae www.thaismileair.com Sin, Sathing Phra, Singhanakhon, Khuan Niang, Rattaphum, Bang Klam, Hat Yai, Na Mom, Chana,

Songkhla 7 Songkhla Old Town

From Donmueang Airport Bang Klam 46 kilometres - Thai Air Asia Tel. 0 2515 9999 www.airasia. Na Thawi 52 kilometres com Rattaphum 60 kilometres - Thai Lion Air Tel. 0 2529 9999 www.lion Sadao 70 kilometres airthai.com Khuan Niang 72 kilometres - Nok Air Tel. 1318, 0 2900 9955 www.nokair. Thepha 73 kilometres com. Ranot 73 kilometres Krasae Sin 74 kilometres Distances from Amphoe Mueang Songkhla Saba Yoi 104 kilometres to Neighbouring Districts: Singha Nakhon 26 kilometres Distances from Songkhla to Nearby Provinces Hat Yai 26 kilometres Pattani 99 kilometres Na Mom 34 kilometres Phatthalung 121 kilometres Sathing Phra 36 kilometres Satun 125 kilometres Chana 37 kilometres Yala 128 kilometres Khlong Hoi Khong 43 kilometres

8 Songkhla Songkhla National Museum

Songkhla National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑสถาน ATTRACTIONS แห่งชาติสงขลา), Amphoe Mueang Songkhla on Wichian Chom Road, was originally built in Songkhla Old Town (ย่านเมืองเก่าสงขลา) 1878 as Songkhla ruler’s personal residence in There are 3 main roads: Nakhon Nok Road, the Chinese style. It became the domicile of Nakhon Nai Road, and Nang Ngam Road, which Songkhla’s upper administrative o!cers and are full of buildings with beautiful architecture $nally the City Hall until 1953. It was converted and traditional identity. There are old Chinese- into a museum in 1973 and o#cially opened in style wooden commercial buildings and Sino- 1982 to exhibit lower Southern artefacts. Today Portuguese-style buildings, especially on Nang it is the source of local archaeology, history, and Ngam Road. This road is home to famous folk arts and culture. It has a notable collection restarants selling local food and rare desserts; of artefacts from di#erent periods and various such as Khi Mot, Thong Ek, Khao Fang Kuan, items of the ‘Na Songkhla Family’ that used to Khanom Krabok, Khanom Butu, and Sam Pan rule the city. It is open to the public from 09.00 Ni. There are also ice cream parlours, stew a.m. to 04.00 p.m., except Monday, Tuesday, and restaurants and antique co#ee shops. public holidays. Tel: 0 7431 1728. Admission fee 150 baht. For more information, please call

Songkhla 9 Wat Matchimawat

Tel. 0 7431 1728 www.$nearts.go.th/songkhla- Friday and Saturday from 04.00-10.00 p.m. It museum is located on Chana Road by the old city wall, Tambon Bo Yang. The word “Tae Reak” in Phathammarong Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์พธ�ามะรง) Southern dialect translates as “olden times”. is on Chana Road near the Songkhla National Therefore, “Songkhla Tae Reak” refers to Songkhla Museum. It was constructed in the Thai style in the past since it is situated in the old town to resemble the birthplace of General Prem quarter with the surrounding area $lled with Tinsulanonda, President of the Privy Council historical landmarks. Visitors will $nd handicraft and Statesman who is a Songkhla native. The products, local food, clothing and accessories. construction was based on his testimony when his father was the prison warden. Open every- Wat Chai Mongkhon (วัดชัยมงคล), day except Monday and public holidays during on Phet Mongkhon–Chai Mongkhon Road, has 08.30 a.m.–04.00 p.m. a chedi that was built to house the Buddhist relics brought back from Ceylon by a monk named Songkhla Tae Raek Old-time Street Fair “Na Issaro” who was teaching Pali there in 1892. (ถนนคนเดินสงขลาแต่แรก) Open during 09.00 a.m.–05.00 p.m. This walking street night market is held every

10 Songkhla Laem Samila

Wat Matchimawat or Wat Klang (วัดมัชฌิมา Laem Son On (แหลมสนอ่อน) วาส หรือวัดกลาง), is situated to the northwest of Laem Samila. It on Sai Buri Road, is a large temple and the is well shaded with sea oaks. At the end of the most important in Songkhla. It is about 400 peninsula stands the statue of Prince Chumphon years old and was built in the late Ayutthaya Khet Udomsak. This peninsula is the best spot period. It was said that Yai Si Chan, a millionaire to view Ko Nu and the Songkhla Lake. of Songkhla donated a large sum of money to construct the temple. Later on Wat Liap was Laem Samila (แหลมสมิหลา) built in the north, and Wat Pho in the south. The is in the City Municipality, about 2.5 kilometres people then changed the name of the temple from the fresh market (Talat Sapsin or Talat Sot which was situated in the middle from “Wat Yai Thetsaban). This peninsula is well-known for its Si Chan” to “Wat Klang” or “Wat Matchimawat”. white sandy beach, shady pine groves, and the This temple also has the Phattharasin Museum statue of a mermaid that is Songkhla’s symbol. that houses various artefacts gathered from It is serviced by Hat Yai–Songkhla buses. From Songkhla, Sathing Phra, Ranot, and elsewhere. within the city, one can take a ‘Song Thaeo’ Open daily 01.00–04.00 p.m. minibus to the beach.

Songkhla 11 Hat Chalathat (หาดชลาทัศน์) is located at 39 Leam Son On Road, Tambon is a long white sandy beach that continues from Bo Yang. There are many interesting activities; Hat Samila with leam Samila as a connecting such as demonstration of feeding $sh in a glass point. It is an ideal beach for swimmimg. The aquarium tunnel by drivers, Go-kart and ATV in Sea Oak trees by the beach provide shade a real $eld, as well as fosh foot spa. Oen Tuesday- throughout Chalathat Road that runs along Friday from 09.30 a.m.-04.00 p.m. weekend and the beach. At the north end of the beach public holidays between 09.30 a.m.-04.45 p.m. connecting to Leam Samila is a roundabout (closed on Mondays except Monday that falls with a statue of a man reading a book to on public holidays). Admission is 300 Baht for promote reading. The middle part pf the beach adults 200 baht, for children. For more informa- houses Songkhla Municipality’s public ground, tion, please call Tel. 0 7432 2787, 0 7432 2899 or which is a recreation park with a playground visit www.songkhlaaquarium.com and bike lane along the beach. This is another beautiful sunrise spot. Khao Noi (เขาน้อย), near Laem Samila, has a road to the hilltop for Songkhla Aquarium (สถานแสดงพันธ์สัตว์น�้าสงขลา) paying homage to the statue of Prince Lop Built by the Songkhla Municipality as a learning Buri Ramet (The Southern Viceroy), and to view centre for aquatic creatures, Songkhla Aquarium the city. In the east is a public park with food

Sala Wihan Daeng

12 Songkhla services and tennis courts. In the northeast is Suan Seri, another park with ornamental topiary plants in animal shapes. Tamnak Khao Noi, in the south, was built in 1911 as the residence of Prince Lop Buri Ramet and was used by Their Majesties the King and Queen on their royal visit to the South in March 1959. Today the mansion is the residence of the Songkhla Provincial Governor.

Tamnak Kao Noi (ต�าหนักเขาน้อย) This Songkhla Governor’s Residence was originally called “Phra Tamnak Khao Noi” (Khao Noi Place) and is located on the south side of Khao Noi, Sadao Road, Tambon Bo Yang. It was built in 1911 as a residence of General Pronce Yakhonthikamphon Krommaluang Lopburi ramet when he was a viceroy of the Pak Tai Circle. It also used to be a reception house for their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit on their royal visit to the South in March 1959. Phra Tamnak Khao Noi has been conserved and used as the Governor’s Residence since 1964 and was registerd as an ancient monument by Fine Arts Department Khao Kao Seng on 10 March, 1994. The Palace is designed in European architecture with 3 storeys, and drcorated with engraved ornaments over the In October, there is a festival to clad the chedi arch of the door. Downstairs is the hall and with a piece of cloth, to pull the "oats of the living room, while the second "oor features Buddha image in a procession, and to o#er alms the bedroom, dressing room, and library. The to monks. A panoramic view of the city and the third "oor is a bedroom with English wooden Songkhla Lake can be seen from the hilltop. A furniture and porch on the east wing. lift up to the top of Khao Tangkuan is available. Admission fee 30 baht. Open daily during 08.30 Khao Tangkuan (เขาตังกวน) a.m.-06.00 p.m. For more information, please at Laem Samila has the Sala Wihan Daeng, the call Tel. 0 7431 6330. royal pavilion built during the reign of King Rama V. On the hilltop is a Dvaravati chedi Khao Kao Seng (เขาเก้าเส้ง) housing the Buddha’s relics that was built during It is one of the beautiful beaches of Songkhla, the period of Nakhon Si Thammarat State. dotted with large boulders one of which is on

Songkhla 13 Songkhla Zoo a rock, the locals call it “Hua Nai Raeng”. It was Songkhla Zoo (สวนสัตว์สงขลา) said that underneath this boulder there used is an open zoo, on the Songkhla–Nathawi Road, to be treasure stored by the people as o#erings Tambon Khao Rup Chang. It was established for to the Buddha’s relics to be contained inside the preservation of Thai wildlife and to return the Nakhon Si Thammarat Chedi. Their trip them to the wild. The zoo covers a hilly area with was delayed by wavy sea and the treasure was an asphalt ring road. The various animals have believed to have been buried here. been grouped separately. One of the highlights in the zoo not to be missed is the viewing point Ban Sattha (บ้านศรัทธา) for the city where food stalls are available. Open is situated on a hill slope overlooking the everyday during 08.30 a.m.–05.00 p.m. Admis- Tinsulanonda Bridge to Ko Yo. It is surrounded sion fee for adults 150 baht, children 70 baht. For by coconut plantations. The city people had it more information, please call, Tel. 0 7459 8555, built for General Prem Tinsulanonda, President 0 7459 8838 www.songkhlazoo.com of the Privy Council and Statesman, when he was the Prime Minister. Construction was Songkhla Lake (ทะเลสาบสงขลา), completed on 26 August 1991. In 1996, General the only natural lake in Thailand is about 80 Prem gave the house back to the people of kilometres long and 20 to 25 kilometres wide. Songkhla. There is a public library nearby. It is a freshwater lake with brackish water near

14 Songkhla Songkhla Lake the mouth. There are several islands across Tinsulanonda Bridge (สะพานติณสูลานนท์) from its mouth, the major ones include Ko Yai, spans the Songkhla Lake and is part of Highway Ko Si, Ko Ha, Ko Kaeo, Ko Mak, Ko Rai, and Ko 407., with two parts: the $rst part connects the Yo. Boats are available for touring the lake. The coast of Amphoe Mueang Songkhla at Ban Nam port behind the post o!ce or the fresh market Krachai to the southern coast of Ko Yo; this part has all-day long-tailed boat services. is about 940 metres long; the second part

Songkhla 15 Tinsulanonda Bridge

connects the northern shore of Ko Yo to the Ko Yo (เกาะยอ) coast of Ban Khao Khiao, a length of 1,700 metres. is a small island in the Songkhla Lake but is an It was opened to tra!c on 25 September 1986. important tourist attraction of Songkhla, can be reached via Tinsulanonda Bridge. The coastal

16 Songkhla plain on the island is suitable for agriculture, resulting in famous fruit-growing such as a special kind of jackfruit called Champedak. Another famous product is the hand-woven fabric. There are restaurants and homestay available at Ko Yo. For more information, please call, Tel. 0 7445 0540.

Ko Nu and Ko Maeo (เกาะหนู–เกาะแมว), a well-known symbol of Songkhla, is situated o# the shore of Laem Samila. Legend has it that a dog, a cat–Maeo, and a mouse–Nu, on a Chinese sampan stole the merchant’s magic crystal and tried to swim ashore, but drowned and lost their lives. The mouse and cat became the islands in the Songkhla Lake while the dog died on shore and became the hill called Hin Khao Tangkuan near the bay. The crystal was totally destroyed and became the white sandy beach called Hat Sai Kaeo.

The Institute for Southern Thai Studies (สถาบันทักษิณคดีศึกษา) is situated on Ko Yo, near the foot of the second part of the Tinsulanonda Bridge. It was established in 1978 for the studies of southern Ko Nu and Ko Maeo arts and culture. Its museum has comprehensive exhibits on local arts and culture, and southern lifestyle as well as artefacts echoing local Amphoe Ranot wisdom accumulated through several Khlong Daen Floating Market (ตลาดริมน�้า generations. The systematic exhibits cover คลองแดน) more than 30 rooms displaying history, religion, is located in Tambon Khlong Dean. It is connected tradition, occupation, folk play, handicrafts, with Tambon Ram Kaeo, Amophoe Hua Sai, and various artefacts. Viewing points for the Nakhon Si Thammarat province. Khlong Daen is Songkhla Lake and aquaculture farms should a natural boundary between the two provinces, not be missed. Open daily (except Tuesday) in which three canals; namely, Khlong Ranot, during 08.30 a.m.-04.30 p.m. Admission fee Khlong Cha-uat, and Khlong Pak Phanang 100 baht. For more information, please call, Tel. meet. It was dubbed “Khlong Daen, Three Canal, 0 7459 1611-8. Two Provinces”. Visitors will $nd old wooden row houses, wooden bridges used for walking

Songkhla 17 Khlong Daen Floating Market

around the market, shops selling community Tel. 08 9231 5281, Khun Apichat Mueangthong products, local foods that are hard to $nd, as Tel. 08 6958 2776 and Khun Sayan Chonsakorn well as, local art and cultural performances; Tel. 08 1896 7352. such as, Manohra dance, shadow play and Thai To get there: From Amphoe Ranot or Amphoe musical performances with Thai and international Mueang Songkhla, take Highway No. 408 (route misocal instruments. It also o#ers boat cruises to Nakhon Si Thammarat province.) At Km. 74, to see the "oating market and canalsside there is a market entrance sign on the left, so community lifestyle. The Market is open every turn left for 3 kilometres to the market. The Saturday between 12.00-08.00 p.m. distance from Amphoe Ranot is 23 kilometres. In addition, the community around the Khlong Daen Floating Market features a community, Amphoe Krasae Sin Buddhism-based tourism, where visitors can Wat Ek Choeng Sae (วัดเอกเชิงแส) stay at the 100-year-old homestay that boasts is located in Tambon Choeng Sae. Its old name a collection of antique daily life utensils. Other was Wat Ek. It has the revered coral Buddha homestays are also available for visitor to expe- image that had been covered with plaster. The rience the simple lifestyle of this community. image is 70 centimetres wide at the lap and 120 For more information, please contact Khun Kre- centimetres tall. Tel. 0 7439 9075 angkrai Anantapong (Community Chairman)

18 Songkhla Wat Cha Thing Phra

Amphoe Sathing Phra about 200 metres from Khu Khut Waterfowl Park (Thale Sap O!ce. It was established in 999 A.D. This temple Songkhla Non-hunting Area) (อุทยานนกน�้า has several ancient ruins from the Sri Vijaya คูขุด-เขตห้ามล่าสัตว์ป่าทะเลสาปสงขลา), Period such as Chedi Phra Maha That, Wihan is located at Mu 4, Tambon Khu Khut. It was Phra Phutthasaiyat (reclining Buddha) and the established as a non-hunting area on 19 April bell tower 1976, covering an area of 227,916 rai (91,166 acres) in both Songkhla and Phatthalung Hat Sathing Phra (หาดสทิงพระ) provinces. In fact this waterfowl park is part is located in Tambon Cha Thing Phra. The beach of the Thale Sap Songkhla or Songkhla Lake. long 3 kilometres surrounded by shady of pine The survey undertaken by the Royal Forestry forest. There are many hotels and restaurant Department discovered 44 families, 137 genera, available on the beach. and 219 species of birds. The best period to view the birds are from December to March. Boats Amphoe Singha Nakhon are provided by the park o!ce at 300-500 baht Hat Muang Ngam (หาดม่วงงาม) an hour with 6-7 persons. For more information, is located in Tambon Muang Ngam with 3 please call the Park O!ce at Tel. 08 5079 2456 kilometres long. Most of local people come to take a relax such as bicycle. Hotel and restaurant Wat Cha Thing Phra (วัดจะทิ้งพระ) are available. is located at Mu 4, Tambon Cha Thing Phra,

Songkhla 19 Amphoe Thepha kilometres or from Amphoe Na Thawi on the Hat Sakom (หาดสะกอม) Na Thawi–Ban Prakop Road for 31 kilometres. is about 53 kilometres from Amphoe Mueang Please call O!ce for more Songkhla, on the Songkhla–Chana–Thepha information, please call, Tel. 0 7437 1010. Road. The beautiful beach is sandy white, Interesting place in National Park suitable for recreation. There are food stalls Khao Namkhang Historic Tunnel (อุโมงค์ and lodging. One can hire a $shing vessel to ประวัติศาสตร์เขาน�้าค้าง) Ko Kham where $sh is plentiful and suitable for is situated in Khao Namkhang, Mu 1, Tambon sports $shing. The island is about 2 kilometres Khlong Kwang, about four kilometres from the o#shore. Park O!ce. This tunnel was once known as the Piyamit Village 5, run by Communist insurgents. Amphoe Na Thawi After almost 40 years of $ghting with the Thai Khao Namkhang National Park (อุทยาน government, the Communist Party terminated แห่งชาติเขาน�้าค้าง) the fight and became part of the Thai has lush forest cover. There are three major Development Participants in 1987. It is the waterfalls within this park: Wang Luang Phrom, largest and longest man-made tunnel in Ton Dat Fa and Ton Lat. Tourists can take two Thailand, completed in two years with three routes to the park: from Amphoe Sadao for 27 separate corridors and three levels deep. It

Hat Sakom

20 Songkhla Khao Namkhang Historic Tunnel could accommodate about 200 persons with Satun, Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat can follow several rooms such as a conference room, sick Rule 1. If using a temporary border pass, they bay, radio transmission room, kitchen, $ring can only go to Kedah. The permitted length of range, and others. Open daily during 07.00 a.m.- stay is 3-days-2-night. To apply for a temporary 05.00 p.m. Admission fee for adult 150 baht. For border pass, bring an ID card and fees to the Na more information, please call, Tel. 0 7453 1840-1 Thawi District O!ce during o!ce hours, Tel. 0 7438 1810 Ban Prakop Border (ด่านบ้านประกอบ) 3. If crossing the border with a vehicle, a is located in Tambon Prakop, opposite the prior application for a border crossing permit Border Checkpoint in Kedah, must be made at the Songkhla Transport O!ce Malaysia. It is a permanent crossing point and during o!ce hours. opens daily from 07.00 a.m.-05.00 p.m. To get there: From Amphoe Na Thawi, take Border Crossing Regulations Highway No. 4113 towards the Ban Prakop 1. Bring your passport to be stamped at Border. The distance from Amphoe Na Thawi the checkpoint. The permitted length of stay is 30 kilometres. If travelling from Amphoe is 30 days. Mueang Songkhla, take Highway No. 408 via 2. Those who are domiciled in Songkhla, Amphoe Chana, and head for Amphoe Na Thawi.

Songkhla 21 The City of Hat Yai

Continue along Highway No. 4113 until reaching Satun, Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat can follow the Ban Prakop Border. The total distance from Rule 1. If using a temporary border pass, they Amphoe Mueang Songkhla is 90 Kilometres. can only go to Kedah. The permitted length of stay is 3-days-2-nights. To apply for a temporary Amphoe Sadao border pass, bring an ID card and fees to the Sadao Boundary Post or Dan Nok (ด่าน O!ce during o!ce hours. สะเดาหรือด่านนอก) 3. If crossing the border with vehicle, a prior is located in Tambon Samnak Kham, opposite application for a border crossing permit must be the Bukit Kayu Himtam Border Checkpoint in made at the Songkhla Transport O!ce during Kedah, Malaysia. It is a permanent crossing o!ce hours. point and opens daily from 05.00 a.m.-11.00 To get there: From Amphoe Mueang Sadao, take p.m. Highway No.4 (Sadao Boundary Post route). Border Crossing Regulations The total distance is 11 kilometres. If travelling 1. Bring your passport to be stamped at the from Amphoe Mueang Songkhla, take Highway checkpoint. The permitted length of stay is 30 No.407 (Kanchana Wanit Road) until reaching days. the Kho Hong T-junction. Proceed onto Highway 2. Those who are domiciled in Songkhla, No.4 (Amphoe Sadao route) until reaching the

22 Songkhla Sadao Boundary Post. The total distance is 79 has grown signi$cantly into the commercial, kilometres. transportation, communication, educational, and tourism centre of the south. Tourists can Padang Besar Immigration (ด่านปาดังเบซาร์) obtain various goods from fresh produce to is located in Tambon Padang Besar, opposite the consumer products such as; electrical appliances. Padang Besar Immigration Pose, Perlis, Malaysia. Niphat Uthit 1, 2, and 3 Roads are the major It is a permanent crossing point and opens daily commercial centre. There are several shopping from 05.00 a.m.-09.00 p.m. The border crossing areas such as, Santisuk Market and Kimyong regulations are the same as the Sadao Boundary Market. Post. The temporary border pass can travel only through Perlis. Wat Hat Yai Nai (วัดหาดใหญ่ใน) To get there: From Amphoe Sadao, take Highway on Phetchakasem Road, near Khlong U Taphao No. 4054. The total distance is 25 kilometres. Bridge, is the site of a large reclining Buddha If travelling from Amphoe Mueang Songkhla, image measuring 35 metres long, 15 metres take Highway No. 407 until reaching the Kho tall, and 10 metres wide, named Phra Phuttha Hong T-junction. Proceed onto Highway No. Hattha Mongkhon, revered by both Thai and 4 for Tambon Khlong Ngae. Then turn right at foreign tourists. the T-junction and take Highway No. 4145 until reaching Padang Besar Immigration. The total Hat Yai Municipal Park (สวนสาธารณะเทศบาล distance is 78 kilometres. นครหาดใหญ่), on Kanchanawanit Road, is six kilometres from Wat Tham Khao Rup Chang (วัดถ�้าเขารูปช้าง) the city centre on the Hat Yai–Songkhla Road. in Tambon Padang Besar, about 13 kilometres It is the major recreation park for the people from Padang Besar Market. The temple uses the of Hat Yai and surrounding areas as well. The a cave as its religious ground. The cave has been park is full of beautiful "owering plants, with partitioned into several rooms with delicate a pavilion in the middle of the pond, aviary, stalactites and stalagmites. The surroundings and food shops. At the foot of the hill near the are peaceful and shaded by trees. aviary stands the statue of King Rama V. There is a God Brahma’s shrine at the hilltop, and at Amphoe Hat Yai the southern foothill near the boy scout camp The word “hat yai” is said to have come from the stands the jade statue of Guan Yin, the Chinese name of the white sandy beach around Khlong Goddess of Mercy. For more information, Tel. U Taphao, or could have been the name of a 0 7420 0000 www.hatyaipark.com large mahat tree (Mahat Yai). Interesting place in Hat Yai Municipal Park Khao Kho Hong (ยอดเขาคอหงส์) The City of Hat Yai (ตัวเมืองหาดใหญ่), is a small hill in a park with a road leading up to 28 kilometres from the city of Songkhla, is the top. Cars and motocycles are permitted. A the gateway to the neighbouring countries of tram service is also available at the Visitor Center Malaysia and Singapore. It is only 60 kilometres for 20 baht per person. On the top of Khao Kho from the border checkpoint at Sadao. Hat Yai Hong is enshrined a huge Buddha image in

Songkhla 23 Car provides an aerial link from station 1 (Phra Phuttha Mongkhon Maharat Buddha image) to station 2 (the God Brahma Shrine), in which passengers come with the objective of paying respect. While sitting in the cable cars, tourists will enjoy the scenery of Khao Kho Hong, Hat Yai’s house, and Songkhla Lake. The cable car station o#ers a café and souvenir shops. Open Tuesday-Thursday from 09.00 a.m.-04.30 p.m., Friday-Sunday from 09.00 a.m.-06.00 p.m. (Closed on Monday). Hat Yai Deepsky Observation for Science and Astronomy (ศูนย์การเรียนรู้วิทยาศาสตร์ดาราศาสตร์ นครหาดใหญ่) (หอดูดาว) is located on Khao Kho Hong, 300 metres before reaching the summit viewpoint. This is a perfect and modern source for science and astronomy, which houses an exhibition room, cinema and star dome, that will $ll the imagination and knowledge of those interested. Open daily from 09.00 a.m.-08.00 p.m. Fee is 20 baht per person. For more information, please call Tel. 0 7453 1863. Inaddition, within the park there is a lawn for a picnic, beautiful garden setting, reservoir, suspension bridge, paddle boats for rent, res- taurant and restroom for tourists. The park is open daily from 06.00 a.m.-08.00 p.m. For more Phra Phuttha Mongkhon Maharat information, please call Tel. 0 7420 000 or visit www.hatyaipark.com the attitude of giving a blessing “Phra Phuttha Mongkhon Maharat”. Infront of the Buddha Magic Museum Hat Yai by Black Crystal image is a viewpoint to see the city of Hat Yai, (พิพิธภัณฑ์มายากล หาดใหญ่ where Songkhla Lake is visible. This is a popular is located on Kanjanavanich Road, Tambon tourist spot for watching a sunset. Hat Yai, opposite the Hat Yai Technical College. Hat Yai Cable Car (หาดใหญ่เคเบิ้ลคาร์) The Museum houses both domestic and is located on Khao Kho Nang Hong. There are international magic artefacts from the past 2 cable cars with length of 525 metres. The to present, rare magic trick items, as well as, trip duration is 2.30 minutes with a capacity unique mementors. Enjoy a role of magician of 8 passenger at a time. The Hat Yai Cable at the 3D wall/ "oor painting zone and magic

24 Songkhla Khlong Hae Floating Market performances at Hat Yai’s $rst magic theatre. Khlong Hae Floating Market (ตลาดน�้า Open daily from 09.00 a.m.-06.00p.m. Admission คลองแห) fee is 300 baht for adults and 250 baht for is located at Wat Khlong Hae, Tambon Khlong children. For more information, please call Tel. Hae, which simulated from local people lifestly. 0 7421 1444 There are many Thai and local Southern food. The impressive thing of the market is using Kimyong Market (ตลาดกิมหยง) eco-friendly food containers such as coconut is located on Supasarnrangsan Road. Kimyong shell, bamboo tube, and earthen pot rather than is a big local market, where imported products using foam or plastic containers. The "oating from Malaysia and Singapore such as snacks, market open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from nuts, dried fruits, instant food, Muslim cloth 03.00-08.00 p.m. For more information, pleace etc. Open daily from early moring until 8 p.m. call, Tel. 0 7458 0888 www.klonghaecity.go.th

Songkhla 25 Namtok Ton Nga Chang (น�้าตกโตนงาช้าง) is located in the Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the beautiful waterfalls of the South. This waterfall has seven levels, the third level is the most beautiful and is named after the waterfall. At the third level, the stream separates into two, resembling the elephant’s tusks. Treks have been provided for more adventurous tourists. One can hire a motorised tricycle (tuk-tuk) to the waterfall for two to three hours at 300-400 baht, or one can take the minibus from the fresh market (Talat Sot Thet Sa Ban Hat Yai). There are room and tent available. For more information, please call Tel. 0 7423 8518 To get there: about 26 kilometres from the city. Follow the Hat Yai–Rattaphum Road for 13 kilometres, then turn left at Ban Hu Rae for another 13 kilometres.

Amphoe Rattaphum Namtok Boriphat Forest Park (วนอุทยาน น�้าตกบริพัตร) is located on Highway 406, between Km. 35-36 in Tambon Khao Pra. The water source derived from Khao Banthat. It is a small all-season waterfall.

Amphoe Khuan Niang Namtok Ton Nga Chang Hat Pak Bang Phumi (หาดปากบางภูมี) is located at Mu 3, Ban Pak Bang Phumi, Tambon Songkhla Central Mosque (มัสยิดกลางสงขลา Rattaphum, this beach is right by the Songkhla หรือมัสยิดกลางดิย์นุลอิสลาม) lake. It marks the end of Khlong Phum, which is located on Lopburiramet Road, Tambon is a canal "owing from the mountain range in Khlong Hae. This is a beautifully decorated center Amphoe Rattaphum and meets this lake. of Muslim in Songkhla for religious rituals.This Therefore, Hat Pak Bang Phumi is rich in minerals moque has been called the “Taj Mahal of as can be seen from its reddish brown sand. Thailand”. Etiquette at a mosque includes being This makes this area an important habitat for respectful and wearing appeopriate clothes. marine animals. There are local $sh; such as, large-scaled goby, anchovy and mullet. The beach boasts serenity and an intact natural

26 Songkhla landscape with big trees because there are no The tram service is free of charge and operates. accommodation and restaurant services. Visitors The 1.5 hour tour starts from Phathammarong can have a picnic by the beach. This is also Museum between 09.00 a.m.-03.00 p.m. The popular spot bird watching. tram leaves every one and a half hours. For To get there: From Amphoe Khuan Niang, take more information, please call Tel. 0 7431 2025, Highway No.4053. The total distance is approximately 6 km. MAJOR EVENTS Hat Yai Midnight Songkran Festival (งาน INTERESTING ACTIVITIES ประเพณีสงกรานต์หาดใหญ่ มิดไนท์สงกรานต์) Singora Tram Tour (รถรางชมเมืองสงขลา) is held annually during 11-15 April on Nipat Operated by the Songkhla Municipality. This Uthit 3 Road, Sanaeha Road, Thammanoonvithi open-air tram city tour with narrator is part of Road. Malaysians and Singaporeans often join promoting Songkhla. The tram passes through in the festivities with their Thai hosts. For more Songkhla Old town, Nakhon Nok Road, Nakhon information, please call Hat Yai city Municipality Nai Road, Nang Ngam Road, Wat Matchimawat, Tel. 0 7420 0000 Songkhla National Museum, Songkhla’s old city wall, Phathammarong Museum, Hat Chalathat, Southern Agricultural Fair (งานเกษตรภาคใต้) Leam Samila, Leam Son On, Nad Khao Tang- is held annually during August by the Faculty of kuan. Natural Resources, Prince of Songkhla University.

Singora Tram Tour

Songkhla 27 With the aim for agricultural promotion, the would congregate at the lotus pond to Fair features activities relating to agro-industry; participate in the "oat decoration contest. such as, sales of agricultural produce and products On the festival ground, there are also art and from the Southern provinces, produce contests, cultural performances. and various demonstrations. For more information, Faculty of Natural Resources, Prince of Songkhla LOCAL PRODUCTS University, Tel. 0 7428 6042 Shrimp and !sh crackers (ข้าวเกรียบกุ้ง-ปลา) are one of the local products of Songkhla. They Tham Bun Duean Sip (งานเทศกาลท�าบุญเดือน สิบ) are delicious and inexpensive. There is also nam budu, cashew nuts, and dried crispy shrimp that is another southern tradition that is held during can be purchased from many stalls on Nakhon the waning moon period of the tenth lunar Nai Road in the city. month. This festival grew from the belief that during the period, the souls of the deceased Bakutte (บะกุดเต๋) relatives and friends, especially those not yet a pork rib soup with Chinese herbs is a favourite reborn would be released to meet the living local dish for breakfast eaten with steamed relatives. So the living would prepare food to dishes like dumpling and Dim Sam, available offer to the monks in their names. In Sathing around the city. Phra, this festivity is di#erent from other districts whereby tall $gures called ‘Thong Sung’ are Kuaichap (ก๋วยจั๊บ) paraded as the “proxy” for the deceased who near the Lido Hotel on Sanehanuson Road, are respected by the villagers. o#ering a delicious thick noodle soup. Lak Phra and Tak Bat Thewo (งานประเพณี ลากพระและตักบาตรเทโว) Khanom Sampanni, Khanom Thong Muan, Khanom Thong Phlap (ขนมส�าปันนี is held on the $rst day of the waning moon in ขนมทองม้วน ขนมทองพลับ), the eleventh lunar month, around October of and several other desserts are freshly available every year in Amphoe Mueang Songkhla. The at the Khanom Thai Song Saen Shop on Nang festivity would start one day before the actual Ngam Road. day to wrap a large cloth around the top of the Chedi on Khao Tangkuan. In the morning of the Nang Talung (shadow puppet) (รูปหนัง festival day, alms are o#ered to monks (Tak Bat ตะลุง) Thewo) at the foot of the hill. Several hundred is the South’s folk art that is shown to the general monks would walk down from Khao Tangkuan public in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, to receive the o#erings. Late in the morning, Trang, and Songkhla. A temporary platform is "oats of Buddha images from various temples usually built for the performance. The puppets, in Songkhla would proceed along the road, cut from animal hide, are placed against the so the Buddhists can make merit and pull the rear of a white screen in front of a bright light floats (Lak Phra). Such acts are considered so the audience can see their shadows. The highly meritorious. The Buddha image "oats

28 Songkhla Ko Yo Hand-woven Fabric story is told by narrators. The puppets can be - Visit The Songkhla National purchased from souvenir stores. Museum - Sightseeing Songkhla old town Ko Yo Hand-woven Fabric Afternoon - Visit Laem Samila and the (ผ้าทอเกาะยอ) is another folk product of Song- Golden Mermaid, symbol of khla, produced mainly from Ko Yo, Amphoe Songkhla. Mueang Songkhla. The sturdy hand-woven fab- - Heading to Khao Tangkuan to ric has intricate designs such as Lai Ratchawat, admire a panoramic view of and Lai Luk Kaeo and can be purchased from Songkhla at twilight and pay stores on Nakhon Nai and Nang Ngam Roads. respect to the relic-containing Phra Chedi Luang on top of the SUGGESTED ITINERARY mountain. - Stay overnight in Amphoe Programme 3 Days 2 Nights Mueang Songkhla. Day 1 : Amphoe Hat Yai-Amphoe Mueang Songkhla Day 2 Morning - From Hat Yai heading to Mueang Morning - Depart from Amphoe Mueang Songkhla SongKhla to Amphoe Na Thawi

Songkhla 29 - Visit Khao Namkhang Historic culture, and a tower overlooking Tunnel the scenic Songkhla Lake. Afternoon - Heading to Tinsulanonda Bridge - Stay overnight in Amphoe and connecting to Ko Yo and Mueang Song Khla. Visit hand-woven fabric group in Ko Yo. Day 3 - Visit the Thaksin Folklore Morning - Depart from Amphoe Mueang Museum located inside the Songkhla to Amphoe Hat Yai. Institute for Southern Thai - Sightseeing and relaxing at Studies, displaying more than Namtok Ton Nga Chang 20 rooms of Southern Thai - Shopping at Kimyong Market - Back to Bangkok

USEFUL CALLS

Public Relations Department of Songkhla Tel. 0 7432 1105, 0 7431 2851 Songkhla Provincial Governor’s O!ce Tel. 0 7431 6478-9 Songkhla Hospital Tel. 0 7433 8100 Songkhlanagarind Hospital Tel. 0 7445 5000 Hat Yai Hospital Tel. 0 7427 3100 Hat Yai Police Station Tel. 0 7425 7333 Songkhla Police Station Tel. 0 7430 7058 Highway Police Tel. 1193 Tourist Police Tel. 1155

30 Songkhla

Khlong Hae Floating Market TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND (TAT) Head O"ce 1600 Road, Makkasan Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400 Tel. 1672, 0 2250 5500 Fax. 0 2253 7440 E-mail: [email protected] www.tourismthailand.org Open daily: 08.30-04.30 p.m. everyday

MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND SPORTS Tourist Information Center 1st Floor 4 Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue, Bangkok 10100 Tel. 0 2283 1556 Open daily: 08.30 a.m.-04.30 p.m. everyday

SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT Arrival Hall 2nd Floor Gate No.3 Tel. 0 2134 0040 (24Hrs.) Open daily: 08.30 a.m.-04.30 p.m. everyday

TAT AUTHORITY OF THAILAND, HAT YAI OFFICE 1/1 Soi 2 Niphat Uthit 3 Road, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110 Tel. 0 7423 1055, 0 7423 8518, 0 7424 3747 Fax. 0 7424 5986 E-mail: [email protected] Areas of Responsibility: Songkhla and Satun Open daily : 08.30 a.m. - 04.30 p.m. everyday

Updated February 2018

Songkhla 35

naipoklang Hat Sakom

Information by: TAT Hat Yai Tourist Information Division (Tel. 0 2250 5500 ext. 2141-5) Designed & Printed by: Promotional Material Production Division Marketing Services Department. The contents of this publication are subject to change without notice. 24 hrs. Everyday Copyright No commercial reprinting of this material allowed. Tourist information by fax available 24 hrs. October 2018 e-mail: [email protected] www.tourismthailand.org