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In its cities, the province has a distinctive double appeal with two contrasting focal points: the busy modern hub city that is Hat Yai, and the old world atmosphere off Songkhla, an ancient port, the two being only 2 km. apart. Add to this a large inland sea and a long coastline, and the visitor can enjoy the varied pleasures of history, beaches, boating, birdwatching, shopping and nightlife, as well as distinctive sports like Thai bullfight- ing and bird singing contests. When the Thai railway system was built in the early 20th century, the station for Songkhla was placed at Hat Yai junction. That began the rise of Hat Yai into the biggest and richest city of the south. The city’s name may be taken from mahat yai, a large mahat tree, rather than the literal meaning, which is “Big Beach”. The city of Hat Yai has grown significantly into the commercial, transportation, com- munications, education and tourism centre of the south. Its proximity to Malaysia is important in Hat Yai’s development. The city serves as a gateway to the prosperous neighbouring country, the border post of Sadao being only 0 km. to the south. City Attractions Niphat Uthit Road The city is a major shopping and entertainment centre. The commercial centre is around Niphat Uthit 1, 2, and 3 Roads. Shopping opportunities range all the way from fresh produce to electrical appliances, with consumer products very well Shopping along Niphat Uthit Road Khaonamkang 3 Level Tunnel Hat Yai & Songkhla Add to this a large inland sea and a long coastline, and the visitor can enjoy the varied pleasures of history, beaches, boating, birdwatching, shopping and nightlife, as well as distinctive sports like Thai bullfighting and bird singing contests. Songkhla is one of Thailand’s most southerly provinces, bor- 10 11 waterfall. Amphoe Sadao This district borders Malaysia’s state of Kedah, about 0 km. south of Hat Yai, and includes the border trading post and rail- way station of Padang Besar. Wat Tham Khao Rup Chang Located on the road between Sadao and Padang Besar, this cave temple has several chambers featuring delicate stalactites and stalagmites. The surroundings are peaceful and shady. Khao Nam Khang National Park This park has lush forest cover and two waterfalls, Ton Dat Fa and Ton Lat Fa. There are two routes to the park, from Sadao it is 2 k.m. or from Na Thawi it is 31 km. Call Na Thawi District Wat Hat Yai Nai office for more information on 0 7437 1010. represented. Attractions include Lido Shopping Centre, Odeon Khao Nam Khang Historic Tunnel Shopping Centre, Sanehanuson, Hat Yai Plaza and Si Kimyong Situated in Khao Nam Khang, about 4 km. from the park office, Market. this tunnel was once known as Piyamit Village 5, run by the Communist insurgents. After almost 40 years of fighting the Wat Hat Yai Nai Thai government, the Communist Party gave up and became a This temple on Phetchakasem Road, near Saphan Khlong Thai Development Participant in 1. The largest and longest U-Taphao, is the site of a large reclining Buddha measuring 35 man-made tunnel in Thailand, it took two years to build. It has metres long, 15 metres tall and 10 metres wide. Named Phra three corridors and three levels. Accommodating about 200 Phuttha Hattha Mongkhon, it is believed to be the third largest people, it has a conference room, sick bay, radio transmission reclining Buddha in the world. room, kitchen, firing range and other facilities. Hat Yai Municipal Park Wat Tham Talot The park is on Kanchawanit Road, km. from the city centre. This cave temple is at Khao Daeng, about 25 km. from Saba There is a Brahman shrine on a hilltop and at the foot of the hill Yoi. Tham Talot (Talot Cave) contains three large chambers a jade statue of Kwan Yin, the Chinese Goddess of Mercy. with a plaster-covered wooden image of the Buddha, assumed to be several hundred years old. The revered temple was estab- Out-Of-City Attractions lished in 1. It contains about a hundred Buddha images in Namtok Ton Nga Chang (Elephant Tusk Falls) different postures and sizes. At the cave entrance stands This waterfall is located in the Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctu- a six-metre tall demon figure. The surrounding areas are well ary, about 26 km. from the city. Take Highway 43 for 13 km., shaded by trees. then turn left at Ban Hu Rae and continue for 13 km. The waterfall has seven tiers, the third giving rise to the name. At the Tham Ru Nok Sak third tier the stream separates into two, resembling an elephant’s Situated at Khuha, about 14 km. from the Saba Yoi District tusks. Adventurous tourists can take treks. Office, this 300 metre-long cave has a stream running through it with beautiful stalagmites and stalactites Visiting the cave Namtok Boriphat Forest Park involves some hiking and climbing. The surroundings of the The park is in Amphoe Rattaphum about 52 km. from Songkhla, cave are lush. on Highway 406, turning off at KM 35. It has a small all-season 12 13 Spectator Sports Bullfighting Bullfighting has been a favourite local sport since ancient Srivijaya times. After the harvest, owners would bring their bulls to fight as a gesture of solidarity and festivity. Two bulls fight each other in a match lasting 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the bulls. Each district has its own bullring with monthly fights on either Saturday or Sunday. Fights usually take place in Hat Yai on the first Saturday of the month at Noen Khum Tong Stadium. On the first Sunday of the month they take place in Amphoe Klonggit, between Hat Yai and Sadoa. For the latest details, check with the TAT office tel: 0 7424 3747. Thai Boxing Thai Boxing is held on Wednesday nights at the Songkhla Navy Base boxing ring (call 0 7431 1451-5) and at Hat Yai boxing New Year Celebration ring (call 0 7423 2682). Bird Singing • By bus The Khao Java bird is the favourite domesticated bird in the Buses from Bangkok take about 13 hours and depart from the south and this popular bird culture is centered in Chana, about Southern Bus Terminal, tel: 0 2435 1199. For information in 40 km. from Hat Yai on Highway 408. Bird-singing contests are Hat Yai, Tel. Bo Kho So on 0 7423 2789, 0 7423 2404, Piya held annually from January to July. Singing birds are judged by Tour on 0 7442 8972, and Thai Doen Rot on 0 7442 9525.