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General Information
Songkhla at a glance
Songkhla, one of Thailand's important ports and coastal provinces, is
located 950 kilometers from Bangkok. Occupying an area of 7,393 square
kilometers on the eastern side of the Malaysian Peninsula, the province is
bordered by the States of Kedah (Sai Buri) and Perlis of Malaysia to the
south and the Gulf of Thailand to the east. In addition, Songkhla borders on
Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phatthalung Provinces to the north, Yala and Pattani
Provinces to the south, and Satun and Phatthalung Provinces to the west.
An undeniably historic town endowed with ancient ruins, arts, and places of
cultural importance, Songkhla, a melting pot of Thais, Chinese and Malays,
charms visitors with its unique traditions, dialect, and folk entertainment.
These characteristics are reflections of the provinces rich cultural
heritage, which has been preserved and passed down from generations to
generations.
Hat Yai, a district of Songkhla, is perhaps better known than the provincial
capital itself. Hat Yai serves as a southern hub of communication, trading
and transportation as well as a gateway to Malaysia and Singapore. In light
of this, Hat Yai has gained importance as the driving force of economic
growth in the southern region.
History of Songkhla
Songkhla, a medieval pirate stronghold, is a historic, albeit sleepy town
with a thriving fishing community. Another Srivijaya outpost in Thailands
southern region, Songkhla was initially named Sa-thing". Previously a port
and a coastal trading post where Indian, Persian and Arabian merchants came
to exchange their products, the place was named "Sing Lha" after the 2
lion-shape islands at the mouth of the city's lake. At present, these 2
islands are Koh Nu (Rat Island) and Koh Maeo (Cat Island). The old part of
Songkhla is located at the present-day Amphoe Sathing Phra.
Todays Songkhla
Over the last few decades, Songkhla has been rapidly developed and is
currently a unique attraction worth visiting. Blessed with natural resources
such as fine beaches, enchanting waterfalls, and a tranquil lake, the
province has an abundance of tourist attractions and an amazing range of
seaside resort towns. Moreover, the old section of Songkhla still maintains
its unique identity of ancient and historical flavors through local
architecture and cuisine.
While Songkhla is noted as a fishing community set in a peaceful atmosphere,
Hat Yai, on the other hand, serves as a transportation and communications
hub of the south with links to various destinations in the neighboring
provinces and Malaysia.
Despite being only 30 kilometers apart, Songkhla and Hat Yai have uniquely
contrasting characteristics and are ideal places to visit.
Songkhla is administratively divided into 16 districts: Muang Songkhla,
Ranot, Krasae Sin, Sathing Phra, Singhanakhon, Khuan Niang, Rattaphum, Bang
Klam, Hat Yai, Na Mom, Chana, Thepha, Na Thawi, Saba Yoi, Sadao, and Khlong
Hoi Khong.
Distances from Amphoe Muang Songkhla to Neighboring
Districts:
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Ranot
Hat Yai
Krasae Sin
Na Mom
Sathing Phra
Chana
Singhanakhon
Thepha
Khuan Niang
Na Thawi
Rattaphum
Saba Yoi
Bang Klam
Sadao
Klong Hoi Khong |
73
26
74
34
36
37
26
73
72
52
60
104
46
70
43 |
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms. |
How to get there
By Car
From Bangkok: take Highway 4 passing Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat
Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat,Trang and Phatthalung Provinces in order to reach
Songkhla Province. The total distance is 950 kilometers.
By Bus
From Bangkok: There are daily buses from Bangkok to Songkhla and Hat Yai.
The journey takes about 13 hours. For the current schedule and further
information contact the Southern Bus Terminal at tel: 02 435 1199-200 or
visit www.transport.co.th For Hat Yai, call the Transport Co., Ltd. (Bo Kho
So) at tel: 074 23 2789, 0 7423 2404, Piya Tour 0 7442 8972, Thai Doen Rot 0
7442 9525.
From Hat Yai
From Hat Yai Bus Terminal, there are buses to Bangkok and other provinces in
the south. Buses depart from a small bus station located across the ferry
station in the city. They include daily 2nd class buses that depart for
Bangkok 4 times a day (437 baht). There is also one VIP bus that runs
directly to Bangkok departing at 4.45 p.m. with a fare of 870 baht. In
addition, first-class buses leave for Bangkok twice daily (562 baht) in late
afternoon and in the evening. In addition, there are also buses depart from
the same terminal to Chumphon (245 baht), Nakhon Si Thammarat (100 baht) and
Surat Thani (150 baht).
Pho Thong Transportation Co., Ltd. (tel. 0 7431 1126) provides bus services
from Songkhla to Hat Yai.
Minivans and share taxis normally leave from Ramwithi Road for Hat Yai at
the rate of approximately 20-30 baht/person.
Minivans depart from the southern part of Sisuda Road to Pattani and Yala at
the rate of 70 baht.
Ranot Transportation Co., Ltd. (tel. 0 7431 1523) operates buses from
Songkhla to Nakhon Si Thammarat.
By Train
The State Railway of Thailand provides daily rapid and express train
services from Bangkok to Hat Yai. The trains depart from Bangkok's
Hualamphong Railway Station at 12.25 p.m., 2.20 p.m., 2.45 p.m., 3.50 p.m.
and 10.50 p.m. Travel time is about 17 hours. For further information call
1690, 0 2223 7020, 0 2223 7030 or Hat Yai Railway Station at 0 7424 3705, 0
7423 8005
By Air
Thai Airways International has several daily flights connecting Bangkok and
Phuket with Hat Yai. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at
tel. 1566, 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000, their Hat Yai office at tel. 0 7424
5851-2, or view their website at
www.thaiairways.com.
Air Asia operates several daily flights on route Bangkok Hat Yai. The flight
time is 1.20 hours. Visit www.airasia.com
to reserve your seat online, or simply call 02 5159999 for more information.
Orient Thai provides three daily flights connecting Bangkok and Hat Yai. The
flight time is 1.25 hours. Call 1126 to make reservations or visit
www.onetwo-go.com to make online reservations.
Nok Air operates three daily flights between Bangkok and Hat Yai. The flight
time is 1.30 hours. Call 1318 for reservations or visit
www.nokair.com to
purchase an e-ticket.
Phuket Air offers a daily flight connecting Hat Yai and Phuket. The flight
time is 1.25 hours. Call 02 679 8999 for reservations or visit
www.phuketairlines.com for more information.
Getting around the city
Songthaews around the city would cost 10 baht / trip. Motorcycle taxis
around town cost between 10 baht and 20 baht (daytime). There are several
guesthouses in town that provide bicycle and motorcycle rental services at
the rate of approximately 100 baht / day and 200 baht / day respectively.
Attractions
Amphoe Hat Yai
Hat Yai
Hat Yai, which is situated approximately 28 kilometers from the city of
Songkhla, is an important gateway to Malaysia and Singapore. Strategically
located only 60 kilometers from the port of entry at Sadao, Hat Yai has only
recently been developed and has rapidly been transformed into the
commercial, transportation, communication, educational, and tourism hub of
the south. Tourists enjoy shopping at Hat Yai for various goods ranging from
fresh produce to consumer products such as electrical appliances. The area
of Niphat Uthit 1, 2, or 3 Roads is where major commercial shops are
located. Several shopping centers available include Lido Shopping Center,
Odeon Shopping Center, Sanehanuson, Hat Yai Plaza Shopping Center, and Si
Kimyong Market on Phetkasem Road.
Hat Yai Municipal Park
The park is located on Kanchanawanit Road and is approximately six
kilometers from the city center on the Hat Yai-Songkhla Highway. A popular
recreational spot for the local residents, the park is beautifully decorated
with colorful flowers. With a pavilion in the middle of the pond, an aviary,
and food stalls, the park is the perfect place to spend a peaceful evening.
Additional attractions include a statue of King Rama V that is enshrined at
the foot of the hill near the aviary, a hill-top Brahman shrine and a jade
statue of Guan-yin, the Chinese Goddess situated, at the southern foothill
near the boy-scout camp.
Namtok Ton Nga Chang
Located in the Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary, about 26 kilometers from
the city, this 7-tiered waterfall is one of the beautiful waterfalls of the
south. The waterfall offers scenic views, with the third level being the
most beautiful as the stream is separated into two, resembling the
elephants' tusks. Trekking trails are provided for tourists with adventurous
hearts.
To reach the waterfall by car, follow the Hat Yai-Rattaphum Road for 13
kilometers, then turn left at Ban Hu Rae and proceed for another 13
kilometers. Alternatively, a tuk-tuk can be hired to take visitors to the
waterfall for two to three hours at between 300 baht to 400 baht. On the
other hand, visitors can also take the minibus from the fresh market (Talat
Sot Thet Sa Ban Hat Yai).
Wat Hat Yai Nai
Located on Phetkasem Road, near Khlong U Taphao Bridge, the monastery is
where Phra Phuttha Hattha Mongkhon, a large reclining Buddha measuring 35
meters long, 15 meters tall, and 10 meters wide, is enshrined. Highly
revered by both Thai and foreign tourists, the image is believed to be the
third largest reclining Buddha in the world.
Amphoe Mueang
Ban Sattha (Home of Faith)
The hill-top house overlooking the Tinsulanond Bridge that connects Ko Yo
was built in 1991 and was completed in 1996. Surrounded by coconut
plantations, the compound was built by local residents to honor H.E. Prem
Tinsulanond, the Privy Councilor and Statesman, when he was Prime Minister.
H.E. Prem graciously returned the house to the people of Songkhla.
Khao Kao Seng
Approximately three kilometers to the south of the famous Hat Samila is Kao
Seng fishing village, which has one of the most beautiful beaches in
Songkhla. Along the coastline are several pieces of rocks, one of which
stands out above the cliff. The local residents refer to that rock as "Hua
Nai Raeng". Kao Seng is a corruption of the name derived from the Thai word
"Kao Saen", referring to the nine hundred thousand bahts treasure that is
buried under Hua Nai Raeng. Kao Seng can be reached via the road to the
National Coastal Aquaculture Institute.
Khao Noi
Located in proximity to Laem Samila, this small hill has a hiking path that
wind up to the top where the statue of Prince Lop Buri Ramet (The Southern
Viceroy) is situated. There is a viewpoint where it is possible to enjoy a
panoramic view of the city. On the northeast is Suan Seri (Seri Park), a
nicely landscaped park decorated with ornamental plants in animal shapes.
Tamnak Khao Noi, on 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 a visit
to the south in March 1959. Today the mansion is the residence of the
Songkhla Provincial Governor.
Khao Tang Kuan
Another charming attraction located at Laem Samila is Khao Tang Kuan. This
is the location of the famous Sala Vihan Daeng, the royal pavilion built
during the reign of King Rama V. An additional attraction is a hill-top
Dvaravati chedi housing the Lord Buddha's relics that was built during the
Nakhon Si Thammarat Empire. From this hilltop, visitors can admire a
panoramic view of the city and the Songkhla Lake. Every October, there is a
festival to drape the chedi with a cloth and to offer alms to monks who
descend to the foot of the mountain to receive alms. In addition, monks
travelling by boat from other temples in Songkhla would proceed along the
waterfront so that the local residents can offer alms and pull their boats,
which is considered highly merited.
Ko Nu and Ko Maeo
Perhaps the most well-known symbol of Songkhla province, both islands are
located off the shore of Laem Samila. According to the legend, a dog, a cat,
and a mouse, traveling on a Chinese sampan stole the merchant's magic
crystal and tried unsuccessfully to swim ashore and drowned. The mouse and
cat became the islands in the Songkhla Lake while the dog died on the shore
and became the hill called Hin Khao Tang Kuan near the bay. Totally
destroyed, the crystal then became the white sandy beach called Hat Sai Kaeo
which literally means crystal sand beach.
Ko Yo
A small island in the Songkhla Lake that has recently become an important
tourist attraction in Songkhla. Covering an area of 9,275 rais (3,710
acres), the island is accessible via the Tinsulanond Bridge. Geographically,
the islands coastal plain is suitable for agriculture such as a special kind
of jackfruit called Jampada. Another famous island product is its hand-woven
fabric.
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.
Laem Samila
Located in the City Municipality, about 2.5 kilometers from the fresh market
(Thalat Supsin or Thalat Sot Thetsaban), the peninsula is renowned for its
powdery sandy beach, shady pine groves, and the statue of a mermaid
Songkhla's most famous landmark. It is easily accessible via Hat
Yai-Songkhla buses. From the city, visitors can take a minibus directly to
the beach.
Laem Son On
A peninsula situated to the northwest of Laem Samila that is naturally
shaded with sea pines. At the end of the peninsula is the statue of Prince
Chumphon Khet Udomsak, 28th son of King Rama V and founder of the Royal Thai
Navy. The best view of Ko Nu and Songkhla Lake can be spotted from here.
Phathammarong Museum
Located on Chana Road near the Songkhla National Museum, Phathammarong
Museum is a Thai-style museum constructed to resemble the birthplace of H.E.
Prem Tinsulanond, the former Prime Minister and Statesman who is a Songkhla
native.
Songkhla Lake
This lake is the largest lake in Thailand covering an area of approximately
80 kilometers long and 20 to 25 kilometers wide in Songkhla and Phatthalung
Provinces. In addition, it is the only natural, fresh-water lake in
Thailand. Several islands across from its mouth namely, Ko Yai, Ko Si, Ko
Ha, Ko Kaeo, Ko Mak, Ko Rai, and Ko Yo are worth visiting for relaxation.
Boat services are available for touring the lake. The port behind the post
office or the fresh market has all-day long-tailed boat services.
Songkhla Zoo
Located on the Songkhla-Chana Highway, Tambon Khao Rup Chang, this open- zoo
was established with an aim to preserve Thai wildlife. When they are ready,
the wildlife will be returned to the wild. The zoo occupies a hilly area
with an asphalt ring road. Various animals which have been grouped
separately, such camels, birds, red gaur, tigers, crocodiles, etc., are
major residents here. One of the highlights in the zoo that should not to be
missed is the scenic viewpoint overlooking the whole city of Songkhla. Food
stalls are available. For more information please call 074 325037-8.
Songkhla's City Pillar
Located on Nang Ngam Road, the pillar, which is highly revered by the local
residents, was constructed when the city was built. This area of the city
has distinctly Chinese characteristics as can be seen in the Chinese-style
building where the pillar is enshrined and nearby buildings on Nakhon Nai
and Nakhon Nok Roads. The distinctive Chinese lifestyle and influence in the
area is due to the presence of Chinese immigrants, who came to settle in
Songkhla at the beginning of the 24th Buddhist Century and had a major role
in the establishment of Songkhla.
The Institute for Southern Thai Studies
This Institute is situated on Ko Yo, near the foot of the second part of the
Tinsulanond Bridge. Established in 1978 to undertake the study of southern
arts and culture, the institute has been transformed into a live museum that
exhibits comprehensive sets of local art and culture, and southern
lifestyles. The systematic exhibitions cover more than 30 rooms with
displays concerning history, religion, tradition, occupation, folk play,
handicrafts, and various artifacts. In addition, there are presentations
that recount local wisdom, which has been accumulated and passed down
through several generations. Other than the exhibitions and presentation,
there are several viewpoints where visitors can admire Songkhla Lake and
aquaculture farms in the institute. Admission fee is 50 baht. Call 0-7433
-1185-8 for more information.
The Songkhla National Museum
Located on Chana Road, the Museum, constructed in the Chinese style, was
originally built in 1878 as the mansion of Songkhla's ruler. It later became
the domicile of Songkhla's upper administrative officers, the City Hall and
in 1953, the building was converted into a museum to exhibit lower southern
artifacts. Today it is the place where local archaeology, history and folk
art and culture can be studied and appreciated. Noteworthy is the collection
of artifacts of the Na Songkhla Family that used to rule the city. It is
opened to the public, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., except
Mondays, Tuesdays and public holidays.
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 Muang 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.
Wat Chai Mongkhon
Wat Chai Mongkhon, on Phetmongkhon-Chaimongkhon Road, has a chedi that was
built to house the Buddhist relics brought back from Langka by a monk named
Na Issaro who was teaching Pali there in 1892.
Wat Matchimawat or Wat Khlang
Located on Sai Buri Road, this large temple is perhaps the most important
Buddhist temple in Songkhla. It is said that Yai Si Chan, a Songkhla
millionaire donated a large sum of money to construct this more than 400
years old temple. Later on Wat Liap was built to the north and Wat Pho to
the south. The local residents then changed the name of the temple from Wat
Yai Si Chan to Wat Khlang or Wat Matchimawat. This temple also has the
Phattharasin Museum that houses various artifacts collected from Songkhla,
Sathing Phra, Ranot, and other places.
Amphoe Na Thawi
Khao Nam Khang Historic Tunnel
This Tunnel is situated in Khao Nam Khang, Mu 1, Tambon Khlong Kwang,
approximately 4 kilometers from the Park Office. Once known as the Piyamit
Village 5, the tunnel was operated by Communist insurgents. After almost 40
years of fighting with the Thai Government, the Communist Party was
dispersed and became part of Thai Development Participants in 1987.
Thailands largest and longest man-made tunnel, it was completed in two years
with three separate corridors and three levels deep. The tunnel itself could
accommodate about 200 persons with several rooms such as conference room,
sick bay, radio transmission room, kitchen, firing range, etc.
Khao Nam Khang National Park
This Park, covered with verdant forests, is where two magnificent waterfalls
namely Ton Dat Fa and Ton Lat Fa are located. There are two routes to the
park: from Amphoe Sadao the distance is 26 kilometers or from Amphoe Na
Thawi on the Na Thawi-Ban Prakop Road with a distance of 31 kilometers. For
more information, please call Amphoe Na Thawi Office at 074 371010.
Amphoe Rattaphum
Namtok Boriphat Forestry Park
Namtok Boriphat Forestry Park is about 52 kilometers from Amphoe Muang
Songkhla. To get to this small all-season waterfall, drive along Highway
406, at the kilometer 35 and 36 marker, switch to use a dirt road and
proceed for about one kilometer.
Amphoe Sadao
Wat Tham Khao Rup Chang
The temple uses the cave, which was partitioned into several rooms and has
delicate stalactites and stalagmites, as temple grounds. This temple is
located in Tambon Padang Besar, about 13 kilometers from Padang Besar
Market.
Amphoe Sathing Phra
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, and 219 species of birds. The best times to view the birds are from
December to March. Boats are provided by the park office at 150 baht an
hour. This Park is situated at Mu 4, Tambon Khu Khut, about 55 kilometers
from Songkhla, on Highway 4083 and three kilometers from the highway into
the park. For more information please call the Park Office at Tel:
0-7439-7042.
Sating Phra Ancient Community
This community can be dated back to the early Southern period when most of
the inhabitants were seafaring merchants who traded with the Chinese and
Indians. Situated 500 meters from the Gulf of Thailand and 3,500 meters from
Songkhla Lake, the community left its ancient ruins made from brick and
stone, as well as Chinese pottery from the Tung dynasty (618-908) and Yuan
dynasty (1279-1368). From town district take highway 408 for 36 kilometers.
Wat Cha Thing Phra
This is a magnificent temple to visit particularly for archeology
enthusiasts. Established in 999, the temple has several ancient ruins from
the Srivijaya Period such as Chedi Phra Maha That, Wihan Phra Phutthasaiyat
(reclining Buddha), and the bell tower. The monastery is located at Mu 4,
Tambon Cha Thing Phra, just 200 meters from the District Office.
Wat Pha Kho or Wat Ratchapraditsathan
This temple was the seat of Somdet Pha Kho or Luang Pho Thuat Yiap Nam Tha-le
Chuet, the most revered monk in the south. It is said that one day, a pirate
ship sailed along the coast and saw Somdet Pha Kho who seemed different from
other people walking in the area. The pirates wanted identify the difference
so they docked and kidnapped him. However, the ship did not sail very far
before it stopped for no apparent reason and had to anchor there for several
days until they ran out of freshwater. Somdet Pha Kho took pity on them so
he put his left foot in the sea, making it sparkle and turn into freshwater.
The pirates became faithful, asked for his pardon, and took him ashore. From
then on the people started to pay homage to the monk. The temple is located
at Mu 6, Tambon Chumphon, on Khao Phatthasing, about 48 kilometers from
Songkhla, on the Songkhla-Sathing Phra Highway.
Amphoe Singhanakhon
Chedi Ong Dam (The Black Chedi)
It was built by Chao Phraya Phra Khlang (Dit Bunnak) and Somdet Chao Phraya
Borom Maha Phrayurawong to commemorate the victory over the Sai Buri Revolt
in 1830. The Chedi is situated at the top Khao Daeng, Tambon Khao Daeng.
Chedi Ong Khao (The White Chedi)
This Chedi was built by Phraya Si Phiphat (That Bunnak) and Somdet Chao
Phraya Maha Phichaiyat to commemorate the victory over Sai Buri, Pattani,
Penang, and Malayan Revolts. After the victory, Phraya Si Phipat remained in
Songkhla for two years and built this Chedi to accompany the first one,
before he returned to Bangkok.
Amphoe Thepha
Hat Sakom
The beach is set amidst white powdery sand and shady trees, which makes it
highly suitable for relaxation. Travelers can hire a fishing vessel to Ko
Kham, which is just 2 kilometers offshore and is a perfect place to go
fishing. Food and accommodation are available for tourists. This beach is
about 53 kilometers from Amphoe Muang Songkhla, on the Songkhla-Chana-Thepha
Highway.
Festivals
Bull Fighting
Bull fighting is a traditionally popular sport among the people in the
South. Unlike bull fighting in Spain where a matador fights with a bull, the
bull fighting of the South features a bull fighting another bull. A pair of
fighting bulls is led into the arena for each bout where spectators can
cheer and place bets. During the fight, specially trained bulls lock horns
until one decides to call it quits and runs away. Each bout normally takes
between 15 to 30 minutes.
Dove Singing Contest
Cooing doves are popular among Southerners, particularly residents of the
five Southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Satun and Songkhla.
The most sought after birds are from breeding farms in Chana District,
approximately 40 kilometers from Hat Yai District on Highway 408, where dove
lovers from neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore
flock to purchase the birds. Dove cooing competitions are held annually
between January and July. Criteria used in judging the quality of dove's
sound is based on pitch, melody, volume, and continuity in its singing.
Shopping
Ko Yo Hand-woven Fabric
Ko Yo Hand-woven Fabric is another folk product of Songkhla Province,
produced mainly from Ko Yo, Amphoe Mueang Songkhla. The sturdy hand-woven
fabric has intricate designs such as Lai Rat Chawat, and Lai Luk Kaeo. The
long lasting fine cloth with varied designs made by the local residents can
be tailored into men's or ladies apparels. The fabric is sold in stores in
Hat Yai and Songkhla (on Nakhon Nai and Nang Ngam Roads), and at the market
in Koh Yo.
Pickled Wedge-Shell Fish
After cleaning, the shell fish are pickled for 2-3 days by covering them in
salt (the large - grained variety). Alternatively, they can be marinated in
salt water for 5 days; when the water turns reddish brown, they are ready
for eating. Pickled wedge-shell fish are rich in protein and calcium.
Puppet Figure
Nang Talung (shadow puppet) is the souths traditional folk art normally
shown to the general public in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Trang, and
Songkhla Provinces. A temporary platform is usually built for the
performance. The puppets, cut from animal hide, are placed against the rear
of a white screen in front of a bright light so the audience can see their
shadows. The story is told by narrators. The puppets can be purchased from
souvenir stores.
Sapodilla
The sapodilla fruit is oval in shape with thin brown skin. The ripe fruit
has sweet, soft flesh. The sapodilla is only eaten ripe. Widely grown
especially in Koh Yor, the sapodilla is an important cash crop for Songkhla
Province.
Seafood Products
Shrimp and fish crackers are one of the local products of Songkhla Province.
Delicious and inexpensive, they make perfect souvenirs for food lovers.
There are also nam budu, cashew nuts, and dried crystal shrimp that can be
purchased from stalls on Nakhon Nai Road in the city.
Dining
Amphoe Hat Yai
Abidin
Niphat Uthit 1 Road, Amphoe Hat Yai, Songkhla
Tel :: 0 7423 1865
Amad
6/17-8 Niphat Uthit 1 Road, Amphoe Hat Yai, Songkhla
Tel :: 0 7435 8461
Hamid
6/17-18 Niphat Songkhro Road, Amphoe Hat Yai, Songkhla
Tel :: 0 7424 6463
Hi Wa Thian
80 Sanehanuson, Amphoe Hat Yai, Songkhla
Tel :: 0 7424 3011, 0 7423 3261
Hong Yok
31/33-35 Chiwanuson Road, Amphoe Hat Yai, Songkhla
Tel :: 0 7424 5124-5
Kan-eng (Thai, Chinese Food)
Niphat Uthit 3 Road, Amphoe Hat Yai, Songkhla
Tel :: 0 7424 6138
Mariya
43 Senehanuson Road, Amphoe Hat Yai, Songkhla
Tel :: 0 7424 5194
Phailin Steak House
18/3-4 Siphuwanat Road, Amphoe Hat Yai, Songkhla
Tel :: 0 7423 8562, 0 7423 3222
Sui Ki Suki
Chuti Anuson Road, Amphoe Hat Yai, Songkhla
Tel :: 0 7424 3238
Sumatra
55/1 Ratthakan Road, Amphoe Hat Yai, Songkhla
Tel :: 0 7424 6459, 0 7434 9060
Sunday 65
Chuti Anuson Road, Amphoe Hat Yai, Songkhla
Tel :: 0 7423 3650
Amphoe Mueang
Bua Kaeo Seafood
20 Ratchadamnoen Road, Amphoe Mueang, Songkhla
Tel :: 0 7432 2939, 0 7431 4816
Coca Suki
224/1 Saiburi Road, Amphoe Mueang, Songkhla
Tel :: 0 7431 2309
Makr
Laem Son On, Amphoe Mueang, Songkhla
Tel :: 0 7431 2421
Pavilion
17 Platha Road, Amphoe Mueang, Songkhla
Tel :: 0 7444 1850
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