Songkhla might not immediately come to mind when planning a holiday in Thailand, but discerning travellers cherish this laid-back coastal province for its history, street art, and mouthwatering food. Its beaches have a reputation for being some of the cleanest in the country, but Songkhla’s real magic unfolds year-round, especially in the atmospheric Old Town.
Nestled between Songkhla Lake and the Gulf of Thailand, this historic, seaside province has been a bustling maritime hub for over 200 years.
Local fishermen cast their nets in Songkhla Lake, searching for the day’s fresh catch.//Photo: Tourism Authority of Thailand.//Photo: Tourism Authority of Thailand
A magnet for traders from China, the Malay Peninsula and beyond, the coastal city carries a rich legacy of cultural exchange, visible in its architecture, food, and traditions.
The old town is best explored on foot, with its the three historic streets—Nakhon Nok, Nakhon Nai, and Nang Ngam—serving up a mix of Hokkien Chinese, Thai, and colonial influences.
Start at the Songkhla City Gate, then meander along Nakhon Nok Road, where shophouses line the waterfront. The faded shophouses tell tales of bygone trade routes that linked Songkhla to Penang and Singapore.
The town’s diverse heritage is impossible to miss.
For centuries, Malay-speaking aboriginal Muslims, Thai Buddhists, and Chinese migrants have coexisted here.
Their customs are seamlessly woven into everyday life. Teakwood shophouses, adorned with colourful shutters and intricate stucco details, now house indie cafés, boutique hotels, and museums, giving the Old Town a timeless yet vibrant character.
Songkhla’s food scene is a delicious tale of its multicultural roots with Thai and Chinese flavors coming together in perfect harmony.
Mornings are best spent at a dim sum joint, sampling delicate Har Gaow (shrimp dumplings), pork-stuffed Siu Mai, and steaming bowls of Khao Tom (rice porridge) topped with braised pork belly or shredded chicken.
Pair it with sweet-yet-bitter “Kopi” coffee or warm soy milk and pa tong go (Chinese dough sticks) for a breakfast that lingers long after the last bite.
For those with a sweet tooth, Baan Chong Dee Khanom Thai on Nang Ngam Road is a must.
This traditional dessert shop serves up golden “Thong Ek” (egg-yolk dumplings) and delicate “Sam Pan Nee” (coconut cookies), offering a taste of Thailand’s royal confectionery traditions.
Songkhla’s street art breathes life into alleyways with vibrant murals of everyday scenes, reflecting the city’s rich cultural heritage.//Photo: Tourism Authority of Thailand
Songkhla’s creative side shines in its street art, where murals bring alleyways to life with scenes of old-school coffee carts, Chinese opera performers, and snapshots of daily life.
One of the most intriguing stops is the Red Rice Mill, a relic of the town’s industrial past that now serves as a cultural space, hosting heritage workshops, storytelling sessions, and exhibitions amid its towering chimney and rusting rice-processing machinery.
History buffs should visit Baan Nakhon Nai, a beautifully restored house museum blending Chinese and European architecture.
Inside, antique furniture, carved wooden beds, and trade relics paint a picture of Songkhla’s prosperous trading days.
For a deeper dive into the region’s past, the Songkhla National Museum—housed in a grand Sino-European-style mansion—offers a treasure trove of artifacts, from ancient ceramics to historical manuscripts.
Songkhla National Museum showcases artifacts in a grand Chinese-European mansion, revealing the region’s rich history.//Photo: Tourism Authority of Thailand
No trip to Songkhla is complete without visiting Samila Beach, one of Thailand’s cleanest coastal retreats.
Fringed by casuarina trees and golden sands, it’s home to the iconic Golden Mermaid Statue, a symbol of local folklore. Just offshore, the twin islets of Koh Nu and Koh Maew add to the scenery, while Laem Son offers a quieter stretch of coastline perfect for unwinding.
For a panoramic view of the town and Songkhla Lake, head to Wat Suwan Khiri, perched on Khao Daeng Hill.
The Buddha sculpture at Wat Suwan provides a serene and peaceful experience for visitors to Songkhla.//Photo: Tourism Authority of Thailand
Dating back to the 18th century, this temple is an architectural wonder, blending Thai, Chinese, and European influences with gothic-style cornices and ceramic-gabled roofs.
Meanwhile, Wat Bo Sap, thought to date to the late Ayutthaya or early Rattanakosin period, boasts ornate murals that weave together Buddhist teachings and local folklore.
Wat Bo Sap's architecture showcases a harmonious fusion of Thai and Chinese styles, reflecting the rich multicultural heritage of Songkhla.//PRD Songkhla Office Facebook page
Songkhla is the place that rewards slow exploration.
Just a 25-minute ride south from Songkhla's Old Town, the Central Mosque is a must-see landmark. With its serene ambiance, stunning surroundings and architecture wonder, the mosque offers an ideal setting for reflection.
The Central Mosque in Songkhla offers a serene ambiance, stunning architecture, and a peaceful cultural experience.//Photo: Tourism Authority of Thailand
While serving as a religious hub for the local Muslim community, the mosque welcomes visitors keen to learn and experience Islamic culture.
Its tranquil atmosphere, combined with its striking architectural beauty, creates a unique experience for those exploring Songkhla.
Songkhla is a hidden gem—often overlooked but full of charm and surprises waiting to be discovered.
Trace Songkhla’s multicultural roots in the Old Town. Savor dim sum for breakfast. Stroll along Samila Beach as the sun sets.
This coastal province invites you to linger. Beyond its Old Town and heritage district, Songkhla has scenic lake, charming fishing villages and more to share with the visitors.
If you go
To reach Songkhla, flying into Hat Yai International Airport (HDY) is the most convenient option. From Hat Yai, visitors can take a bus (45 mins) or hire a taxi to Songkhla.
Otherwise, buses operate from Bangkok, with a journey time of approximately 12-14 hours. Trains also depart daily from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bangkok) to Hat Yai, taking around 14-17 hours.
Once in Songkhla, local transport options such as tuk-tuks or rental scooters are perfect for exploring the city and its surrounding areas at your own pace.
