Songkhla’s main beach, Samila
Beach, has fine white sand and a wide beach area
protected by a line of tall pine trees. Close by
are the famous Koh Noo (Mouse
Island)
and Koh Maew (Cat Island). On the headland is the
famous bronze Mermaid Statue similar to the one
in Denmark, a Kodak spot that no visitor can pass
up.
South of the city is the Muslim village of Khao
Seng where colorful korlae fishing boats can be
seen. The korlae boats are a distinctive style of
the southern fishing communities.
The city boasts two significant and impressive
museums. The exquisite Songkhla National Museum
is the former residence of Songkhla’s deputy
governor built in 1878 in the southern Thai-Chinese
style. Exhibit highlights include earthenware jars
recovered from the sea around Songkhla. The Patsree
Museum in Wat Matchimawat, or Wat Klang to locals,
contains a 35-cm stone image of Ganesh, the Hindu
elephant god, that dates back to the late 6th century,
making it the earliest artifact found in the peninsula.
It also contains other wares from foreign countries
that affirms Songkhla’s importance as a former
maritime trade center.
Songkhla’s Thale Sap (lake) is the nation’s
largest fresh-water lake with a scenic
panorama.
The bay’s mouth contains many islands, the
most popular being Koh Yor for its hilltop perched
restaurants, cotton-weaving industry, and fish farms.
Spanning three kilometers across the Songkhla Lake,
the Tinnasulanon Bridge was named after our highly
respected council privy, a native of this area.
The nation’s longest bridge connects Songkhla
city with the narrow coastal strip to the north
and intersects through Koh Yor in the middle of
the lake.
Wat Phra Kho in Sathing Phra District is believed
to be the oldest temple in the province. Archeological
findings indicate the district was once an important
port selling ceramics to foreign traders. The temple
was also the former residence of a highly revered
senior monk, Luang Poo Tuad, and contains a bronze
replica of him for worship.
Wat Tham Talod is a large cavern that burrows through
to the other side of the mountain. Inside are ancient
Buddha images constructed from wood and encased
in cement dating back several centuries. Beside
these, there are over 100 different Buddha images
and a gigantic, 6-foot tall giant statue guarding
the cave entrance.
Located in Nathawee District, the Khao Nam Kang
(Mountain Dew) Historical Caves houses a series
of caves connected by a complex tunnel system that
was formerly
used
by the Communist group, similar to the ones in Vietnam.
It has recently been promoted to a museum and the
area was declared a protected park.
The Kukud Nok Nam (waterfowl) Park is located in
the restricted gaming zone of the Songkhla Lake
in Sathing Phra District and comprised mainly of
islands. Sea grasses thrive on these islands, covering
it with a vivid green carpet giving the appearance
of grass fields in the midst of the lake. Numerous
species of birds flock here for the abundant food
supply.
The world's third largest reclining Buddha image
is found at Wat Hat Yai Nai near Hat Yai. The image
is 35 m. long, 15 m. high, and 10 m. wide. You can
walk inside the image by entering through a small
shrine room. Herbal saunas and massages are offered
on the compound.
See the spectacular seven-tier Tone Nga Chang Waterfall
located 24 kms. from Hat Yai. The third tier is
the most beautiful as the water separates into two
streams resembling elephant tusks, thus the literal
translation of the waterfall's name.
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