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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.
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