Cool off by the Gulf
Published/Last edited on 18th August, 2021.
The fine khaki sand of Samila Beach stretches for two kilometres up to a famous naga statue at the northeast edge of town.
A large park with a nifty pirate ship playground and even a skate park joins a cluster of seafood restaurants behind the beach, where it seemed like half of the city had come to unwind during our Sunday visit at dusk. Kids splashed in the choppy surf as teenagers chilled on blankets, played soccer or flew kites. We even saw a guy galloping a horse along the shore.
Marking the southern end of Haad Samila is a mermaid statue built atop a black boulder near BP Samila Beach Hotel. Its hair-washing posture mimics depictions of Phra Mae Kongkha, the water goddess who is believed to wash evil spirits away with a torrent wrung from her long black hair. How’s that for a superpower?
Stroll north along the sand, or take Laem Son Road running behind, and you’ll come to a quieter section of the beach backed by pine-like son trees. This vicinity also hosts Songkhla Aquarium and its dolphin shows and go-karts. Keep north and you’ll reach an eye-catching image of a naga serpent near a statue of Prince Chumphon, father of the modern Thai Navy.
From here you get a view to the port over at the southern tip of Sathing Phra Peninsula along with two islets at the mouth of a channel. Now known as Ko Nu (Rat Island) and Ko Maeo (Cat Island), these islets resembled crouching lions to the area’s early Indian traders, resulting in the name Singhla, which later evolved ... Travelfish members only (Full text is around 300 words.)
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Haad Samila is two kilometres northeast of the old town off Ratchadamnern Rd.
Address: Two kilometres northeast of Songkhla’s Old Town off Ratchadamnern Rd.
Coordinates (for GPS): 100º35'23.3" E, 7º12'55.26" N
See position in Apple or Google Maps: Apple Maps | Google Maps
Admission: Free
Reviewed by
David Luekens
David Luekens first came to Thailand in 2005 when Thai friends from his former home of Burlington, Vermont led him on a life-changing trip. Based in Thailand since 2011, he spends much of his time eating in Bangkok street markets and island hopping the Andaman Sea. David is also the founder of Thai Island Quest—a newsletter focused on covering every island and beach in Thailand.