Songkhla charm. Photo by: David Luekens

An independent travel guide to
Songkhla

Relax by the sea

With a lake-view heritage quarter on one side of town and a golden beach fading into the sea on the other, the capital of Songkhla province is an excellent alternative destination in Southern Thailand.

Browse hotels in Songkhla on Agoda


Provided by Travelfish partner Agoda.


In the 12th century, Indian traders established a port at a channel between the ocean, a vast lake and two peninsulas, dubbing it Singora after a pair of islets resembling lions. Later dominated by Chinese merchants, Malay Muslims and Siamese Buddhists, who preferred the name Songkhla, the port also attracted traders from across Asia, Europe and the Middle East. The area retained a measure of autonomy until the early 20th century, when Songkhla became a Thai province. Locals still harbour a strong sense of regional identity and pride.

Tourists have fun with one of many murals in Songkhla's old town. Photo by: David Luekens.
Tourists have fun with one of many murals in Songkhla's old town. Photo: David Luekens

From this deep history came graceful Sino-European houses along with temples, mosques and a magnificent Chinese-style palace that’s now part of Songkhla National Museum. In 2015 the city made architectural preservation “an urgent task,” transforming former wealthy homes into museums as street artists added ghostly murals and entrepreneurs opened cafes, galleries and boutique hotels. While the old town attracts growing numbers of Thai and Malaysian tourists, few Westerners have caught up to Songkhla ... Travelfish members only please log in below to continue reading. The full text is around 700 words.)

Learn more about Songkhla

Log in to Travelfish
Please sign in to read the rest of this page. The full text is around 700 words.

Log in now

Become a Travelfish member
Choose from $5 week-long through to a lifetime membership.

Find out more



More destinations

Southern Thailand

Ao Nang
Ban Krut
Bang Saphan Yai
Betong
Cha-am
Chumphon
Hat Yai
Hua Hin
Kaeng Krachan National Park
Khanom and Sichon
Khao Lak
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Khao Sok National Park
Khuraburi
Ko Adang
Ko Bulon Lae
Ko Chang Noi
Ko Jum
Ko Kho Khao
Ko Kradan
Ko Lanta
Ko Lao Liang
Ko Libong
Ko Lipe
Ko Muk
Ko Ngai
Ko Pha Ngan
Ko Phayam
Ko Phi Phi
Ko Phra Thong
Ko Ra
Ko Rawi
Ko Rok
Ko Samui
Ko Si Boya
Ko Sukorn
Ko Surin
Ko Tao
Ko Tarutao
Ko Yao Noi
Ko Yao Yai
Krabi
Nakhon Si Thammarat
Narathiwat
Natai
Pakbara
Pattani
Phang Nga Town
Phattalung
Phetchaburi
Phuket
Prachuap Khiri Khan
Railay Beach
Ranong
Satun
Similan Islands
Sungai Kolok
Surat Thani
Tak Bai
Takua Pa
Trang
Yala

Holiday checklist

If you prefer to have all your ducks in a row before you hit the road, here are some travel services you may wish to consider.

  • SafetyWing offers affordable travel insurance, along with coverage for travellers up to the age of 70.
  • Buying a SIM card through Klook to pickup at the airport when you arrive can save you time and money. Choose from airports across Southeast Asia.
  • GetYourGuide offers a quite comprehensive range of popular organised activities across the region.
  • 12Go is a reliable travel agent for selecting and booking your transport in advance.