Go for a stroll
Published/Last edited on 27th April, 2017.
Songkhla’s picturesque heritage district blends food, street art and lake views with beautifully restored 19th-century architecture. Of the many old towns that we’ve visited in Thailand, this is one of the best.
A stroll down Nang Ngam Road takes you past Chinese shrines, venerable wooden homes and Sino-European rowhouses punctuated by lanterns, louvred shutters and bricks emerging from the crumbling mortar surfaces. Nearby Wat Matchimawat displays a mix of Thai and Chinese artistic elements, while Asasul Mosque has been a centre of Muslim life in the Phatthalung Road vicinity since the mid-19th century.
Many houses double as street kitchens expressing the area’s Southern Chinese heritage through plates of roasted duck, khao man gai (chicken rice) and steamed buns. Younger folks have opened art galleries, vintage clothing shops and cafes. If you’re looking to stay in the old town, Baan Nai Nakhon wrapped up Songkhla’s classy Chinese-Thai ambiance in a brilliant boutique hotel.
Over on Nakhon Nok, Blue Smile Cafe proves that funky works of art, craft beer and Western food can fit into an Asian heritage district. At nearby Baan Nakhon Nai Museum (not to be confused with the similarly named hotel), the mosaic tile floors and antique mother-of-pearl furnishings are on display at a former merchant’s home backed by a relaxing ... Travelfish members only (Full text is around 400 words.)
Log in to Travelfish
Please sign in to read the rest of this page. The full text is around 400 words.
Become a Travelfish member
Choose from $5 week-long through to a lifetime membership.
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.