1. Institute for Southern Thai Studies

Institute for Southern Thai Studies, situated on Ko Yo, near the foot of the second part of the Tinsulanond Bridge. It was established in 1978 for the studies of southern art and culture. Its museum has comprehensive exhibits on local art and culture, and southern lives as well as artifacts echoing local wisdom accumulated through several generations. The systematic exhibits cover more than 30 rooms displaying history, religion, tradition, occupation, folk play, handicrafts, and various artifacts. Viewing points for the Songkhla Lake and aquaculture farms should not be missed. Admission fee is 50 baht. Call 0 7433 1185-8

2. Phathammarong Museum

Phathammarong Museum, on Chana Road near the Songkhla National Museum. It was constructed constructed in the late 80s, built in a Thai style to resemble the birthplace of H.E. Prem Tinsulanond, the former prime minister and statesman who is a Songkhla native. The construction was based on his testimony when his father was the prison warden. Admission is free, open from Tue to Sun, 08:30-16:00, close on public holiday. The tourist information centre is at the entrance of the museum. Guided tour to the museum will be given by the tourist information centre personnel who will also hand you a copy of useful Songkhla tourist brochure with a useful map inside.

3. Songkhla’s City Pillar

Songkhla’s City Pillar, on Nang Ngam Road, is a revered site to Songkhla’s population. The Chinese architectural style building was constructed together with the city itself. Nearby dwellings, especially on Nakhon Nai and Nakhon Nok Roads also bear the same influence. The Chinese immigrants who came to settle there at the beginning of the 24th Buddhist Century had a major role in the establishment of Songkhla, hence, the distinctive Chinese lifestyle of the area.

4. Songkhla National Museum

Songkhla National Museum, on Chana Rd,. The museum was originally built by Phraya Sunthararak (Net Na Songkhla), the assistant Governor of Songkhla during 1878-1894, as Songkhla ruler’s mansion in Chinese style. It became the domicile of Songkhla’s upper administrative officers and finally the City Hall. It displays southern folk art and crafts, Thawarawadi and Siwichai artifacts, prehistoric finds, old Thai and Chinese ceramics, art objects of the southern peninsula. It has a notable collection of the artifacts of the ‘Na Songkhla Family’ that used to rule the city. It is open to the public, from 09:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 16:00, except Mondays, Tuesdays, and public holidays. Admission is 150 baht.

5. Wat Matchimawat

Wat Matchimawat (Wat Khlang), on Sai Buri Road, is a large temple and the most important in Songkhla. It is about 400 years old. It was said that Yai Si Chan, a millionaire of Songkhla donated a large sum of money to construct the temple. Later on Wat Liap was built on the north, and Wat Pho on the south. The people 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 gathered from Songkhla, Sathing Phra, Ranot, and elsewhere.

6. Songkhla Old Town

     The historic town of Songkhla is worth visiting for its charming traditional architectural style. The town consists of three major roads: Nakorn Noak Road, Nakorn Nai Road, and lastly Nang Ngam Road (also known as Kao Hong Road) which is the location of the Chinese Kuan Uu shrine. Tourists can also visit an old rice mill Hub Ho Hin and Sino-Portuguese townhouses. Nang Ngam Hotel is a historic hotel embellished with elaborate wooden fretworks. During the trip, it is recommended to have bags or rucksacks at hand to hold your belongings whilst shopping.

     One of the recommended places to eat in Songkhla Old Town is Nai Wan seafood restaurant. Located near Samila Beach, the restaurant has ten years experience and is famous for steamed blue crabs (unshelled), crispy duck spicy salad, and sea mussels as well as mullet sour and spicy soup. The Novotel Centara Hat Yai Hotel is a good choice for your accommodation because it is situated in the heart of the shopping arcade. Hotel facilities include for instance a swimming pool, a gym with various fitness equipment, and a sauna room. Finally yet importantly, there are Thai massage services for a relaxing vacation.