Songkhla
สงขลา · Songkhla Province
Population
75K
Budget / Month
$350
Internet
65 Mbps
Best Season
February to April (driest)
About Songkhla
Songkhla sits on a narrow peninsula between the Gulf of Thailand and Thailand's largest natural lake. The city offers a rare blend of Thai, Malay, and Chinese heritage visible in its beautifully preserved old town of Sino-Portuguese shophouses, street art, and small museums. The iconic golden mermaid statue on Samila Beach is one of southern Thailand's most photographed landmarks.
Unlike nearby Hat Yai, which is a shopping hub, Songkhla retains an unhurried, genuinely local atmosphere. The old town features heritage buildings, Nang Ngam Road street art, and the Songkhla National Museum in a Chinese-style mansion. Songkhla Lake supports fishing communities and migratory bird habitats, and Koh Yor island offers an excellent folklore museum.
The city rewards travelers who want authentic southern Thailand without tourist infrastructure or crowds. The food scene blends Thai, Malay, and Chinese influences, with khao yam (rice salad) and roti mataba as standout dishes.
Historical Note
Songkhla has been an important trading port for centuries, attracting Chinese, Malay, and Indian merchants. The old town's architecture reflects this multicultural past. The city served as a key administrative centre for the southern region under the Rattanakosin Kingdom.
Best time to visit: February to April (driest)
At a Glance
Thai Name
สงขลา
Province
Songkhla
Region
Southern
Population
75,000
Area
7,394 km²
Elevation
5 m
Postal Code
90000
Local Language
Thai (southern dialect), Malay
Cost of Living
budget
/month12,300 THB
~$350 USD
comfortable
/month22,700 THB
~$650 USD
luxury
/month42,000 THB
~$1,200 USD
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal | 40 | 60 |
| Local restaurant meal | 60 | 120 |
| Western restaurant meal | 150 | 350 |
| Cafe latte | 50 | 80 |
| Beer (local) | 50 | 70 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic guesthouse per night | 300 | 500 |
| Mid-range hotel per night | 500 | 1,200 |
| Beachfront resort per night | 1,500 | 3,500 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Grab/taxi across town | 40 | 80 |
| Motorbike rental per day | 200 | 300 |
| Minivan to Hat Yai | 40 | 60 |
utilities
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile internet (monthly) | 300 | 600 |
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Thai massage (1 hr) | 200 | 300 |
| Movie ticket | 140 | 200 |
| Gym day pass | 100 | 200 |
Internet & Connectivity
Speed Test Averages
vs Bangkok Average (200 Mbps)
33% of Bangkok speed
Providers
Coworking Spaces
0
Weather & Climate
February to April for the driest weather. Avoid November to January when heavy monsoon rains hit the Gulf coast. The Chak Phra Festival in October is worth experiencing despite the rain.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30 | 23 | 120 | 82% |
| Feb | 31 | 23 | 40 | 78% |
| Mar | 32 | 24 | 50 | 77% |
| Apr | 33 | 24 | 80 | 78% |
| May | 33 | 25 | 120 | 80% |
| Jun | 33 | 25 | 100 | 79% |
| Jul | 33 | 25 | 90 | 78% |
| Aug | 33 | 25 | 100 | 78% |
| Sep | 32 | 24 | 130 | 80% |
| Oct | 31 | 24 | 240 | 84% |
| Nov | 30 | 23 | 350 | 87% |
| Dec | 29 | 23 | 250 | 85% |
Things to Do
Samila Beach
หาดสมิหลา
Walk along the beach to see the famous golden mermaid statue and cat-mouse sculptures. Beautiful at sunset.
Songkhla Old Town
Wander through Sino-Portuguese shophouses on Nang Ngam and Nakorn Nai roads, with street art and heritage buildings.
Songkhla National Museum
พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ สงขลา
Housed in a beautiful old Chinese-style mansion covering southern Thai history and culture.
Khao Tangkuan Hill
เขาตังกวน
Climb the staircase for panoramic views of Songkhla Lake, the city, and the Gulf of Thailand.
Koh Yor and Folklore Museum
เกาะยอ
Cross the bridge to this lake island for the Institute for Southern Thai Studies museum and local fruit orchards.
Songkhla Lake Boat Trip
Take a longtail boat on Thailand's largest natural lake, visiting fishing communities and bird habitats.
Night Markets
Songkhla's night markets offer southern Thai food, Muslim-Thai snacks, and cheap goods.
Food & Dining
ข้าวยำ
Khao Yam
Southern Thai rice salad with herbs, dried shrimp, roasted coconut, and budu sauce. A must-try regional dish.
30-50
Morning market stalls and local restaurants
โรตีมะตะบะ
Roti Mataba
Stuffed roti with minced meat, egg, and curry, reflecting the Malay-Muslim influence.
30-50
Muslim food stalls in the old town
ขนมจีนน้ำยา
Khanom Jeen Nam Ya
Rice noodles with spicy fish curry, served with fresh vegetables. A southern breakfast staple.
25-40
Morning market and street stalls
-
Songkhla Lake Fish
Freshwater fish from the lake, grilled or fried, served at lakeside restaurants.
60-150
Lakeside restaurants near Koh Yor
Night Markets
- Songkhla Night Market
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm
200 - 350
THB / night
Budget Hotel
300 - 500
THB / night
Mid-Range
500 - 1,200
THB / night
Luxury
1,500 - 3,500
THB / night
Studio /mo
3,500 - 6,000
THB / night
1BR /mo
5,000 - 9,000
THB / night
Best Areas for Tourists
Best Areas for Long Stay
Booking Tip
Walk-in rates are often cheaper than online. Most accommodation clusters around Samila Beach and the old town.
Getting There from Bangkok
Fly to Hat Yai + minivan
1.5h flight + 45min van
1500-3500 THB
Train to Hat Yai + minivan
14-16 hours + 45 min
300-1200 THB
Bus
12-14 hours
500-800 THB
Getting Around
Songthaew
LimitedShared pickup trucks on fixed routes
15-30
Motorbike rental
LimitedMost practical way to explore the area
200-300/day
Grab
LimitedAvailable but less reliable than in Hat Yai
40-80
Neighborhoods
Old Town (Nang Ngam / Nakorn Nai)
Heritage, artistic, quietHistoric heart with shophouses, temples, street art, and local eateries. Best area for walking and culture.
Best for: Culture, photography, walking
Samila Beach Area
Relaxed, scenic, local beachgoersMain beach strip with the mermaid statue, seafood restaurants, and most tourist accommodation.
Best for: Beach, relaxation, sunset views
Koh Yor
Rural, peaceful, culturalA lake island connected by bridge with the folklore museum, fruit orchards, and a slower pace.
Best for: Museum, half-day excursion
Festivals & Events
Chak Phra Festival
ชักพระ
Southern Thai Buddhist festival with boat processions on the lake; one of the region's most important events.
Songkhla Old Town Festival
Street art, cultural performances, and food stalls celebrating the heritage quarter.
Songkran
สงกรานต์
Thai New Year water festival celebrated enthusiastically.
Practical Info
Hospital
Songkhla Rajanagarindra Hospital
Best SIM Provider
AIS or TrueMove
ATM Availability
Common
Language Tip
Thai (southern dialect). Very little English spoken. Translation app is very useful.
Drinking Water
Drink only bottled water
Tipping Culture
Not expected
7-Eleven Density
Common
Emergency Numbers
191 (police), 1669 (ambulance), 1155 (tourist police)
Day Trips
Hat Yai
Shopping, floating market, nightlife, and more food variety.
Thale Noi Waterfowl Park
Birdwatching paradise with lotus fields and longtail boat tours.
Khu Khut Waterfowl Park
Excellent birdwatching spot on Songkhla Lake.
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Songkhla safe for tourists?
Yes. Songkhla city is considered safe and is not part of the insurgency-affected deep south provinces.
How do I get from Hat Yai to Songkhla?
Minivans depart frequently, 30-45 minutes, around 40-60 THB. Grab is also an option for 300-400 THB.
Is Songkhla worth visiting over Hat Yai?
Songkhla has far more cultural and scenic appeal. The old town, lake, and beaches make it more interesting. Hat Yai is better for shopping and nightlife.
Can I swim at Samila Beach?
Yes, though the water is not as clear as island beaches. Popular with locals in late afternoon.
Do I need a motorbike?
The old town is walkable, but a motorbike is very helpful for Koh Yor, beaches, and surrounding areas.
Is Songkhla good for digital nomads?
Internet is decent, but there are no co-working spaces and very little international community. Hat Yai would be better for remote work.