Songkhla province is a province of Thailand located in the southern part of the country. It is some 950 kilometers from Bangkok. Although Songkhla town is capital of the province, it is not the largest city. Hat Yai city is twice as big as Songkhla and better known as it is the gateway for Malaysian and Singaporean tourists to enter Thailand.

       Songkhla National Museum is a beautiful complex built in the southern Thai and Chinese architectural style to be the residence of the local luminary. The museum building dates back to 1870s and houses many art works from prehistoric and modern times.

       Songkhla’s largest monastery is Wat Matchimawat. The monastery is also known as Wat Klang. It is nearly 400 years old and houses a museum which displays several artifacts collected from across southern Thailand.

        Laem Samila is a cave located 3 kilometers from Songkhla town on Samila Beach. The most prominent landmark of this area is a mermaid statue o the headland and the surrounding area of the cave has white soft sand and pine trees. Just behind Samila Beach is Khao Noi. This is a small hill which has a public park known as Suan Seri. This park contains a topiary garden and gives a beautiful panoramic view of Songkhla town and Samila Beach.

        Just west of Khao Noi is Khao Tangkuan. This hill is approximately 2,000 feet above sea level and steps lead to the summit. Right on top of the hill is an ancient pagoda, which was constructed in 1866 by King Rama IV. On the foot of the hill is a royal residential building.

        The famous temple of Songkhla is in Sathing Phra district. In this temple a venerated holy man, Luang Pho Thuat, one lived. According to legends, Luang Pho Thuat was kidnapped by pirates and their ship was blown off course in a violent storm and all the freshwater on the ship got exhausted. The pirates suffered until Luang Pho Thaut inserted his left foot in salt water and made it potable. The pirates showed their gratitude to the holy by releasing him. Among the temple’s attractions are a statue of the holy man, a reclining Buddha, stupa and murals.