Need a vacation cheap and fast? Ran out of unique places to explore?
Visit Songkhla, one of the most underrated cities in southern Thailand, in close proximity to the border with Malaysia. The first thought when anyone in the world mentions Thailand is shopping in Bangkok or heading to the beach in Phuket, or even visiting Hat Yai. But Songkhla one of the most undiscovered gems of Thailand.
© Kaipungyai
Where is Songkhla?
Located 1000 KM away from the heart of Thailand, Bangkok, is Songkhla, the capital of the Songkhla Province.
Songkhla is completely surrounded by water: South China Sea and Songkhla lake, making great views for photographs no matter which part of the island you’re on, or whatever direction you’re facing.
Apart from the memorable photos and views you will be experiencing on your trip, there is so much more to Songkhla. With a place so untouched and raw, get ready to immerse yourself in the rich culture and be filled with more knowledge of Songkhla.
Fun Fact: Songkhla was originally an old Malay Kingdom with heavy Srivijayan influence up till the 18th century.
For all the shopaholics, fear not as Songkhla has night markets and shopping destination to fulfil your urges and fill up your bags.
How to go to Songkhla, Thailand
There are a total of 4 ways that you will be able to get to Songkhla from Malaysia.
Train
Take the KTM ETS Malaysia from Kuala Lumpur to Padang Besar, then hop onto the one to Hat Yai. When at Hat Yai, hop on to “The Transport Company” bus to Songkhla.
This route to Songkhla by Train will take you about 8 hours and 50 minutes. Ticket prices will start from RM60.
Bus
First, take the KLIA Express Train from KL Sentral to Bandar Tasik Selatan.
Take the “Alisan Golden Coach Express” from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan to Hatyai, make a change and hop on “The Transport Company” bus to Songkhla from Hatyai.
This route to Songkhla by Bus will take about 11 hours and 20 minutes and will cost you RM90 and above.
Drive
Take a drive from wherever you are across the Malaysia – Thailand Border, Bukit Kayu Hitam.
This will take you a total of approximately 6 hours from the city center, Kuala Lumpur, to Songkhla. Songkhla is just 85KM away from the border, making travel very convenient.
Plane
Take a plane directly from Kuala Lumpur to Songkhla for just 1 hour and 15 minutes. Airfares start from RM270.
| Transport Method | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Train | 8h 50min | From RM 60 |
| Bus | 11h 20min | From RM 90 |
| Drive | 6h | NA |
| Plane | 1h 15min | From RM 270 |
Things To Do in Songkhla:
Wachira Night Food Market
© xviiizz
Noted as one of the best by the locals and the “most missed” by tourists that have been there, Wachira Night Food Market.
Wachira has an amazing spread of food, so wide that we challenge you personally to go down to the night market and try to sample at least one of every single dish on sale. Some of the street food that you will expect to indulge yourself in are the river prawns, BBQ, and roasted piglets.
It’s recommended to come down after 5pm so that most stores are already set up and you can enjoy the sunset at the nearby Charawat Beach while you dig in to your food.
- Location: Thaleluang Rd., Songkhla 90000, Thailand
- Price: From RM 1.50
Samila Beach
If you’re sick of beaches being overly populated, Songkhla’s beaches will be the ones for you with their peaceful atmosphere.
The waters at the Samila Beach are shallow and clean as well, making it friendly for children to play in.
© Fiqah Anugerah Dah Besa
Did you really visit Songkhla if you did not visit The Golden Mermaid?
The iconic landmark of Songkhla, The Golden Mermaid, is a place that should not be missed when you come down to Songkhla.
The statue is said to have come about when a fisherman saw a mermaid who combed a hair with a golden comb. The mermaid then saw him and was frightened. The fisherman waits for the mermaid to return but she never came back. Therefore this statue was made in commemoration of this myth. Tourists come to The Golden Mermaid for blessings and well wishes.
- Location: Samila Beach, Songkhla 90000, Thailand
- Price: Free
Ko Yo Island
© ABUN5M
Take a quick trip to Ko Yo Island while you’re at Songkhla via a short 20 minute drive. Rent a car or take a taxi! We promise that this is an experience not to be missed.
On your journey from Songkhla to Ko Yo, you will pass by Thailand’s longest concrete bridge, Tinsulanonda Bridge. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a 2.6km walk while you slowly immerse yourself with fresh air and scenic views from both Songkhla and Ko Yo.
© Footageclips
One of the most popular attractions on Ko Yo Island is the Reclining Buddha at Wat Phranon Laem Pho. For a small fee, you will be able to pay your respects or take a photo with him.
If not, take the time to marvel at the shining gold statue “standing” at 99ft.
- Tinsulanonda Bridge Location: Sathing Mo, Mueang Songkhla District, Songkhla 90280, Thailand, Hat Yai
- Reclining Buddha Location: Wat Phranon Laem Pho, Ko Yo, Mueang Songkhla District, Songkhla 90100, Thailand
Now that you’re in awe and filled with the brief history of Songkhla, it’s time to make a trip down and experience this breathtaking view for yourself.
Be sure to remember to pack your cameras and outfits for this trip! You will definitely want to look good in the photos when you share them with your friends and family.
This article first appeared on Shopback
