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Songkhla: A Hidden Gem in Southern Thailand
Nestled in the heart of southern Thailand is the picturesque province of Songkhla. This enchanting city boasts of breathtaking landscapes, stunning beaches, historic temples, and a rich cultural heritage that is sure to captivate any traveler. As a National Geographic Journalist, I had the opportunity to explore this city, and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by what it had to offer.
The Scenic Beauty of Songkhla
Songkhla is known for its natural beauty, and it is not hard to see why. The city boasts of a vast array of landscapes, from the tranquil lakes to the rolling hills and the inviting beaches. One of the city’s most prominent attractions is the Songkhla Lake, the largest natural lake in Thailand, spanning an impressive 1,040 square kilometers. Visitors can enjoy boat rides on the lake or take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk and soak in the scenic views.
Likewise, tourists can take a quick drive to the beach and indulge in some exciting activities like parasailing, jet-skiing, and beach volleyball. The stretch of sand along Hat Yai Beach is the perfect place to unwind, catch some rays, and appreciate the coastal scenery.
Likes and Dislikes
One thing that impressed me about Songkhla is the excellent balance between modernity and tradition. The city has fantastic attractions that showcase its rich history and cultural heritage, but it also has modern amenities like shopping malls, restaurants, and bars.
One thing that I found lacking in this city, however, was the language barrier. Though many tourists visit Songkhla, English is not widely spoken, which makes communication difficult.
Living Costs
In terms of living costs, Songkhla is relatively affordable compared to other destinations in Thailand. A budget of $50-70 for daily expenses would be enough to cover accommodations, food, and transportation.
Top 20 Points of Interest
1. Songkhla Lake, Krasae Sin District (Yelp, 4.3)
2. Hat Yai Beach, Hat Yai (Yelp, 4.2)
3. Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, Mueang (Yelp, 4.4)
4. Songkhla National Museum, Mueang (Yelp, 4.3)
5. Tang Kuan Hill, Mueang (Yelp, 4.2)
6. Samila Beach, Mueang (Yelp, 4.1)
7. Songkhla Aquarium, Hat Yai (Yelp, 4.1)
8. Thale Noi Waterbirds Park, Khuan Niang (Yelp, 4.2)
9. Magic Eye 3D Museum, Hat Yai (Yelp, 4.0)
10. Khao Nam Khang National Recreation Forest, Hat Yai (Yelp, 4.5)
11. Songkhla Zoo, Sathing Phra (TripAdvisor, 3.5)
12. Magic Your Life: Illusion Art Museum, Hat Yai (Yelp, 4.2)
13. Samchuk Old Market, Mueang (Yelp, 4.4)
14. Khao Kho Hong, Mueang (Yelp, 4.6)
15. Nakhon Nok Walking Street, Mueang (Yelp, 4.3)
16. Hat Yai Ice Dome, Hat Yai (Yelp, 4.3)
17. Songkhla Old Town, Mueang (Yelp, 4.1)
18. Wat Khao Rup Chang, Hat Yai (Yelp, 4.2)
19. Wat Matchimawat, Mueang (Yelp, 4.2)
20. Hat Yai Cable Car, Hat Yai (Yelp, 4.0)
Top 20 Popular Street Food
1. Pad Thai (fried noodle with shrimp and tofu) – 60-100 baht
2. Som Tam (spicy papaya salad) – 30-50 baht
3. Satay (grilled marinated meat on skewers) – 10-20 baht per stick
4. Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup) – 50-70 baht
5. Khao Gaeng (rice and curry) – 50-70 baht
6. Roti Mataba (curry-stuffed pancake) – 20-30 baht
7. Kanom Jeen (rice vermicelli with curry) – 30-50 baht
8. Khao Soi (curry noodle soup) – 50-70 baht
9. Mieng Kham (spicy bite-size appetizer) – 10-20 baht per piece
10. Grilled Pork Neck – 20-30 baht
Reasonable Accommodations
1. Viva Hotel (Tripadvisor, 4.0) – $20/night
2. MJ Mansion (Tripadvisor, 3.5) – $22/night
3. Siam Mansion (Tripadvisor, 3.5) – $15/night
4. Kamolsorn Hotel (Tripadvisor, 4.0) – $18/night
5. La Pause Hatyai (Tripadvisor, 4.5) – $34/night
6. Baanwaicool Hostel (Tripadvisor, 5.0) – $13/night
7. The Picture Hotel (Tripadvisor, 3.5) – $23/night
8. Tanaphat Hatyai Hotel (Tripadvisor, 4.0) – $23/night
9. The Habito (Tripadvisor, 4.4) – $35/night
10. The Secret Stay – Kids friendly (Airbnb, 4.73) – $16/night
Final Verdict
All things considered, Songkhla is an excellent travel destination that has much to offer. It is a place where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly together. The landscapes, beaches, temples, and museums are breathtaking and offer a glimpse into the rich Thai cultural heritage. The food is delicious, and the prices are relatively affordable. If I were to rate this city, I would give it a solid 8 out of 10 stars. With the language barrier aside, Songkhla is a hidden gem that is worth exploring.
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