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Hat Yai
Hat Yai, which is situated approximately 28 kilometers from the city of Songkhla, is an important gateway to Malaysia and Singapore. Strategically located only 60 kilometers from the port of entry at Sadao, Hat Yai has only recently been developed and has rapidly been transformed into the commercial, transportation, communication, educational, and tourism hub of the south. Tourists enjoy shopping at Hat Yai for various goods ranging from fresh produce to consumer products such as electrical appliances. The area of Niphat Uthit 1, 2, or 3 Roads is where major commercial shops are located. Several shopping centers available include Lido Shopping Center, Odeon Shopping Center, Sanehanuson, Hat Yai Plaza Shopping Center, and Si Kimyong Market on Phetkasem Road. Located on Sai Buri Road, this large temple is perhaps the most important Buddhist temple in Songkhla. It is said that Yai Si Chan, a Songkhla millionaire donated a large sum of money to construct this more than 400 years old temple. Later on Wat Liap was built to the north and Wat Pho to the south. The local residents 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 collected from Songkhla, Sathing Phra, Ranot, and other places. This Tunnel is situated in Khao Nam Khang, Mu 1, Tambon Khlong Kwang, approximately 4 kilometers from the Park Office. Once known as the Piyamit Village 5, the tunnel was operated by Communist insurgents. After almost 40 years of fighting with the Thai Government, the Communist Party was dispersed and became part of Thai Development Participants in 1987.

Thailands largest and longest man-made tunnel, it was completed in two years with three separate corridors and three levels deep. The tunnel itself could accommodate about 200 persons with several rooms such as conference room, sick bay, radio transmission room, kitchen, firing range, etc.

This community can be dated back to the early Southern period when most of the inhabitants were seafaring merchants who traded with the Chinese and Indians. Situated 500 meters from the Gulf of Thailand and 3,500 meters from Songkhla Lake, the community left its ancient ruins made from brick and stone, as well as Chinese pottery from the Tung dynasty (618-908) and Yuan dynasty (1279-1368). From town district take highway 408 for 36 kilometers. This mansion is located to the south of Khao Noi hillock on Sadao Road. It was built as a residence of Prince Chao Fah Yukhon Khamphorn (Krom Luang Lopburi Ramase) when he was Phra Samut Thesaphibaan of Monthon Nakhon Si Thammarat, and later Somdet Upparat of Monthon Pak Tai (Southern Territory). The present King and Queen used to stay at this mansion on an earlier trip to the South in 1959. At present the mansion is used as the residence of Governor of Songkhla. The Fortress was constructed during the reign of King Rama III, when the city was established. Today, the Fortress, which is located behind the Songkhla Provincial Police Headquarters, stands as a timeless proof of Songkhla's rich heritage.

Songkhla's City Pillar
Located on Nang Ngam Road, the pillar, which is highly revered by the local residents, was constructed when the city was built. This area of the city has distinctly Chinese characteristics as can be seen in the Chinese-style building where the pillar is enshrined and nearby buildings on Nakhon Nai and Nakhon Nok Roads. The distinctive Chinese lifestyle and influence in the area is due to the presence of Chinese immigrants, who came to settle in Songkhla at the beginning of the 24th Buddhist Century and had a major role in the establishment of Songkhla. Wat Chai Mongkhon, on Phetmongkhon-Chaimongkhon Road, has a chedi that was built to house the Buddhist relics brought back from Langka by a monk named Na Issaro who was teaching Pali there in 1892. This is a magnificent temple to visit particularly for archeology enthusiasts. Established in 999, the temple has several ancient ruins from the Srivijaya Period such as Chedi Phra Maha That, Wihan Phra Phutthasaiyat (reclining Buddha), and the bell tower. The monastery is located at Mu 4, Tambon Cha Thing Phra, just 200 meters from the District Office. This temple was the seat of Somdet Pha Kho or Luang Pho Thuat Yiap Nam Tha-le Chuet, the most revered monk in the south. It is said that one day, a pirate ship sailed along the coast and saw Somdet Pha Kho who seemed different from other people walking in the area. The pirates wanted identify the difference so they docked and kidnapped him. However, the ship did not sail very far before it stopped for no apparent reason and had to anchor there for several days until they ran out of freshwater. Somdet Pha Kho took pity on them so he put his left foot in the sea, making it sparkle and turn into freshwater. The pirates became faithful, asked for his pardon, and took him ashore. From then on the people started to pay homage to the monk. The temple is located at Mu 6, Tambon Chumphon, on Khao Phatthasing, about 48 kilometers from Songkhla, on the Songkhla-Sathing Phra Highway. Getting there: From the city take highway 407 pass Tinnasulanon Bridge and then turn to highway 408 (Songkhla-Ranot) about km. 110. The temple, belonging to the Mahayana Buddhist sect, is located at Baan Nongkhuan Moo 5, Tambon Tha Chang, Amphoe Bangklam on an approximately 4 acre plot. This temple is considered a holy place revered by both Buddhist Thais and Buddhists from other countries, many of whom travel to pray at this place. Located on Phetkasem Road, near Khlong U Taphao Bridge, the monastery is where Phra Phuttha Hattha Mongkhon, a large reclining Buddha measuring 35 meters long, 15 meters tall, and 10 meters wide, is enshrined. Highly revered by both Thai and foreign tourists, the image is believed to be the third largest reclining Buddha in the world. Formerly known as Wat Aek, the temple is located at Tambon Cherngsae, Amphoe Krasaesin. It houses a sacred Buddha statue made of coral reef. The present figure, a size of 70 cm. At the lap and 120 cm. high is covered with cement. For further information, please contact the temple at (074) 399075. This temple is located in Tambon Padang Besar, Amphoe Sadao. It utilizes a cave in the premise as place for performing religious practices. Exotic stalagmites and stalactites are eminent in the cave. The interior of the cave is partitioned into many chambers. The temple premise is cool and peaceful. It is about 13 kilometers from Padang Besar market. It was built by Chao Phraya Phra Khlang (Dit Bunnak) and Somdet Chao Phraya Borom Maha Phrayurawong to commemorate the victory over the Sai Buri Revolt in 1830. The Chedi is situated at the top Khao Daeng, Tambon Khao Daeng. This Chedi was built by Phraya Si Phiphat (That Bunnak) and Somdet Chao Phraya Maha Phichaiyat to commemorate the victory over Sai Buri, Pattani, Penang, and Malayan Revolts. After the victory, Phraya Si Phipat remained in Songkhla for two years and built this Chedi to accompany the first one, before he returned to Bangkok. Black Pagoda is located on the top of Khao Daeng Hill in Amphoe Singha Nakhon. It was built by Chao Muang Phra Khlang (Dis Bunnag) or Somdet Phraya Ongyai (Somdet Phra Borom Maha Prayoorawong on occasion of a victory over the rebellion of Kedah in 1830.
White Pagoda was built by Phraya Sri Phiphat (Thad Bunnag) or Somdet Maha Phichai Yat in memory of the victory over the rebellion of the rulers of Kedah, Patani, and Penang. After suppessing the rebellion, Phraya Sri Phiphat governed Songkhla for two years, during which time he built the white pagoda on top of the hill as a twin of the black one. Institute for Southern Thai Studies
This Institute is situated on Ko Yo, near the foot of the second part of the Tinsulanond Bridge. Established in 1978 to undertake the study of southern arts and culture, the institute has been transformed into a live museum that exhibits comprehensive sets of local art and culture, and southern lifestyles. The systematic exhibitions cover more than 30 rooms with displays concerning history, religion, tradition, occupation, folk play, handicrafts, and various artifacts. In addition, there are presentations that recount local wisdom, which has been accumulated and passed down through several generations. Other than the exhibitions and presentation, there are several viewpoints where visitors can admire Songkhla Lake and aquaculture farms in the institute. Call 0 7433 1185-8 for more information. Located on Chana Road, the Museum, constructed in the Chinese style, was originally built in 1878 as the mansion of Songkhla’s ruler. It later became the domicile of Songkhla’s upper administrative officers, the City Hall and in 1953, the building was converted into a museum to exhibit lower southern artifacts. Today it is the place where local archaeology, history and folk art and culture can be studied and appreciated. Noteworthy is the collection of artifacts of the Na Songkhla Family that used to rule the city.

It is opened to the public, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., except Mondays, Tuesdays and public holidays.

Located on Chana Road near the Songkhla National Museum, Phathammarong Museum is a Thai-style museum constructed to resemble the birthplace of H.E. Prem Tinsulanond, the former Prime Minister and Statesman who is a Songkhla native. It is open daily except on Monday at 8.30-16.00 hrs.

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