Samila
Beach
Lying approximately 2.5 kilometers from the municipal market, the beach
is characterized by fine white sand and lined with shady pine trees.
From Samila Beach one can see Laem Son Onn to the northeast and
Chalathas Beach to the south. On a clear day, Kao Seng Hill can be seen
further to the south. The major landmark of the beach is the Golden
Mermaid statue, a prominent symbol of Songkhla.
Laem Son Onn
This is a promontory which lies northwest of Samila Beach. Hundred of
pine trees line both sides of the road leading to Laem Son Onn. At the
tip of the promontory is located the statue of Kromluang Chumphon Khate
Udomsak, where the open view provides an ideal location for admiring the
sunset and scenic beauty. Food stalls under the shade of pine trees
offer a variety of delicious snacks and local dishes. From Laem Son Onn,
Rat Island can be seen at its closest point.
Cat and Rat Island
These prominent marine landmarks facing Samila Beach and Laem Son Onn
with rodent - like and feline shapes have been the symbol of Songkhla
since ancient times. These islets' coastal waters are favored by local
anglers.
Kao Seng
Kao Seng is a small fishing village 3 kilometers south of Samila Beach.
Near the village is the National Institute of Coastal Marine Aquaculture
and a Buddhist monk sanctuary. Kao Seng, the present name of the
village, is a corruption of the name derived from the Thai word "Kao
Saen", referring to the nine hundred thousand Baht treasure and the rock
is called Hua Nai Raeng.
Kao Noi
Lying 100 meters behind the Samila Beach, this hillock is accessed by
winding paved roads. At the foot of the hillock on the eastern side is a
mini-park where food is sold to park goers and where tennis courts are
available for the athletic-minded. On the northeastern side, there is a
small topiary garden. The hilltop also contains a fitness park and the
statue of Kromluang Lopburi Ramase. For nature advocates, a herd of wild
monkeys roaming the slope freely is a sight to remember.
Pa Prem
Recreational Garden (Suan Pa Prem) The garden is located on the shore
near the head of the first section of Tinnasulanon Bridge (From Baan Nam
Krachai to Koh Yo). This lakeside garden is filled with flowering and
ornamental plants and provides shady and cool area for picnic. It also
features a children's playground.
Tinnasulanon Bridge
The bridge is part of Highway 4146, linking Highway 407 (Hat Yai -
Songkhla) and Highway 4083 (Songkhla - Ranode). It starts from the
mainland side at Baan Nam Krachai, passing through Koh Yo, and is
connected to Khao Khiao on the other side of the mainland. The bridge
contains two sections. The first section links Amphoe Muang Songkhla at
Baan Nam Krachai with the southern shore of Koh Yo island, 940 meters in
length, excluding a tied beam of 100 meters at each end. The second
section links the northern shore of Koh Yo island with Ban Khao Khiao on
the mainland with a length of 1,700 meters, excluding a 225 meters tied
beam.
Khu Khut Water Fowl Park
The park is located 3 kilometers off Highway 4083 at Moo 4, Tambon
Khukhut, Amphoe Sathing Phra, 55 kilometers from Songkhla. The park has
an area of 364 square kilometers. It is one of Songkhla Lake's water
fowl sanctuaries worth visiting and ideal for bird watching. According
to a survey conducted by the Forestry Department, there are 44 families,
137 genuses, and 219 species of birds at the sanctuary. Boats can be
hired for sight-seeing at a rate of 150 Baht per hour. The park is best
visited during December to March when species of birds, both migratory
and resident are in abundance.
For further information, please call (074)
397042.
Maharat Beach
The beach is located 500 meters from the Sathing Phra District Office.
The three kilometers long beach with crystal sand is serene and an
enjoyable location for swimming. It is lined with pine trees, providing
cool shade for relaxation.
Sakom Beach
The beach is about 53 kilometers from Songkhla on Asia 4 Highway. It is
about 15 kilometers from Amphoe Chana and one kilometer off the main
highway. Nearby is another beach called Haad Soi Sawan. These are ideal
locations for camping and picnic. A small island across from the beach
is Koh Khaam where fish abound and providing a good fishing site for
anglers.
Songkhla Lake
Songkhla Lake is the largest lake in Thailand covering extensive areas
in Songkhla and Phatthalung province, The later some 80 kilometers from
the estuary to the north. The width of the lake ranges between 20 to 25
kilometers. It is a fresh water lake except in the area close to the sea
where the water is brackish. Numerous species of water plants and marine
life are found in abundance in the lake.
Wat Tham Talord
The temple is located 25 kilometers from the District Office at Moo 6,
Tambon Khao Daeng, Amphoe Sabayoi. The cave serves as a natural tunnel
linking one side of hill with the other. Inside the cave are an ancient
cement Buddha statue, approximately 100 reclining Buddha statues of
varied sizes, and a statue of a 6 foot tall giant guarding the entrance
of the cave. The cave provides cool shade and a relaxing atmosphere.
Roo Noksak Cave
The cave is located 14 kilometers from the District Office at Moo 4,
Tambon Khooha, Amphoe Sabayoi. A crystal clear stream flows along the
cave. Stalagmites and stalactites of various shapes and forms are most
fascinating for visitors. Part of the 300 meters long cave is dark while
the other is bright. Trekking through the cave is quite adventurous
since trekkers have to climb some steep cliffs in order to complete the
exciting journey.
Tone Nga Chang Waterfall
Waterfall is located in a wildlife reserve area 26 kilometers from Hat
Yai. It can be reached by taking the Hat Yai - Rattaphum Road, turning
left at the 13 kilometer milestone and going further for another 13
kilometers. Of all the seven cascades, the third one is the most
fascinating, with the water falling into two large streams resembling an
elephant's tusks (Tone Nga Chang means "waterfall like an elephant's
tusks" in the local dialect). The water flows all year long. The area is
also ideal for trekking and enjoying unspoiled nature.
Hat Yai City Municipality Park
The park is located 6 kilometers from Hat Yai city center on
Kanchanavanit Road (Hat Yai - Songkhla). It is a recreational area for
Hat Yai residents as well as other visitors. The park complex is
decorated with beautiful flowering and ornamental plants. A pavilion was
built jutting into a small man - made lake. A small size zoo and a bird
park provide visitors with a glimpse of wild animals and various species
of birds. At the foot of the hill near the bird's park is a statue of
King Rama V. On the hilltop is a shrine of the Hindu god Brahma. On the
north side of the hilltop overlooking the scout camp is located a shrine
of the Chinese goddess Kuan-Im
Boriphat Waterfall
This waterfall is located in Amphoe Rattaphum on Highway 406 (Hat Yai -
Satun) at Km. 34-35. A one kilometer road leads to the small and
beautiful waterfall.
Songkhla Zoo
Located at No.189 Songkhla - Chana Road, Tambon Khao Roop Chang, Amphoe
Muang, Songkhla, the open zoo houses a variety of animal species,
domestic and foreign, ranging from camels, birds, red bulls, tigers,
crocodiles, etc. The zoo serves not only as a place for viewing various
species of wild animals, but also as an ideal bird's eye view spot for
admiring the scenic beauty of Songkhla. Food is available for visitors.
For further information, please contact Tel.
(074) 325037-8, 323649.
Khao Nam Khang National Park
The area in the park is covered with virgin forests where there are two
waterfalls called Tone Dard Fah and Tone Lard Fah. The park can be
accessed by two routes: 26 kilometers from Sadao and 31 kilometers from
Nathawee on Nathawee - Baan Prakob Road.
For more information, please contact Nathawee
District Office. Tel. (074) 371010
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