South Thailand / Songkhla's shopping, places of interest
Shopping
Songkhla’s major shops are found on Nakhon Nai and Nang Ngam Roads. Favorite buys include the native cotton product Pha o Yo, dried shrimps, cashew nuts, crisp fish, shrimp crackers and shadow play leather figures.
Central Market
At the market on Nakhon Nai Road, opposite the Post Office, fresh poultry, meats, fish, vegetables, spices and fruits are sold. The market is open every day from early morning to late afternoon.
Fishery Station
The fish landing on the shore of the Great Lake shows in the early morning and the late afternoon the amazing variety and volume of fish caught. Much is exported fresh or processed.
Sunday Market
As the name indicates, this market happens only on Sundays, in the morning. Offered are a bewildering range of household, agricultural, garden and fashionable products.
Sports
Songkhla Golf Course
The 9-hole beachside course, also known as Tong Yai Golf Course, is beside the Samila Hotel and open to the public daily. It’s a comparatively easy course and therefore suited for newcomers to the game. The Green Fee is 100 Baht, Caddy Fee 100 Baht and the Golf Club Rental Fee is 150 Baht. Golfers can make reservations by telephoning the Samila Hotel at (074) 31-1310.
Samila Beach Water Sports Center
Water sports equipment available here includes rowing boats, paddle boats and speedboats. Shower facilities are around.
Beaches
Samila Beach
Samila Beach some 3km (2mi) from the Municipal Market on Ratchadamnoen Road is characterized by a soft, white sand and beachside pine trees. The most prominent landmark is a Golden Mermaid statue on the headland fronting the beachside Samila Hotel.
Son Onn Beach
This one is directly north of Samila Beach. Hundreds of beachside pine trees provide shade and several restaurants offer simple but delicious fresh seafood and deck chairs for beachside relaxation. The area is particularly popular in the late afternoon and evening.
Miscellaneous
Consulates
There is a US Consulate on Sadao Road (Tel 31-1589 to 90) and a Malaysian General Consulate on 4 Sukhum Road (Tel 31-1062).
Health
Songkhla Hospital;
161 Ramwitthi Rd
Tel 31-1494, 31-1379, 31-3160, 31-3760
Tong Sia Siang Tung Hospital;
161/27 Soi 8, Saengsri Rd;
Tel 24-3044, 24-6446
Places of Interest
Cat & Rat Islands
These islands are prominent landmarks facing Son Onn and Samila beaches. The coastal waters of the two islands are favored by anglers.
Nakhon Nai Road
This is the oldest road in Songkhla. Ancient dwellings along the thoroughfare display distinctive Chinese architectural influence.
Khao Noi
This low hill behind the Samila Hotel commands a panoramic view of the town of Songkhla and Samila Beach. The hill’s has a small garden where the plants have been clipped into ornamental shapes.
Khao Seng
Khao Seng is a headland with a Muslim fishing village, 3km (2mi) south of Samila Beach, where distinctive Koralae boats are decorated with hand-painted floral motifs.
National Institute of Coastal Aquaculture
The institute (Tel 074 / 31-1895), 1km (0.6mi) south of Khao Seng, was established in 1981 as a development and information center for coastal fishery. Attractions include laboratories, a fish museum and hatcheries for important marine life, including prawns, turtles, giant sea perch and groupers. Visitors should call before going there.
Tung Khuan Mountain
Steps lead to the summit of the hill west of Khao Noi. Ancient pagodas and Royal pavilions are the attractions.
Songkhla City Pillar
It dates from the early 1800’s and is highly revered by local people.
Pak Nam Laem Sai Fort
The fort along Laem Sai Road near Khao Tung Khuan dates from the early 1800’s.
Wat Matchimawat
Located on Saiburi Road, this is Songkhla’s largest monastery. The complex, also known as Wat Klang, is some 400 years old and houses a museum containing several ruins and artifacts discovered throughout southern Thailand.
Wat Chaimongkhon
The main pagoda contains a holy relic of the Buddha obtained from Sri Lanka.
Songkhla National Museum
The museum on Rongmuang Road houses Thai objects of art from prehistoric to modern times, as well as archaeological artifacts discovered locally. The lovely complex, dating from the 1870’s, was built in southern Thai and Chinese architectural style as the residence of a local luminary. The museum is open daily, except Monday and Tuesday, between 9:00 and 12:00, and 13:00 to 16:00.
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