 Songkhla,
one of Thailand is important ports and coastal provinces, is located 950
kilometers from Bangkok. Occupying an area of 7,393 square kilometers
on the eastern side of the Malaysian Peninsula, the province is
bordered by the States of Kedah (Sai Buri) and Perlis of Malaysia to
the south and the Gulf of Thailand to the east. In addition, Songkhla
borders on Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phatthalung Provinces to the north,
Yala and Pattani Provinces to the south, and Satun and Phatthalung
Provinces to the west.
An undeniably historic town endowed with ancient ruins, arts, and
places of cultural importance, Songkhla, a melting pot of Thais,
Chinese and Malays, charms visitors with its unique traditions,
dialect, and folk entertainment. These characteristics are reflections
of the provinces rich cultural heritage, which has been preserved and
passed down from generations to generations.
Hat Yai, a district of Songkhla, is perhaps better known than the
provincial capital itself. Hat Yai serves as a southern hub of
communication, trading and transportation as well as a gateway to
Malaysia and Singapore. In light of this, Hat Yai has gained importance
as the driving force of economic growth in the southern region.
History of Songkhla
 Songkhla,
a medieval pirate stronghold, is a historic, albeit sleepy town with a
thriving fishing community. Another Srivijaya outpost in Thailands
southern region, Songkhla was initially named Sa-thing". Previously a
port and a coastal trading post where Indian, Persian and Arabian
merchants came to exchange their products, the place was named "Sing
Lha" after the 2 lion-shape islands at the mouth of the city is lake. At
present, these 2 islands are Koh Nu (Rat Island) and Koh Maeo (Cat
Island). The old part of Songkhla is located at the present-day Amphoe
Sathing Phra.
Todays Songkhla
 Over
the last few decades, Songkhla has been rapidly developed and is
currently a unique attraction worth visiting. Blessed with natural
resources such as fine beaches, enchanting waterfalls, and a tranquil
lake, the province has an abundance of tourist attractions and an
amazing range of seaside resort towns. Moreover, the old section of
Songkhla still maintains its unique identity of ancient and historical
flavors through local architecture and cuisine.
While Songkhla is noted as a fishing community set in a peaceful
atmosphere, Hat Yai, on the other hand, serves as a transportation and
communications hub of the south with links to various destinations in
the neighboring provinces and Malaysia.
Despite being only 30 kilometers apart, Songkhla and Hat Yai have
uniquely contrasting characteristics and are ideal places to visit.
Songkhla is administratively divided into 16 districts: Muang Songkhla,
Ranot, Krasae Sin, Sathing Phra, Singhanakhon, Khuan Niang, Rattaphum,
Bang Klam, Hat Yai, Na Mom, Chana, Thepha, Na Thawi, Saba Yoi, Sadao,
and Khlong Hoi Khong.
Distances from Amphoe Muang Songkhla to Neighboring Districts:
Ranot 73 kms.
Hat Yai 26 kms.
Krasae Sin 74 kms.
Na Mom 34 kms.
Sathing Phra 36 kms.
Chana 37 kms.
Singhanakhon 26 kms.
Thepha 73 kms.
Khuan Niang 72 kms.
Na Thawi 52 kms.
Rattaphum 60 kms.
Saba Yoi 104 kms.
Bang Klam 46 kms.
Sadao 70 kms.
Klong Hoi Khong 43 kms. |
