Songkhla, Thailand

Songkhla is a city in the Songkhla Province of southern Thailand, near the border with Malaysia . Due to its location at the opening of the big Songkhla lake to the Gulf of Thailand, Songkhla is a fishing town and also an important harbour. It is the major seaport on the east side of the Isthmus of Kra.

Songkhla is a sleepy seaside resort with tranquil beaches, quaint fishing villages, fascinating local culture and deliciously fresh seafood, cooked Thai-style. It is also the gateway to HatYai, Southern Thailand's hub of shopping, entertainment and nightlife.

Things to See & Do

* Climb Khao Tung Kuan hill – views of the town and port
* Ruins of Laem Sai fort
* Songkhla National Mueum
* Wat Matchimawat temple
* Samila Beach

General information

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – Baht (THB)
Language – Thai
Population – 80,000 approx
Land Area – 14 km²
Electricity – 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time - GMT plus seven hours
International Country Telephone Code – +66

Port Location - Large ships dock at Laem Chabang Port, about 90 minutes southeast of Bangkok and about 30 minutes north of Pattaya. Modest-sized ships may dock further upriver at Khlong Toey Port, close to Bangkok's city center.


Travel Links – Songkhla is accessible by bus from Bangkok (25km).

Bangkok is served by two airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Muang Airport . Suvarnabhumi Airport is used by all airlines in Thailand, except for domestic flights on Nok Air and Orient Thai, which still use the old Don Muang Airport. Both these airports are about 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the city center, so be prepared for a long ride to get into the city.

The State Railway of Thailand serves Bangkok with railway lines from all four directions of Thailand. Hualamphong Train Station is the most important station, located close to Yaowarat and served by its own MRT station.