About Songkhla Province
Songkhla province is home to Hat Yai — the commercial capital of southern Thailand and a major hub for travellers heading to or from Malaysia. The province also contains the twin-sea peninsula of Songkhla city, a charming old town of Sino-Portuguese shophouses wedged between the Gulf of Thailand and the vast Songkhla Lake. The lake itself is Thailand's largest natural lake and an important wetland for migratory birds. Hat Yai is a city of commerce, night markets, and excellent Muslim-influenced food; Songkhla town is quieter, historic, and genuinely lovely.
Top Highlights
Songkhla Old Town
Sino-Portuguese architecture, fishing culture, and the famous cat statues
Hat Yai night markets and food scene
arguably the best Muslim Thai cuisine in the country
Songkhla Lake
Thailand's largest natural lake, important bird sanctuary
Khao Nam Khang National Park
caves with WWII history and forest hiking trails
Getting There
Hat Yai International Airport (HDY) has frequent flights from Bangkok (60 minutes) with Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, and budget carriers. Hat Yai is also on the main southern rail line from Bangkok. Buses connect Hat Yai to Surat Thani, Kuala Lumpur, and Penang. Songkhla town is 30 minutes east of Hat Yai by songthaew or taxi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore more Thai provinces
Browse all 30 province guides
Was this page helpful?
Senior Travel Writer · Bangkok · 12+ years in Thailand
James has lived in Bangkok since 2014 and has visited all 77 Thai provinces. He specialises in destination guides, itinerary planning, and transport logistics. Before moving to Thailand, he worked as a travel journalist in Hong Kong and Singapore. He speaks conversational Thai and is a certified PADI divemaster.
Our editorial standards