Таиланд, Отели Таиланда, Бронирование отелей в Таиланде. Авиабилеты, туры, экскурсии, конференции. Бронирование отелей по всему миру.

Songkhla is a border province in Southern Thailand, adjoining the state of Kedah in Malaysia. It has been known as a principal sea port and coastal trading post from time immemorial. As a historic town, Songkhla has inherited ancient ruins, arts, and places of cultural importance in addition to its unique tradition, dialect, and folk entertainment, a reflection of its rich cultural heritage for later generations to appreciate.

Songkhla has fine beaches, enchanting waterfalls, and a tranquil lake - a manifestation of its abundant natural resources. While Songkhla is noted for its fishery industry, Hat Yai, the major district of the province, serves as a transportation and communications hub of the South, with this bustling town linking with various destinations in the neighboring provinces and in Malaysia. Only 30 kilometers apart and with contrastive characteristics, Hat Yai and Songkhla can be ideal places for the tourist to visit: Hat Yai, a fast booming city in trade and business, while Songkhla remains a sleepy town still able to maintain its unique identity of ancient and historical flavors.

Songkhla covers an area of 7,393.9 square kilometers (approximately 1,848,472 acres). It is divided into 16 administrative Amphoe (districts), i.e. Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Hat Yai, Amphoe Chana, Amphoe Ranode, Amphoe Bangklam, Amphoe Namom, amphoe Khlong Hoykhong, Amphoe Nathawee, Amphoe Thepha, Amphoe Sabayoi, Amphoe Sadao, Amphoe Rattaphoom, Amphoe Singha Nakhon, Amphoe Khuanniang, Amphoe Rattaphum, and Amphoe Krasaesin. The population of the province is 1,159,672.

Attractions:
Songkhla City Pillar Located on Nang Ngam Road, this was constructed when the city was built and is highly revered by local people.

Songkhla National Museum The Museum is located on Chana Road. Dating from the 1870s, the lovely complex was built in southern Thai Chinese architectural style as the residence of a local luminary. The museum houses Thai objects d'art from prehistoric to modern times, and several archaeological artifacts discovered locally. The museum is open daily, except Monday and Tuesday, from 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.

Wat Matchimawat Also known as Wat Klang, this is Songkhla's largest monastery. Located on Sai Buri Road, the complex is some 400 year old and houses a museum which displays several ruins and artifacts discovered throughout southern Thailand.

Wat Chaimongkhon This temple is located near the Songkhla Railway Station. The main pagoda contains a holy relic of the Lord Buddha obtained from Sri Lanka.

Laem Samila Another name of this cave is Laem Sai. Located 3 kms. from town, it is characterised by soft white sand and beachside pine trees. The most prominent landmark is a mermaid statue on the headland. Accommodation and restaurants are available. Two offshore islands are Ko Nu and Ko Maeo where coastal island waters are favoured by anglers.

Khao Noi Khao Noi is a small hill behind Samila Beach. There is a public park called Suan Seri which contains topiary garden. It commands a panoramic view of Songkhla town and Samila Beach.

Khao Tangkuan This hill is located to the west of Khao Noi. Steps lead to the summit, approximately 2,000 feet above sea level. There is an ancient pagoda, constructed by the command of King Rama IV in the year 1866, situated on the top and a royal residential building at the foot of the hill.

Kao Seng One of the most beautiful beaches of Songkhla is located 3 kms. south of Samial Cape. There are several pieces of rock along the coastline and one of which stands out above the cliff. The inhabitants call that rock "Hua Nai Raeng" having a legend that has been told for a long time about the nine hundred thousand baht valued property buried underneath

Laem Son On this cape is located to the northeast of Samila Cape. Hundreds of pine trees provide cool shade and several restaurants offer simple, but delicious fresh seafood. The area is particularly attractive and popular late afternoon and evening.

Hat Sai Kaeo A white sandy beach with a length of 3 kms. is opposite to Laem Son On, 7 kms. from Songkhla. Accommodation is available.

Thalesap Songkhla The Songkhla Lake extends from its estuarine entrance near the Son On Beach some 80 kms. north. The freshwater lake reaches some 20 kms. at its widest point and is Thailand's largest inland body of water. The lake contains several islands, and supports two notable bird sanctuaries located in Phatthalung and Songkhla.

Tinsulanond Bridge This is the longest concrete bridge in Thailand with a length of 2.6 kms. Completed in 1986, the bridge goes across the Songkhla lake and fills up the missing link for Highway No. 408, which joins the major Southern Thai provinces on the western shore of the Gulf of Thailand.

Ko Yo A small island in Songkhla or merely 20 kms. from Hat Yai; is accessible by crossing the Tinsulanond Bridge. Attractions on the island are orchards; the weaving of Ko Yo fabric; a giant sea perch farm as well as two old monasteries; Wat Khao Bo and Wat Tai Yo.

The Institute of Southern Thai Studies Situated on Ko Yo, the institute houses a collection of southern Thai folk arts categorically grouped into Folk Technology Park, Shadow Play Garden, Ancient Beads Garden, Traditional Medicinal Garden and Bamboo Culture Garden. A great variety of local plant species within the museum's compound makes it an exceptionally appealing place.

Ban Sattha or Home of Faith A place in honour of General Prem Tinsulanond, a Thai statesman who was born in Songkhla, is situated 3 km. south of the Tinsulanond Bridge.

Khu Khut Waterfowl Park A residential area of hundreds of waterfowl is accessible from Songkhla via Tinsulanond Bridge and Highway No. 4083 totaling a distance of 32 kms. where a 3 km. access road branches off on the left. As a part of Songkhla Lake, it can be reached by boat from the park's office. The best time for bird watching is in the cool season between November-February.

Wat Pha Kho This famous temple is in Amphoe Sathing Phra where Luang Pho Thuat, a venerated holy man, once resided. According to legend, Luang Pho Thuat was kidnapped by pirates. Their ship was blown off couse during a violent storm and their fresh water was exhausted. They suffered great discomfort until Lang Pho Thaut inserted his left foot into salt water to make it drinkable. The pirates were so grateful, they immediately released him. A statue of the great man, a Reclining Buddha image, a stupa and murals number among the temple's attractions.

Hat Yai Linked to Songkhla by Route No. 407, Hat Yai is the principal, town of Songkhla province and the Southern Thailand's major commercial, communications, entertainment and shopping center.

Namtok Ton Nga Chang This towering seven-tiered waterfall cascades down a steep cliff in two streams resembling elephant tusks. The waterfall is at its loveliest when the water is most abundant, generally from October to December. It is accessible via the Hat Yai-Rattaphum Highway for a distance of 13 kms.

Namtok Boriphat Forest Park From the road leading to Amphoe Hat Yai, turn left at Amphoe Rattaphum intersection at Km. 50. This place is a beautiful rest area where a waterfall cascades down amidst trees and limestone. There is a path provided for tourists to walk around the falls.

Dove Farms at Amphoe Chana Amphoe Chana is 40 Km. southeast of Hat Yai. The cooing doves are popular with villagers. Dove singing competitions are organised annually between January and July among dove lovers in Chana and nearby provinces. The judging of the dove's sound is based on pitch, melody and volume.

Khao Nam Khang's Historical Tunnel Located in the Khao Nam Khang National Park at Tombon Khlong Khwang, Amphoe Nathawi, 92 kms. from Hat Yai along the Hat Yai-Na Thawi- Ban Prakop-Khao Nam Khang route, the tunnel has been renovated and preserved as a historical site and tourist attraction after the long battle against communist terrorists was over in 1987. Dug into the mountain, the 1-km. long tunnel consists of 3 levels with 16 entrances and many rooms such as bedrooms, a meeting room, and shooting range. Outside the tunnel is a basketball course, kitchen, marriage ceremonial room and residence for followers. It took 2 years to complete the construction.

Festivals & Events:
Songkran
is celebrated on April 13th each year. The traditional festival is held country- wide.
In Songkhla, the festival starts with the merit making ceremony by participants respectfully pouring water on their venerable elders and ending up with throwing water at each other. In Hat Yai, the festival is held on Niphat Uthit 1, 2, or 3 Road from morning until afternoon and the event is enjoyed not only by local residents but also by Malaysian and Singaporean tourists who arrive in Hat Yai in large number to celebrate this fun-filled event.

Thamboon Duen Sip Festival
Celebrated by the Buddhists of the South, the Merit Making on the Tenth Lunar Month festival originates from the belief that during the waxing moon of the month, souls of the deceased ancestors are allowed a period of freedom to visit their living relatives. It is the duty of the living to prepare food and bring it to the temple to make merit, In Sathing Phra, tall figurines representing venerable elders respected by the villagers parade along together in the procession.

Lark Phra and Tak Bat Devo
The festival is celebrated by residents of Songkhla on the first day of the waxing moon in the 11th lunar month (around October) in Songkhla town. The festival starts one day early with the robing of the pagoda on the top of Khao Tang Kuan. Early in the morning of the festival day, hundreds gather on the hill and proceed down the stairs to receive offerings from the faithful. Late morning is the scene of processions of artistically decorated vehicles with Buddha statue from temples in and around Songkhla. The vehicles are paraded around the town and the faithful make merits by joining the procession. Finally the decorated vehicles gather at Sra Bua (The Lotus Pond) for competition.

Thai Agricultural Products and Thai Fruit Festival
The festival is organized annually around October with the aim of promoting agricultural products from various provinces in the South. Fruits and other products are sold at cheap prices.

Loy Krathong
is a Thai traditional event dating from the Sukhothai period. It is held throughout the country on the 15^th night of the waxing moon of the 12^th lunar month (around the middle of November). The festival is held to honor the goddess of the river and to make atonement for offenses made during the year. A float is made from banana leaf or other buoyant material. Candles and incense sticks, and even pieces of nail and coins are placed in the "Krathong" to float away one's misfortunes. The fun-filled night also features fireworks, float design competition, and the Miss Noppamas beauty contest.

How to get there:

By Bus
A 950 kilometers road journey from Bangkok on Highway No. 4 takes you past Prachuab Khirikhan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammatat to Songkhla. Several daily air-conditioned coaches and non-air-conditioned buses leave Bangkok for Hat Yai and vice versa.
For further information, please call Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal :
(02) 4351199, 4345557-8 or Hat Yai Bus Terminal (074) 232404, 232789.

By Train
Train services linking Bangkok and Hat Yai include both rapid and express trains.
For further details, contact Bangkok Railway Station (02) 2237010, 2237020 or Hat Yai Railway Station (074) 243705, 246267-8, 243978.

By Air
Thai Airways International offers many flights daily between Bangkok and Hat Yai. For information, please contact Thai Airways International Bangkok Office (02) 2820060, 6282000 or Hat Yai office : (074) 245851, 233433, 244282.

Тайланд, туры в Таиланд, отдых в Тайланде, отели Тайланда, Конференции и Семинары в Таиланде, туры в Тайланд, отели в Таиланде