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Places
Of Interest
Hat
Yai and Songkhla have a surprising collection of
great daytime spots worth visiting. Most famous
is of course the huge Songkhla Lake, one of the
most famous attractions in the south as well as
beautiful Laem Sai Beach.
Songkhla
Lake Cruise
This cruise along the famous lake is an interesting
trip and well worth a look. The boat passes various
islands such as Koh Yo, the island of fruits and
famous hand woven fabric and Koh Si Ko Ha, the island
for bird's nest production located in the area of
Phattalung.
Laem
Samila
Also known as Laem Sai, this excellent beach
is lined with big pine trees and has picnic chairs
underneath provided by the beach food shops. Two
famous off-shore islands, well known all over the
country, are Koh Nu and Koh Maeo. Both have pleasant
beaches which are quiet and peaceful.
Khao
Noi & Khao Tangkuan
Khao Noi, near Laem Samila is a hiking hill
with a path to the top. In the area of the foothills
is landscaped Seri Park. Khao Tangkuan, west of
Khao Noi is approx. 200 ft above sea level. From
the top of the hill you can have an awesome view
of Songkhla Lake and township area.
Kao
Seng
Kao Seng is just south of Laem Samila and one
of the most beautiful beaches in the south. There
are several pieces of rock along the coastline,
one of which, above the cliff, the inhabitants call
Hua Rang having a legend about the 900,000Baht valued
property buried underneath.
Hat
Son On
Northeast of Laem Samila, hundreds of swaying
pine trees provide cool shade and several restaurants
offer simple but deliciously fresh seafood and deckchairs
for beachside relaxation. The area is particularly
popular in late afternoon and evening.
Suan
Tun
This is a big coconut grove with peaceful surroundings
and is great for relaxation and sightseeing. The
waterfall, Nam Tok Suan Tun, is popular with the
locals as it is easily accessible.
Nam
Tok Ton Nga Chang
A famous and popular waterfall in Hat Yai.
The fall itself has many levels where the current
flows down from the cliffs, surrounded by evergreen
forest.
Nam
Tok Boripat
Its beauty is equal to that of Nam Tok Ton
Nga Chang and there is water through the whole year
round.
The
Old Town at the Foot of Khao Daeng Hill
For those interested in history and archaeology,
this trip to the old town is a must. Boats leaves
from the fresh food market place to the opposite
bank of the lake where there are hundreds of household
establishments. In the foothills you can see the
cemetery of Na Songkhla Family ancestors.
Wat
Pha Kho
In Sathang Phra, this old temple is important
to the locals as it tells the story of Luang Po
Tuat, who, according to legend, turned the seawater
into drinking water by putting his foot in it. In
the monastery one can see a replica of Luang Po
Tuat and a crystal of his being enshrined there.
Khu
Khut Waterfowl Park
This park is home to hundreds of thousands
of waterfowl. A ferry crosses the channel to Hua
Khao Daeng, where you get a bus to the park. A longtail
boat can be hired for sightseeing on the lake. Best
times for bird watching is in the cool season falling
between November-February.
Chinese
Lunar Festival
Those of Chinese ancestry make offerings to
the moon or Queen of the Heavens in gratitude for
past and future fortune. Held every September and
October, traditional festivities include lion and
dragon dances, lantern displays and folk entertainment.
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