Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SONGKHLA PROVINCE
Songkhla's postal code is 90210, but this ain't no Beverly Hills! The province's two main
commercial centres, Hat Yai and Songkhla, are less affected by the political turmoil
plaguing the cities further south. Intrepid travellers will be able to count the number of
other tourists on one hand as they wander through local markets, savour Muslim-Thai fu-
sion cuisine and relax on breezy beaches.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Songkhla & Around
POP 90,780
'The great city on two seas' lends itself perfectly to the click of a visitor's camera;
however, slow-paced Songkhla doesn't see much in the way of foreign tourist traffic. Al-
though the town hasn't experienced any of the Muslim separatist violence plaguing the
provinces further south, it's still catching the same bad press. This is a shame, since it's the
last safe city where travellers can experience the unique flavour of Thailand's predomin-
ately Muslim Deep South.
The population is a mix of Thais, Chinese and Malays, and the local architecture and
cuisine reflect this fusion at every turn.
Sights
There's a zoo ( www.songkhlazoo.com ; Khao Rup Chang; admission adult/child 100/50B;
9am-6pm) and
aquarium ( www.songkhlaaquarium.com ; admission adult/child 300/200B;
9.30am-4pm Tue-Fri, 9.30am-5pm Sat
& Sun) , both good outings if you have kids in tow.
National Museum
(Th Wichianchom; admission 150B; 9am-4pm Wed-Sun, closed public holidays) This 1878 building was
originally built in a Chinese architectural style as the residence of a luminary. The mu-
seum is easily the most picturesque national museum in Thailand and contains exhibits
from all Thai art-style periods, particularly the Srivijaya. Walk barefoot on the wood floors
to view elaborate wood carvings, historical photos and pottery salvaged from a shipwreck.
MUSEUM
 
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