Day Trips from Songkhla
The best excursions and trips you can do in a day
Full-Day Trips
Worth dedicating a whole day to explore.
Songkhla Lake & Khu Khut Waterfowl Park
฿200 park entry, ฿300-500 boat tour, ฿500-800 transportThailand's largest natural lake stretches 80 km inland from the gulf, transitioning from salt water near the sea to fresh water at its northern reaches. Khu Khut Waterfowl Park at the lake's northern end protects an important wetland habitat where thousands of migratory birds winter between October and March. The lake's vast expanse, dotted with fishing villages on stilts and traditional kolek boats with painted prows, creates landscapes unique in Thailand. The Thale Noi Waterfowl Park, slightly further north, offers boardwalk access to freshwater wetlands.
Hat Yai & Khao Kho Hong
฿30-50 minibus, food ฿50-200, Khao Kho Hong freeSouthern Thailand's largest commercial center, Hat Yai is a busy hub of commerce, street food, and multicultural energy just 30 km from Songkhla. The city's massive night markets, excellent dim sum restaurants, and lively atmosphere contrast with Songkhla's more laid-back character. Khao Kho Hong, a forested hill on the city's outskirts, offers hiking trails to a hilltop temple with panoramic views over the entire region, from the gulf coast to the Malaysian border hills.
Pattani & Krue Se Mosque
฿500-800 transport, attractions freeThe historic city of Pattani, 100 km east, was once the center of the powerful Malay-Muslim Pattani Kingdom. The Krue Se Mosque, a 16th-century structure with a poignant history, stands roofless — legend says a curse prevented its completion. The Pattani Central Mosque, one of Thailand's most beautiful, features ornate Islamic architecture. The old town's Sino-Portuguese buildings and the beach at Laem Tachi add to the cultural richness. Note: check current security advisories before visiting.
Half-Day Options
Shorter excursions when time is limited.
Songkhla Old Town & Nang Ngam Beach
Free to exploreSongkhla's atmospheric old town features well-preserved Sino-Portuguese shophouses, ornate Chinese shrines, and narrow lanes that recall its centuries as a major trading port. The old town murals (street art depicting local history and culture) have become popular attractions. Nearby Samila Beach features the famous golden mermaid statue, while the quieter Nang Ngam Beach to the north offers more solitude.
Khao Tangkuan Hilltop & Songkhla Zoo
฿150 zoo entry, ฿50-100 transportThis forested hill above Songkhla town offers panoramic views from its summit temple, looking out over the gulf, the lake, and the city below. The adjacent Songkhla Zoo, set in natural forest, houses an excellent collection of Southeast Asian wildlife. The combination provides a pleasant half-day escape from the town center.
Day Trip Tips
Make the most of your excursions.
- Songkhla and Hat Yai are well-connected to Bangkok by air (1.5 hours to Hat Yai airport), overnight train (16 hours, comfortable sleeper), or bus.
- The Deep South provinces (Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat) have experienced security issues. Songkhla and Hat Yai are safe, but check advisories before venturing further east.
- Songkhla's multicultural heritage is reflected in its food — Chinese-Thai seafood, Muslim roti and curry, and southern Thai spicy dishes all thrive here. The central market is excellent.
- The rainy season (November-January) brings the heaviest rainfall to the Gulf coast. Unlike the Andaman coast, the Gulf side has different monsoon timing.
- Hat Yai is a major medical tourism hub — modern hospitals attract visitors from Malaysia and beyond. Services and infrastructure are excellent.
- Songkhla Lake is tidal at its southern end — fishing and boat activities are affected by tide tables. Check locally for optimal conditions.
Need a base for your day trips?
Our accommodation guide helps you pick the best area to stay in Songkhla.