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The small, laid-back
coastal town of Songkhla is a relaxing beach
resort, captivating in its total lack of
pretensions and ideal as a hideaway for a quiet
time by the sea.
The main beach of
Hat Samila beach, famously signposted at one end by a
bronze mermaid statue, is a 3 kilometers stretch of soft white
sand backed by casuarinas. Behind rises Khao Noi
hill, which has a small topiary garden and
commands panoramic views of the town.
Directly north of
Samila is Son On Beach, an idyllic spot where
pine trees provide cool shade and several
restaurants serving deliciously fresh seafood.
Offshore are Cat and Mouse islands, coastal
landmarks that are popular with anglers.
While perfect for
lazy days in the sun, Songkhla also offers much
that is of historical interest. Dating back to
the 8th century, the town has a long history as
a trading port, the legacy of which survives in
some venerable temples, traces of old
architecture, a population mix of Thai, Chinese
and ethnic Malays, and the fascinating exhibits
of Songkhla National Museum. Outside of town,
the main attraction is the huge Songkhla Lake,
Thailand's largest body of inland water at some
80 kilometers long and 20 kilometers at its widest point.
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