Thailand Deep South Travel Guide
The southernmost provinces of Songkhla, Satun, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat have nothing to match Phuket, Samui or Krabi in terms of natural beauty and tourism facilities. The region does have its attractions, but they are rewarding only for those who like to explore every corner of the Kingdom, or for visitors travelling overland to or from Malaysia.
Hat Yai and Songkhla Gateway to the Deep South is Hat Yai in Songkhla province. Located 947km (591 miles) from Bangkok, this brash, modern town is a commercial, shopping and entertainment centre with good road, rail and air access but little in the way of charm.
Much more attractive for the visitor is Songkhla, an old and sleepy little coastal resort situated a 30mm drive by bus or taxi from Hat Yai. The town boasts two beaches - pleasantly sited Son Onn Beach and the 3km (2-mile) pine-fringed stretch of Samila Beach - while among cultural sites are Songkhla National Museum, the 400-year- old temple of Wat Matchimawat, Wat Chaimongkhom, where the main pagoda enshrines a holy relic of the Lord Buddha, and the 19th-century Pak Nam Laem Sal Fort.
North of Songkhla town extends the vast expanse of Songkhla Lake, Thailand's largest body of inland water, it contains several islands and, near Songkhla, there is flu Kiwi Waterfowl Park, a sanctuary that supports about 140 bird species.