Songkhla Old Town

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Wander through narrow historic streets where quaint old houses in the Sino-Portuguese style rub shoulders with traditional wooden Chinese buildings. Some of these old-world relics have been restored and are home to little boutique cafes and restaurants, and others remain in a glorious state of decay. Hidden in amongst them are Chinese temples, beautiful streets of art, and a village mosque where the waft of grilled meat fills the air as local Muslim street vendors sell halal satay skewers.

Nang Ngam road is particularly picturesque.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Masjid Asassul

0.16 MILES

This quaint mosque built in 1850 sits in Songkhla's historic Muslim area, displaying fascinating architectural features. The gabled roof, that once…

2. Red Rice Mill

0.25 MILES

This historic rice mill still retains many of its original features, including machinery, a brick chimney stack and rusting tools. One of only two to have…

3. Art Mill

0.28 MILES

This small gallery is always good for a contemporary art exhibition and regularly presents works by local Thai artists, including work by students from…

4. Old Railway Station

0.44 MILES

A train enthusiast's dream. Start by walking north along partially dismantled tracks to locate the original station sign, then wander through the…

5. National Museum

0.49 MILES

This stunning Chinese-style mansion was built in 1878 for Phraya Sundranurak, the vice governor of Songkhla, and is home to 12 rooms where displays – in…

6. Hat Samila

1.11 MILES

Stroll this beautiful strip of white sand, especially at sundown to enjoy the kite-flying and admire the bronze Mermaid sculpture, in tribute to Mae…

7. Singora Fort 8

2.2 MILES

The second of the most accessible of ancient Singora's forts, looks out towards the azure gulf with commanding views that make it clear why this spot was…

8. City Wall of Singora

2.78 MILES

History buffs will love examining the 100m that remain of the original city walls around the 17th century Sultanate of Singora. Made from brick and lime,…