While nearby Hat Yai is widely celebrated as a fast-paced paradise for bargain shopping and bustling night markets, the coastal historic capital of the province offers a completely different rhythm. Songkhla is a beautifully preserved sanctuary of cultural heritage, decades-old culinary traditions, and breezy sea views. Stepping into this seaside town feels like entering a living museum where Thai, Chinese, and Malay influences seamlessly blend.
If you are looking to enrich your vacation with artistic street murals, vintage architecture, and relaxing coastal walks, escaping to this artistic district is essential. Here are the seven best lifestyle and cultural things to do in Songkhla Old Town and Samila Beach.
The Best Cultural and Historical Activities in Songkhla Old Town
The historic heart of Songkhla is anchored by three parallel streets: Nakhon Nok, Nakhon Nai, and Nang Ngam Road. This compact area is perfectly scannable and easy to explore on foot over a single afternoon.
1. Photograph the Iconic Red Rice Mill (Hub Ho Hin)
You cannot visit the old quarter without stopping by Hub Ho Hin, a massive, vibrant red wooden building standing prominently on Nakhon Nok Road. Once a booming, historic steam-powered rice mill, this iconic landmark has been thoughtfully converted into a community heritage museum, making it one of the top things to do in Songkhla.
- Why It Is Unique: The striking crimson wooden facade contrasted against the dark corrugated iron roof makes it an absolute favorite photo spot for creative travelers.
- Inside Look: Step through the rear of the building to find an old wooden jetty looking directly out over the serene waters of Songkhla Lake.
2. Hunt for Interactive Street Art
One of the most popular lifestyle things to do in Songkhla is embarking on a self-guided photo safari to find the neighborhood’s hidden wall murals. Unlike modern graffiti, these large-scale murals depict realistic scenes of daily local life from past decades.
- Key Murals to Find: Look out for the famous painting of three old friends sharing an early morning coffee at a traditional shop, or the life-sized mural of a vintage truck loading goods.
- The Experience: The artwork turns the entire old quarter into a giant, open-air art gallery that captures the diverse Thai-Chinese heritage of the local residents.
3. Savor Traditional Sweets on Nang Ngam Road
Nang Ngam Road translates literally to “Beautiful Woman Road,” and exploring its culinary delights is widely regarded as one of the best things to do in Songkhla for food lovers. Many of the shophouses here have been passed down through generations, keeping old-world recipes alive.
- Must-Try Treats: Indulge in traditional Khao Fang Kuan (sweet taro pudding) or sample crispy local biscuits baked in ancient clay ovens.
- The Local Famous Treat: Do not skip the legendary Thai coconut ice cream served with a unique, sweet egg yolk topping at local vintage parlor stops.
4. Experience Creative Cafe Hopping
Songkhla Old Town has quietly transformed into a major hub for modern coffee lovers and digital nomads. Young creatives have carefully renovated centuries-old Sino-Portuguese buildings into stunning, Instagram-friendly coffee shops.
- The Vibe: These cafes masterfully preserve their original raw brick walls, structural wooden pillars, and central open air courtyards.
- What to Order: Try regional specialty drinks like dirty coffees infused with local Southern Thai palm sugar.
Top Things to Do Around Samila Beach and Beyond
After soaking in the rich indoor history and narrow lanes of the old city, head just five minutes down the road to enjoy the wide coastal expanses and fresh sea breezes of Samila Beach.
5. Pay a Visit to the Golden Mermaid Statue
Visiting the pale sands of Samila Beach to see this monument is one of the most popular things to do in Songkhla.
- The Folklore: This iconic sculpture is inspired by an ancient Thai-Muslim epic saga about a beautiful mermaid who combed her golden hair on the shore on starry nights.
- Photo Tip: Visiting the statue at sunrise or late afternoon provides gorgeous lighting as waves softly crash against the rocks in the background.
6. Spot the Cat and Mouse Islands (Ko Nu & Ko Maeo)
Gazing out into the Gulf of Thailand from the beach, you will spot two distinct islands sitting just offshore. These are Ko Nu and Ko Maeo, which translate directly to Mouse and Cat Islands.
- The Legend: Local legend says a dog, a cat, and a mouse stole a merchant’s magic crystal and tried to swim ashore, but drowned, transforming into the islands and the nearby hills.
- Activities: You can rent beach mats from local vendors to sit under the shady pine trees, enjoy a fresh coconut, and admire the island views.
7. Take the Funicular Railway up Tang Kuan Hill
For the absolute best vantage point in the region, heading up Tang Kuan Hill is one of the highest-rated things to do in Songkhla. Located just a short distance from the beachfront, this historic hill offers a birds-eye perspective of the city layout.
- Getting to the Top: You can take a quick, air-conditioned funicular lift ride up to the peak, or challenge yourself by walking up the historic brick staircase.
- The Summit: At the top stands an ancient Dvaravati-style white royal pagoda built during the King Rama IV era, surrounded by panoramic 360-degree views looking over the old town and the ocean.
Helpful Tips for Traveling from Hat Yai to Songkhla
- Travel Time: Songkhla is located roughly 30 kilometers north of central Hat Yai. It takes approximately 40 minutes to travel between the cities by car or local taxi.
- Transportation Options: You can easily book a private ride using the Grab mobile application. For an authentic local experience, hop on a green public bus from the Hat Yai Clock Tower.
- Best Time to Visit: To catch the famous weekend walking street markets, plan your visit for Friday or Saturday evening when the streets turn into a vibrant food festival.
If you are looking to look past the typical duty-free shopping malls and discover the authentic artistic soul of Southern Thailand, spending a day enjoying these incredible cultural things to do in Songkhla is an absolute must. Grab your camera, wear your most comfortable walking shoes, and prepare to fall in love with this coastal gem!
