Songkhla Province
A major commercial province in southern Thailand, where Hat Yai's shopping and food scene sits alongside Songkhla Old Town and its beaches.
Songkhla Province lies on the east coast of the Malay Peninsula in southern Thailand, bordering Malaysia to the south. Hat Yai is the largest commercial city in the south, drawing many Malaysian and Singaporean visitors with its night markets, shopping and food. The provincial capital, Songkhla Old Town, preserves Sino-Portuguese-style old streets, and the mermaid statue at Samila Beach is the city's emblem. Songkhla Lake is the largest natural lake in Thailand, and Ko Yo, an island in the lake, is known for its weaving and seafood. The drier months from February to August are best for a visit, while the end of the year is rainy. Hat Yai International Airport is the main gateway, and trains run directly to Bangkok and Malaysia.