Sathing Phra

On the spit of land to the north of Songkhla there are interesting ruins of numerous places of worship from the Srivijaya empire. The most important is probably Sathing Phra, 30 km (19 mi.) north of Songkhla right by the sea (easy access by bus or car, or ferry across the inlet). The stupa has niches on three sides and is a fine example of Srivijaya style. The nearby temple houses a beautiful Buddha statue and interesting frescos. The stucco decoration on the trapezia is thought to originate from the Ayutthaya period. Excavations revealed numerous bronze sculptures from the 8th to the 12th c., which are kept in the National Museum in Bangkok and the museum in Songkhla. Some display distinct Javanese influence, others are in the Khmer style.

Other ruins of Srivijaya temples, mostly stupas and Buddha figures, together with a cave temple (Tham Khao Pi) are to be found farther north; these include the Wats Chedi Ngam, Khao Noi Chae Mae and Ko Mai. Additional places of interest include a coconut plantation where monkeys are trained to pick the nuts, and the Wat Khao Tum built on a rock.