Songkhla, Thailand
Tourism

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much of its original character. Songkhla, almost completely encircled by water, lies on a promontory between the Gulf of Thailand and Lake Songkhla, the largest inland lake in Thailand, which has a narrow link to the gulf here. Miles of white sandy beaches edged by casuarina trees stretch along the lake and the gulf. The countryside between the sea and the land is of extraordinary beauty.

The lake used to provide a livelihood for the numerous fishermen and their families but it has been over fished. A program laid down by the government in 1991 is intended to replenish the fish stocks.

By car: from Nakhon Si Thammarat highways 401/41/4/43 to Hat Yai route 407 (220 km (137 mi.)); or Highway 408 along the coast (160 km (99 mi.)).

By bus: from Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal several times daily; and from Hat Yai every 30 minutes until 7.30pm.

By air: nearest airport in Hat Yai; from Bangkok twice daily.

Protected by a bay, this once significant port (known in former times by the Malay name Singora) is used increasingly for coastal traffic. Larger vessels berth between the islands Koh Nu and Koh Meo (Mouse and Cat Island).