Institute for Southern Thai Studies

Songkhla National Museum
Located on Wichianchom Road, the Museum, a former residence of Phraya Soonthornrak (Nate Na Songkhla), was built in 1878. In 1894, Phra Wichit Worasart (Chao Phraya Yommarat) designated it as a residence for provincial inspectors of Songkhla and Nakhon Si Thammarat, and from 1896, it was used as a city hall of Monthon Nakhon Si Thammarat. At present, the Museum houses art objects and archeological artifacts from the pre-historic period of Baan Chiang and the Stone Age and the Neolithic period of Kanchanaburi as well as the artifacts from the ancient Srivijaya Kingdom. Across from the Museum lies the old city wall of Songkhla.
It is open for visitors visitors from 9:00 to 12:00 a.m. and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday to Friday. It is closed on official holidays. 

Khao Tang Kuan
This hill lies next to Khao Noi and on its top (2,000 feet above the sea level) is located the important temples of Songkhla. Built during the Nakhon Si Thammarat era using the Thavaravadee art style. The hilltop commands a panoramic view of Songkhla and is reached by climbing the stairway on Rachadamnoen Road. The temple performs an annual ceremony of placing a robe around the pagoda, Tak Bart Devo (offering food for hungry souls) and a Buddha statue procession in October. Next to the temple is a red pavilion built in 1888 by the then ruler of Songkhla, Phraya Wichien Khiri (Chom), under the command of King Rama VI.

Cannon Fortress at Laem Sai
The fortress, now lying behind the premise of Songkhla Police Station, was built in the reign of King Rama III at the same time Songkhla was moved to the present site.

Wat Matchimawat / Wat Klang
Built 400 years ago as a royal temple, this monastery is located on Saiburi Road. The interior of the temple displays murals depicting history of Songkhla and Buddhist philosophy. In addition, the "Phattharasin" museum in the temple houses interesting  ancient art objects collected from Amphoe Muang Songkhla, Sathing Phra, Ranode, and elsewhere.

Historical Tunnel, Nam Khang Mountain
The historical tunnel is situated on Moo 1 Tambon Khlong Kwang, Nathawee District, Songkhla, 4 kms from Khao Nam Khang National Park. It is open to the public as a new tourist attraction of Songkhla, different from others destinations. Nice sceneries of mountains and forest around the tunnel, pure air, the history of the tunnel as well as the lives of residents are very interesting and worth to study. Interested tourist can visit the tunnel via Hat Yai - Nathawee - Ban Prakop - Khao Nam Khang route (90 kms). Alternatively, tourist can go to Sadao, then take the route to Khao Nam Khang, opposite to the Sadao District Office.

City's Pillar Shrine
Called "Sarn Chao Lak Muang Songkhla" and located on Nang Ngarm Road, the shrine was revered and worshipped by people in Songkhla and from neighboring provinces. Built to commemorate the founding of the city, the Chinese architectural styled shrine has influenced other buildings in the town. Particularly prominent are the Sino - Portuguese styled houses on Nakhon Nai and Nakhon Nork Road

Wat Chai Mongkhl (A pagoda containing Buddha bone relics)
This revered pagoda is located in Wat Chai Mongkhol on the corner of Petch Mongkhol and Chai Mongkhol Road. In 1892 a Buddhist monk named Na Issaro who taught Pali at the temple visited a town is Sri Lanka where relics of Buddha's bone were kept. The monk became acquainted with  a rich Sri Lankan merchant who had many pieces of Buddha's relics in his possession and agreed to donate some to the monk. Upon his return to Songkhla, the monk constructed a pagoda which contained the holy Buddha's relics where devotees came to worship regularly.

Khao Noi Palace
This mansion is located to the south of Khao Noi hillock on Sadao Road. It was built as a residence of Prince Chao Fah Yukhon Khamphorn (Krom Luang Lopburi Ramase) when he was Phra Samut Thesaphibaan of Monthon Nakhon Si Thammarat, and later Somdet Upparat of Monthon Pak Tai (Southern Territory). The present King and Queen used to stay at this mansion on an earlier trip to the South in 1959. At present the mansion is used as the residence of Governor of Songkhla.

Baan Sattha (Home of Faith)
This house was built in 1991 by residents of Songkhla for its famous son, former Prime minister H.E. General Prem Tinnasulanon, senior statesman and a Privy Councilor. The house was later returned to Songkhla people in 1996 and a public library was built next to the house to commemorate the King's 50th Anniversary of His Ascension to the Throne. Situated on the hill, the house, which is open to the public, serves as advantage point for enjoying the scenery of Songkhla, overlooking Tinasulanon Bridge, the longest in the country. Surrounding the house are decorating plants and trees which provide cool shade for visitors.

Twin Pagodas on Khao Daeng Hill 
Black Pagoda is located on the top of Khao Daeng Hill in Amphoe Singha Nakhon. It was built by Chao Muang Phra Khlang (Dis Bunnag) or Somdet Phraya Ongyai (Somdet Phra Borom Maha Prayoorawong on occasion of a victory over the rebellion of Kedah in 1830.
White Pagoda was built by Phraya Sri Phiphat (Thad Bunnag) or Somdet Maha Phichai Yat in memory of the victory over the rebellion of the rulers of Kedah, Patani, and Penang. After suppessing the rebellion, Phraya Sri Phiphat governed Songkhla for two years, during which time he built the white pagoda on top of the hill as a twin of the black one.

Wat Chathing Phra
The temple is located 200 meters from the District Office at Moo 4, Tambon Chathing Phra, Amphoe Sathing Phra. Formerly called "Wat Sathing Phra", The temple built in 1009 A.D., shelters ancient structures of the Srivijaya Period such as the pagoda containing Buddha's relics, a chapel housing the reclining Buddha statue, and a bell hall.

Wat Phakho (Wat Rachpraditsatharn)
Built around 43 B.C., this renowned temple is located on the hill of Phiphatthasing at Moo 4, Tambon Chumphon, Amphoe Sathing Phra. The revered monk named Somdet Phakho, who commands much respect among local residents, used to reside at this temple. Many ancient objects and artifacts housed in the temple included a reclining Buddha statue, Buddha's footprint, a magical crystal ball belonging to Somdet Chao Phakho, in a posture of meditation, and statue of Somdet Chao Phakho in a pilgrimage posture. The temple can be reached by taking Highway 407, across Tinnasulanon Bridge, entering Highway 4083 (Songkhla - Ranode), and then taking a left turn at Km. 110. It is about 48 kilometers from Songkhla.

Wat Khongkha Liab
The temple, belonging to the Mahayana Buddhist sect, is located at Baan Nongkhuan Moo 5, Tambon Tha Chang, Amphoe Bangklam on an approximately 4 acre plot. This temple is considered a holy place revered by both Buddhist Thais and Buddhists from other countries, many of whom travel to pray at this place. 

Wat Hat Yai Nai
The temple is located on Phetchkasem Road near U-Taphao Bridge. It houses a reclining Buddha statue called "Phra Buddha Hattha Mongkhol", once believed to be the world's third largest, a size of 35 meters long, 15 meters high, and 10 meters wide. The temple is visited by both local residents and foreign devotees. 

Wat Aek Cherngsae
Formerly known as Wat Aek, the temple is located at Tambon Cherngsae, Amphoe Krasaesin. It houses a sacred Buddha statue made of coral reef. The present figure, a size of 70 cm. At the lap and 120 cm. high is covered with cement. 
For further information, please contact the temple at (074) 399075.

Holy Well
It is located at Moo 4, Tambon Koh Yai, 7 kilometers from the District Office. The legend says that a Buddhist monk named Phra Sin Narai and a layman called Khoon Vichai Bhrama Sarn traveled from India to the Kingdom of Ayutthaya and on their way they stopped over and dug a well here, claimed to be sacred. The water in the well runs abundantly all year long.

Wat Tham Khao Roop Chang
This temple is located in Tambon Padang Besar, Amphoe Sadao. It utilizes a cave in the premise as place for performing religious practices. Exotic stalagmites and stalactites are eminent in the cave. The interior of the cave is partitioned into many chambers. The temple premise is cool and peaceful. It is about 13 kilometers from Padang Besar market.

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