Understand

Songkhla, also known as Singgora, is a historically significant city influenced by the ancient Malay Kingdom of Langkasuka and the Srivijayan empire. Once a vibrant port and trading post, this place attracted merchants from India, Persia, and Arabia, who came to exchange goods. The city got its name, "Sing Lha," from two lion-shaped islands at the mouth of its lake, known today as Rat Island and Cat Island. In the 18th century, Chinese immigrants from Guangdong and Fujian settled here, bringing their rich cultural heritage. The influential Na Songkhla family emerged as the wealthiest in the region, gaining both economic and political power. Their former home is now the renowned Songkhla National Museum, preserving the city's fascinating history.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Pad Thai: Pad Thai is a signature Thai dish consisting of stir-fried rice noodles with a uniquely balanced blend of sweet, sour, salty, and tangy flavors. It typically includes shrimp or chicken (though can be prepared with tofu for a vegetarian version), scrambled eggs, bean sprouts, and is garnished with crushed peanuts, lime wedges, and fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions. The dish is served with a side of som tam (green papaya salad) and mango sticky rice for a complete meal.

Tom Yum Goong: This spicy and aromatic soup is a beloved Thai classic that features a fragrant broth made from stock, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, galangal, lime juice, fish sauce, and chili paste. It's packed with succulent prawns, mushrooms, tomatoes, and other vegetables, with optional additions like snakehead fish or even chicken. The dish is often garnished with fresh cilantro and a sprinkling of pepper.

Mango Sticky Rice: This iconic Thai dessert is a delightful combination of sweet, creamy mango and glutinous rice. The sticky rice is cooked in coconut milk and sugar until it achieves a chewy texture, then served alongside ripe, juicy mango slices. The dish is sometimes garnished with toasted coconut flakes or sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor. It's typically enjoyed during the mango season (May to September) as a sumptuous, refreshing treat.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing