Songkhla, Coastal port town in southern Thailand
Songkhla is a port town on the eastern coast of the Malay Peninsula, where the sea and a large lake meet the land. The city spreads between Songkhla Lake and the Gulf of Thailand, with streets that lead to the water and harbors that still serve fishing and trade.
The town functioned as a major trading hub between the 10th and 14th centuries, when ships arrived with goods from China and beyond. This period of commerce shaped the city and its connections with distant regions.
The town reflects its Thai, Chinese, and Malay residents through the temples and mosques that stand side by side throughout the streets. You notice this diversity in the markets, the shops, and especially in the food sold from morning to evening.
The town connects to Malaysia by road and is accessible via a bridge that crosses the lake to nearby areas. Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
Old fortification remains from the early 17th century still stand in the northern part of the town, built by the Sultanate of Singora. These ruins are often overlooked by visitors but offer a glimpse into a different era of local power.
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