About Songkhla Province
Songkhla province is home to Hat Yai — the commercial capital of southern Thailand and a major hub for travellers heading to or from Malaysia. The province also contains the twin-sea peninsula of Songkhla city, a charming old town of Sino-Portuguese shophouses wedged between the Gulf of Thailand and the vast Songkhla Lake. The lake itself is Thailand's largest natural lake and an important wetland for migratory birds. Hat Yai is a city of commerce, night markets, and excellent Muslim-influenced food; Songkhla town is quieter, historic, and genuinely lovely.
Key facts
- Population
- 1,428,609 (2020)
- Area
- 7,394 km²
- Density
- 193 / km²
- Districts
- 16
- Capital
- Songkhla
- ISO code
- TH-90
- Airports
- Hat Yai International Airport (HDY), Songkhla Airport (SGZ)
All 16 districts
Bang Klam · Chana · Hat Yai · Khlong Hoi Khong · Khuan Niang · Krasae Sin · Mueang Songkhla · Na Mom · Na Thawi · Ranot · Rattaphum · Saba Yoi · Sadao · Sathing Phra · Singhanakhon · Thepha
Top Highlights
Songkhla Old Town
Sino-Portuguese architecture, fishing culture, and the famous cat statues
Hat Yai night markets and food scene
arguably the best Muslim Thai cuisine in the country
Songkhla Lake
Thailand's largest natural lake, important bird sanctuary
Khao Nam Khang National Park
caves with WWII history and forest hiking trails
Getting There
Hat Yai International Airport (HDY) has frequent flights from Bangkok (60 minutes) with Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, and budget carriers. Hat Yai is also on the main southern rail line from Bangkok. Buses connect Hat Yai to Surat Thani, Kuala Lumpur, and Penang. Songkhla town is 30 minutes east of Hat Yai by songthaew or taxi.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources
Facts on this page last checked 1 August 2026.
- 1.Q235574 — population, area, districts, coordinates — Wikidata (Wikidata), retrieved 1 August 2026
- 2.Background reading — Wikipedia (Wikipedia), retrieved 1 August 2026Linked for context; no text is reproduced from it.
- 3.Official provincial website — Provincial administration (Official source), retrieved 1 August 2026
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