The Ultimate Hat Yai & Songkhla City Tour with TAT Singapore’s MySawasdee Charter Train

Ready to experience Southern Thailand like never before? As part of the exclusive “MySawasdee Train Experience” organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Singapore office, we are whisked away on a vibrant journey through Hat Yai and Songkhla – a perfect mix of sacred sites, seaside charm, and local flavour. Here’s an inside look at the best of both cities in just one day.

A 3-Country Cross-Border Adventure: MySawasdee Train Experience from Singapore to Hat Yai

Double Decker Tour Bus

With 78 passengers from Singapore, the tour operated with 2 double-decker tour coaches.

Ko Yo

Ko Yo is a small island situated in the middle of Songkhla Lake, within Songkhla Province in Southern Thailand. It is recognized for its scenic hills, traditional fishing villages, cotton-weaving industry, and relaxing rural atmosphere.

Ko Yo is accessible by the Tinsulanonda Bridge, the longest bridge in Thailand, which connects it to the mainland. It is located approximately 20 kilometers southwest of Songkhla city center, making it a popular day trip destination.

Reclining Buddha Statue (Wat Laem Pho)

After a sumptuous hotel breakfast, our day began beneath the golden gaze of the Reclining Buddha at Wat Laem Pho, one of the largest and most famous in the region. This tranquil temple, nestled by a shimmering lake, radiates peace and admiration for Thailand’s rich Buddhist heritage.

Wat Laem Pho is a historic Buddhist temple located on Ko Yo Island, renowned for its colossal reclining golden Buddha statue and serene island setting. The temple dates back over 200 years to the early Rattanakosin era, specifically during the reign of King Rama III, and is officially recognised as a historical site by Thailand’s Fine Arts Department.

Its most celebrated feature is the gigantic reclining Buddha, known as the Sukhothai Buddha, which measures approximately 25 meters in length and is situated outdoors alongside Songkhla Lake, making it a prominent and photogenic landmark.

Wat Khok Piew

Next, we discovered Wat Khok Piew, a beautifully maintained temple where every mural and sculpture tells of centuries-old traditions. The calm ambiance invites visitors to reflect and delight in Southern Thailand’s spiritual roots.

The Naga at Wat Khok Piew are striking serpent statues positioned prominently within the temple grounds on Ko Yo Island. These majestic Naga sculptures are recognized for their vibrant colors and intricate details, depicted as a pair of serpents whose tails intertwine. This coiled and unified pose is both visually impressive and symbolically significant representing protection, harmony, and spiritual guardianship in Buddhist tradition.

Seafood Lunch with a View at Sirada Restaurant

Sirada Restaurant sits right on the edge of Songkhla Lake, its wooden structure perched above tranquil waters, offering panoramic views and a cooling breeze. Step inside and you’ll find a spacious dining area where every table feels close to the water, making it idyllic for a relaxed lunch in a truly local, peaceful setting. The vibe is casual and welcoming with friendly staff.

What sets Sirada apart is its commitment to fresh, local ingredients. The menu is extensive, with standout specialties including:

• Jumbo freshwater prawns: huge and sweet
• Spicy crab curry: a southern favorite: tender chunks of crab in a fiery, sour curry with pickled bamboo shoots.
• Fried snapper with turmeric and “Ling Ping” dipping sauce: crispy fried fish paired with a tangy, local sauce unique to the area.
• Tom Yum Talay (seafood hot and sour soup): brimming with fresh squid, prawns, and fish in a robust broth.

The Great Serpent – Naga Head

Strike a pose with Songkhla’s mythical guardian – the Naga Head Serpent statue. Overlooking the mouth of the Songkhla Lake with the Gulf of Thailand, this impressive landmark brings legends to life and is believed to offer blessings of prosperity.

This large Naga head sculpture is part of a notable project by the Songkhla Municipality aimed at enhancing the local landscape and tourism appeal. The Naga is celebrated as a spiritual protector and emblem of fertility and abundance, deeply connected with water and natural elements in regional beliefs.

Golden Mermaid Statue at Samila Beach

Then, it’s onto Samila Beach to meet Songkhla’s most famous resident: the Golden Mermaid Statue. Inspired by Thai folklore, she’s a symbol of eternal allure, inviting all who visit to snap a photo and make a wish.

Created in 1966 by artist Jitr Buabus, the statue depicts a mermaid combing her hair with a golden comb. It is inspired by a legendary Thai epic called Phra Aphai Mani by the poet Sunthorn Phu. According to the story, a mermaid was seen sitting on the beach combing her hair, and a young fisherman who saw her was enchanted but she never returned when he waited for her. The Golden Mermaid (Nang Nguek Thong) has since become a beloved symbol of Songkhla, attracting visitors who enjoy taking photos and learning about this cultural icon.

Samila Beach itself is a scenic beach on the northern part of Songkhla along the Samila Peninsula. It features wide stretches of white sand, clear waters, and a tranquil atmosphere that makes it popular for locals and tourists alike. Visitors enjoy walking along the beach, picnicking, horse riding, and exploring nearby food stalls and shops.

Songkhla Old Town

Wander through Old Town Songkhla, where history peeks around every corner. Discover pastel-hued Sino-Portuguese shophouses, old-school cafés, and timeworn temples that paint a vivid picture of yesteryear.

Hub Ho Hin (Red Rice Mill)

Hub Ho Hin, also known as the Red Rice Mill, is a historic rice mill building located in the old town of Songkhla on Nakorn Nok Road. The building is famously painted bright red, giving it its nickname and making it a distinctive landmark in the area.

The mill was founded in 1914 by Khun Ratchakitjaree and later developed by his grandson, Mr. Suchart Rattanaprakarn, who introduced a steam engine to power the mill. The name “Hub Ho Hin” comes from the Hokkien Chinese language and means “Unity, Harmony, Prosperity.” Originally used for rice milling, the facility switched functions several times through its history, including use as a military warehouse during World War II and later as a rubber warehouse and fishing port.

The architecture reflects early 20th-century industrial style, with hardwood structures, zinc roofs, and a tall 34-meter chimney. Today, the site is preserved as a cultural and architectural heritage landmark. It also serves as the office of the Songkhla Heritage Trust Society and is a popular tourist attraction where visitors can explore its classic atmosphere and learn about the city’s history.

Songkhla City Art Street

Songkhla City Art Street, often referred to as the street art district in Songkhla Old Town, is a vibrant area known for colorful and creative street murals and graffiti that decorate the historic town’s walls. This artistic trail is about less than 1 km long, covering streets such as Nakhon Nai, Nang Ngam, and Nakhon Nok. The art combines traditional and contemporary themes, reflecting both local culture and modern ideas, and is integrated into the Sino-Portuguese architecture and narrow alleys of the old community.

Visitors can enjoy browsing through the murals that depict scenes of daily life, cultural motifs, as well as some thought-provoking and playful designs.

These artworks make the old town a lively place of discovery and photography, surrounded by small cafes, souvenir shops, restaurants, and museums. The street art experience provides a glimpse into Songkhla’s identity, blending history, community, and creative expression.

Old Town Songkhla Gate

The Old Town Songkhla Gate is a historic city gate dating back to 1836 during the reign of King Rama III. It is one of the few remaining parts of the old fortifications of Songkhla, marking the entrance to the historic Old Town area of the city. The gate stands near the western end of Raman Road, close to the start of the southern end of Nakhonnok Street, an area that features many well-preserved Sino-Portuguese and Chinese-influenced shop houses and buildings.

This gate and a small section of the adjacent city wall were part of the defensive structures when Songkhla was a fortified trading port. Today, the Old Town Gate symbolizes the cultural heritage and architectural history of the city. Passing through it leads visitors into an area that stretches over several parallel streets filled with traditional buildings, temples, and shrines, reflecting a blend of Thai and Chinese architectural styles dating from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Masjid Asasul Islam

Masjid Asasul Islam is a historic mosque set in the heart of Songkhla Old Town near the Old Town Songkhla Gate. It is known for its beautiful minaret and classic dome, which complement the old town’s cultural vibe and blend seamlessly with the surrounding colonial-era architecture.

SeaVerse Café & Restaurant

SeaVerse Café & Restaurant is a new large, nature-inspired bamboo café and restaurant known for its beautiful, Instagram-worthy surroundings and diverse cuisine. It combines scenic outdoor spaces including clear ponds, lush gardens, mountain views, and a 360-degree observation tower with a cozy, coastal-themed café interior.

The café is popular among families, groups, and travelers for its tranquil ambience, friendly service, and photogenic corners. There is an entrance fee of 30 Baht per person, but this was taken care off for our group. Guests often spend their time exploring, taking photos, and enjoying the landscape.

We also had a complimentary welcome drink from SeaVerse Café & Restaurant!

SeaVerse serves Thai and Western dishes, featuring fresh seafood, fusion pasta, artisanal pastries, and signature drinks. Highlights include both halal and vegetarian-friendly menu options, with affordable prices and many small plates, desserts, and beverage choices.

Unique features include a floating boardwalk, watchtower, petting zoo (guests can feed animals), souvenir and handicraft shop, and plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors along the water’s edge.

Khlong Hae Floating Market

No Hat Yai tourist experience is complete without the vibrant flavours and sights of Khlong Hae Floating Market! Khlong Hae Floating Market is the first and only floating market in Southern Thailand. It is a vibrant and colourful market that operates only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from about 1pm to 9pm.

Khlong Hae Floating Market offers a wide variety of foods including local Thai cuisine and Muslim halal food. Many vendors sell food from boats on the river as well as from stalls on the adjacent land areas. Besides food, visitors can also find typical Thai souvenirs.

The market is especially popular with both locals and tourists from neighbouring countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Final Thoughts

Songkhla and Hat Yai together offer an incredible blend of culture, history, and flavour. From the serene spirituality of Wat Laem Pho and Wat Khok Piew on scenic Ko Yo, to the legendary Golden Mermaid Statue at Samila Beach, and vibrant heritage of Songkhla Old Town, every corner tells a story.

Whether you are here to savour southern Thai cuisine, wander through charming streets, marvel at coastal legends, or simply soak in the warm southern hospitality, the MySawasdee Train Experience Hat Yai & Songkhla City Tour is a crash course of the many attractions Southern Thailand has to offer.

This MySawasdee Train Experience trip was sponsored by the Tourism Authority of Thailand Singapore Office.