Songkhla

Songkhla is a province in southern Thailand bordering Malaysia and the Gulf of Thailand. The capital, also called Songkhla, is known for the white-sand beach Hat Samila, home to a bronze mermaid sculpture that is the city’s symbol. Songkhla Zoo houses native animals such as tapirs, tigers and gibbons in a natural rainforest habitat. To the southwest, the modern city Hat Yai is a travel hub and shopping destination.

Within the boundaries of the city of Songkhla is Cape Samila Beach, the most popular beach in the province. The famous mermaid statue can be found here. The two islands Ko Nu and Ko Maew (Mouse and Cat Islands), not far from the beach, are also popular landmarks, and a preferred fishing ground. According to a local folk tale, a cat, mouse and dog were traveling on a Chinese ship, when they attempted to steal a crystal from a merchant. While trying to swim ashore, both the cat and the mouse drowned and became the two islands; the dog reached the beach, then died and become the hill Khao Tang Kuan.