TRAVELSCRAPBOOK
Southern charm
Steeped in history, the cities of Songkhla and Phatthalung have a thriving culture not to be missed
- Published: 31 May 2012 at 00.00
- Newspaper section: Life
The lesser-known towns in the south are charming, and Songkhla and Phatthalung are great examples, being rich in history, culture and religion.
The Chedi Tri Phob Tri Mongkol (meaning three worlds and three auspicious things) was built in 2006 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the King’s succession to the throne. The bright stupa looks like crystal, but is actually made of stainless steel. Located on Hong Hill in Hat Yai district, the stupa houses beautiful Buddha images. Locals believe that paying respect to the pagoda will also bring an auspicious life.
Songkhla has been home to Chinese Hokkien Thais and Muslim Thais for centuries. Although the old town of Songkhla does not have an outstanding road fully dotted with Sino-Portuguese buildings like the old town in Phuket, there are some old Sino-Chinese houses and shophouses to be found scattered in the old quarter, especially on three major streets _ Nakhon Noak, Nakorn Nai and Nang Ngam. Muslim communities also live their peaceful lives in the same area where their mosques can be seen not far from old Chinese shrines and Buddhist temples.
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