DIY Explore In Hatyai

Beach and Waterfalls

Samila Beach

Of all the beaches along the coast of Songkhla, Samila Beach is the most popular among locals and tourists. This timeless well-known beach is characterized by the most famous view of a Golden Mermaid Statue with the islets Koh Noo and Koh Maew in background

Most people only think of the most famous mermaid statue in Copenhagen, Denmark. However, there is another one situated at the Samila Beach, Songkhla, Thailand.

The tale about the mermaid in Songkhla from Thai folktales said that in old days a mermaid appeared sitting and combing hair on the beach with her golden comb. One day a fisherman was passing by and frightened the mermaid to escape into the sea and left her golden comb on the beach. The fisherman waited around there day-after-day, hoping to return the comb back to her, but she never appeared again. In consequence of the folktale, the Golden Mermaid Statue was then built in B.E. 2509 (1966) in the action of combing her hair and name her “Golden Mermaid” on the advice of “Khun Wijit Matra (Sa-nga Karnjanarkkhapanth)”. It is a bronze statue and was designed and molded by Jit Buabut (who is now Prof. Dr. Prakit Buabut), the then director of Pho-Chang College (Rajamangala Institute of Technology, Pho-Chang Campus). It cost 60,000 Baht to finish it. Taken to establish at the Samila Beach as it completely finished, it is the famous symbol of Songkhla and the well-known tourist spot since then.

The Cat and Rat Island

These prominent marine landmarks facing Samila Beach and Laem Son Onn with rodent - like and feline shapes have been the symbol of Songkhla since ancient times. These islets' coastal waters are favored by local anglers.

Ton Nga Chang Waterfall

The “Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Reserved Area” is situated on Tambon Hue-Rae of Hatyai, on the way from Hatyai to Rattapoom district on Road No.406.

The waterfall consists of 7 cascades with the most beautiful on the third one where two streams can be seen alike the elephant’s tusks. That is the source of the waterfall’s name, “Ton” in Thai language means a waterfall, and “Nga-chang” is the elephant’s tusks, so it refers to a waterfall of elephant tusks shape.

The second cascade seems to be good for swimming, but there are also other spots that you can find out (or observe and follow the locals).

Though it is said that the third cascade is most beautiful, going up there once is quite a sweating trip and slippery trail. There were often fatal accidents caused by the wet and slippery rocks. So going up there you need more self-caring than usual. Moreover, even though the waterfall is most beautiful in rain season, better don’t go up because the flash flood may come anytime during heavy rain.

Ton Plieo Waterfall

This waterfall is considered to be located in part of Ton Nga Chang waterfall’s compound, just a jungle trekking across a mountain, but can be approached to from another asphalt road. Better take your own transportation or else you have to walk from the highway to the waterfall because there is no motorbike taxi service along the 7 km road to the waterfall.

This waterfall is about 50 meters high with some nice spots for swimming. The cool and breeze atmosphere is a touch of nature there. The sound of water flowing down from the upper cascade, where the impressive scenery can be seen, gives a feeling of relaxation. Swim and dive in the cool and clear water sounds pretty enjoying.

It is another beautiful and enjoyable waterfall where the friendly locals often visit.

Boribhat Waterfall

Located in Amphoe Rattapoom of Songkhla, on the way to Satun province on highway 406, the Boribhat Waterfall serves as another tourist destination of Songkhla.

It is really impressive. The falling water from the upper mountain down to the lower pond provides a good dip into the water while the waterfall's shady and cool atmosphere offers more than the ordinary tourist destination.

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