Introduction

Laem Samila Beach is the beautiful beach of Mueang Songkhla City. Upon visiting, you can hear a saying that goes.

“Anyone who has visited Songkhla and has not visited Samila has not arrived in Songkhla.” Indeed, with the golden mermaid, the clear blue water, and the fresh salty air, you can relax and let your soul flow in the calming scenery of Samila Beach.

The Golden Mermaid attraction

The Golden Mermaid is one of the Samila Beach main attractions (Source: Tourism Thailand)

A brief overview of Laem Samila Beach

Laem Samila Beach has one of the most peaceful, picturesque surroundings compared to many beaches in Thailand.

Renowned not only for its white sandy seaside and densely shaded pine groves but also for the statue of a mermaid - the most famous landmark of Songkhla. People that have visited this land all take photos with the mermaid as a souvenir.

Samila sand called Sai Kaew

Laem Samila Beach sand is called “Sai Kaew” (Source: Trip Advisor)

It was deemed an ideal destination to stroll on the powdery sand called “Sai Kaew” and enjoy the refreshing sea air while window shopping at the many restaurants and souvenir shops on the seaside. With security guards from Songkhla Municipality to ensure safety throughout the day, water activities can only add to the fun for tourists.

From Samila Beach, apart from the famous Golden Mermaid statue, you can also see Rat Island (Koh Nu), Cat Island (Koh Maeo), and the historic Laem Samila Beach Cave, all of which look stunning under the sunset of Songkhla.

Location of Laem Samila Beach

Located in the City Municipality, Samila Beach is about 2.5 kilometers from the fresh Thai market, either Thalat Supsin or Thalat Sot Thetsaban. Just a 1 to 2-hour drive from Hat Yai Plaza, you can soon see the white sandy beach that stretches nearly 5 km long to Son On beach.

How to get to Laem Samila Beach

Easily accessible via Hat Yai and/or Songkhla buses, from the city, visitors can take a minibus directly to the beach. Other options such as cabs, buses, and taxis, are also available, allowing tourists to select whichever choice best suits them. 

Read more: Thailand beach holiday 10 days 9 nights

The legend at Laem Samila Beach 

Amidst the scenic beach, Songkhla people stated Koh Nu and Koh Maeo off the shore of Laem Samila Beach, to be a well-known symbol of their city.

Statues Koh Nu Koh Maeo

The statues of Koh Nu and Koh Maeo are together (Source: Adventures of Jellie)

Legend has it that once upon a time, there was a Chinese sampan that frequented this place. On the boat there is a dog, a cat – Maeo, and a mouse – Nu. The owner of the sampan was a merchant, and he has a magic crystal, which helps him to breathe underwater. 

The dog, the cat and the mouse wanted to escape this boat. They tried to steal the magic crystal from the merchant but were caught. Jumping into the water, they desperately tried to swim ashore but unfortunately drowned and lost their lives. 

The mouse and the cat became islands in Songkhla Lake. They were named Koh Nu and Koh Maeo, respectively. The dog died on shore and turned into a hill called Hin Khao Tangkuan near the bay. The crystal was destroyed and became the white sandy beach called Hat Sai Kaeo. 

Best time to visit Laem Samila Beach 

Most tourists who come to Hat Yai City will visit Samila Beach. If you ask a local, you'll find out that the beach is open year-round. Easily accessible for beach lovers to come and let the serene atmosphere of Laem Samila Beach calm their souls from the everyday stress.

Samila beach daytime

Samila Beach in the daytime is fresh and relaxing (Source: Beach Searcher)

Despite being a convenient spot to enjoy some Vitamin Sea, locals advise you to plan your trip to Samila Beach during the dry season from November to February. Perhaps visit during the evening to gaze at the stunning sunset views as well.

What to do at Laem Samila Beach 

Walking along the beach

Tourists visiting Laem Samila Beach collectively complimented the beach's cool and serene atmosphere. They suggested that it is a nice place to walk either on the beach itself or on the small streets besides. 

Sinking your feet in  the powdery white sand of the coast, taking a slow, peaceful walk and letting the fresh air fill your lungs was a relaxing experience like no other.

Samila beach coast side

Samila Beach coast side (Source: Thailand Life)

Shopping and Dining

The street also includes several restaurants, pubs, and shops. Visitors have the option to try out various types of food. Plenty of vendors along the beachfront, selling everything from cheap food to souvenirs. 

You can not only eat snacks and street food right on the beach, but also window shop for a wide variety of souvenirs to bring home. Furthermore, dining is also available. Imagine a dinner together with your loved one on the seafront, enjoying a tasty meal in the calming air of Samila Beach.

People spend time Samila beach

People spend time at Samila Beach (Source: Pinterest)

Photographing

For those in love with the white sandy beaches, this is the place to be. However, it's not suitable for swimming due to the steep shape that can be seen during low tides. Instead, beach lovers have the opportunity to take many pictures with various landmarks on the seaside, such as the golden mermaid, Nang Nguek Thong. 

Visitors can often see photographers with photoshoots of sunsets, nature, the sky, etc. There would also be the occasional wedding photography on the beach.

Capturing pictures and videos of this place could very well give you a fond memory to look back on after returning from your trip.

Water activities 

When you visit Samila Beach, you’ll be surprised by the variety of activities that you can participate in without getting your clothes wet. From horseback riding and volleyball matches to activities for children such as flying kites. 

From just 150 BAHT, you can enjoy horseback riding, galloping on the sandy seaside of Laem Samila or renting a kite to fly it in the strong cooling winds of the sky. Laem Samila used to be a regular venue for beach volleyball matches, so the quality and atmosphere are guaranteed to be suitable.

Tourists play beach volleyball

Tourists can play volleyball on the powdery sand of Samila Beach (Source: Thailand Life)

Cuisine around Laem Samila Beach

Nearby Laem Samila Beach has a wide variety of food options to choose from. From seafood restaurants, bakeries to cafe lounges and bars, Songkhla provides visitors with a full course meal, from the main dish to desserts and drinks.

Notably, as you’re eating near a beach, the quality and freshness of seafood are  top-notch. Cooked quickly after being caught, you can be assured of the fresh quality of each dish.

Some recommendations for restaurants to stop by when visiting Laem Samila Beach could be The Roof, Monthathip Seafood and Su Chinda. If you’re looking for coffee longues or places to drink and relax, maybe consider Café Der See Nakkornnok, The Secret Garden, and Oscars Bar.

fresh seafood samila beach

The seafood at Songkhla is incredibly fresh (Source: Blogspot)

Conclusion

Laem Samila Beach is definitely a great choice if you’re a beach lover looking for a serene coastside to relax and melt into nature. If you’re interested, contact us. Let Asia King Travel take care of all the process, so you’re only concerned with enjoying your time under the tropical sun!

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