Laem Son On

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 06.00 – 21.00 For The Naga Fountain Plaza And Main Visitor Area Of Suan Song Thale

 

Laem Son On, Songkhla is one of the most important seaside recreation areas and scenic landmarks in Songkhla City. It is located at the northern tip of the Samila area in Bo Yang Subdistrict, Mueang Songkhla District, Songkhla Province. The place is known for its shaded casuarina trees, the open atmosphere of Suan Song Thale, views over Songkhla Lake and the waterway connecting the lake with the Gulf of Thailand, and one of the clearest close views of Ko Nu from the cape. Laem Son On is ideal for walking, relaxing in the sea breeze, taking photographs, watching the lake and sea landscape, and experiencing a compact part of Songkhla where coastal nature, public art, memorial heritage, and local leisure all come together.

 

Laem Son On is not just an ordinary coastal park. It clearly expresses Songkhla’s distinctive geography as a city between Songkhla Lake and the Gulf of Thailand. The city has beaches, lakefront areas, old hills such as Khao Tang Kuan and Khao Noi, and coastal land shaped by sand and sediment movement. At Laem Son On, visitors can understand the idea of Songkhla as a “two-sea city” through the actual landscape: the lake to one side, the open gulf to another, and the cape forming a meeting point of water, wind, sand, and community life.

 

The name Laem Son On is closely tied to the casuarina trees that grow around the cape and along the shore. The area has long been associated with a coastal pine landscape that provides shade, softens the impact of sea wind, reduces the harshness of the open coast, and creates a calm setting for public recreation. These trees are not merely ornamental. They are part of the coastal identity of the place. Walking beneath the casuarina shade in the morning or late afternoon gives the area a quieter and more refreshing character than many open beach zones.

 

At the end of the cape stands the Prince of Chumphon Monument, dedicated to Admiral Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse, Prince of Chumphon, widely revered as the Father of the Royal Thai Navy. The monument is a significant place of respect for fishermen, seafarers, naval personnel, and local residents. Its creation involved maritime volunteer groups in Songkhla, the Royal Thai Navy, Songkhla Province, Songkhla City Municipality, and local people. The monument was established so that people whose lives and occupations are connected with the sea could pay respect before going out to work offshore.

 

The monument’s location at the mouth of Songkhla Lake gives it a dignified setting. Visitors can see the surrounding water, breakwater structures, boats, and the atmosphere of a working coastal city. The bronze statue portrays the Prince of Chumphon standing in full naval uniform and is larger than life size. The site is therefore suitable for respectful worship, learning about maritime history, and viewing the cape landscape. Visitors should behave politely, keep the area clean, and treat the monument as an important public memorial.

 

Another major symbol of Laem Son On is the Naga Fountain sculpture. The Naga head is located at Suan Song Thale at the tip of Laem Son On, facing toward the mouth of Songkhla Lake and spraying water into the lake bay. The sculpture is part of a three-section Naga landmark across Songkhla’s seaside area. The head is at Laem Son On, the body or navel is at Lan Chom Dao near the lotus pond at Samila, and the tail is along Chalathat Road near Samila Beach. This design turns the Naga into a citywide public-art route linking Laem Son On, Samila Cape, and Chalathat Beach.

 

The Naga Fountain is one of the most photographed landmarks in Songkhla. Its form is graceful, visible from the waterfront, and immediately associated with the city. In Thai cultural symbolism, the Naga is connected with water, fertility, greatness, and life. Placing the Naga at the mouth of the lake gives the sculpture a strong relationship with Songkhla’s water landscape. The image of the Naga head spraying water into the lake has become one of the city’s most recognizable scenes.

 

The Naga Fountain area at Laem Son On has been improved and reopened as a visitor-friendly landmark. The upgraded landscape includes a plaza, walking space, and resting areas that make the site more convenient for both locals and tourists. Visitors can photograph the sculpture, enjoy the lake view, walk toward the casuarina-shaded area, and continue to nearby Samila attractions within the same trip. The area works well for a short stop, but it is also worth spending more time here in the late afternoon when the light is softer.

 

The landscape of Laem Son On includes a beach zone, casuarina trees, seaside walkways, the Naga plaza, the Prince of Chumphon Monument, viewpoints, and nearby food areas. A visit does not require a complex itinerary. Travelers can begin by paying respect at the monument, continue to the Naga Fountain, take photographs of Songkhla Lake and Ko Nu, rest under the trees, and then continue to Samila Cape or Chalathat Beach depending on time.

 

One of the most attractive experiences at Laem Son On is the view over Songkhla Lake near the lake mouth. The cape opens to a wide water scene where visitors can see boats, breakwater structures, Ko Nu, the lake surface, and the changing sky. Morning is suitable for walking and quiet photography, while late afternoon is best for resting, watching the soft light over the water, and experiencing Songkhla’s coastal rhythm at a slower pace.

 

Laem Son On also has environmental importance. Its casuarina grove and coastal vegetation help maintain the character of the shore and reduce the impact of wind, waves, and storms. The area represents an urban coastline where recreation and ecological value exist together. Visitors should avoid damaging the trees, trampling coastal plants unnecessarily, leaving food waste, or allowing plastic and other litter to reach the lake or the sea.

 

Historically, this part of Songkhla’s coast has been associated with Laem Sai and coastal settlement memory before becoming today’s public recreation and landmark area. The transformation of the cape reflects the growth of a seaside city that must balance nature, port activity, roads, tourism, and public space. Keeping Laem Son On shaded, clean, and open is important because the area functions both as a civic landmark and as a shared memory space for local people.

 

Getting There to Laem Son On is straightforward from Songkhla city center. Travel toward Samila Cape and Suan Song Thale, then continue to the cape tip where the Naga Fountain and the Prince of Chumphon Monument are located. The route is suitable for private cars, motorcycles, taxis, and local transport. From Songkhla Old Town, travelers can connect through Nakhon Nok Road, Nakhon Nai Road, Chalathat Road, or the seaside route depending on the starting point.

 

From Hat Yai, visitors can take the Hat Yai–Songkhla route into Songkhla city, then continue toward Samila Beach, Samila Cape, and Laem Son On. The journey is convenient for a day trip. A practical route can include Laem Son On, Samila Cape, the Golden Mermaid, Khao Tang Kuan, Songkhla Old Town, and Songkhla National Museum in one day if time is planned well.

 

The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon. Morning gives a quiet atmosphere, fresh air, and softer light for walking and photography. Late afternoon is the most popular time because the sun is lower, the sea breeze is pleasant, and the water surface reflects warmer light. These periods are especially suitable for families, couples, photographers, and travelers who want a relaxed coastal stop after exploring Songkhla.

 

Suitable activities include paying respect at the Prince of Chumphon Monument, photographing the Naga Fountain, walking under the casuarina trees, viewing Songkhla Lake, watching boats pass near the lake mouth, looking toward Ko Nu, resting in the sea breeze, doing light exercise, and continuing to Samila Cape. These activities do not take long, but together they show Songkhla’s blend of nature, public art, history, and seaside life.

 

For photography, Laem Son On offers many strong compositions: the Naga head with the horizon, the Prince of Chumphon Monument, the long shade of casuarina trees, Ko Nu from the cape, boats on Songkhla Lake, and late-afternoon light around Suan Song Thale. Photographers should stand in safe areas, avoid climbing breakwater rocks, avoid standing too close to the water edge, and avoid blocking walkways while taking photos.

 

For families, Laem Son On is easy to access and suitable for light recreation. Children can walk, see the Naga sculpture, learn about the Prince of Chumphon, and enjoy the seaside atmosphere. However, adults should supervise children closely near the water, breakwater areas, and vehicle routes. Elderly visitors can also enjoy the place comfortably, especially in the morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler.

 

Laem Son On connects naturally with Samila Cape. The Naga’s body or navel is located near the lotus pond at Samila, and the tail is along Chalathat Road near Samila Beach. Following the three Naga sections helps visitors understand how public art has been used to connect several seaside landmarks into one continuous urban landscape.

 

Nearby attractions that fit well with Laem Son On include Khao Tang Kuan, the Golden Mermaid at Samila Beach, Songkhla National Museum, Songkhla Old Town, Wat Matchimawat, and the Nakhon Nok–Nakhon Nai historic street area. For a half-day trip, Laem Son On, Samila Cape, and Khao Tang Kuan make a strong core route. For a full-day itinerary, add the old town, museum, and local restaurants.

 

Laem Son On is also part of everyday life for Songkhla residents. In the evening, people often come to sit, walk, exercise, buy food, and spend time with family or friends. This makes the place feel lived-in rather than merely staged for tourism. Visitors should use the area politely, keep noise reasonable, dispose of waste properly, and respect the fact that this is a shared public space for local people as well as travelers.

 

Useful items to bring include a hat, sunglasses, drinking water, comfortable walking shoes, a camera, a personal trash bag, and an umbrella during the rainy season. Visitors arriving in the late afternoon should allow time for returning because the Samila and seaside road areas can become busier on weekends and holidays. Parking should be done only in permitted spaces without blocking public access.

 

The main safety concern is the waterside environment. Visitors should not stand in places where waves are strong, climb breakwater rocks, allow children to play near the water unsupervised, or remain at exposed cape points during heavy rain or strong wind. Coastal areas can become slippery and more hazardous in unsettled weather, so walking carefully is important.

 

From a cultural perspective, Laem Son On brings together several layers of meaning. The Prince of Chumphon Monument connects the site with seafaring and the Royal Thai Navy. The Naga Fountain connects it with water symbolism and prosperity. The casuarina trees and lake mouth connect it with the physical geography of Songkhla as a two-sea city. Together, these elements make Laem Son On a place of respect, public art, environmental value, and relaxation.

 

Compared with Samila Beach, Laem Son On has a calmer and more lake-facing character. Samila is best known for the Golden Mermaid and the beach atmosphere, while Laem Son On is known for the Naga Fountain, the Prince of Chumphon Monument, casuarina shade, and one of the clearest views of Ko Nu. Visiting both areas in one trip gives a fuller view of Songkhla’s seaside identity.

 

Food options around Laem Son On, Samila, and Songkhla Old Town make the visit more convenient. The area has local restaurants, seafood, made-to-order dishes, snacks, drinks, and well-known old-town eateries within a short drive. Travelers can eat before or after the seaside visit, depending on time. Those who want classic Songkhla local food can continue toward Nakhon Nai and Nakhon Nok streets in the old town.

 

Accommodation is easy to arrange because Laem Son On is close to Songkhla city and the Samila area. Visitors who want a morning seaside walk can stay near Samila or Bo Yang. Those who want old-town dining and heritage walks can stay closer to the city center. Staying overnight in Songkhla allows travelers to enjoy Laem Son On in the evening and return again for morning light without rushing.

 

Clean use of the area is essential. Laem Son On is a public recreation space, city landmark, and coastal ecosystem at the same time. Small pieces of litter can easily be blown into the lake or sea. Visitors should take their waste with them, use proper bins, reduce single-use plastic, and avoid leaving food waste under trees or along walkways. This helps keep the cape pleasant for both residents and tourists.

 

In summary, Laem Son On is one of Songkhla’s key coastal landmarks at the tip of the Samila area in Bo Yang Subdistrict, Mueang Songkhla District. It is known for casuarina shade, Suan Song Thale, the Prince of Chumphon Monument, the Naga Fountain, views over Songkhla Lake, and a close view of Ko Nu. It is suitable for relaxing, walking, photography, paying respect, and connecting a route to Samila Cape, Khao Tang Kuan, Songkhla Old Town, and nearby attractions. Visitors should come in the morning or late afternoon, use the public area respectfully, stay safe near the water, and help preserve the coastal trees and clean environment.

 

 

A: Laem Son On is located at the tip of the Samila area in Bo Yang Subdistrict, Mueang Songkhla District, Songkhla Province. It is part of Suan Song Thale and is known for Songkhla Lake views, the Naga Fountain, and the Prince of Chumphon Monument.

 

A: Laem Son On is open daily. The Naga Fountain plaza and the main visitor area of Suan Song Thale are open from 06.00 to 21.00. Morning and late afternoon are the best times to visit.

 

A: The main highlights are the shaded casuarina trees, the Prince of Chumphon Monument, the Naga Fountain, Songkhla Lake views, and the clear view of Ko Nu from the cape.

 

A: It has three parts. The head is at Laem Son On, the body or navel is near the lotus pond at Samila, and the tail is along Chalathat Road near Samila Beach.

 

A: Suitable activities include walking, relaxing in the sea breeze, photographing the Naga Fountain, paying respect at the Prince of Chumphon Monument, viewing Songkhla Lake, looking toward Ko Nu, and resting under the casuarina trees.

 

A: From Songkhla city center, travel toward Samila Cape and Suan Song Thale, then continue to the cape tip. From Hat Yai, take the Hat Yai–Songkhla route into Songkhla city, then continue toward Samila Beach and Laem Son On.

 

A: Yes. It is easy to access and suitable for light recreation, walking, photography, and seaside relaxation. Children should be supervised closely near the water, breakwater areas, and vehicle routes.

 

A: Nearby places include Samila Cape, the Golden Mermaid, Khao Tang Kuan, Khao Noi, Songkhla National Museum, Songkhla Old Town, and Chalathat Road, depending on time and route conditions.