Laem Samila

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: Open 24 Hours; 06.00 – 19.00 Is Recommended For Safer Daylight Visiting

 

Laem Samila, Songkhla is one of the most important seaside landmarks in Mueang Songkhla District. It is located within Songkhla City Municipality in Bo Yang Subdistrict, about 2.5 km from Sap Sin Market or the municipal fresh market. The area is known for its clean white sand, shady casuarina trees, seaside gardens, the Golden Mermaid statue, the rat-and-cat sculpture, and the view of Ko Nu and Ko Maeo offshore. Laem Samila is therefore both a local recreation beach, a highly photographed travel landmark, and a place where Songkhla’s coastal landscape is closely connected with local legend.

 

Laem Samila expresses Songkhla’s identity in a compact and memorable way. Songkhla is a coastal city positioned between Songkhla Lake and the Gulf of Thailand, with beaches, old hills, an old town, port areas, fishing communities, and cultural landmarks all located within a relatively close distance. Standing on Samila Beach, visitors can see how these elements come together: fine sand along the shoreline, casuarina shade, the Golden Mermaid on the rocks, and Ko Nu and Ko Maeo rising from the sea in front of the city.

 

The beauty of Laem Samila is not limited to the sea itself. The beach changes its character throughout the day. Morning is suitable for walking, light exercise, quiet photography, and enjoying the beach before the crowds arrive. Afternoon is better for resting under the trees or eating near the beach. Late afternoon is the most popular time because the heat softens, the sea breeze becomes more pleasant, and the warm light makes the sand, casuarina trees, Golden Mermaid, and offshore islands especially photogenic.

 

The Golden Mermaid statue is the most recognizable symbol of Laem Samila and Songkhla Province. It stands on the rocks near the cape, facing the sea while combing her hair. The statue is one of the first images many Thai travelers associate with Songkhla. It was cast in dark bronze and created by Ajarn Chit Buabus, based on Thai folklore about a mermaid who came ashore to comb her hair with a golden comb, then fled back to the sea after being startled by a fisherman and never returned to retrieve the comb.

 

The Golden Mermaid is more than a photo spot. It is a public artwork that gives Samila Beach a clear and enduring identity. The statue connects folk storytelling, coastal imagination, feminine beauty, and the beach landscape into one symbol. Many visitors consider a photograph with the Golden Mermaid a sign that they have truly arrived in Songkhla, which explains why the area around the statue is often busy on weekends and holidays.

 

Nearby is the rat-and-cat sculpture, which connects the beach with the legend of Ko Nu and Ko Maeo. The story tells of a Chinese merchant who regularly sailed between China and Songkhla. One day, he brought a dog and a cat aboard his ship. After spending a long time at sea, the dog and the cat wanted to return home. They learned that the merchant possessed a magic crystal that could prevent drowning, so they asked a mouse to steal it. The three animals then jumped into the sea and swam toward shore.

 

As the mouse carried the magic crystal in its mouth, it began to fear that the dog and cat would take the crystal after reaching land. The cat, swimming behind, thought in a similar way and rushed toward the mouse. Startled, the mouse dropped the magic crystal into the sea. Without the crystal’s protection, the mouse and cat lost their strength and drowned, becoming Ko Nu and Ko Maeo in the bay. The dog struggled to reach shore but died from exhaustion and became a rock near Khao Tang Kuan.

 

The legend continues that the magic crystal broke into fine fragments and became the glassy white sand north of Laem Son. This story gives the landscape around Laem Samila greater meaning. Islands, cliffs, sand, and rocks are not only natural features; they are linked with memory, imagination, and moral storytelling. Visitors to Laem Samila therefore encounter both a real seascape and a cultural narrative that makes the place more distinctive.

 

Ko Nu and Ko Maeo are an essential part of the view from Laem Samila. From the beach, the two islands can be seen clearly offshore, creating a natural backdrop that belongs visually to the Golden Mermaid and the rat-and-cat sculpture. This combination of visible landscape and local folklore gives Samila Beach more depth than an ordinary stretch of sand.

 

Samila Beach is known for fine, clean, pale sand often associated with the idea of “glass sand.” The sand is suitable for walking, relaxing, and photography, especially in areas shaded by casuarina trees and nearby landscaped gardens. Keeping the beach clean is essential because its white sand is part of the site’s identity. Visitors should avoid leaving rubbish, food waste, or plastic on the sand or near the trees.

 

The casuarina trees are a major reason why Laem Samila feels pleasant and usable. They provide shade, reduce the harshness of the midday sun, and create a calm atmosphere for sitting and resting. Local residents often use the shaded area for relaxation, light exercise, snacks, and family time. This means Laem Samila is not only a tourist site but also an everyday public space for Songkhla residents.

 

The surrounding area includes landscaped gardens, walkways, resting areas, and open public spaces. Visitors can sit under the trees, walk along the beach, continue toward Chalathat Road, or choose photo angles that include the Golden Mermaid, the rat-and-cat sculpture, Ko Nu and Ko Maeo, the casuarina grove, the beach, and the evening light. This open and connected layout makes Laem Samila suitable for families, couples, solo travelers, and groups of friends.

 

Laem Samila also has accessibility features for elderly visitors and wheelchair users in the main walkway areas. The ramps are wide, the surfaces are relatively smooth, the slope is appropriate, and the long beachside connecting walkway allows wheelchair access to key viewing areas. However, some sections still have level differences, and the sandy beach itself is more difficult to access than the paved walkway. Visitors traveling with elderly family members or wheelchair users should therefore use the smoother main paths.

 

Suitable activities at Laem Samila include taking photos with the Golden Mermaid, walking along the beach, resting under the casuarina trees, viewing Ko Nu and Ko Maeo, photographing the rat-and-cat sculpture, doing light exercise in the morning or late afternoon, riding horses along the beach when available, and swimming only in safe conditions. Although the beach is not very steep, visitors should always pay attention to waves, wind, warning signs, and local safety advice.

 

For photography, Laem Samila offers many strong angles without requiring a long walk. Popular compositions include the Golden Mermaid with the sea, the mermaid with Ko Nu and Ko Maeo in the background, the rat-and-cat sculpture with the beach, casuarina shadows across the sand, and warm late-afternoon light on the water. For fewer crowds, morning or weekdays are better. In the evening and on holidays, visitors should allow time because the Golden Mermaid area often has people waiting for photos.

 

Getting There to Laem Samila is convenient from both Songkhla city center and Hat Yai. From Songkhla city, visitors can take a songthaew, taxi, motorcycle taxi, or private vehicle to the beach, using city routes toward Ratchadamnoen Road, Chalathat Road, or the Samila area depending on the starting point. From Sap Sin Market or the municipal fresh market, the beach is about 2.5 km away, making it easy to combine with Songkhla Old Town or a late-afternoon seaside visit.

 

From Hat Yai, visitors can take the Hat Yai–Songkhla bus to Songkhla city, then continue by songthaew or local transport to the beach. Driving is also convenient via the Hat Yai–Songkhla route into the city, then onward to Laem Samila or Chalathat Road. This route works well for a day trip because Laem Samila can be combined with Songkhla Old Town, Khao Tang Kuan, Songkhla National Museum, Laem Son On, and local restaurants in one itinerary.

 

Visitors should plan parking carefully, especially on weekends and in the late afternoon when the beach becomes busier. Vehicles should be parked only in permitted areas and should not block walkways, ramps, or wheelchair-accessible routes. Families with small children or elderly visitors should choose drop-off points near the main walkway to avoid long movement across the sand.

 

The best times to visit are morning and late afternoon. Morning offers a quieter atmosphere, softer light, and fewer crowds. Late afternoon is ideal for families and visitors who want to rest under the trees after the heat has decreased. Midday visits are still possible, but visitors should bring a hat, sunglasses, and drinking water because the exposed beach area can be hot, especially outside the shaded tree line.

 

Swimming at Laem Samila should be done only in safe areas and when sea conditions are suitable. Visitors should avoid the water during strong wind or rough waves, should not leave children unattended, and should observe local signs or staff warnings. Even a popular urban beach can have changing sea conditions, so caution is necessary.

 

Laem Samila can be included in several Songkhla city routes. For a half-day trip, visitors can begin in Songkhla Old Town, visit Songkhla National Museum, continue to Khao Tang Kuan, and end at Laem Samila in the late afternoon. For a full-day itinerary, add Laem Son On, the Naga Fountain, Chalathat Road, and seafood restaurants near the coast. This gives a balanced view of Songkhla’s old town, viewpoints, memorial sites, and beach landscape.

 

Food options near Laem Samila make the visit easy. Around the beach, Chalathat Road, and the old town are seafood restaurants, local eateries, cafes, snacks, drinks, and made-to-order food. Travelers who want a seaside atmosphere can eat near Chalathat Road or Laem Son On, while those interested in classic Songkhla dishes can continue to Nang Ngam Road, Nakhon Nok Road, and Nakhon Nai Road in the old town.

 

Accommodation near Laem Samila ranges from beachside and near-beach hotels to city hotels and small stays near the old town. Visitors who want a morning beach walk should stay around Samila or Bo Yang. Those who prefer old-town food and heritage walks may choose accommodation closer to the city center. Staying overnight in Songkhla allows travelers to see Laem Samila in both evening and morning light.

 

Laem Samila suits many visitor groups. Families get an easy recreation area with memorable photo spots. Children can learn about the mermaid, the rat-and-cat legend, and offshore islands. Elderly visitors can enjoy the breeze under the trees or use the main walkway. Friends can take photos and continue toward Chalathat Road. Cultural travelers can understand why this beach has become one of Songkhla’s defining symbols.

 

The main precautions are midday heat, crowding near the Golden Mermaid, waterside safety, and road crossing around the beach area. Children should be supervised closely. Visitors should not climb rocks or risky areas for photos, should not stand too close to the water during rough seas, and should not leave valuables unattended. These basic precautions make the visit more comfortable and safer.

 

Cleanliness is very important at Laem Samila because it is a public beach, a provincial landmark, and the visual identity of Songkhla. Litter left on the sand or under the trees can easily be blown into the sea. Food waste also attracts animals and makes the area less pleasant for other visitors. Everyone should dispose of waste properly, reduce single-use plastic, and leave the beach clean after use.

 

Culturally, Laem Samila brings together many of Songkhla’s key symbols. The Golden Mermaid connects the beach with folklore and provincial identity. The rat-and-cat sculpture connects the area with the legend of Ko Nu and Ko Maeo. The offshore islands connect the story with the real seascape. The casuarina trees and glassy sand connect the site with natural beauty. Together, these elements make Laem Samila a place where visitors can understand Songkhla through scenery, memory, and local storytelling.

 

Compared with Laem Son On, Laem Samila is busier and more widely recognized because of the Golden Mermaid and the beach. Laem Son On is calmer and known for the Naga Fountain, the Prince of Chumphon Monument, and Songkhla Lake views. Visiting both places in one trip gives travelers a fuller picture of Songkhla’s seaside identity: the famous beach landmark at Samila and the quieter cape landscape at Laem Son On.

 

In summary, Laem Samila is a major beach and landmark of Songkhla City. It is located within Songkhla City Municipality, about 2.5 km from Sap Sin Market. The beach is known for clean white sand, shady casuarina trees, landscaped gardens, resting areas, the Golden Mermaid, the rat-and-cat sculpture, and views of Ko Nu and Ko Maeo connected with local legend. Access is convenient from Hat Yai and Songkhla city center. The beach is suitable for relaxation, photography, walking, safe swimming conditions, and connecting routes to Songkhla Old Town, Khao Tang Kuan, Laem Son On, and Chalathat Road. Visitors should come in the morning or late afternoon, use the public area politely, supervise children and elderly visitors, and help keep the beach clean as one of Songkhla’s most important symbols.

 

 

A: Laem Samila is located in Bo Yang Subdistrict, Mueang Songkhla District, Songkhla Province, about 2.5 km from Sap Sin Market or the municipal fresh market.

 

A: Laem Samila is a public beach open daily and accessible 24 hours. The recommended visiting time is 06.00 to 19.00 because daylight makes the visit safer and more comfortable.

 

A: No. Laem Samila has free admission, and visitors can walk, relax, take photos, and enjoy the beach without paying an entrance fee.

 

A: The main highlights are the clean white sand, shady casuarina trees, the Golden Mermaid statue, the rat-and-cat sculpture, and the view of Ko Nu and Ko Maeo.

 

A: Ko Nu and Ko Maeo can be seen from Laem Samila, and local legend connects them with a mouse, cat, and dog that stole a magic crystal from a Chinese merchant’s ship before becoming islands and rocks in Songkhla’s seascape.

 

A: Visitors can take the Hat Yai–Songkhla bus to Songkhla city, then continue by songthaew or local transport to the beach. Driving via the Hat Yai–Songkhla route is also convenient.

 

A: The main walkway has ramps and a long beachside path that wheelchair users can access, but some points have level differences, and the sandy beach is harder to access than the paved walkway.

 

A: Nearby places include Khao Noi, Suan Seri, Khao Noi Palace, Khao Tang Kuan, Songkhla Tae Raek Walking Street, Songkhla Old Town, and Chalathat Beach, depending on time and route conditions.