Songkhla is the provincial capital of Songkhla province and is located on the Malay Peninsula on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Although not known as a major tourist attraction, it does have enough charm and attractions to make it worth a visit especially for tourists staying in nearby Hat Yai who fancy a change to a slower way of life. Being a coastal town fishing is an important part of the local economy. Over the last few decades, Songkhla has developed rapidly and is now a unique attraction worth visiting in its own right. Blessed with natural resources such as pleasant beaches, enchanting waterfalls, and a tranquil lake, the old section of Songkhla still maintains its unique identity of ancient and historical flavours through local architecture and cuisine.