Institute for Southern Thai Studies Songkhla Thailand
Explore Southern Thai culture and history through a vast collection of artifacts, set against the scenic backdrop of Songkhla Lake.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Institute for Southern Thai Studies Songkhla Thailand
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Southern Thai culture and history through a vast collection of artifacts, set against the scenic backdrop of Songkhla Lake.
"An underrated gem with a peaceful vibe and stunning lake views, offering a deep dive into local heritage."
Taxi to the Top
Ask your taxi to drive you directly to the entrance at the top to avoid the steep walk. :taxi:
Songthaew Ride
Take a brown or red songthaew from Songkhla city to Ko Yo for about 20 baht. :bus:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Local Production Exhibits
Main Exhibition Building
Discover farming, fishing, weaving, metalwork, and more. See ancient Chinese porcelain and unique Kris knives.
Unique Coconut Graters
Smaller Buildings
A surprisingly interesting collection of coconut graters in various shapes, showcasing everyday tools.
Panoramic Lake View Tower
Tower
Climb to the top for a peaceful and beautiful view over Songkhla Lake. Perfect for photos!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Walk
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Taxi to the Top
Ask your taxi to drive you directly to the entrance at the top to avoid the steep walk. :taxi:
Songthaew Ride
Take a brown or red songthaew from Songkhla city to Ko Yo for about 20 baht. :bus:
Allow Ample Time
You might need over half a day to explore everything carefully. :clock:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking and stairs between buildings. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Taxi to the Top
Ask your taxi to drive you directly to the entrance at the top to avoid the steep walk. :taxi:
Songthaew Ride
Take a brown or red songthaew from Songkhla city to Ko Yo for about 20 baht. :bus:
Allow Ample Time
You might need over half a day to explore everything carefully. :clock:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking and stairs between buildings. :athletic_shoe:
Bring an Umbrella
There's no shelter between buildings, so an umbrella is useful if it rains. :umbrella:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the museum's extensive and fascinating collection of Southern Thai artifacts, offering a deep dive into local culture and history. The peaceful atmosphere and the panoramic lake view from the tower are significant highlights. However, some halls suffer from faulty air conditioning, leading to musty conditions, and the steep walk between buildings can be challenging for some.
"The museum includes a main exhibition building, and many other separated smaller buildings. The main building exhibits the local production, which include farming, fishing, weaving, metalwork, rubber, palm oil, pottery, porcelain, etc. There is a good collection of Chinese porcelain, made in Tang, Yuan, Ming, Qing Dynasty. There is also collection of different Kris(a kind of knife). In the small building, one room exhibits coconut grater with different shapes, which is very interesting to me. Anyway, the museum provides abundant stuffs. If u watch very carefully, u may need more than half a day. The museum is very peaceful and beatiful, and the tower has a fantastical view over the lake. The entrance fee for foreighners is 100 bhat. There is also a coffee bar with drinks, snacks, and instant noodle.
How to get there?
If u r a tourist staying at Songkhla without any vehicle, u can take a brown (or red) songthaew to come here. The songthaew stops just besides Phathammarong Museum. They usually start around 8am. The price to Ko Yo is surprisingly 20 bhat. The songthaew can stop just in front of the museum gate. When u return to Songkhla city, u can also wait this songthaew in front of the museum gate, of coz at the opposite side of the road. It doesn't run on schedule, but u still can catch one if it is not too late."
Vincent Li
"Comprehensive museum encompassing the regions history and artifacts. It's well curated with exhibits being separated into different halls. The place doesn't get full stars primarily due to some of the halls have faulty air-conditioning, make it musty and stuffy. There is a lack of visitor here making going through the exhibits seems like a private tour. Getting to the museum entrance from the main gate will take you on a steep 450 meters incline walk."
Din Saint
"Amazing collection. Better cater 2 hours here. No joke walking around the steps to the different rooms. Not suitable for elderly or small kids. Would be a problem if rain as there are no shelter between the rooms.
If you take taxi, you can ask the driver to drive you to the entrance all the way at the top. Or pick you up at the top when you return too"
K M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
If you're in Songkhla without a vehicle, a brown or red songthaew is your best bet. They usually start around 8 AM and the fare to Ko Yo is surprisingly affordable at 20 baht. The songthaew can drop you right at the museum gate. For a more direct route, taxis can take you straight to the entrance at the top of the hill.
Yes, taxis can drive you all the way to the entrance at the top of the hill, saving you the steep walk. You can also arrange for a taxi to pick you up from the top when you're ready to leave.
The most convenient public transport from Songkhla city is the songthaew. Look for the brown or red ones heading to Ko Yo. They are an economical option and will drop you close to the museum.
The museum is located in Koh Yor Subdistrict. While it might not be as widely advertised as other tourist spots, following directions for the Institute for Southern Thai Studies or asking locals for the Folklore Museum should guide you there.
The songthaew doesn't operate on a strict schedule, but they generally start running around 8 AM. If you're returning to Songkhla city, you can usually catch one from the museum gate.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for foreigners is 100 Thai Baht. Thai nationals have a lower fee of 30 Baht.
While not explicitly stated, students and seniors might be eligible for reduced rates. It's always a good idea to inquire at the ticket counter upon arrival.
The museum is typically open from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, including weekends and holidays.
Tickets are usually purchased on-site at the museum entrance. There's no indication of a need for advance booking.
Due to the hilly terrain and stairs between buildings, the museum may not be fully accessible for individuals with mobility challenges.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The museum houses an extensive collection of over 50,000 artifacts showcasing Southern Thai culture, history, and traditions. You'll find exhibits on local production, historical crafts, and art.
The steep inclines and stairs between buildings might be challenging for the elderly or very young children. It's advisable to consider this before your visit.
The museum is spread across several buildings. Take your time to explore each hall, paying attention to the details. The tower offers a great vantage point for photos.
Yes, there is a coffee bar that offers drinks, snacks, and even instant noodles for visitors.
Many visitors describe the museum as peaceful and beautiful. You might even feel like you have a private tour due to the low visitor numbers.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, especially for personal use. However, some areas might have restrictions, so be mindful of signage.
The tower offers a fantastic panoramic view over Songkhla Lake, making it an ideal spot for memorable photos.
The museum's exhibits on traditional crafts, architecture, and historical artifacts provide numerous opportunities to capture the essence of Thai culture. +1
The museum encourages capturing the beauty of Thai architecture and the details of the artifacts. Videos are also permitted in certain areas. +1
While personal photography is common, professional shoots might require special permission. It's best to inquire at the museum if you plan extensive professional photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you do visit with children, focus on the more visually interesting exhibits like the local production displays or the unique coconut graters. The tower view can also be a fun highlight for kids. Pack snacks and drinks, as the coffee bar offers basic options.
🚶 Budget Travelers
While there's a coffee bar, bringing your own water and snacks can further save costs. The sheer volume of exhibits means you can spend a significant amount of time here, getting a lot of value for your entrance fee.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The diverse exhibits, from intricate crafts to historical items like Chinese porcelain and Kris knives, offer countless opportunities for detailed shots. The architecture of the museum buildings themselves also presents interesting photographic subjects. Remember to be respectful of any signage regarding photography restrictions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Southern Thai Culture
Visitors can explore various halls dedicated to different aspects of Southern Thai life. These include exhibits on local production such as farming, fishing, and weaving, as well as traditional crafts like metalwork, pottery, and porcelain. The collection also features historical items like Chinese porcelain from various dynasties and a diverse array of Kris knives, offering a glimpse into the region's past.
Beyond the main exhibition building, smaller structures house specialized collections, such as an intriguing display of coconut graters in various forms. The museum's setting on the shores of Songkhla Lake adds to its charm, and the tower provides a breathtaking panoramic view, making it a truly immersive cultural experience.
Navigating the Museum Grounds
Due to the terrain and the separation of buildings, comfortable footwear is highly recommended. Travelers have noted that there is no shelter between the buildings, making an umbrella a practical item to bring, especially during the rainy season.
While the museum is spread out, this design also contributes to its peaceful atmosphere. The distinct halls and smaller buildings allow for a focused exploration of specific themes, making the journey through the exhibits a more intimate experience.
The Significance of Thai Art and Architecture
Creators on TikTok often highlight the beauty of the Thai architecture and the 'love and attention to detail' that went into creating the museum.
Visitors are encouraged to engage with the exhibits, appreciating the skill and artistry involved in their creation. The museum's peaceful ambiance further enhances this appreciation, allowing for a contemplative experience of Thai cultural heritage.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit