Tangkuan Hill Songkhla
Ascend Tangkuan Hill for breathtaking panoramic views of Songkhla city, the sea, and the lake, with a charming temple and playful monkeys.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Tangkuan Hill Songkhla
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend Tangkuan Hill for breathtaking panoramic views of Songkhla city, the sea, and the lake, with a charming temple and playful monkeys.
"Worth a trip up at only 60 baht for a beautiful view of the old city, the vast sea and the hilly countryside."
⬆️ Take the Lift
Opt for the lift for an easy ascent and unique views. Roundtrip is 60 THB.
💧 Stay Hydrated
It gets very hot! Bring plenty of water, as refreshments are scarce at the top.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Summit
Breathtaking vistas of Songkhla city, the sea, and the lake from the hilltop.
Temple Exploration
Summit
Discover a serene Buddhist temple offering a peaceful retreat amidst the scenic beauty.
Monkey Encounters
Hillside
Observe playful macaque monkeys that inhabit the hill, adding a wild element to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Getting to the Top
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⬆️ Take the Lift
Opt for the lift for an easy ascent and unique views. Roundtrip is 60 THB.
💧 Stay Hydrated
It gets very hot! Bring plenty of water, as refreshments are scarce at the top.
🐒 Monkey Smart
Be mindful of the monkeys; they are wild animals. Avoid feeding them directly.
🚶♀️ Walk Down Option
Consider walking down for a different perspective and to enjoy the surroundings.
Tips
from all over the internet
⬆️ Take the Lift
Opt for the lift for an easy ascent and unique views. Roundtrip is 60 THB.
💧 Stay Hydrated
It gets very hot! Bring plenty of water, as refreshments are scarce at the top.
🐒 Monkey Smart
Be mindful of the monkeys; they are wild animals. Avoid feeding them directly.
🚶♀️ Walk Down Option
Consider walking down for a different perspective and to enjoy the surroundings.
📸 Capture the View
The panoramic views are stunning, perfect for photography.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tangkuan Hill is a worthwhile visit for its stunning panoramic views of Songkhla city, the sea, and the lake, easily accessible by a short lift ride. While the views and the temple are appreciated, visitors often find the intense heat at the summit uncomfortable, with a lack of amenities like refreshments to mitigate it. The presence of macaque monkeys adds a unique element to the experience.
"Tang Kuan Hill is worth a visit at least once if you're in Songkhla. The lift ride to the top takes about 5–10 minutes and offers easy access to the hill. At the summit, you can explore a small temple and enjoy panoramic views of the city and the sea.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t fully enjoy the scenery due to the intense heat, and there were no staff or facilities available at the top to purchase drinks or find any relief from the weather. It would have been more pleasant if refreshments were available to help with the heat.
There isn’t much else to do apart from the view and a short walk around. The return ticket costs 120 baht per adult, which is reasonable for a one-time experience."
Milaa Thedimplequeen
"You dont really see much from the base of the hill. The ticket counter is just a basic counter, a few seats for waiting and yes, an elevator. The elevator diagonal climb was slow but there is glass opening at the front and back to view the climb. As most Thailand spots, you are sure to find a wat connected so this is no exeption. Find a beautiful view of the old city here, the vast sea and the hilly countryside. Its actually quite breathtaking. Its a huge soace, so you get to see a little of everything on different cirners. Windy but definitely hot in the afternoon but find tree shades and wild monkeys to accompany your visit. Worth a trip up at oy 60 baht."
Lena Ng Mun Yee
"It's great but too many Indians who talk loudly as if they were 50m away except that we are in the elevator, they behave badly which spoils the visit seriously it feels like you visit India, the facilities are old and poorly maintained, there are places where you can fall attention if you have children"
Mr bonplan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Hat Yai, you can take a minivan to Songkhla. Once in Songkhla, you can hire a tuk-tuk or a van for a day trip to visit Tangkuan Hill along with other attractions like Songkhla Old Town and Samila Beach. +1
Yes, once you are in Songkhla town, Tangkuan Hill is a well-known landmark. Taxis, songthaews, and tuk-tuks are readily available to take you there.
Absolutely! Renting an air-conditioned van for an 8-12 hour day trip from Hat Yai is a popular and comfortable option for exploring Songkhla, including Tangkuan Hill.
For exploring multiple spots like Tangkuan Hill, Songkhla Old Town, and Samila Beach, hiring a local driver with a van or using ride-sharing apps if available are good options. Tuk-tuks are also an option for shorter distances. 
While direct public buses might be limited, local songthaews (shared taxis) often pass by areas near Tangkuan Hill. It's generally easier to use a taxi or tuk-tuk for direct access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The return ticket for the lift to Tangkuan Hill costs 60 THB per person. You can also opt for a single ride and walk down for 30 THB.
The primary cost is for the lift ride. There isn't a separate entrance fee for accessing the hill and its temple once you are up there.
While specific hours can vary, it's generally open during daylight hours. It's best to check locally or aim for visits during standard tourist operating times, typically from morning until late afternoon.
Tickets are typically purchased on-site at the counter before boarding the lift. Advance booking is usually not necessary or available.
The lift is generally operational, but it's always a good idea to confirm locally, especially during off-peak seasons or if there are any maintenance schedules.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At the summit, you can explore a small Buddhist temple, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Songkhla city, the sea, and the lake, and observe the local macaque monkeys.
You can spend about 1-2 hours at Tangkuan Hill, including the lift ride up and down, exploring the temple, and taking in the views.
Facilities at the top are quite basic. While there's a temple, dedicated restrooms and food stalls are limited or may not be available. It's advisable to use facilities before ascending and bring your own refreshments.
The lift provides good access to the summit for those with mobility issues. However, navigating the temple grounds and surrounding areas might involve some uneven surfaces.
The most common wildlife you'll encounter are the macaque monkeys that inhabit the hill. They are used to visitors but should be observed from a safe distance.
📸 📸 Photography
The primary photo opportunities are the sweeping panoramic views of Songkhla city, the coastline, and the lake. The temple architecture and the monkeys also make for great shots.
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light for photography, enhancing the scenic views. Mornings can also be good, with softer light and fewer crowds.
Generally, photography is allowed in most areas. However, always be respectful when taking photos inside the temple premises.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive panoramic views. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on specific city details or wildlife.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local drone laws and regulations before flying a drone in the area to avoid any issues.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining Tangkuan Hill with nearby Samila Beach, where kids can play in the sand and sea. The Songkhla Old Town might be less engaging for very young children, but older kids might enjoy exploring the unique street art and architecture.
🚶♀️ Budget Backpackers
To keep costs down, consider using minivans from Hat Yai to Songkhla and then local songthaews or negotiating tuk-tuk prices for getting around Songkhla. Packing your own snacks and water is also a good way to save money, as facilities at the top are limited and can be pricier.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The golden hour light in the late afternoon can create dramatic and beautiful scenes. Don't forget to capture the temple architecture and the macaque monkeys that inhabit the hill. While the lift ride itself offers unique perspectives, be mindful of safety and any restrictions when photographing during the ascent or descent.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Tangkuan Hill: The Ascent
For the more adventurous or budget-conscious, walking up the hill is also an option. While this requires more physical effort, it allows for a more intimate exploration of the hillside and potentially closer encounters with the local flora and fauna. Some visitors choose to take the lift up and walk down, or vice versa, to experience both aspects of the ascent.
It's important to note that while the lift offers convenience, there can be queues, especially during peak tourist seasons or weekends. Planning your visit during off-peak hours can help minimize waiting times.
What Awaits at the Summit
Beyond the views, the hill is home to a small Buddhist temple, providing a serene spiritual space amidst the natural beauty. Visitors can explore the temple grounds and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Additionally, Tangkuan Hill is known for its resident macaque monkeys. These playful creatures are a common sight and add an element of wildlife interaction to the visit, though it's important to observe them from a safe distance and avoid feeding them.
While the views and the temple are the main draws, the experience can be significantly impacted by the weather. The intense heat, especially during the afternoon, can be challenging. Visitors have noted a lack of readily available refreshments or facilities at the top to combat the heat, making it crucial to come prepared with ample water.
Planning Your Songkhla Day Trip
+2Transportation is a key consideration for these day trips. Renting a private van or hiring a local driver for the day is a popular and efficient way to navigate between these sites, offering comfort and flexibility. This approach allows visitors to maximize their time and see multiple attractions without the hassle of arranging individual transport for each stop.
When planning your Songkhla exploration, remember that the weather can be a significant factor. Visiting during the cooler parts of the day and staying hydrated are essential tips shared by many travelers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit