International Marathon in Songkla, including a wheelchair marathon, from Muang District to Singha Nakorn District in Songkla Province near Hat Yai, Southern Thailand
This international marathon is open to runners of all nationalities. The race will be divided into 5 different categories :
- 42.195 kms marathon
- 21.1 kms half-marathon
- 10.5 kms mini half-marathon
- 3 kms health jogging
- 42.195 kms wheelchair marathon
How to get there - By Bus
Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses travel daily back and forth between Bangkok, Hat Yai District and Songkla. This 950 km journey takes approximately 13 hours on the Highway no. 4, traveling past several provinces before arriving Hat Yai District and Songkla.
For more information about the bus departure schedule and bus fares, contact Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal: 02 435 1199-200 for air-conditioned bus, 02 434 5557-8 for non air-conditioned bus; or Hat Yai Bus Terminal: 074 232 789, 074 232 404; or Piya Tour: 074 428 972; or Thai Bus Co., Ltd: 074 429 525.
Travelers can also take buses at Hat Yai Bus Terminal to other southern provinces nearby. Contact Phothong Co., Ltd., at 074 311 126 for the route between Songkla's Muang District and Hat Yai District, and Ranode Transportation Co., Ltdl, at 074 311 523 for the route between Songkla province and Nakhon Si Thammarat province.
How to get there - By Train
The Railway Authority of Thailand offers train services, including the express trains, traveling back and forth between Bangkok and Hat Yai District, Songkla province, on the daily basic. For more information about the departure and arrival schedule and the train fares, call Bangkok Railway Station at 02 223 7010, 02 223 7020 or Hat Yai Railway Station at 074 243 705, 074 238 005.
How to get there - By Air
Daily flights offered by Thai Airways International travel back and forth between Bangkok and Hat Yai District. For more information and ticket reservations, call Thai Airways International's Bangkok office at 02 280 0060, or Hat Yai office at 0274 245 851-2, 074 233 433.
Accommodation in Songkla Thailand
Like other tourist cities, the accommodation in Muang District, Hat Yai District and other districts have a wide range of prices, beginning from as low as 100 baht to as high as a luxury can afford. However, during the time of festivals and events, it is always wiser to have a reservation.
About Songkla Thailand
Songkla is a southern province adjacent to the Kedah State of Malaysia. It is one of the main port cities and coastal trade hubs of Thailand's southern region. As for the natural beauty, Songkla is still abundant of peaceful beaches, refreshing waterfalls, historical mountains, the lake and isles.
Getting Around Songkla in Thailand
Apart from entertaining oneself with a shopping frenzy at Hat Yai, the most bustling district of the province that lies 28 km from Muang District, it is good for travelers to enjoy Songkla at its many natural sites situated within reach. The district's landmark and also the most popular attraction is the Golden Mermaid Statue, which is located on Samila Beach. Songkla Lake, the greatest fresh-water lake of the country, can be the next destination to indulge in the lush nature. At the estuary, where the fresh water joins the sea, lie several islands such as Koh Yai, Koh Si, Koh Ha, Koh Kaew and Koh Yor, reached by a long-tail boat from piers behind the nearby post office or at the fresh market. Alternatively, one can admire the scenic horizontal line by crossing the lake to Koh Yor via the Tinnasulanon Bridge. Out of town, only 26 km from Hat Yai District, is located the picturesque Ton Nga Chang waterfall.
