🐘🌿 A Day Trip from Hat Yai to Songkhla Zoo (สวนสัตว์สงขลา) 🌿🦒
During my stay in Hat Yai, I decided to take a short trip to Songkhla Zoo — one of the most popular family-friendly attractions in southern Thailand. Located just about 30–40 minutes from Hat Yai city center, this zoo is known for its large open spaces, beautiful hilltop views, and variety of wildlife.
🚗 Getting There
I hired a Grab car for convenience, which cost around 300–400 baht one way. You can also rent a scooter or join a local tour. The road to the zoo winds a bit uphill, but the ride is scenic and peaceful.
🐾 Exploring the Zoo
Once I arrived, I paid the entrance fee — around 150 baht for Thai residents and 300 baht for foreigners, though prices may vary.
The zoo is huge and spread out over hilly terrain, so I highly recommend renting a golf cart inside the zoo (about 200–300 baht per hour). It makes exploring much easier, especially under the hot sun.
Here are some highlights:
🦁 Big Cats: Lions, tigers, and leopards in spacious enclosures. I even got to see a white tiger! 🐘 Elephants: You can watch the elephants bathe and sometimes feed them. 🦓 Safari Zone: You drive through areas with zebras, giraffes, and other animals roaming semi-freely. 🐧 Penguin Feeding Show: Yes — they have penguins in Thailand! The penguin show was short but entertaining. 🐒 Primates & Reptiles: A nice collection of monkeys, snakes, and crocodiles. 🌊 Water Park: There’s also a small water park inside the zoo — perfect for kids or cooling off. 🌄 Viewpoint
One of my favorite parts was the hilltop viewpoint overlooking Songkhla Lake. It’s a great place to take a break, grab an ice cream, and snap some photos of the stunning landscape.
🍽 Food & Facilities
There are several cafes and food stalls throughout the zoo offering Thai snacks, drinks, and basic meals. Clean toilets and rest areas are available at multiple points.
📝 Final Thoughts
If you’re visiting Hat Yai and have half a day to spare, Songkhla Zoo is a great choice — especially for families or animal lovers. It’s not just a zoo; it’s a full day of adventure, nature, and relaxation rolled into one.
Whether it’s feeding a giraffe, enjoying a panoramic lake view, or just cruising in a golf cart through lush greenery, this trip definitely added something special to my journey in southern Thailand. 🐾❤️
#hatyaiattractions