🏖️ Samila Beach: A Backpacker’s Guide to Songkhla’s Golden Sands & Mermaid Magic!

#hatyaiattractions Why This Beach is ICONIC: ✅ Famous Mermaid Statue – Thailand’s most photographed mermaid 🧜♀️ ✅ Golden sand rarity – Most Thai beaches are white! ✅ Local vibes – No big resorts, just authentic charm ✅ Legendary sunsets – Sky turns cotton-candy pink 🌅 My Pro Tips for the Best Visit: ⏰ Sunrise/sunset – Avoid midday heat & crowds 👙 Swim cautiously – Strong currents sometimes 🐚 Hunt for shells – The cove area has the best finds 🍍 Try roti sai mai – Local cotton candy pancakes (50฿) Must-Do Experiences: 1️⃣ Mermaid selfies – Pose with the bronze beauty 📸 2️⃣ Cat & Mouse Islands view – Photograph the iconic rocks 🐈⬛🐭 3️⃣ Horseback riding (~300฿) – Gallop along the shore 🐎 4️⃣ Samila Seafood – Cliffside restaurant with killer views Hidden Gems Nearby: • Songkhla Lighthouse – 360° panoramic views • Monkey Hill – Playful macaques (watch your snacks!) • Fishing pier – Watch local boats unload their catch How to Get There: 📍 From Hat Yai: 1 hour by scooter (~80฿ petrol) 🚐 Songthaew: From Hat Yai to Songkhla (40฿) then tuk-tuk Time Needed: 2-4 hours (add more for seafood & exploring) Perfect For: Beach bums, photographers & seafood lovers Pro Tip: Visit Songkhla Old Town afterward – just 15 mins away! 🏘️➡️🌊 #mermaidmagic – Tag your best golden hour shots! 📷✨ P.S. The mermaid’s scale texture rub is considered lucky – give it a try! 🍀