Samila Beach, located in Songkhla in Southern Thailand, is a renowned tourist spot known for its clear waters and fine, white sand. Spanning a length of 3 km, the beach is lined with a border of pine trees, making it an ideal place for leisurely walks, especially during sunrise or sunset. The beach is known for its unique statues, the most famous of which is the mermaid statue, inspired by Mae Thoranee, the earth goddess from Buddhist scripture. Other notable statues include a Naga serpent, a statue of Krom Luang Chumphon, the Prince of Chumphon, and a cat and mouse statue, each representing intriguing local legends.
Despite its popularity, Samila Beach is not typically used for swimming or sunbathing due to the presence of large ships in the bay and the potential for unclean water. However, it is a popular location for other activities such as cycling and horse riding. The beach offers a leisure area for visitors to enjoy local snacks and drinks or engage in activities like drawing pictures of the bay.
The eastern end of the beach, where the mermaid statue is situated, tends to be the busiest. A long promenade lined with restaurants, shops, and market stalls leads up to a large concrete pavilion near the statue, making it a bustling hub of activity. The beach is often windy, providing a pleasant atmosphere for visitors. However, protective gear like umbrellas and caps may be necessary during the hot noon hours.
Visitors can expect the beach to be crowded, especially on weekends and evenings when many stalls and shops are open. However, the crowd tends to thin out on weekdays, with fewer stalls and shops in operation.
Amenities at Samila Beach include food and drink stalls and mat rentals. The presence of monkeys is also a common sight at the beach. The beach is conveniently located approximately 4.1 km from the Songkhla Bus Terminal, making it easily accessible for tourists.
