An Excursion to Songkhla Province

Reported by: Ven. Nyanasami, BA4 student

On January 3, 2026, IBC arranged a trip for male students to visit several well-known places in Songkhla Province. The main purpose of this trip was not only to relax and enjoy a break from our daily studies but also to learn more about local culture, history, and natural heritage. It was a valuable opportunity to gain knowledge while spending meaningful time together. During the trip, we visited three main places: Ton Nga Chang Waterfall, the Folklore Museum in Songkhla, and the well-known Samila Beach.

Our first destination was Ton Nga Chang Waterfall, located in the Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary near Hat Yai. This waterfall is famous for its natural beauty, clean environment, and peaceful atmosphere. It consists of seven levels, with water flowing strongly through rocks and dense forest areas. The most interesting level is the third one, where the waterfall splits into two streams resembling elephant tusks. This unique feature is the reason for its name, as "Ton Nga Chang" means "Elephant Tusk Waterfall." The surrounding forest was lush and green, and the sound of flowing water created a calm and refreshing atmosphere. Being there helped us feel relaxed and reminded us of the importance of protecting nature, forests, and wildlife for future generations.

After that, we continued our trip to the Folklore Museum, also known as the Institute for Southern Thai Studies, located on Ko Yor Island. This museum focuses on the traditions, culture, and daily life of Southern Thai people. Inside, we saw many interesting exhibitions, including traditional houses, farming and fishing tools, clothing, local beliefs, and folk arts. There were also detailed displays explaining how people in southern Thailand lived in the past, such as their occupations, family life, and community traditions. This visit helped us better understand local wisdom and cultural heritage, and it showed us how traditions and values are preserved and passed down from generation to generation. Learning in this environment was engaging and meaningful.

Our final stop was Samila Beach, one of the most famous places in Songkhla. The beach is widely known for its beautiful seaside scenery and the Golden Mermaid statue, which is connected to local folklore and identity. The beach was clean, lively, and full of visitors enjoying the sea breeze. We spent time walking along the shore, taking photos with friends, and relaxing while listening to the sound of the waves. The peaceful atmosphere made it a perfect place to end our trip.

In conclusion, this trip was both meaningful and enjoyable. We learned about nature conservation at Ton Nga Chang Waterfall, cultural heritage at the Folklore Museum, and local identity at Samila Beach. It was a valuable experience that helped us relax, learn, and create good memories together. I would like to thank IBC and everyone who helped organize this trip and made it successful.