Had Yai – Nakhon Si Thammerat (Day 2)

Day 2: Na Thap Beach to Songkhla, 49km.

Today’s ride was fun, I did some detours through the hinterland instead of just following the coast, where the road was a bit too straight and boring for my taste. Had some time to check out Songkhla, enjoyed the old town, the fishing pier and the restaurants along the city beach. Another good ride today. 👍🏻

First I had coffee at the beach restaurant of the Na Thap Camping and Resort where I stayed that night. Had the place to myself that early, others staying there just started showing up when I was about to leave.

I followed the beach for the first part, quite good riding with little traffic. There were some interesting local places along the way, mostly fishing communities, and I stopped several times to take some photos. As it got hotter and hotter I decided to take the inland detour I had planned. Just past Bor It Beach, a small headland with a park, foodstalls and more fishing boats, I turned away from the coast.

This pleasant loop took me through local neighborhoods, very quiet, and zero traffic despite getting closer and closer to Songkhla. I came upon a comfy looking eatery, Anon’s Kitchen (ครัวอานนท์), with a few motorcycles, cars and a truck occupying their parking lot. Time to stop for lunch, and yes, can’t go wrong where the locals eat. Everyone was all smiles, food was delicious, perfect for a midday stop.

From there it was back to the sea, checking out a few more places along the way into town. The fishing community and market around Masjid Darul Aman Mosque was perhaps the most interesting stop, albeit not very busy at this time of the day. Once in town I checked out a few local hotels as it was still early and I had plenty of time. Once I got to the Narai Hotel I knew I had found my place. A family run place with simple but clean air conditioned rooms in a quiet yet central residential neighborhood – just perfect.

After a shower and a short rest it was time to go and check out Songkhla, or at least parts of it. I cycled down to a large commercial fishing pier, with many trawlers at anchor. After chatting with some fishermen I slowly headed back through the old town. There were several nice coffee shops and restaurants there, but not much going on. Yes, still a lot of places closed because of COVID-19.

Back at the seaside of Songkhla I checked out Samila Beach. I ordered dinner in one of the seafood places under the shade trees along this rather nice city beach. It got fairly busy with local people before sunset, everyone enjoying the beach now as it wasn’t as hot anymore. After dark I pedaled back across town where I had spotted a kind of Western Saloon Pub earlier. A live band played indoors but I took one of the tables along the street, with another cold Leo and a snack to conclude this day.