Thailand: Phra Chedi Luang (temple on top of hill), Khao Tang Kuan (hill at north end of town), Songkhla, Songkhla Province

Phra Chedi Luang sits atop Khao Tang Kuan, a hill to the north of Songkhla town. The temple was built during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V, r.1868 - 1910).

The name Songkhla is actually the Thai corruption of Singgora (Jawi: سيڠڬورا); its original name means 'the city of lions' in Malay. This refers to a lion-shaped mountain near the city of Songkhla.

Songkhla was the seat of an old Malay Kingdom with heavy Srivijayan influence. In ancient times (200 AD - 1400 AD), Songkhla formed the northern extremity of the Malay Kingdom of Langkasuka. The city-state then became a tributary of Nakhon Si Thammarat, suffering damage during several attempts to gain independence.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia