The Institute for Southern Thai Studies was established as a center for education, research, and preservation of Southern Thailand’s arts and culture. Operated under Thaksin University, it plays a vital role in collecting and documenting knowledge related to the “Songkhla Lake Basin culture,” one of Thailand’s most distinctive regional cultural landscapes.

The site is primarily divided into the Folklore Museum, which is designed as a cluster of traditional Southern Thai houses arranged along a hillside. The buildings are connected by walkways, allowing visitors to explore the exhibits in a logical sequence—from basic aspects of daily life to beliefs and rituals.

The exhibitions cover multiple dimensions, including:

• Lakeside community lifestyle: Traditional fishing practices and tools such as traps, nets, and local boats

• Performing arts: Shadow puppetry (Nang Talung) and Nora dance, reflecting both entertainment and spiritual beliefs

• Handicrafts and local wisdom: Koh Yor weaving, basketry, and everyday household items

• Beliefs and rituals: The relationship between people, nature, spirituality, and local traditions

Beyond the museum, the surrounding area functions as an ecological learning space, featuring native plant species, nature trails, and resting spots integrated into the hillside landscape.

A key highlight is the viewpoint tower, located at the highest point of the site. It offers panoramic views of Songkhla Lake, including Tinsulanonda Bridge, which connects the mainland to Koh Yor. This vantage point provides both scenic beauty and spatial understanding of the lake’s surrounding communities.

Overall, the institute is more than just a museum—it is a “living learning space” that harmoniously integrates academic knowledge, traditional architecture, and the natural environment. It is well-suited for general visitors, students, researchers, and anyone interested in Southern Thai culture in depth.

• By Car: From Songkhla city, take Kanjanavanich Road (Highway 407) toward Tinsulanonda Bridge. The institute is located on Koh Yor, before reaching the second bridge section.

• Allow at least 1.5–2 hours to explore all areas

• Start from the lower level and walk upward to avoid fatigue

• The best photo spot is the viewpoint terrace overlooking Tinsulanonda Bridge

• Late afternoon offers better lighting and cooler weather

• Wear comfortable shoes, as there are slopes and stairs throughout the site

Admission Fee:

• Thai visitors: Adults 50 THB, Children 20 THB

• Foreign visitors: Adults 100 THB, Children 50 THB (Prices may change)

Opening Hours:

• Open: 08:30 – 16:30

• Closed on Mondays and public holidays