Escaping Covid-19 to see zoo animals and peek at stars in Songkhla

[snoop1130]

Escaping Covid-19 to see zoo animals and peek at stars in Songkhla

By Parinya Chawsamun
THE NATION

 

 

Songkhla has been an outstanding tourist attraction for a long time now, with most visitors heading there to enjoy the sea and old city area.

 

However, the Tourism Authority of Thailand is now promoting two more venues in this period of lockdown easing – Songkhla Zoo and the Regional Observatory. Both places are confirmed as meeting health safety standards.

 

Songkhla Zoo

 

Songkhla Zoo is the only open zoo in the South. Located in Mueang district, it has been in existence for more than 20 years and was developed by the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand.

 

The facility, which hosts more than 1,000 animals divided into 160 species, is also a research and breeding centre of rare species, such as hornbills, tapirs and tiger fish.

 

Having been under lockdown like others across the country, this zoo has now reopened and its highlight is the Amazon zone, which reproduces the environment and atmosphere of the rain forest, together with animals and plants.

 

One of the popular activities is tiger feeding.

 

Moreover, visitors can see the Gulf of Thailand and Songkhla Lake from this location.

 

If you are interested in heading there, you need to book in advance through event pop.

 

Songkhla Zoo allows visitors to enter two times a day, in the morning and the afternoon, with tourist numbers limited to 1,000.

 

Regional Observatory

 

This observatory was opened two years ago. Located on Khao Rup Chang (“Elephant-shaped Hill”), it allows visitors to see the Gulf of Thailand, Songkhla Lake and the city.

 

The observatory consists of a 50-seat planetarium. Adults are charged Bt50 and students Bt30 to enter.

 

The observatory also has an exhibition hall that educates visitors about the solar system and the moon.

 

The highlight of this place is stargazing on the weekend, when tourists are allowed to peer through the observatory’s 0.7-metre-diameter telescope under staff supervision.

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/travel/30390470

 

-- © Copyright The Nation Thailand 2020-06-29

 

- Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you

- Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates