SEA Games 2025 Songkhla: Football, Silat & Travel Guide for the Southern Hub

Songkhla is the vibrant "Southern Hub" of the 2025 SEA Games, bringing the excitement of the region’s biggest sporting event to the "Deep South" of Thailand. Known for its passionate football culture and rich multicultural heritage, Songkhla is set to host key competitions that highlight the spirit of the Malay Peninsula. From the electric atmosphere of Tinsulanon Stadium to the historic charm of the Old Town, the province is ready to welcome athletes and fans from neighboring Malaysia and beyond.

Whether you are crossing the border to cheer for your team or flying down to experience the famous southern hospitality, this guide covers the sports hosted in Songkhla, the venues, and what to expect in this unique host city.

The SEA Games brings together 11 nations, and Songkhla’s location makes it a strategic focal point, particularly for fans from Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, allowing for easy travel to witness the action firsthand.

All Sports Hosted in Songkhla

Unlike Bangkok and Chonburi which host a vast array of disciplines, Songkhla focuses on specific, high-intensity events that match the region's sporting culture. Based on the venue plan, Songkhla will host:

• Football: Men’s Football (Group Stage / Preliminary Rounds)
• Pencak Silat: (Artistic & Combat Categories)

While the list is shorter, the impact is massive. Football is the "king of sports" in the South, and Pencak Silat is deeply rooted in the local culture, ensuring packed venues and a deafening atmosphere.

Sports Breakdown, Venue Highlights and Medal Contenders

Below is a detailed look at the action taking place in the Southern Hub.

1. Football (Men’s Group Stage)

• Venue: Tinsulanon Stadium, Songkhla
• The Vibe: Tinsulanon Stadium is legendary in Thai football. Situated right next to the sea, it is known for having some of the most passionate and vocal supporters in the country.
• What to Watch: This venue will host the grueling group stage matches. This is where teams fight for survival to reach the semi-finals in Bangkok.
• The Rivals: Since Songkhla is close to the border, expect thousands of Malaysian fans to cross over to cheer their "Harimau Malaya." Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia are the heavyweights, but in the group stages, underdog teams like Myanmar and Cambodia often fight hardest here.

2. Pencak Silat

• Venue: Convention Hall, Prince of Songkla University (Hat Yai) [Expected Venue]
• The Sport: A traditional martial art native to the Malay Archipelago, combining full-contact combat with artistic form.
• The Rivals: This is the "El Clásico" of martial arts for this region. Indonesia and Malaysia are the traditional titans of Silat. Vietnam has become a surprising powerhouse in the combat categories (Tanding), while Singapore and Thailand (the host) consistently challenge for gold. The atmosphere here will be tense and electric, with culturally knowledgeable local crowds.

Countries Participating in Songkhla Events

Thailand (Host): Will have massive home support.

Malaysia: Expect them to feel like a "second host" due to proximity; many fans will drive across the border.

Indonesia & Singapore: Strong contenders in Pencak Silat.

Vietnam, Myanmar, Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei, Timor-Leste: Participating in Football and Silat heats.

Key Dates for SEA Games in Songkhla

Events in Songkhla generally run during the first half and middle of the Games (Dec 9–20, 2025).

Football Kickoff: Matches often start before the official opening ceremony (as early as Dec 3rd or Dec 7th) to fit the schedule. Check the fixtures early!

Pencak Silat Finals: Usually held mid-tournament.

Big Match Days: Any match involving Thailand or Malaysia at Tinsulanon Stadium will be a highlight event.

Where to Buy SEA Games Tickets in Songkhla

Online: Official SEA Games 2025 website.

On-site: Ticket booths at Tinsulanon Stadium and the specific indoor hall venues.

Tip: For Football matches involving Thailand, tickets at Tinsulanon often sell out within hours due to the local passion for the sport. Buy in advance.

Explore Songkhla & Hat Yai Between Matches

Songkhla offers a dual experience: the classic charm of Songkhla Town and the modern bustle of Hat Yai.

• Songkhla Old Town: Walk through streets lined with Sino-Portuguese architecture and street art. Don't miss the photo op with the Golden Mermaid statue at Samila Beach.
• Hat Yai: The commercial hub, famous for shopping and food. Visit the Kim Yong Market for imported snacks and goods.
• Food: Southern Thai food is spicy and intense. Try Gaeng Som (sour curry) or fierce Khua Kling (dry curry).

Songkhla is ready to show the world the unique spirit of the South—where the roar of the football crowd meets the waves of the Gulf of Thailand.