The Reading Man Roundabout

In the picturesque coastal district that graces the city of Songkhla, you'll find one of the most unusual street art objects in the region. The Reading Man Roundabout is an original traffic circle featuring a sculpture of a man engrossed in a book at its center. This monument has become more than just a road landmark; it is a true cultural symbol representing the pursuit of knowledge and tranquility amidst the city's bustle.

The Reading Man Roundabout. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Located in the southern part of Thailand, this attraction draws travelers with its creative design and proximity to the famous Samila Beach. The site harmoniously combines features of modern urban sculpture with the cozy atmosphere of a resort town, offering an excellent backdrop for memorable photos.

Thanks to its location in the Tambon Bo Yang district, the roundabout serves as a starting point for many tourist routes. Despite being an active transport hub, the site looks like a complete art installation that pleases the eyes of both locals and visitors at any time of day.

For those planning a self-guided trip to this original attraction, we have compiled information on its exact location. The site is publicly accessible on a city street, so no entrance tickets or special permits are required to visit.

Below are the current address details to help you navigate and quickly find the monument using your GPS.

The main reason tourists come here is, of course, for unique photo sessions. The unusual figure of the reading man allows you to get creative: you can take fun shots pretending to read together or find a perfect angle against the backdrop of passing traffic. The contrast between the static, calm figure and the dynamic movement of cars creates a special atmosphere for creativity.

A visit to this location is best paired with a leisurely stroll toward the sea. Just a few minutes' walk away, you'll find magnificent views of the bay. Many prefer to come here closer to evening when the heat subsides. At this time, the evening lights turn on, lending a special charm to the roundabout and the sculpture itself, making them even more expressive against the twilight.

Local life buzzes around the circle, so you can observe the daily rhythm of Songkhla here. Nearby street cafes and snack stalls often operate, where you can buy a refreshing drink or traditional Thai sweets to enjoy while watching the sunset or simply relaxing on a bench near the beach area.

Reaching the popular roundabout is easy, as it is located in a well-developed coastal area. From the city center, the most convenient way is to use a taxi or the Grab mobile app — the trip will take about 10–15 minutes. If you prefer to travel independently, a rented scooter is an excellent choice, especially since the roads in this area are in good condition and free parking can be found near the site.

For those using public transport, local buses heading toward Samila Beach are a good option. After getting off at a nearby stop, it's just a 5–10 minute walk while enjoying the sea breeze. The coordinates POINT(100.5972724 7.2138176) will help you navigate directly to the "Reading Man."

If your journey begins from Hat Yai International Airport (HDY), be prepared to travel approximately 40 kilometers. A taxi ride from the airport takes about an hour. Many tourists prefer to combine this visit with a tour of other coastal landmarks to make the logistics more efficient.

While the Reading Man Roundabout is not an ancient historical monument, it carries an important cultural message for modern society. This sculpture was installed as part of an initiative to enhance urban spaces and promote reading among locals and youth. In a fast-paced world, this art object serves as a reminder of the importance of self-education and quiet contemplation.

Since its installation, the roundabout has quickly evolved from a simple piece of road infrastructure into a true symbol of Songkhla. Locals take pride in the creative and modern installations that decorate their city, setting it apart from other provincial centers. The sculpture of a man immersed in a book right in the middle of busy traffic creates a striking philosophical contrast.

Interestingly, the design of the roundabout was developed with the surrounding landscape in mind. It connects city neighborhoods with the coastline, serving as a link between the urban environment and the natural recreation area. Over time, this location has become an integral part of tourist routes through the southern region.

Today, the monument is considered one of the most photographed spots in the province. Its popularity on social media has helped draw attention to the old part of the city and the adjacent beaches, stimulating the development of local tourism and small businesses in the area.

To see the sculpture itself and take some effective photos, 15–30 minutes is quite enough. It is an ideal spot for a short stop during a city tour when you want to take a break and capture some unusual street art.

However, given the site's excellent location, most travelers stay longer. If you decide to combine seeing the roundabout with a stroll along the famous Samila Beach or a break at a nearby cafe, plan to spend about 1–2 hours. This will be enough time to enjoy the coastal atmosphere of Songkhla at a leisurely pace.

As the Reading Man Roundabout is part of the city's road network and a public art object, it is available for viewing 24 hours a day, every day. You can visit in the early morning to catch the soft light for photos, or late at night when the roundabout is illuminated with lights.

There are no special weekend or holiday closures for this location. However, if major festivals or city events are planned, traffic in the area may be restricted, so it is worth checking for information at local tourist centers or official city pages on such days.

A walk around the Reading Man Roundabout is just the beginning of your acquaintance with the charm of the southern coast. Its proximity to the sea and historical quarters makes it easy to plan a full-day itinerary without spending much time on travel.

Exploring the surroundings will give you plenty of impressions: from classic monuments that have become regional landmarks to cozy streets with street art and modern water parks. Below is a list of nearby interesting locations.