Wat Matchimawat was built in the 17th century CE and is one of Songkhla's most important temples.

The name Songkhla is actually the Thai corruption of Singgora (Jawi: ???????); 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.