Hat Yai, Thailand

Hat Yai, Thailand

Hat Yai is a bustling city in southern Thailand, located in Songkhla province near the Malaysian border. It is known as a shopping hub and a gateway to the south of Thailand. While it doesn’t have beaches like some other parts of Thailand, Hat Yai offers a blend of urban excitement, cultural landmarks, and excellent local cuisine.

 

Key Tourist Attractions

  1. Kim Yong Market

    • Description: One of Hat Yai’s most famous markets, offering a variety of goods from fresh produce, clothes, souvenirs, to electronics.
    • Entrance Fees: Free.
    • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
    • Highlights: It’s a great place to shop for local snacks, imported goods from Malaysia and China, and experience local life.

  2. Wat Hat Yai Nai (Reclining Buddha)

    • Description: A famous Buddhist temple home to one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in the world, measuring 35 meters in length.
    • Entrance Fees: Free.
    • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
    • Highlights: The grand reclining Buddha statue and the peaceful atmosphere make it a popular place for visitors and locals alike.

  3. Khlong Hae Floating Market

    • Description: A unique floating market located slightly outside Hat Yai, where vendors sell food and goods from traditional wooden boats.
    • Entrance Fees: Free.
    • Opening Hours: Friday to Sunday, 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
    • Highlights: The market is famous for its colorful Thai street food, traditional Thai desserts, and drinks served in bamboo cups. It’s a vibrant cultural experience.

  4. Songkhla Lake

    • Description: The largest natural lake in Thailand, located near Hat Yai. It offers a serene atmosphere with beautiful views of the water, especially at sunset.
    • Entrance Fees: Free.
    • Opening Hours: Open all day.
    • Highlights: Visitors can take boat rides, birdwatch, or just relax by the lake. Songkhla Lake is a good escape from the city for nature lovers.

  5. Magic Eye 3D Museum

    • Description: A fun interactive museum with 3D artwork where visitors can pose for optical illusion photos.
    • Entrance Fees: 400 THB for adults, 300 THB for children.
    • Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
    • Highlights: A great place for families and groups of friends to take fun photos and experience the immersive 3D art.

  6. Hat Yai Municipal Park

    • Description: A large and beautiful park located on the hillside, offering scenic views of Hat Yai. It’s a popular spot for relaxing, hiking, and temple visits.
    • Entrance Fees: Free.
    • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
    • Highlights: The park houses several temples, including a large Buddha statue, a Brahma statue, and a cable car ride offering panoramic views. The Lantern Festival, held annually, is a highlight event.

  7. Asean Night Bazaar

    • Description: A large night market offering clothes, accessories, souvenirs, and street food. It’s the perfect place to shop for affordable items.
    • Entrance Fees: Free.
    • Opening Hours: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
    • Highlights: Great for a nighttime shopping spree, trying street food, and finding souvenirs.

  8. Ton Nga Chang Waterfall

    • Description: Located about 30 km from Hat Yai, this seven-tiered waterfall is one of the most beautiful in the south of Thailand.
    • Entrance Fees: Free.
    • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
    • Highlights: The waterfall’s second tier splits into two, resembling an elephant’s tusks. Visitors can hike to the top for a panoramic view or swim in the natural pools.

How to Get Around

  1. Tuk-Tuks and Songthaews (Shared Pick-up Trucks): The most common and affordable form of transport within Hat Yai. Tuk-tuks offer a more private ride, while songthaews follow fixed routes. Fares start around 10-40 THB depending on distance.

  2. Motorbike Taxis: For short distances, motorbike taxis are a fast way to get around the city. Fares are negotiable but usually start at 20-50 THB.

  3. Car or Motorbike Rentals: Renting a car or motorbike is ideal for exploring areas outside the city, such as Songkhla Lake or Ton Nga Chang Waterfall. Motorbike rentals cost around 200-300 THB per day, and car rentals start around 800-1,000 THB per day.

  4. Taxi: Metered taxis are available, though not as common as in other parts of Thailand. Make sure the driver uses the meter, or negotiate a fair fare before starting the trip.

  5. Walking: In the central part of Hat Yai, walking is convenient for short distances, especially between markets and nearby attractions.

Where to Eat Local Food

  1. Kan Eng Restaurant

    • Description: A popular local restaurant known for serving authentic southern Thai dishes in a friendly setting.
    • Signature Dishes: Tom Yum seafood, crispy pork belly, and stir-fried morning glory.
    • Price Range: Moderate (80-300 THB per dish).

  2. Chokdee Dim Sum

    • Description: Famous for its all-you-can-eat dim sum and traditional Southern breakfast. It’s a must-visit for dim sum lovers.
    • Signature Dishes: Steamed dumplings, buns, and a wide variety of dim sum.
    • Price Range: Inexpensive to moderate (20-50 THB per dim sum basket).

  3. Ah Yong Noodle Shop

    • Description: A small but popular noodle shop that has been serving Hat Yai’s best noodles for decades.
    • Signature Dishes: Egg noodles with pork, wontons, and roasted duck.
    • Price Range: Inexpensive (40-80 THB per dish).

  4. Saneha Café

    • Description: A trendy café in Hat Yai offering a mix of Thai and Western dishes, desserts, and drinks. It’s a great spot for brunch.
    • Signature Dishes: Pad Thai, beef curry, and signature coffee blends.
    • Price Range: Moderate (100-250 THB per dish).

  5. Khlong Hae Floating Market (Local Street Food)

    • Description: A must-visit for local street food lovers, this market offers a wide variety of Thai delicacies.
    • Signature Dishes: Grilled seafood, Pad Thai, Som Tum (papaya salad), and Thai desserts like Khanom Buang (crispy pancakes).
    • Price Range: Inexpensive (20-60 THB per dish).

  6. Zanook Restaurant

    • Description: A seafood restaurant located along Songkhla Lake offering fresh catches prepared in traditional Thai and Chinese styles.
    • Signature Dishes: Steamed fish, fried crab, and prawns with tamarind sauce.
    • Price Range: Moderate (150-500 THB per dish).

Highlights of Hat Yai

  • Shopping: Hat Yai is renowned for its diverse shopping experiences, from night bazaars to local markets like Kim Yong and Asean Night Bazaar.
  • Food: The city is a haven for street food lovers, offering a range of local dishes and southern specialties, as well as dim sum due to its Chinese influence.
  • Cultural Experiences: Temples like Wat Hat Yai Nai provide spiritual and cultural insight, while markets like Khlong Hae Floating Market give a glimpse into traditional Thai life.
  • Nature: Although Hat Yai is an urban center, places like Ton Nga Chang Waterfall and Hat Yai Municipal Park offer natural escapes from the city bustle.

Hat Yai offers a unique mix of urban energy, traditional culture, and delicious food, making it an ideal stop for travelers seeking an authentic southern Thai experience.