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Your Guide to the Best 16 Things to Do in Hat Yai, Thailand
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- Fabio Marcato
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- @thefabryk
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We stumbled upon Hat Yai by chance while visiting Penang, Malaysia. Our Grab driver (Southeast Asia’s version of Uber) casually mentioned that he visits Hat Yai every month because it’s “way more fun than Penang and has cheaper beer.” That caught our attention (especially since beer prices are extortionate in Malaysia).
Since we were already heading north, we did some research. Hat Yai is in Songkhla Province, and while Songkhla is the historical capital, Hat Yai has grown into the fourth-largest city in Thailand, blending culture, shopping, nature, and food. So, of course, we had to check it out. Here’s why you should too.
The nearby island of Ko Yo.
Table of Contents
❣️ Spoiler alert: Hat Yai has a really cool vibe! However, if you’re more into history and a relaxed atmosphere, check out this other guide to Old Town Songkhla. We will be referencing Songkhla quite a bit here in this post as well, since they are neighbors.
Is Hat Yai Worth Visiting?
Hat Yai is more than just a transit hub, its history, cultural diversity, and strategic location make it a fascinating destination. As the largest city in Songkhla Province, Hat Yai developed as a major trading and transportation center, connecting Thailand with Malaysia. This mix of Thai, Chinese, and Malay influences gives the city a unique character, reflected in its food, temples, and markets.
Beyond the city itself, Hat Yai serves as a gateway to Southern Thailand’s famous islands, including Koh Lipe, Koh Tarutao, and the Trang Islands. With an international airport and excellent transport links, it’s an ideal stop before exploring Thailand’s stunning Andaman coast.
So, is Hat Yai worth visiting? We think so! Whether you’re here for the history, food, temples, or as a jumping-off point to the islands, Hat Yai has plenty to offer beyond just being a stopover.
Just this floating market alone made Hat Yai worth it for us!
Hat Yai Map
How Do I Get to Hat Yai?
Flights to Hat Yai
Hat Yai International Airport (HDY) has frequent flights to Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, and other Thai cities. It’s also well-connected to Malaysia and Singapore, making it a great stop on a Southeast Asia trip. We flew from Hat Yai to Udon Thani in the North to cross into Laos—cheap and fast!
Bangkok to Hat Yai by Train or Bus?
- Train: Hat Yai has direct trains to and from Bangkok, but unless you love slow travel, be warned...it takes around 15 hours.
- Bus: Buses between the two cities are comfortable than the train, but not necessarily faster. Try night buses for a better alternative.
Hat Yai to Langkawi & Koh Lipe?
If you’re heading to the islands, Hat Yai is a major transit point:
- Bus + Ferry to Koh Lipe: Minivans run to Pak Bara Pier, where boats leave for Koh Lipe.
- Bus + Ferry to Langkawi: You can take a minivan to Satun Pier and a ferry to Langkawi, Malaysia.
We highly recommend using 12Go to book these connections, as they are reliable and have every kind of transport you may need.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Hat Yai?
November – March: The best time to visit, characterized by cooler and drier weather. January can still experience some storms, but conditions are generally pleasant.
April – October: This period is hot and humid, with occasional rain. While not ideal, it is still possible to visit during these months and tourist numbers will be even less than normal.
We came during January and February and while we hit the occasional rainstorm, the weather was generally gorgeous.
Where to Stay in Hat Yai
Monkham Village Hat Yai
Monkham Village Hat Yai is a stylish 4-star hotel located 1.2 km from Hat Yai’s center, offering modern design, spacious rooms, and excellent service. A great choice for travelers looking for comfort and a peaceful stay, while still being close to the city’s attractions. Also, the swim up pool bar will make it very difficult to leave the premises.
U Hatyai Hotel
U Hatyai Hotel is a comfortable 3-star hotel in the heart of Hat Yai, offering modern rooms, great amenities, and easy access to markets, restaurants, and attractions. A perfect mix of affordability and convenience for travelers looking to stay in the city center.
Our Favorite Things to Do in Hat Yai
Although it may seem like Hat Yai is lacking some of the color and vibrancy that Bangkok has at first glance, the more we wandered around, the more we realized how wrong that assumption was.
Here’s a curated list of must-visit spots in and around the city:
1. Get Your Shopping (And Foodie Side) on at the Asean Night Bazaar, Greenway Night Market & Central Festival Mall
These markets are a paradise for street food, shopping, and souvenirs. At Asean Night Bazaar, don’t miss the second-floor food court...try the famous sticky mango rice! Nearby, Central Festival Mall is the largest shopping center in Southern Thailand, perfect for a modern shopping experience. Not too far from there is also the Greenway Night Market.
You'll find fresh fish the length of your forearm at ASEAN Night Bazaar
2. Try the Famous Hat Yai Fried Chicken
A must-try! This crispy, flavorful fried chicken, topped with golden shallots, is Hat Yai’s signature dish. You’ll find it at local markets and street stalls across the city.
3. Check Out the Khlong Hae Floating Market
Khlong Hae Floating Market is a unique eco-friendly market where vendors sell delicious Thai food from boats, often in eco-friendly containers like bamboo tubes and earthen pots. It’s a must-visit for an authentic local experience. Just going there to people watch was exciting enough for us.
Just an FYI, this place is only open on weekend evenings.
The unique sights around this area make any trip to Hat Yai totally worth it.
4. Marvel at the Replica of Yangon’s Shwedagon Pagoda
Just across the river from the floating market, you’ll find a striking replica of Myanmar’s most famous pagoda. This golden temple is a beautiful reminder of the region’s deep cultural ties to Burma. When will you have the chance to visit the real one? Better do it now while you are already at the floating market.
When we wandered around there after grabbing dinner at the market, there were quite a few dogs on the premises, but after a bit of barking they tend to go back to doing their own thing.
5. Climb Wat Chue Chang
Wat Chue Chang is one of Hat Yai’s most famous Chinese temples, located on Supasarnrangsan Road. Its tall, pagoda-like architecture looks like something straight out of a Miyazaki movie.
Isn't this just screaming...Spirited Away?!
6. Visit Chinatown
Hat Yai’s Chinatown is a lively district filled with street food, market stalls, and cultural landmarks. At its heart, Thong Sia Siang Thung Shrine and the Four Faces Buddha attract both locals and visitors. If you’re adventurous, this is also the place to try eating bugs, which of course we had to try! We had the luck to be there during Chinese New Year festivities, and the atmosphere was unforgettable.
7. Hike Around Hat Yai Municipal Park
Home to the Golden Buddha, a scenic cable car, and panoramic viewpoints. Whether you hike or take the cable car, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views over the city. Plan your visit accordingly, as it’s a large area with plenty to explore. We went in the evening to watch the sunset, and there were plenty of locals using this as their base for long evening post-work walks.
8. Shop at Kim Yong Market
Kim Yong Market is a lively local market where you can find fresh produce, snacks, and souvenirs...great for experiencing the fast-paced daily life of Hat Yai.
9. Try Fried Pandan Cake With Ice Cream at Moro Fresh Milk Café and Restaurant
Moro Fresh Milk (มออ นมสด) is a cozy, modern café where you can enjoy delicious pandan cake and Thai milk tea. Located in front of Hasul Korean Restaurant, this spot is great for chilling or working remotely. We may have gone twice.
This pandan toast is seriously orgasmic.
10. Reflect at Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol
The Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol is a unique stainless steel temple, offering stunning mountain views from Kho Hong Hill. A peaceful and photogenic spot worth visiting.
11. Embrace Your Trippy Side at the Magic Eye 3D Museum
The Magic Eye 3D Museum is a fun and interactive trick-eye museum where you can take creative optical illusion photos. Perfect for a lighthearted experience and something a bit different around town.
12. Wander the Grounds of the Wat Hat Yai Nai (Mahattamangkalaram)
This temple complex houses one of Thailand’s largest reclining Buddha statues, an impressive sight showcasing traditional Thai craftsmanship.
Other Things to Do Nearby Hat Yai
13. Explore The Central Mosque of Songkhla
Located north of the floating market on the way to Songkhla, this grand mosque is one of the most beautiful in Thailand. This southeastern area of Thailand has a strong Muslim influence, making it a fascinating cultural stop in a country where Buddhism tends to capitalize.
14. Drive 45 Minutes to Songkhla Old Town & Samila Beach
A charming town with colorful murals, colonial-style buildings, and a relaxed vibe. Between Songkhla Lake and Samila Beach, this area was the perfect spot for us to unwind.
We ended up spending 3 weeks in Songkhla thanks to its laid-back vibes, so seriously recommend it.
One of the many stretches of beaches in Songkhla.
15. Hop Over to Ko Yo Island
A short scooter ride from Songkhla, Ko Yo is a hidden gem with stunning lake views from the Tinsulanonda Bridge.
Visit Wat Khao Bo, a hilltop temple with a dramatic serpent staircase, then relax at Good Mountain Café for a coffee with breathtaking scenery. Don’t leave without trying fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant.
Randomness at the Good Mountain Cafe
16. Cool Off at Ton Nga Chang Waterfall
A stunning multi-tiered waterfall, ideal for nature lovers and those looking for an escape into the wild. Great for a refreshing dip or a scenic picnic.
Hat Yai seriously surprised us with its mix of authentic culture, great food, and unique attractions. Whether you’re just passing through to get over to the islands or staying longer, it’s definitely worth exploring for authentic Thai culture and few tourists!
We miss the slow and leisurely pace of Songkhla and Hat Yai.
