WikiClimateForecast

Hat Yai - city in Songkhla province, Thailand

Pagoda at Mahapanya Vidayalai

Because of politically-motivated violent incidents and violent crime taking place on nearly a daily basis, the Thai Government has warned tourists not to travel to Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla, or Yala provinces, including the city of Hat Yai.

Hat Yai (หาดใหญ่; also Hatyai, Had Yai, Haad Yai) is the fourth largest city in Thailand, the largest city in southern Thailand, and is in Songkhla Province on the Southern Gulf Coast. It's a popular tourist spot for Malaysians, Singaporeans, Indonesians on holiday, and for Thais from neighbouring provinces. It's best avoided if you are looking to get off the beaten path. Prices are relatively high in tourist areas. This place has comparatively few Western visitors. The city can be a stop for tourists on a journey to Southern Thailand's beaches and islands, or further down south to Malaysia and Singapore.

Understand

Hat Yai was a small village that used to be known as Khok Sa-Met Choon. Its population has been growing since the railway station was built.

Today, Hat Yai is the biggest city in Southern Thailand. The population is around 156,000 in the city and roughly 360,000 in the whole Hat Yai District. Hat Yai is bigger than the provincial capital of Mueang Songkhla, which is unusual for a Thai province. This means that Hat Yai is often mistaken as the capital of Songkhla province. It is 60 km from the Thailand-Malaysia border at Dannok and Padang Besar in Sadao district. Hat Yai has become a centre for business, education, transportation, tourism, and shopping in south Thailand due to the well-established connections by road, rail, and air. The city has been a melange of Thais, Chinese, and Malays for generations. Trading, manufacturing, and tourism contribute much of its economy.

The Southern Thai dialect is prominent, although Central Thai is used in offices and schools. Many older Thai-Chinese can speak a Chinese dialect called Teochew, while the Pattani Malay dialect, which is similar to the dialect of Malay spoken in Kelantan, is spoken by many of the ethnic Malays. English is spoken by some younger people.

Climate

It is either dry or wet season in Hat Yai. The dry season is from January to April, which is the hottest month of the year, and wet season is from May to December. Major flooding occasionally occurs in November or December.

Tourist information centre

You can pick up Hat Yai maps and brochures at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Hat Yai Office, 1/1 Nipatuthit 3 Rd Soi 2 (Near Juladis Bldg), 6.999276°, 100.471934°, +66 74 231055, tatsgkhl@tat.or.th. M–F .

There is a separate Tourist Assistance Centre at the corner of Odean Shopping Mall.

Get in

By plane

Taxis to the city can be found at the airport entrance. Drivers will ask around 250 baht. You also can use the airport limo service which costs 300 baht. A blue coloured songthaew runs into town for 55 baht and can be found at the far end of the parking lot. The last songthaew leaves the airport at 18:00. There is a regular pink-coloured bus going to the city which they call a minivan (50 baht). When you leave the airport the ticket counter will be on the right near taxi counters. You can recognize it by a pink sign. The bus stop is right after the exit. It takes around 1 hour 15 minutes for bus to reach a main bus station in Hat Yai so plan your time ahead if making a connection. The currency exchange booth (Siam Commercial Bank) is on the first floor near the arrival hall, open daily 09:00-18:00. The staff of the limo/minibus booth will exchange ringgits or US dollars for you (or accept them for their service), but at a disadvantageous exchange rate.

- __Domestic flights__: There are daily flights from Bangkok __Suvarnabhumi Airport__ (IATA: BKK) by [Thai Airways](http://www.thaiairways.com/) (operated by Thai Smile) and Thai VietJet. Hat Yai is connected daily to Bangkok's __Don Mueang Airport__(IATA: DMK), [by Nok Air](https://www.nokair.com/), [Thai AirAsia](http://www.airasia.com/) and [Thai Lion Air](http://www.lionairthai.com/en). Thai AirAsia flies from Hat Yai to [Chiang Mai](Chiang_Mai) (IATA: CNX), Khon Kaen (IATA: KKC) and Kuala Lumpur (IATA: KUL). Thai Lion Air flies to [Udon Thani](Udon_Thani) (IATA: UTH). [Bangkok Airways](http://www.bangkokair.com/) has a route from [Phuket](Phuket) (IATA: HKT) and Ko Samui (IATA: USM)

- __International flights__: AirAsia operates daily flights to [Kuala Lumpur](Kuala_Lumpur) (IATA: KUL). __[Scoot](https://www.flyscoot.com)__ operates services to [Singapore](Singapore).

By train

Hat Yai Train Station

A 3rd class ticket with reserved, upholstered seat sets you back 259 baht (Hat Yai-Bangkok) on "Rapid" trains and 339 baht for "Express" trains. A ticket for the 2nd class fan upper sleeper on the Rapid trains cost 605 baht. Upper sleeper beds are always slightly cheaper because they do not have a window. The 2nd class airconditioned sleeper costs 825/1105 baht (upper/lower), 1st class airconditioned sleeper costs 1794 baht. Buy tickets at the railway station. Surcharges are imposed if bought at travel agents or online.

  • From Sungai Kolok: Six trains run daily from Sungai Kolok. Inbound "Express" train from Sungai Kolok departs there at 14:20, "Rapid" trains at 11:30 and 14:55, and local trains at 06:30, 08:55, and 12:25. Outbound "Express" train departs Hat Yai at 07:35, "Rapid" trains at 06:30 and 06:45, and local trains at 07:55, 10:18, 13:12.
  • From Yala: Nine trains run daily from Yala. Inbound "Express" trains from Yala depart there at 14:55 and 16:09, "Rapid" trains at 12:35, 13:26 and 16:37, and local trains at 06:35, 08:28, 11:22, and 14:32. Outbound "Express" train departs Hat Yai at 07:35 and 12:50, "Rapid" trains at 06:30, 06:45, and 09:30, and local trains at 07:55, 10:18, 13:12, and 14:33.
  • From Malaysia: Train service between Hat Yai and Butterworth is frequent, punctual, and comfortable. Travel time is 4-5 hours including waiting time at the border and costs less than USD5 (200 baht or RM20) in total.

KTMB (Malaysian Railways) operates Komuter trains between Padang Besar and Butterworth, and ETS trains further south to Kuala Lumpur to Gemas. Komuter trains are non-reserved, air-conditioned trains with no toilet. Travel time is one hour 51 minutes and costs RM11.40 (approx 90 baht) for the 158 kilometres to Butterworth. ETS Gold/Platinum trains have all-reserved seating and travel up to 160 km/h. Refer to KTMB Berhad for ETS train booking, and KTM Jadual Train site for Komuter train schedule.

The new shuttle service began operating between Hat Yai and Padang Besar using Thai diesel A/C trains to connect with Malaysian ETS trains. The journey takes about 1 hour and costs 80 baht. The outbound trains leave Hat Yai twice daily at 07:30 and 13:05, and the inbound trains leave Padang Besar at 08:55 and 14:40 (Thai time). The ticket for these trains are sold one hour before departure and cannot be reserved advance, but don't worry they never sell out the ticket. For up-to date schedule refer to The State Railway of Thailand.

There is also one direct train from Bangkok. Special Express train number 46 leaves Padang Besar at 18:00 (Malaysian time) and arrives Bangkok at a 10:10 (Thai time), and train 45 leaves Bangkok at 15:10 (Thai time) and arrives at Padang Besar at 9:53 (Malaysian time). This train is only with second class A/C berth and costs 960/760 baht lower/upper berth. If you are in Malaysia it is advisable to book this train on-line directly at SRT website as KTMB (Malaysian railways) does not sell ticket for this train. It would be very expensive if you take this train just to Hat Yai (approx. 400 baht) as you need to buy berth ticket.

Both Thai and Malaysian immigration inside the trains station open one hour before departure of Thai trains.

Malaysian time is one hour ahead of Thai time (e.g. 12:00 in Thailand is 13:00 in Malaysia). When connecting trains in Padang Besar, be sure to check the departure time is in Malaysian or Thai. There is also no ATM or official currency exchange in Padang Besar station. It is advised to exchange enough money to buy the onward ticket before heading there.

If twice daily shuttle train to/from Hat Yai does not fit your schedule, take a local bus from clock tower in Hat Yai central (departs every hour on hour) or a minivan (departs when full) from Hat Yai bus terminal. It costs 43/50 baht and travel time is 1-1½ hour depending on traffic. The bus stops in front of Thai immigration complex, and you need to walk to the Malaysian immigration complex 600 meters away. Mototaxis touts you for 100 baht/RM12 for the very short ride.

View of the City of Hat Yai from above

By car

Many Malaysians and Singaporeans drive to Hat Yai in their own vehicles. Like Malaysia and Singapore, Thailand drives on the left. Starting from immigration at Dannok, take Rte 4 straight to Hat Yai (60 km).

Parking in business areas such as Niphat Uthit Rd during office hours is not free. An officer in khaki uniform will give you a small ticket once you pay for the time-based fee (5 baht/hour). Be prepared with small change.

Petrol in Thailand is significantly more expensive than in Malaysia. Big petrol stations also function as rest stops, with minimarts, coffee shops, and food courts.

By bus and minivan

Hat Yai Bus Station (สถานีขนส่งผู้โดยสารอำเภอหาดใหญ่), 6.994983°, 100.482700°, +66 74 232789 (Bus), +66 74 232404 (Minivan). This main station includes Bus Terminal for all buses to Bangkok and other destinations, as well as Southern Minivan Terminal for minivans to Songkhla city, Padang Besar, Betong, Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat.

Hat Yai Minivan Station (สถานีรถโดยสารขนาดเล็ก (รถตู้)), 6.999095°, 100.445851°, +66 74 255333. Located in Hat Yai Nai (หาดใหญ่ใน) area called Talat Kaset (ตลาดเกษตร, lit: "farmers' market"); it's designated Northern Minivan Terminal for minivans to Satun, Phatthalung, Trang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani, Krabi (4-5hours), Phang Nga, Phuket.

Buses go to all major towns in south Thailand and up to Bangkok. Depending on the route, different classes of bus are available. These range from local orange coloured buses without air conditioning to luxurious 24-seat coaches with toilets and reclining seats.

Buy tickets only from ticket counters. Do not allow yourself to be directed to agencies by touts (this included tuk-tuk drivers in the bus station). You will pay more and most likely get a later time.

Minivans connect with all major locations in south Thailand from Hat Yai. Where they depart from depends on the destination, but the locals will be able to point you in the right direction. They are generally cheap and quicker than the buses but often overcrowded thus making them uncomfortable and dangerous.

From Bangkok

Air-con buses by The Transport Co. Ltd. (บริษัทขนส่งจำกัด (บขส), baw-kaw-saw) run between Bangkok's southern bus terminal (สายใต้, Sai Tai) and Hat Yai bus terminal daily. The distance is ~954 km and normally takes 12 hours.

  • 24 seat VIP bus (พิเศษ, phiset) costs 1,070 baht, departs from Bangkok at 17:00, 18:00, 19:00, and 20:00. For the return, the departure is at 16:00, 17:00, and 18:00.
  • 32 seat Class 1 bus (ม1พ) costs 828 baht, departs from Bangkok and Hat Yai at 17:30.
  • 47 seat Class 2 bus (ม2) departs from Bangkok at 07:00, 17:00, and 21:45. Departs Hat Yai at 08:00, 15:30, and 17:00 for 535 baht.

Other scheduled, inter-provincial buses serve Hat Yai: Surat Thani, Phuket, Satun, Trang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Krabi.

The bus to Songkhla goes past the clock tower along Phetkasem Rd (ถนนเพชรเกษม), at the intersection close to Montri 1 Rd (ถนนมนตรี 1).

From Malaysia

  • Kuala Lumpur: There are several Malaysian bus companies that go to KL, you can get tickets either at tour agents or from the bus company shop. Cost of ticket varies depending on company and time of departure. It's a 10-hour journey if you factor in waiting at immigration, a meal stop, and traffic when you arrive in Kuala Lumpur.

    • Alisan Golden Coach Express, 17/1 Chee Uthit Rd, +66 74 243775. Has 3 buses every day which leave Hat Yai to Kuala Lumpur, departure at 09:00, 11:00, and 19:00. Free Wi-Fi and power outlet for each seat. The A/C can be pretty cold and the blanket provided might not be adequate. Better bring your own blanket/jacket. The overnight bus from Hat Yai will stop after the Malaysian border checkpoint for a meal. 500 baht

    • KKKL Tour, 3 offices: 140 Niphat Uthit 3 Rd, 7 Chee Uthit Rd, 230 Niphat Uthit 1 Rd, +66 74 232218, +66 74 354783, +66 74 239351. Buses depart Hat Yai for Kuala Lumpur (Pudu Sentral) at 09:30, 10:00, and 19:00. Buses depart Kuala Lumpur for Hat Yai at 09:00 and 10:00.

    • Konsortium Bas Ekspress Semenanjung, 32 Prachathipat Rd, +66 74 351280, +66 74 351281. Has 5 buses every day which leave Hat Yai to Kuala Lumpur. Departures at 09:00, 09:30, 10:00, 12:00, and 19:00. 520 baht

    • Thai Good Travel & Tour, 12 Chee Uthit Road, Hatyai Songkhla (near hotel rado), +6674 233241, +6693 7592557, thaigoodtravel@yahoo.com. Has buses and VIP Vans every day which leave Hat Yai to Penang

  • Penang: Scheduled air-conditioned minivans connect Hat Yai to Penang in Malaysia. There is no standard price, different agencies quote prices between 400 baht and 650 baht. Cathay Guesthouse, which is not far from train station, has probably the best rate set at 400 baht. Agencies near the bus terminal usually ask for 450-500 baht. Minivan times to Penang are 09:30am, 12:30 and 15:30. Journey takes about 4-5 hours, depending on time spent at Sadao border.

Minivans leave hourly during daylight on the full hour from Georgetown's Lebuh Chulia (Parking Lot of E & A Hotel) The fare is RM35-40, advance booking is recommended.

  • Ipoh: There is a daily bus from Ipoh at 12:30 going to Hat Yai, departing from the long-distance bus terminal. Cost: RM45.
Border crossings

There are three border crossings to choose from, all easily accessible from Hat Yai.

  • Dannok: Vans run from Hat Yai right up to the Thai immigration complex in Dannok in Sadao district. Journey time is about one hour and the fare is 55 baht. Vans leave Dannok in front of the 7-Eleven store on the left side of the street after leaving the immigration complex. The distance between the Thai and Malaysian immigration checkpoints is about 1 km, quite a distance to walk in the heat. You can take a motorcycle taxi between them. Bus and minivan to the border stop running around 18:00, so ask if there will be a return before boarding.
  • Padang Besar: Regular local buses (43 baht) depart from Hat Yai centre in front of clock tower, and minivans (50 baht) depart from Hat Yai's bus terminal for Padang Besar (only to the Thai side). Journey time is about 1½ hour. If you are crossing to Malaysia immediately, ask to be dropped off right at the gates of the Thai immigration complex before your enter town. If you are coming out from the immigration complex, just cross the road and wait for a bus or minivan beside the pedestrian overpass. Ignore touts insisting to take you to the bus stop in the town centre for 100 baht or so. Red local bus heading to the Hat Yai centre will stop at bus terminal and train station (but not on the other way leaving from Hat Yai centre).
  • Sungai Kolok: A minibus runs from Hat Yai bus terminal right up to the Thai immigration complex in Sungai Kolok by passing through the provinces Pattani and Narathiwat in about 4 hours for 180 baht. When considering this option, consult local advice on current security threats. Many travel advisories caution that this an area to avoid however violence as of October 2022 has completely died down.

From Singapore

There is a bus from Hat Yai at 13:00 arriving in Singapore at 05:00 on the day after. The cost is 900 baht leaving from Davis Tour in Hat Yai. However you can buy the ticket at easybook.com and redbus.my for MR85 (cheaper than in Davis Tour).

Get around

The city centre itself is quite compact and covers three parallel roads: Nipatuthit (นิพัทธ์อุทิศ) 1, 2 and 3 Rd, colloquially called Soi Nueng (ซอยหนี่ง, lit. "road one"), Soi Song (ซอยสอง, lit. "road two") and Soi Saam (ซอยสาม, lit. "road three"). It is practical to get around on foot, but getting to most attractions will require some kind of transportation.

By tuk-tuk or motorbike taxi

A tuk-tuk in Hat Yai Tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis are abundant in Hat Yai. Fares should be negotiated beforehand and often can be overpriced, so haggle if possible. They are available from any hotel. A ride within the city costs 20-60 baht. Ask the person at reception to write down the Thai address for you and show it to the driver. Rides to places outside the town are negotiable. Shared taxis going outside town can be found at the old market.

By metered taxi

Metered taxi (known as "taxi meter") is a good option if you want air conditioner and don't like to haggle with tuk-tuks.

By songthaew

Red songthaew numbered 33

A Songthaew (สองแถว, lit. "two rows") is a modified light truck where passengers sit on benches in the covered tray area. Just like elsewhere in Thailand, they have fixed routes and fares, and can be stopped at any point along the route by pressing the buzzer. The routes are colour-coded and written on the vehicle in Thai.

  • Blue songthaew runs from Hat Yai International Airport, passing Tesco Lotus 2 (Hat Yai Nai), Hat Yai Minivan Station (Talat Kaset), the intersection near Kim Yong Market, the clock tower, the fountain roundabout, Big C Extra (Carrefour), Kho Hong T-junction (the road to Hat Yai Park), Tesco Lotus 1 (opposite Prince of Songkla University), Green Way Market, ASEAN Trade Market, ends at Hat Yai Bus Station, and runs the same route back to the airport. 20-30 baht.
  • Red/Maroon songthaew numbered 33 runs between the Bus Station and Koh Me, passing Diana, Kim Yong Market, the Clock Tower, BigC Extra (former Carrefour), Hatyai Park. Make sure it's numbered 33 since there are similarly-colored songthaews with different routes. The service ends around 18:00. 10 baht flat rate.
  • White songthaew runs between Hat Yai Nai - Hatyai Park - Kuan Lang, passing along the route Kim Yong Market, the Clock Tower, Big C Extra (Carrefour). 10 baht flat rate.

By car or motorbike

  • Car rental is available at the airport from Avis, Budget, and Master Car Rental (Sixt).
  • The Cathay Guesthouse rents motorbikes starting at 200 baht/day for semi-automatics. Malay and English spoken.
  • There's a place close to the Genting Hotel about 2 km east of the train station that rents motorbikes. +66 87 2934695 .
  • You can rent a motorbike or a scooter in some repair shops. For example, there is one at 47, Nipatuthit 1 Rd with an English-speaking owner who charges 250 baht per day. +66 81 3287625 . Your passport will be needed as a deposit.

See

Goddess of Mercy statue in Hat Yai Park. Khlong Hae Floating Market.

  • Hat Yai Park (สวนสาธารณะเทศบาลเมืองหาดใหญ่), Kanchanawanit Rd, 7.042727°, 100.504054°, +66 74 200000, info@hatyaipark.com. Daily. The city's municipal park is 6 km from the city centre. It is a major recreational centre for the people of Hat Yai and surrounding areas. The park is full of beautiful flowering plants, with a pavilion in the middle of the pond, aviarium, and food stalls. At the foot of the hill near the aviarium stands the statue of King Rama V. There is a Brahman shrine at the hilltop. And at the southern foothill near the Boy Scout camp stands the jade statue of Guanyin (กวนอิม Kuan-im), the Chinese Goddess. The park covers rather vast area with several attractions far apart. Walking between places is not recommended unless you have a full day and stamina to do lots of walking up and down hills. The road in some spots can be pretty steep and winding as well. No admission charge

  • Khlong Hae Floating Market (ตลาดน้ำคลองแห), Khlonghae-Khutao Rd (Near Wat Khlong Hae, about 6km from the city centre), 7.045117°, 100.474846°. F-Su 15:00-20:00. The first floating market in south Thailand. Sells mainly local foods.

  • Sino-Portuguese Townhouses, Nipatuthit 1 Rd, NA°, NA°. These old Peranakan-inspired houses have been re-painted in vivid colours.

  • Songkhla Central Mosque (มัสยิดกลางประจำจังหวัดสงขลา), 352 Lopburi Ramesuan Rd, Moo 10, Khlong Hae, 7.075931°, 100.491765°, +66 74 237844. This beautiful grand mosque is 400 m off the road from Hat Yai to Songkhla.

  • Stainless Steel Pagoda (พระมหาธาตุเจดีย์ไตรภพไตรมงคล Phra Maha Chedi Traipob Traimongkhon), Moo 8 Ban Nai Rai, Poonnakan Rd (On Kho Hong Hill), 7.004957°, 100.516337°. Daily 08:00-17:00. This unique pagoda was made of stainless steel to celebrate King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 60th year on the throne.

Reclining Buddha in Wat Hat Yai Nai.

  • Wat Hat Yai Nai (วัดหาดใหญ่ใน), Phetkasem Rd (Near Khlong U Taphao Bridge), 7.003227°, 100.454853°. The temple is the site of a large reclining Buddha measuring 35m long, 15m tall, and 10m wide, named Phra Phuttha Hattha Mongkhon, believed to be the third-largest reclining Buddha in the world, and revered by both Thai and foreign tourists.

Outside the city

  • Khao Nam Khang National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาน้ำค้าง), Na Thawi (64km from Hat Yai), 6.600537°, 100.588518°. Daily 08:00-17:00. The park has two waterfalls: Ton Dat Fa and Ton Lat Fa.

    • Khao Nam Khang Historic Tunnel (อุโมงค์ประวัติศาสตร์เขาน้ำค้าง), Moo 1, Khlong Kwang, Na Thawi (4km from the park office), 6.5741°, 100.5753°. Daily 08:00-17:00. This large, long man-made tunnel was once inhabited by Communist insurgents. It is three levels deep and contains several rooms. Entry fee for foreigners is 150 baht.

  • Khu Khut Waterfowl Park (อุทยานนกน้ำคูขุด), Khu Khut, Sathing Phra (70 km from Hat Yai in the central part of the Songkhla Lake), 7.463191°, 100.412305°. You can hire a boat for birdwatching (200 baht/hr) and have a pleasant meal at the restaurants beside the serene lake. The best time to visit is during Dec-Mar. Free admission

  • Thale Noi Waterfowl Reserve (เขตห้ามล่าสัตว์ป่าทะเลน้อย), Khuan Khanun, Phatthalung (Northern area of Songkhla Lake, 125 km from Hat Yai), 7.777972°, 100.122769°. Home to staggering 287 bird species. The best time for bird watching and seeing a sea of blooming pink water lilies is during Jan-Apr. Go early in the morning to avoid strong sun. A boat ride costs 500 baht and takes about 1½ hr. Free

  • Ton Nga Chang Waterfall (น้ำตกโตนงาช้าง), 6.947797°, 100.235319°. The waterfall is in the Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the beautiful waterfalls in the south, about 26 km from the city. This waterfall has seven levels. The third level is the most beautiful and is named after the waterfall. At the third level the stream separates into two, resembling an elephant's tusks. One can hire a tuk-tuk to the waterfall for two to three hours at 300-400 baht, or one can take the minibus from the fresh market (ตลาดสดเทศบาลหาดใหญ่ Talat Sot Thesaban Hat Yai).

Songkran Festival

Events and festivals

  • Chinese New Year (เทศกาลตรุษจีน). Usually fall in Jan or Feb depending on the Chinese calendar. With a sizeable Thai-Chinese population, Chinese New Year is celebrated everywhere in Hat Yai especially in the city center. The Chinese New Year is on 5 Feb 2019.
  • Hat Yai Midnight Songkran (เทศกาลสงกรานต์หาดใหญ่). The festival marks Thai New Year, which is traditionally celebrated during 13-15 Apr. The most prominent part of the festival is blessing people with sprinkles of water. As you can guess, this devolves into massive water fights. The main activities are held near/around Odean Shopping Mall and Lee Garden Plaza, including foam party, free concert, and Songkran beauty contest.
  • Hat Yai Vegetarian Festival (เทศกาลกินเจหาดใหญ่; Nine Emperor Gods Festival). A yearly event held during the ninth month of the Chinese calendar (usually in October). Observed mostly by Chinese and, increasingly, some Thais.
  • Loi Krathong (วันลอยกระทง). Festival to pay respect to the river by floating beautifully decorated krathong (กระทง). It usually incorporates a Nang Noppamas (นางนพมาศ) beauty competition where contestants dress in Thai traditional costume. The festival is held on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month.
  • Tham Bun Duean Sip (เทศกาลทำบุญเดือนสิบ). A Southern Thai tradition held in/around October (the full-moon day of the tenth lunar month). The main purpose is to make merit for their ancestors. There are specific foods made for this. Business may close for the day.

Do

  • Cinema. Movie tickets in Thailand are more affordable than in Western countries. There are multiplexes and an IMAX theatre at Hatyai Cineplex on 5F of CentralFestival. The other venue is at Diana Cineplex on 5F of Diana. From 140 baht for a film
  • Thai Massage. No trip to Thailand would be complete without a Thai massage and Hat Yai is one of the best places to get one. Some of the many good places would be Garden Home Hotel or Hat Yai Central Hotel. The rooms are nicely decorated and provide a soothing environment to go with a good massage. Ask the doorman at any good hotel for a recommendation if you want to avoid the more dodgy places.

Learn

Pumpkin Building in Prince of Songkla University

Buy

There are many Thai banks around the city, as well as Chinese money changers. Exchange rates from the latter for Malaysian ringgits may be significantly better than in the banks.

ATMs are abundant in Hat Yai, although most of them, as everywhere in Thailand, charge a 220-baht fee for foreign card transactions. Western Union can be found at Central Department Store's underground floor and on the 3rd fl. of CentralFestival.

Minimarts such as 7-Eleven are ubiquitous and open 24 hours. Good for a quick meal, stocking up food and personal items. Or head to Tops Market for more high-end groceries at Robinson Department Store, Central Department Store, or CentralFestival.

A variety of English-language books (travel guides, fiction, children's, cookery, Thailand interest) can be purchased at Asia Books shop inside the B2S on the second floor of CentralFestival.

Markets

  • ASEAN Trade Market (ตลาดเปิดท้าย Talat Poet Tai), 6.994064°, 100.486042°. W-Su 17:00-22:00. Wide market famous for second-hand designer clothing, bags, and shoes, but interesting locally-designed new clothes and some vintage decorative stuff can be found here as well. Lots of food stalls inside.
  • Green Way Market, 6.997492°, 100.487617°. W-Su 17:00-22:00. Very similar to ASEAN Market.
  • Kim Yong Market (ตลาดกิมหยง), Supasarn Rungsan Rd, 7.007758°, 100.469791°. This is the most attractive place for shopping. There are plenty of foods, home appliances, chocolates, cosmetics, watches, CD games.
  • Suntisuk Market (สันติสุข), Nipatutid 1, 2, 3, 7.005298°, 100.470534°. The famous market sells electric appliances, gadgets, gaming consoles, IT devices and accessories, clothes, shoes, bags, cosmetics, imported food.

Shopping malls

Eat

Thai curry paste in Hat Yai fresh market Rat na

Although not in the same league as Bangkok, there are a lot of different food options on offer in Hat Yai. Typical Thai street food is abundant. Big international chain restaurants have branches in town offering Japanese and Western food.

Restaurant chains are located mostly in shopping malls. International restaurant chains such as KFC, McDonald's, Sizzler, Pizza Hut, Dunkin' Donuts, Mister Donut, Swensen's, Dairy Queen, Starbucks. Local restaurant chains such as MK Restaurant (Thai-style sukiyaki), S&P, Black Canyon Coffee, Chester's Grill, The Pizza Company, Jeffer Steak, Fuji Restaurant, Shabushi, Oishi Ramen. Food courts are also available in most of the shopping malls.

Owing to the ethnic diversity, you can find Thai, Chinese, and Malay (Muslim) food available throughout the city. Most restaurants offer a variety of Thai, Chinese and/or Western fusion cuisine.

Ethnic Chinese from Malaysia and Singapore make up the bulk of Hat Yai's tourists so many restaurants and hotels cater primarily to them. Just opposite Lee Gardens (next to the Regency Hotel) you will see a restaurant which spit-roasts suckling pigs every day. Large, open-air seafood restaurants are also popular with Chinese visitors and the quality of seafood available in Hat Yai is good. Some Chinese are vegetarians and the town has a good selection of small vegetarian restaurants that offer tofu and soy meat substitutes.

There is a large resident Muslim population and some visitors from Malaysia are also Muslim so finding halal food isn't a problem.

Food hawkers can be found all over the city. Some stay open until very late at night. Grabbing a bite in late night is not uncommon. A spot for a variety of night hawkers is at Suphasarnrangsan Rd around Wat Cheu Chang near Kim Yong Market. Other places are such as at Tanrattanakorn Rd called Talad Mai (ตลาดใหม่) and at Thung Sao 1 Rd. There are also a number of small roadside places to eat on Nipha Phakdi alley behind the Florida hotel.

A typical meal for one can start at as low as 50 baht for street food, 80 baht in general restaurants, and 120 baht in more upscale restaurants.

Bakery and cafe

  • B's Sweet, 75 Thumnoonvithi Rd, 7.004249°, 100.47071°, +66 74 221909, bsweet2010@hotmail.com. Daily 10:00-21:30. B's Sweet serves up Americanos, cappuccinos, lattes, smoothies, pork or prawn omelettes, local rice and noodle dishes, and a wonderful selection of cakes, ice creams, and sorbets. The chocolate lava should not be missed. Open breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • E.P.'s Artisan Bakery, Nipatuthit 1 Rd (Next to the Esso petrol station near the old Lee Gardens Hotel), 7.000054°, 100.470145°. 11:00-22:00. Good cakes & coffee.
  • Cha-Chak Forseen (ชาชักฟอร์ซีน), Thumnoonvithi Rd, 7.005011°, 100.48689°, +66 74 462122. 18:30-24:00. Sipping drinks and having snacks including roti and murtabak in open-air atmosphere.

Dim sum

  • Chok Dee Tae Tiam (โชคดีแต่เตี้ยม), 58/25 Lamaisongkrew Rd (Near Daiichi Hotel), 7.001914°, 100.475686°, +66 74 356779. Daily 06:00-12:00 & 17:00-22:00. One of the most famous dim sum restaurants in Hat Yai. The restaurant fills up fast, so go early to ensure a table. If you order bak kut teh, you'll get refilled constantly. Dim sum: 16 baht/basket; Bak kut teh: 80/250 baht for small/large bowl
  • Khor Nang Tae Tiam (คอหนังแต่เตี้ยม), Niphatuthit 3 Rd (Near Tune Hotel). Another dim sum restaurant famously known by locals.

Halal food

  • Bang Farang Restaurant (ร้านอาหารบังฝรั่ง), 32/7 Thungsao 2 Rd, Soi Khamuthit 2, 6.994852°, 100.479530°, +66 82 4399590, asmeenok@gmail.com. 07:00-20:00, closed M. Nice small cosy restaurant at a walking distance from the bus station, ASEAN Market, or Green Way market. Halal, genuine Thai food (spicy, not sweet Malay cuisine). Excellent kaeng som. Serves fresh fruit juices and coffee. Free Wi-Fi for patrons. The cook/owner is married to a Muslim Frenchman. You can usually meet him on Saturdays.
  • Decha Fried Chicken (ไก่ทอดเดชา), Chee Uthit Rd, 7.003922°, 100.473733°, +66 81 098 3751, +66 87 2895008. Daily 11:00-22:00. Muslim fried chicken restaurant. Also serve seafood, Thai, Isaan food.
  • Hamid Restaurant, 73 Prachathipat Rd (Across the street from Lee Garden Hotel), 7.006073°, 100.472036°, +66 74 243008. M-F 10:00-22:00, Sa-Su 7:00-22:00. Nice, clean, and good halal food. There are a couple of other Muslim restaurants nearby.

Indian

  • Namaste Hatyai, 236/1 Niphatutit 1 Rd (About 300m from Robinson, near a corner where Niyomrat Rd meets Niphatutit 1 Rd), 7.00095°, 100.46995°, +66 74 354131, +66 89 7394400. M-Sa 08:30-20:00. Indian-Thai restaurant. Chicken biryani/murtabak, roti/chapati, lassi, and more. (No pork or beef served.) Free Wi-Fi. 50-250 baht

Japanese

There are lots of Japanese restaurants on the 4th floor of CentralFestival.

Thai/Chinese

  • 33 Buffet Restaurant, 33F at Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel, 7.005775°, 100.471539°, +66 74 261111. Daily 11:00-14:30 & 17:00-21:30. The hotel has a top floor restaurant with panoramic views of the city. It offers an excellent all-you-can-eat buffet at lunch and dinner.
  • 192 Rat Na (192 ราดหน้า อาหารตามสั่ง), 192 Supasarnrangsan Rd (Opposite 7-Eleven near Wat Cheu Chang), 7.008769°, 100.474069°. 18:00-. Good Chinese food served here and very busy but worth waiting for some good fried stuff. Fried rice a specialty. 50 baht and less
  • Bon Khao Restaurant (บนเขา), 1/9 Karnjanawanich Rd in Hat Yai Park (On the road that leads up to the Guanyin statue), 7.043595°, 100.506245°, +66 74 218124, +66 74 211929. Daily, 10:30-22:00. Good Thai food and great view looking onto Hat Yai.
  • Chongkhao Seafood (ช่องเขาซีฟู้ดส์), Suphasarnrangsan Rd (Near Prince of Songkla University and Tesco Lotus), 7.008948°, 100.486171°, +66 74 244060. Large seafood restaurant.
  • Daothiam (ดาวเทียม), 79/3 Thammanoonvithi Rd (Opposite Odean Shopping Mall), 7.004244°, 100.471089°, +66 74 243268. Daily 07:00-22:00. Friendly staff and tasty breakfasts, Thai, and vegetarian food. Grab a pad Thai and Chang beer among a collection of framed world currency.
  • Nai Roo Restaurant (ร้านอาหารในรู), Soi 1, Nipatuthit 3 Rd (In the small alley opposite a Cute Press shop behind Kim Yong Market), 7.009297°, 100.470509°, +66 74 237680, +66 81 8987656. This hidden gem of a small Thai-Chinese restaurant may fill up quickly during meal time. Try fried popiah, tom yam omelette, fish dishes.
  • Nakorn Nai (นครใน), Nipatuthit 2 Rd (A block away from Tune Hotel on the same side), 7.001651°, 100.470673°. A stylish restaurant with free Wi-Fi. They serve very tasty Western food such as pasta and pizza, Thai food, and Muslim food such as roti for reasonable prices.
  • Samila Sea Sport (สมิหลาซีสปอร์ต), 39 Rajyindee Rd (Near Yee Fah Grand City Hotel), 7.007782°, 100.481455°, +66 74 223416-7. Serves delicious seafood.
  • Sugar Rock, 528 Thumnoonvithi Rd (Near Tesco Lotus), 7.004811°, 100.488861°, +66 74 235270. Daily 8:30-23:00. Tasty Thai food.
  • Ta-kun (ร้านตา-ขุน), Nipatuthit 1 Rd (Nearly opposite King's Hotel, a few blocks from the train station), 7.003448°, 100.469473°. Daily 17:00-01:00. If you're looking for cheap and good local food, try this small and very friendly little spot.
  • Tor Huad Restaurant (ภัตตาคารต่อฮวด), 32/1 Rajyindee Rd (Near Yee Fah Grand City Hotel), +66 74 231030-1. Daily 10:30-14:00, 17:30-22:00. Upscale Chinese restaurant.

Vietnamese

Western

Drink

  • Bee Club. Live music, pool upstairs and decent food.
  • Co Art. A cafe-style place to hang-out in the evenings. There is a live band almost every day covering internationally-known songs.
  • Deep Wonder. Street side and downstairs bar. Live music.
  • Living Room, 94 Thamannoonvithee Rd. At the site of the now-defunct Monkey Club. It's a nice place with fairly quiet atmosphere, and no longer a nightclub.
  • Oceania. Closes when last customer leaves, about 04:00. A beautiful open-air restaurant and bar set on 2 floors with a landscaped garden of waterfalls and palms, and soft lighting. The kitchen is open until well after 02:00, serving decent Thai food at around 100 baht a dish. A large Heineken is 90 baht, with draft available also. The theme is quiet and romantic, ideal after an hour or two in the disco nearby. Live acoustic music is inflicted on diners every night until 24:00.
  • Post Laser Disc, 82-84 Thamannoonvithee Rd (Opposite Indra Hotel near Odeon Shopping Mall), +66 74 232027, postlaserdisc@gmail.com. Daily 09:00-01:00. Air-coned and pool. Best band in town playing from 21:00 onwards. Farang hangout. Jack Coke 80 baht
  • Sunrise Coffee (หอมกลิ่นกาแฟ), She-Utit Rd (Opposite the Hakka Chinese Association and the D-Pan-Panya Restaurant). A nice little coffee shop offering a variety of coffee blends and smoothies; very cosy atmosphere.
  • The Swan, Thamannoonvithee Rd (One block from The Pub.). Nice atmosphere with books and 2 TVs with UBC cable. A slight British pub feel. Jack Coke, 60 baht
  • The West Side Saloon. Can get crowded and very noisy. They have a good bar food menu. The only pub/bar in town that writes the prices on the menu excluding service charge and VAT. Can be a surprise when you get the bill.

Sleep

Budget: under 500 baht, mid-range: 500-1,500 baht, splurge: over 1,500 baht (standard double room).

Travel agents around town can nearly always give better rates for hotel rooms compared to dealing directly with the hotel. Hat Yai has an abundance of accommodation. Tourism in Hat Yai consists mainly of the weekend trade from Malaysia and Singapore. Accommodation can be found very easily mid-week but hotels in the centre of town tend to get booked up for the weekends and Malaysian and Singaporean public holidays. In the budget hotel you may well be asked if you want company. A shake of the head is all that is needed (up or down or from side-to-side is up to you). Don't be put off by the hotel because of it.

Budget

  • Hatyai Genting Hotel, 263 Samchai Rd (about 1.5 km east of city centre), 7.0099°, 100.47941°, +6674239652, info@hatyaigenting.com. Airy hotel in a good location. Better than most hotels this price. 495 baht for a spacious room with queen bed, 570 baht for a room with two beds. Clean; free Wi-Fi; TV and big fridge; air-con; hot water. Some decent local food places to eat over the road. A long stroll or short ride to the city centre or the bus station. Cheap massages available. Not much English spoken. Gym downstairs: 30 baht/day or 600 baht/month, or 450 baht/month for restricted memberships (morning or afternoon only). 495-840 baht 2022-10-21
  • Indra Hotel. Nice inexpensive place to stay near market and transportation (bus agents). Strongly recommend you see room before booking.
  • Laem Thong Hotel, 46 Thammanun Withi Rd (One block from railway station). Fan rooms 320 baht
  • Louise Guesthouse. Big rooms and European toilets. Staff friendliness appears to fluctuate. Bedbugs reported and mattresses old and sagging. Fan room with Wi-Fi, 400 baht

Mid-range

Splurge

Stay safe

A series of bombings in September 2006 that specifically targeted restaurants and shopping centres popular with visitors (and locals) killed two tourists. There were another 7 bombs in May 2007 in Hat Yai which killed one person. Strict security measures (bag searches, metal detectors) are to be expected in most gathering places. The most recent bombing was 3 Apr 2012. Violence has died down since then and as of October 2022 the town is no more dangerous than any other major city in Thailand.

To check water level during monsoon season, visit Hatyai City Climate. For air quality, visit Air4Thai.

Emergency numbers

Connect

Telephone

Hat Yai's area code is 074. To make a call to anywhere in Thailand, always add a preceding "0" to the fixed line/mobile number. For example, +66 74 123456 will be dialled locally as 074 123456.

The major telephone service providers are AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove. Thai prepaid SIM cards can be purchased in minimarts, mobile retailer shops, or telco service centers, all of which can be found on CentralFestival's 3rd floor. Domestic calls usually cost only about 1 baht/min depending on your prepaid plan.

Thailand Post

  • Talad Mai Post Shop, 15/30 Phadungphakdi Rd, +66 74 800139. A franchise of Thailand Post.
  • Thailand Post, Ban Phru, 190 Moo 4, Karnjanawanich Rd, Ban Phru, +66 74 210255.
  • Thailand Post, Hat Yai, 43 Nipatsongkraw 1, +66 74 243121, +66 74 245293.
  • Thailand Post, Hat Yai Nai, 25 Moo 1, Soi 35, Petchkasem Rd, Khuan Lang, +66 74 255880.
  • Thailand Post, Kho Hong, 176 Moo 5, Karnjanawanich Rd, +66 74 212603.
  • Thailand Post, Rathakarn, 158 Rathakarn Rd, +66 74 244480.
  • Thailand Post, Sripuwanart, 19, 21, 23 Po Natthapon 2 Rd, +66 74 231477.
  • Thailand Post, Thung Lung, 2/1 Moo 1, Karnjanawanich Rd, Phatong, +66 74 291990.

Cope

The Chinese, Indonesian, and Malaysian consulates are in Mueang Songkhla, the capital district of Songkhla Province, 35 km from Hat Yai.

Dentist

  • Dentist (PSU Dental Hospital), 7.007875°, 100.496213°, +66 74 287620. Prince of Songkhla University's Faculty of Dentistry offers very good and reasonably priced treatments. But always put a few notes in the collection box. Government-operated hospital, so expect a wait.

Hospitals

Go next

  • Bangkok - Thailand's bustling and vibrant capital city.
  • Chiang Mai - an artistic and cultural city in Northern Thailand; there are direct flights to Chiang Mai from Thai AirAsia.
  • Ko Lipe - There are 5 combined bus & speedboat services per day from Hat Yai Railway Station
  • Ko Tarutao - One combined bus and boat service each day leaves Hat Yai Railway Station for Pak Bara pier where a speedboat will take you to Ko Tarutao.
  • Ko Samui - Bangkok Airways flies direct
  • Krabi - for beautiful islands such as Ko Lanta and Ko Phi Phi.
  • Phuket - world-renowned white sandy beaches and resorts. Direct flights available with Bangkok Airways.
  • Satun - for the ferry to Langkawi
  • Songkhla - a relaxed old seaside city only 35 km away with the famous mermaid statue. Recommended for a day trip for sightseeing, museums, beaches and excellent seafood.
  • Trang - for ferries to Ko Muk.

Border crossings

  • Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia's capital city. Take a short train ride to Padang Besar (1 hr), then switch to ETS high-speed train to KL (5-5.5 hr).
  • Langkawi - a beautiful duty-free island; can be reached via ferry from Satun.
  • Penang - visit Georgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A food paradise. The easiest way to reach Georgetown is by mini-van, but you can also use a combination of bus, train, and ferry. Mini-vans depart from 29 Prachathipat Road in Hat Yai and takes around 4 hours.

Visa run

If you need to extend your stay in Thailand for another 15 days, you can cross the border at Dannok, near Sadao. Getting there from the airport is easy and takes about 2 hours. From the terminal, walk straight out into the parking lot to the parking lot ring road. You can wait here for a light blue songthaew to take you into town and get dropped off at The Plaza for 13 baht. The ride takes about 20-30 minutes. You can also take an airport taxi into town. At The Plaza, you can find a van waiting just across from the TOT office, which makes regular trips to Dannok. If you can't find it, just say "Sadao" or "Dannok" to people till they point you the right way. The trip is 60 baht, and vans leave once they are full. The trip should take about 1 hour 30 minutes. It will drop you off near the border at Dannok and you can just walk to exit Thailand. You will be approached by motorcycle drivers who will offer to take you to the Malaysian side. Walking takes about 10 minutes, so it could be worth it to pay 20 baht each way if you are in a hurry. If you have time, a stop at the duty free shop is worthwhile. Minivans returning to Hat Yai depart from outside the 7-Eleven in Dannok. Back-to back stamps are only allowed for a total stay of 90 days within any given 180 day period of time.

  • Royal Thai Consulate-General in Penang, 1 Jl Tunku Abdul Rahman, Penang, Malaysia (Opposite St Christopher's International Primary School), 5.424713°, 100.305567°, +60 4 2268029, +60 4 2269484, thaipg@tm.net.my. M-F 09:00-12:00 & 14:00-16:30. 60-Day Tourist Visas can be obtained in Penang, Kota Bharu, and in Kuala Lumpur at the Thai consulates or embassy. In Penang 60 day tourist visas cost generally RM110. Bring 2 photographs. A copy of passport main page is required. It is possible to copy it in a high school library nearby. To get there: take Bus 1 from Komtar (RM1) down Jl Burma. After 10 minutes get off at the crossing with Jl Cantonment, turn left and walk down Jl Cantonment for 10 minutes and turn right to the consulate. Open 09:00-12:00 and you will have your tourist visa after 15:30. While waiting it's worth taking a bus ride to Batu Feringgi Beach (RM2). You can also find visa services in Little India and Chinatown for about RM20 (will also be ready after 15:30). Cost: 280 baht/RM30 one-way to Georgetown (via minibus) and usually lets you off in Little India. There are return buses as late as 16:00.

Hat Yai

hatyaicity.go.th
Postal code:90110Date Time:Please wait...Timezone:Asia/BangkokPopulation:159,130Coordinates:7.02, 100.47

Songkhla

Primary administrative division

Thailand

thaigov.go.th
Population:69.4 MDial code:+66Currency:Baht (THB)Voltage:230 V, 50 Hz