If you’re planning a trip to southern Thailand, Hat Yai should definitely be on your radar. While cities like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai often grab the spotlight, Hat Yai has quietly become a favorite among Thai locals and savvy Malaysian travelers. Known as Thailand’s southern hidden gem, Hat Yai offers a vibrant mix of culture, street food, shopping, nightlife, and natural attractions.
This guide will take you through the top 15 things to do in Hat Yai, whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or as part of a longer southern Thailand adventure.
1. Visit Wat Hat Yai Nai – The Reclining Buddha
Start your trip with one of Hat Yai’s most iconic landmarks: Wat Hat Yai Nai. Home to one of Thailand’s largest reclining Buddha statues (35 meters long), this temple is not only a spiritual site but also a cultural highlight. It’s a peaceful place to observe Buddhist traditions while admiring the stunning golden Buddha.
2. Explore Kim Yong Market
No visit to Hat Yai is complete without strolling through Kim Yong Market, the city’s bustling hub of food and shopping. Here, you’ll find everything from fresh fruits and snacks to electronics and fabrics. It’s a great spot to try local southern Thai specialties and pick up souvenirs at bargain prices.
3. Ride the Hat Yai Cable Car
For panoramic views of the city, hop on the Hat Yai Cable Car at Hat Yai Municipal Park. The short ride takes you up to the mountaintop, where you’ll find golden Buddha statues and breathtaking views across Hat Yai and the surrounding countryside.
4. Wander Hat Yai Municipal Park
After your cable car ride, spend time exploring Hat Yai Municipal Park, a large green space filled with gardens, lakes, shrines, and cultural monuments. The highlight is the Standing Buddha statue, which looks out majestically over the city. It’s a perfect spot for photography and relaxation.
5. Shop at Central Festival Mall
For a more modern shopping experience, head to Central Festival Mall, the largest shopping complex in southern Thailand. With international brands, restaurants, a cinema, and an ice skating rink, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon (and escape the heat).
6. Discover Hat Yai’s Street Art
Like Penang and Bangkok, Hat Yai has embraced the street art trend. Wander through the city center to spot colorful murals depicting local life, food, and cultural symbols. The Greenway Night Market area has some of the most Instagram-worthy murals.
7. Enjoy Hat Yai’s Night Markets
Hat Yai comes alive at night, with several night markets offering food, clothes, and entertainment. Two favorites are:
- Greenway Night Market – Trendy, youthful, and full of local fashion and street food.
- ASEAN Night Bazaar – A huge covered market with hundreds of stalls selling clothes, shoes, accessories, and snacks.
Both are perfect for sampling southern Thai street food while picking up affordable shopping finds.
8. Visit Magic Eye 3D Museum
For something quirky and fun, check out the Magic Eye 3D Museum, an interactive art gallery filled with optical illusion paintings. It’s a hit with families, friends, and anyone who loves creative photography.
9. Admire Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol (Stainless Steel Pagoda)
One of Hat Yai’s most unique landmarks, this stainless steel pagoda gleams in the sunlight and is decorated with intricate Buddhist symbols. Located on a hill outside the city, it’s a serene and visually striking place for meditation and sightseeing.
10. Relax at Songkhla’s Samila Beach
A short drive from Hat Yai will take you to Samila Beach in neighboring Songkhla. This beach is famous for its Golden Mermaid statue, a local symbol, and is perfect for a day trip filled with swimming, walking, and enjoying fresh seafood by the sea.
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11. Visit Songkhla Old Town
Another great side trip from Hat Yai is Songkhla Old Town, where colorful Sino-Portuguese shophouses, street art, and charming cafes create a photogenic setting. It’s a quieter alternative to Hat Yai, ideal for history lovers and coffee seekers.
12. Party at Hat Yai’s Nightlife Spots
Hat Yai is known for its vibrant nightlife, catering both to locals and visitors from Malaysia. Popular spots include Lee Garden Plaza, which has rooftop bars, karaoke lounges, and live music venues. Whether you want to sip cocktails or dance the night away, Hat Yai has plenty to offer after dark.
13. Visit Ton Nga Chang Waterfall
Nature lovers should head to Ton Nga Chang Waterfall, about 30 km from Hat Yai. This seven-tiered waterfall inside a wildlife sanctuary is perfect for hiking, swimming, and enjoying the lush jungle surroundings. The second tier resembles an elephant’s tusks, giving the waterfall its name.
14. Try Local Southern Thai Food
Hat Yai is a paradise for foodies. Some local dishes to try include:
- Hat Yai Fried Chicken – Crispy, spiced chicken often served with sticky rice.
- Roti and Curry – A southern Thai-Muslim specialty.
- Seafood Dishes – Freshly caught and prepared with southern Thai spices.
- Thai Desserts – Mango sticky rice, coconut ice cream, and Khanom Buang.
Don’t forget to wash it all down with Thai iced tea or fresh tropical fruit juices.
15. Explore Khlong Hae Floating Market
Finally, experience Thailand’s famous floating market culture at Khlong Hae Floating Market. Vendors sell food and goods directly from wooden boats, creating a colorful and lively atmosphere. It’s less crowded than Bangkok’s floating markets, making it an authentic and enjoyable experience.
Travel Tips for Visiting Hat Yai
- Getting There: Hat Yai International Airport connects to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. Trains and buses also link Hat Yai to Malaysia and other parts of Thailand.
- Getting Around: Tuk-tuks, songthaews (shared taxis), and Grab (ride-hailing app) are the best ways to move around.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March offers cooler, drier weather. April to October is the rainy season, but prices are lower.
- Currency: Thai Baht (THB). ATMs and money changers are widely available.
- Safety: Hat Yai is safe for tourists, though like any busy city, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded markets.
Conclusion
This list of the top 15 things to do in Hat Yai shows why this southern Thai city deserves a spot on your travel itinerary. From majestic temples and bustling night markets to waterfalls, beaches, and lively nightlife, Hat Yai offers something for every type of traveler.
Whether you’re here for shopping, food, or outdoor adventures, Hat Yai’s blend of local culture and modern attractions makes it one of Thailand’s best-kept travel secrets. Add Hat Yai to your journey, and you’ll quickly see why so many Thai and Malaysian travelers return again and again.
For a complete Southeast Asia adventure, consider combining Hat Yai with nearby cities like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Penang. Thank you for reading.
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