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An Introduction

Wat Hat Yai Nai, also called Mahattamangkalaram Temple, is one of Hat Yai’s most iconic temples. Located in Songkhla Province, this temple is known especially for its enormous reclining Buddha statue — a peaceful, majestic landmark for both worshippers and visitors alike.

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Key Facts at a Glance

Feature	Details
Statue name & size	The reclining Buddha is called Phra Phuttha Hattha Mongkhon. It is about 35 metres long, making it one of the largest reclining Buddhas in Thailand.
Where	Address: 2 Wathatyainai Rd, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110.
Hours	Usually open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Entry fee	Free—donations welcomed.
Time needed	Plan about 1 hour to see the reclining Buddha, explore smaller shrines, take photos, and enjoy the calm around the grounds.

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What Makes It Special

• The Grandeur of the Reclining Buddha
  This massive statue, crafted in the 1970s, commands attention. It’s situated under a large, open pavilion (wihaan) with pillars and a roof, but no full walls, which allows in light and airflow. You can view the head from outside; to see its entire body, you walk inside the structure.
• Architectural & Decorative Elements
  Behind the reclining Buddha statue are smaller halls with seated Buddha images and spaces for prayer and offerings. The ceiling of the pavilion is often ornately decorated, featuring a representation of the Hindu god Vishnu riding the three-headed elephant Erawan (Airavata), which adds to the visual richness.
• Cultural & Local Significance
  It’s not only a tourist site: many Thai locals come here, especially on weekends or during Buddhist observances. Schoolchildren in uniforms are also often visitors, paying respect as part of religious education or family tradition.

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Tips for Visiting

1. Best Time to Visit
   Early morning or late afternoon tend to be better: cooler, fewer crowds, softer light for photography. Midday can be hot.
2. What to Wear
   It’s a temple, so dress respectfully. Cover shoulders and knees. If you’re wearing shorts, bring something to wrap around.
3. How to Get There
   It’s fairly central in Hat Yai. You can take tuk-tuk, taxi, or perhaps local transport depending on where you are staying. There is parking available at the temple.
4. What to Bring
   • Water (especially if you visit during the hotter hours)
   • Camera (wide angle works well for the full statue)
   • Modest clothing/shawl if needed
   • Some small cash for donations or buying incense/candles if you want to participate in offerings.
5. Combine with Other Nearby Attractions
   Since you are already in Hat Yai, this temple visit can pair well with other nearby sights like Hat Yai Municipal Park, local markets, or street food spots, so you can fill up a half-day or full-day itinerary around it.

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Suggested Itinerary Flow

Here’s a sample way to include Wat Hat Yai Nai in your day:

• Morning: Start with breakfast in Hat Yai center
• Head to Wat Hat Yai Nai by ~8-9 AM
• Spend ~1 hour at the temple
• Afterward, visit nearby markets or other temples
• Lunch followed by relaxing in a park or café

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Some Things to Keep in Mind

• Even though there is free entry, the temple grounds can get quite hot, especially under the large roof over the statue. Plan for heat and sun.
• Photography: Most of the sites allow photos, but be respectful of worshippers. Note any signs about “no photography” in certain areas.
• Clean up: As with any temple, behave respectfully—remove shoes, keep voices down, no disrespectful behavior.

If you have any questions about Wat Hat Yai Nai: The Reclining Buddha Temple of Hat Yai, please leave it in the comments section. I’ll reply to it as soon as I can.

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