This southern Thai city is known for its vibrant markets, delicious street food, and unique blend of Thai, Chinese, and Malay cultures. It's a popular shopping destination.
Hat Yai, the largest city in southern Thailand, is home to over 400,000 people and sits near the Malaysian border. The city's markets, Buddhist temples, and local cuisine reflect Thai, Chinese, and Malay influences. In Hat Yai, you'll find the bustling Kim Yong market, a giant reclining Buddha statue at Wat Hat Yai Nai, and an array of street food at the Greenway Night Market.
Exploring Hat Yai's Markets
Hat Yai has numerous markets throughout the city. The Kim Yong market, located in the city center, is a two-story complex selling a wide range of goods. You'll find everything from fresh produce and spices to clothing and electronics. For a more local experience, visit the outdoor section of the market where vendors sell their wares along the street.
If you're looking for second-hand items and unusual finds, head to the Asian Trade or Greenway weekend markets on Kanchanavanit Road. These markets specialize in pre-owned products, including clothes, shoes, and decorative items. The Greenway Night Market, open every evening except Mondays, has 26 zones offering a vast array of local dishes and snacks.
Buddhist Temples and Cultural Sites
Hat Yai has several large Buddhist temples. Wat Hat Yai Nai houses the third-largest reclining Buddha statue in the world. The temple's calm atmosphere contrasts with the city's busy streets, making it a place where both locals and tourists often seek a quiet moment.
The Wat Chue Chang temple is a multi-story Chinese-style structure adorned with detailed decorations. A colorful dragon and phoenix mural crowns the top of the building. The temple's white and orange tiled exterior makes it stand out in the city skyline.
Local Cuisine and Street Food
Hat Yai's food scene reflects its multicultural influences. Many visitors seek out the city's fried chicken, which you can find at many street food stalls and markets throughout Hat Yai.
For a unique dining experience, visit the Khlong Hae Floating Market, open from Friday to Sunday in the late afternoon. Located about 6 kilometers from the city center, this market offers a variety of local dishes served from boats on the canal.
Transportation Hub of Southern Thailand
Hat Yai is a major transportation center for southern Thailand. The Hat Yai International Airport connects the city to other parts of Thailand as well as international destinations like Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. For those traveling by land, the Hat Yai Railway Station is one of the largest in southern Thailand, handling 28 passenger trains daily.
The city also has an extensive minibus network, making it easy to explore nearby areas or travel to other parts of Thailand and even into Malaysia. From Hat Yai, you can reach destinations like Phuket, Ko Samui, and even Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
Natural Areas Near Hat Yai
While Hat Yai itself is a busy urban center, there are several natural areas within easy reach of the city. The Ton Nga Chang Waterfall, a seven-tier waterfall, is located about 26 kilometers from Hat Yai. It's a common spot for picnics and swimming, offering a cool escape from the city heat.
For beach-goers, Samila Beach in nearby Songkhla is worth a visit. Known for its mermaid statue and long stretch of sand, it's a pleasant spot for a day trip. The beach is about 30 kilometers from Hat Yai, easily accessible by local transport.
