Hat Yai - the Southern City Nobody Talks About (except Malaysians and Singaporeans)
Hat Yai: The Unexpected Haven of Shopping, Street Food, and Everything You Didn’t Know You Needed
Welcome to Hat Yai, the vibrant, bustling city in the deep south of Thailand that’s somehow both underrated and overwhelming. Situated in Songkhla Province, it’s the type of place you might not hear much about if you’re in a standard “Thailand tour,” but for those who venture here, you’ll find a city that gives off the ultimate "chaotic, but charming" vibe. Think shopping malls, markets, food stalls, and enough mix of Thai, Malaysian, and international influences to make your head spin, and your stomach full.
How to Get There: Who Needs a Straight Path?
By Train
You could hop on a train from Bangkok (or other major cities) to Hat Yai, which will get you there in style. The journey takes a while, but it’s kind of nice once you settle into the long haul. Recommended for wannabe sadomasochists.
Duration: 13–15 hours
Fare: 500–800 THB for second-class seats
While you’re on the train, take the time to reflect on the deep philosophical question: “Why didn’t I just take a flight?”
By Plane
Or, you know, you could actually fly here, and in less time than it takes to watch an entire season of your favorite show. Hat Yai International Airport is well-connected with Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and even some destinations in Malaysia.
Duration: Around 1–1.5 hours
Fare: Starts around 1,500 THB (budget airlines, of course).
By Bus
For the “I’ve got time and a lack of desire for comfort” traveler, buses from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal will get you to Hat Yai. The ride is long, and you might question every decision you’ve made in your life, but hey, you’ll get there eventually.
Duration: 14–16 hours
Fare: 500–700 THB
Where to Stay: From Budget to (Almost) Luxurious
Budget Hotels
For those who want to keep the costs low and the discomfort level moderately high, Hat Yai offers budget accommodations where you’ll get just enough for your money. A bed, Wi-Fi that sometimes works, and a shower that may or may not provide water pressure. As usual, some of these establishments might also rent rooms by the hour.
Price: 200–500 THB/night
Perks: “Free” breakfast (read: white bread and jam), untraceable smells that you’ll either find charming or terrifying, and the chance to meet new friends in the form of random insects.
Mid-Range Hotels
Want a little more comfort? You can get a solid mid-range hotel with a real bed and air conditioning that won’t make you sweat yourself into oblivion. Just don’t expect to feel like you’re in a five-star resort, but you’ll be close enough to the action that you can ignore that fact.
Price: 700–1,200 THB/night
Perks: Air conditioning that actually works, a decent breakfast, and possibly a small pool that’ll make you forget that you’re in one of Thailand’s busiest cities.
Luxury Hotels
For those who want to make sure their hotel is as comfortable as their imaginary vacation fantasy, there are high-end hotels in Hat Yai that have big comfy beds, pools, and maybe even a view of the city. Expect amenities like room service, spa treatments, and an experience that will make you forget you’re not in a big international city.
Price: 2,000–5,000 THB/night
Perks: Free robes and slippers, rooms with views, and if you’re lucky, maybe even a sky-high view of Hat Yai’s oddly charming skyline.
What to See: A Wild Combination of Modern and Classic
Kim Yong Market
If you want to see everything you didn’t know you wanted, this market is for you. Part food court, part shopping wonderland, Kim Yong is a sensory overload. Street food, snacks, clothes, gadgets. You name it, it’s here.
Price: Free to walk around, but be prepared to spend 50–300 THB for snacks or random souvenirs you’ll later regret.
Pro Tip: Buy some dried durian—it’s literally the smelliest snack on earth. But hey, it’s a cultural experience, right?
Hat Yai Municipal Park
If you’re craving some peace and quiet after the chaos of the markets, the Hat Yai Municipal Park is your escape. It's an oddly tranquil place that includes a lake, statues, and a big ol' hill. But don’t worry, it’s not all serenity here; the walk up the hill will remind you that you’ve made poor life choices when you’re out of breath halfway up.
Price: Free, but the cable car up to the top costs around 50 THB.
Pro Tip: The view at the top of the hill is decent, and you’ll get a chance to see the city from a much more peaceful vantage point.
The Magic Eye 3D Museum
Do you like illusions? Well, you’re in for a treat! The Magic Eye 3D Museum is a quirky spot where you can get totally confused by optical illusions, forced perspective, and those totally not awkward photos you’ll be taking.
Price: 250–350 THB
Pro Tip: Go with friends, and let them do the weird posing while you pretend you’re taking an artistic shot (spoiler: you’re not).
Hat Yai Floating Market
If you’ve been to one floating market, you’ve been to them all, right? WRONG. Hat Yai’s floating market is, well, it’s mostly small boats offering snacks, but it does have its own weird charm. Plus, you can buy fish that you’re not sure if you should eat, but you probably will.
Price: Entry is free, but expect to pay around 50–100 THB for snacks and local goodies.
What to Do: Shop, Eat, Repeat
Eat Your Heart Out
Street food is everywhere. Whether you’re craving satay, pad Thai, or something more unique like Southern Thai curry, Hat Yai’s food scene will leave your stomach happy and your arteries questioning every decision.
Price: 30–80 THB for a meal
Go Shopping at Central Festival
No trip to Hat Yai is complete without a visit to Central Festival, the mega mall that’s basically a city within a city. From high-end international brands to the kind of shops that sell random gadgets you didn’t know existed, there’s something for everyone.
Price: Your wallet will decide. Expect to leave with more than you planned.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for something really unique, check out the local clothing stores. They sell stuff that could be trendy... or maybe it’s just very, very strange.
Try the Southern Thai Specialty
Hat Yai is part of the southern region of Thailand, and that means they have their own culinary delights. One popular dish is Khao Yum, a spicy and tangy rice salad loaded with herbs and veggies. It’s perfect for cooling off from the scorching heat of the south.
Price: 50–100 THB
Nightlife: Hat Yai’s After-Dark Charm (and Chaos)
Now, we’re not talking about Bangkok-level nightlife here. But if you’re looking for a good time, Hat Yai knows how to deliver, especially if you're a horny Malaysian far away from home.
Bars: Low-key and occasionally loud, but you’ll find plenty of places to grab a beer, sit down, and pretend you’re not completely overwhelmed by the bright lights and random karaoke.
Clubs: There are a couple of dance clubs where you can go to listen to Thais belt out classic pop hits. Enjoy your time on the dance floor until the random techno remix starts.
Price: Drinks are cheap, expect 60–150 THB for a beer, but remember, things can get weird when the night goes on.
Excursions: A Little Road Trip Action
Songkhla (Just a Short Drive Away)
If you’re looking for something a little less hectic than Hat Yai, take a quick trip over to Songkhla, about 30 minutes away. It’s a coastal town with a more relaxed vibe, beautiful beaches, and some seriously great seafood.
Price: 30–60 THB for a bus ride, or you can grab a taxi if you want to feel fancy.
Final Thoughts: Hat Yai, It’s Weird, But You’ll Love It Anyway
So, there you have it. Hat Yai is a city full of contrasts, chaos, and more food than you’ll ever know what to do with. Whether you’re wandering through markets, eating your weight in street food, or diving into the madness of the shopping malls, it’s a place that somehow draws you in despite its weirdness.
Get ready for some quirks, some chaos, and a lot of fun because in Hat Yai, you never quite know what’ll happen next. But you can bet it’s going to be interesting. It may not be the highlight of your trip, but it might be a relaxing stopver if you're on an overland trip to Malaysia or Singapore.
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