🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Hat Yai isn't the provincial capital of Songkhla, but it's the biggest and busiest district in the province. It's a trading town where Malaysians and Singaporeans regularly cross over to shop, so there's no shortage of markets, malls, food, and places to stay. The best part is that everything sits close together — you can wander the town on foot, then take a short ride out for day trips.
Getting into town from the airport
Hat Yai Airport is about 12 km from the town centre, and there are several ways in — pick whatever suits your budget and patience. Most first-timers go for the van or public minibus because they're cheap and there's no haggling.
- Shared van into town — buy a ticket at the counter inside the terminal, around ฿100/person, dropping you at points around town like Kim Yong Market, in-town hotels, or the bus station.
- Public minibus — cheaper at around ฿60/person, running through the main parts of town from morning until late. Good if you're not in a rush.
- Taxi / private transfer — the most convenient if you're in a group or have a lot of luggage. The fare into town runs around ฿280–300; book ahead or arrange one at the airport counter.
- Rental car — handy if you want to head out to Khlong Hae, Songkhla, or waterfalls outside town. There are rental counters at the airport.
Tip
If you land late and the last van has gone, a pre-booked taxi or transfer is more reassuring — there aren't many cars waiting outside the airport at night.
Book the activities in your Hat Yai trip ahead
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Where to stay for a first visit
For a first trip, stay in central Hat Yai. You can walk to the markets, the food, and the shopping without relying much on transport. The most popular areas to stay are around Niphat Uthit Road and Sanehanusorn Road, close to Kim Yong Market and the night bazaar.
Niphat Uthit area
Right in the centre — walkable to Kim Yong Market, the late-night food, and the malls. Great for first-timers who don't want to take rides all the time.
Around the night bazaar / bus station
Convenient if you plan to catch a bus to Songkhla or other towns, with a night market to wander nearby.
Near Hat Yai Public Park
Quieter than the centre — good if you like calm and getting up early to exercise at the park.
Want to see the best-reviewed hotels in Hat Yai
See the Top 10 Hat Yai hotels →Food you can't skip on a first visit
Hat Yai is a serious food town, where southern Thai, Chinese, and Malay flavours blend together. Start the morning with dim sum, have chicken rice or fried chicken for lunch, then walk the night market in the evening. These are the dishes first-timers usually go looking for.
Decha Fried Chicken
Hat Yai's famous fried chicken — crispy skin topped with fried shallots, eaten with sticky rice. It's the dish people picture when they hear the name of this town. There are several branches, including near the airport.
Morning dim sum
In Hat Yai, dim sum is breakfast. The popular spots open early — order little steamer baskets to fill the table and sip hot Chinese tea, in a southern Thai-Chinese setting.
Hat Yai chicken rice
Hainanese-style chicken rice with tender chicken and a punchy fermented-soybean dipping sauce. The old shops are spread along Niphat Uthit Road, and it makes a filling, good-value lunch.
Bold southern Thai food
Gaeng tai pla, khua kling, stir-fried cha-om leaves with egg, eaten with fresh raw vegetables — these flavours tell you you've really reached the south. Curry-and-rice shops are all over town.
Night markets
Graze through the night bazaar and Greenway Market — fried snacks, grilled skewers, sweets, and southern fruit. It's a dinner you eat as you walk.
Tip
The famous dim sum and chicken rice shops often sell out before noon, so if you want a standout spot, go before 10 a.m. to be safe. Khlong Hae floating market only opens Friday–Sunday, afternoon to evening, so line up your days accordingly.
Main sights in and around town
Hat Yai's sights split simply into in-town (markets, malls, temples) and around town (the public park, the floating market, and a day trip out to Songkhla). On a first visit, try ticking off these standouts.
- Hat Yai Public Park + cable car — a large park at the foot of Khao Kho Hong. Ride the cable car up to pay respects at the temple and take in 360-degree views over town. It was one of Thailand's first cable cars.
- Wat Hat Yai Nai (Wat Mahattamangkalaram) — home to a giant reclining Buddha over 35 metres long, one of the town's most popular temples to visit.
- Wat Chue Chang — a Chinese temple in the centre of town, decorated in Thai-Chinese style with Guan Yin and Chinese deities, popular for making wishes.
- Kim Yong Market — the biggest souvenir market in town, with snacks, chocolate, tea, coffee, dried fruit, and imported goods. You can do all your souvenir shopping here in one stop.
- Khlong Hae floating market — a floating market just outside town, open Friday–Sunday afternoon to evening, with southern Thai food sold both on land and from boats.
- Songkhla old town — about a 30-minute ride away. Walk Nang Ngam Road past old Sino-European buildings and street art, then carry on to Samila Beach.
Hat Yai 3-day, 2-night plan
Here's a plan for first-timers, covering food, shopping, temples, and a day trip out to Songkhla. Follow it as is, or swap days around the Khlong Hae floating market, which only opens Friday–Sunday.
In town — eat, shop, visit temples
Public park + reclining Buddha + Khlong Hae trip
Songkhla old town + Samila Beach trip
Things to know before you go
- Getting around town — short distances are walkable; for longer hops use a ride-hailing app or a songthaew, both convenient and haggle-free.
- Cash — markets and many small shops mainly take cash, so carry small notes to make spending easier.
- Market schedules — Khlong Hae floating market runs Friday–Sunday, and some night markets close on certain days, so check before you plan.
- Weather — the south can get rain year-round, so pack an umbrella or rain jacket, especially late in the year.
- Souvenirs — Kim Yong Market has it all: snacks, tea, coffee, dried fruit, and imported goods. Buy in one go without running around.
Want a detailed day-by-day Hat Yai plan
See the Hat Yai travel guide →