🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Khlong Hae Floating Market is in Khlong Hae sub-district, Hat Yai district, about 10 km from Hat Yai city centre — under 20 minutes by car. What sets it apart is its claim as the South's first floating market, recreating the old waterway trading tradition of Khlong Hae villagers. Vendors tie up their boats in a line at the pier in front of Wat Khlong Hae, while a long row of land-side stalls lines the banks. The place fills up with Hat Yai locals and Malaysian day-trippers every weekend.
Opening Days, Hours & Admission
Khlong Hae opens Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only. Come on a weekday and you'll find everything shut. Official hours are around 13:00–21:00, though sources vary — in practice, the boats fill up and the atmosphere peaks from late afternoon onward, roughly 16:00 onwards. If you want the full boat experience and a lively crowd, aim for the evening session. There's no admission fee — entry is free, you just pay for whatever you eat.
Check before you go
Opening hours can shift with seasons and public holidays. Before heading out, check the Khlong Hae Municipality Facebook page or the market's own page — especially during the rainy season, when boat service may be suspended on some weekends.
Want more out of Songkhla? Book tours & activities
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.
What to Eat at Khlong Hae Floating Market
The draw here is home-style southern Thai food that's hard to find in regular restaurants, at prices that won't hurt — most items run 20–60 THB a plate. Graze a little from each stall and you can try a lot. Below are the dishes reviewers mention most often and that are worth seeking out.
Boat Noodles at Wat Khlong Hae Pier
Small bowls of boat noodles sold straight from a paddled boat — ladled piping hot and handed to you at the water's edge. Deep, rich broth; easy to down several bowls. This is the image people associate most with Khlong Hae and a must-try for every first-timer.
Khanom Jeen Nam Ya (Southern Fish Curry Noodles)
Rice vermicelli topped with bold southern-style fish curry sauce, served with a spread of fresh herbs and vegetables on the side. The local stalls here nail the flavour — a solid base to line your stomach before wandering further.
Khao Yam (Southern Rice Salad)
Rice tossed with a dozen herbs and vegetables, dressed with budu fish sauce, and finished with toasted coconut and dried shrimp. A lighter southern staple you can pick up fresh at the market — healthy, herby, and genuinely satisfying.
Fish Roe Fritters & Crispy Fried Fish
Fried snacks that get mentioned in almost every review — fish roe fritters and small whole fish fried until properly crunchy. Great with dipping sauce, easy to eat while walking. A crowd favourite here.
Hoi Tod & Pad Thai by the Water
Hot-wok stalls right by the canal, cooking oyster omelettes and pad thai in full view. The smell alone pulls you in as you walk past. Good for sharing with a group.
Southern Thai Sweets in Banana Leaf
Several types of traditional southern sweets — steamed dumplings, banana-leaf parcels, coconut confections — wrapped the old-fashioned way. Pairs naturally with a glass of old-school Thai coffee, and won't cost much.
Herbal Drinks & Bamboo-Cup Beverages
Herbal teas and fruit drinks served in bamboo tubes or coconut shells by some stalls — refreshing while you walk and a popular photo stop because the natural vessels look great in pictures.
Muslim Food & Khao Mok Gai (Chicken Biryani)
Hat Yai has a strong Muslim food culture, and the market reflects that — you'll find chicken biryani and halal grilled items from dedicated stalls. Bold southern spicing, and a proper meal if you want something more substantial than snacks.
Seasonal Local Fruit
Local fruit stalls rotate with the season — durian, mangosteen, longkong, and other southern varieties when they're in. Buy to eat on the spot or take some back. If you visit during peak fruit season, the selection is excellent.
Grilled Skewers, Moo Ping & Fried Fish Balls
The classic walk-and-eat snacks scattered throughout the market — pork skewers, grilled chicken, fried fish balls. Cheap, easy to carry, and perfect for grazing while you check out the boats.
Get the most out of your visit
Everything at Khlong Hae comes in small portions at low prices — the move is to buy a little from several stalls rather than filling up at one. Bring plenty of small bills; many boat vendors and smaller stalls are cash only.
Other Things to Do Besides Eating
Khlong Hae isn't only about food. The surrounding area has enough to fill a comfortable 1–2 hours.
Watch Nora Dance Performances
Nora is the South's traditional performing art, and the market often has a stage showing live performances — sometimes featuring young Nora dancers. Worth stopping to watch between bites; people crowd around and it's a genuinely local atmosphere.
Pay Respects at Wat Khlong Hae
The market sits within Wat Khlong Hae's grounds. You can step in to make merit before or after your food walk — there's a merit bridge and offering points for those who want to.
Boat Ride on the Canal / Waterside Photos
Boat rides along the canal are sometimes available, and there are spots along the bank to photograph the paddle boats and natural-vessel serving ware up close. Captures the floating-market feel well.
Pick Up Local Souvenirs
Local produce and handmade goods are scattered through the market — dried foods, traditional snacks, small crafts. Light enough to carry home without hassle.
How to Get to Khlong Hae Floating Market
- From Hat Yai city centre — about 10 km away; under 20 minutes by car or taxi along Lopburi Ramesuan Road heading toward Khlong Hae sub-district.
- From Hat Yai Airport (HDY) — roughly 20–30 min by car. If you land on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday evening, it's easy to stop at the market before checking into your hotel.
- Rental car / motorbike — the most convenient option since the market is outside the city centre and public transport connections are infrequent. Parking is available at Wat Khlong Hae and at a lot across from the market.
- Ride-hailing / taxi — ride-hailing apps work in Hat Yai; agree on a fare or check the app price before you go. On the way back in the evening expect more demand, so factor in some waiting time.
Planning Your Trip Around Khlong Hae
Because the market only runs Friday–Sunday, a Hat Yai–Songkhla trip that includes Khlong Hae needs the dates to line up. Here's a sample itinerary that builds the market in as a dinner stop on a back-to-back two-day trip.
Hat Yai: shop & eat + Khlong Hae for dinner
Day trip to Songkhla Old Town and the sea
For short trips
If you only have one night in Hat Yai and it falls on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, make Khlong Hae your dinner on arrival — then use the following morning to fly out or carry on. You get the southern food experience without losing any daytime sightseeing.
Want a full Songkhla–Hat Yai trip plan?
See the Songkhla travel guide →