🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Most people come to Hat Yai to eat and shop, but if you want to spend half a day making merit, Wat Hat Yai Nai is the most convenient pick. It sits within Hat Yai district, just over ten minutes' drive from the city centre — no need to head far out. The huge reclining Buddha is visible from a distance, and the temple is free to enter, so it suits the devout, fans of Buddhist art, and travellers who just want to capture an unusual shot.
Phra Phutta Mahattamongkol — the 35-metre reclining Buddha
The temple's principal image is Phra Phutta Mahattamongkol, a large stucco reclining Buddha measuring 35 metres long, 15 metres high and 10 metres wide. It was built around 1972 through the faith of Hat Yai's residents and is considered one of the longest reclining Buddhas in southern Thailand — a landmark that locals far and wide recognise. The image sits under an open-sided viharn, so you can walk all the way around it. The morning and late-afternoon light falls especially beautifully across the Buddha's face.
Something many visitors don't realise: you can walk into the base beneath the reclining Buddha. Inside is a hall enshrining several more Buddha images and sacred objects, cool and quiet in contrast to the level above. Locals like to come in here to bow and apply gold leaf. If you've made it this far, don't forget to head down to this level too — see only the outside and you'll miss the most interesting part.
Something most people don't know
Once a year, around the fifth lunar month, the temple uncovers the cloth over the Buddha's chest so the faithful can climb up and apply gold leaf to the "heart of the Buddha". It's an important ceremony that Hat Yai people gather for every year. If your trip happens to line up with it, you'll see a merit-making atmosphere quite unlike an ordinary day.
Want more out of Hat Yai? 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 do people come to pray for?
Most who come to pay respects to Phra Phutta Mahattamongkol ask for blessings on everyday matters — a belief passed down among Hat Yai locals and the Malaysian and Singaporean visitors who stop by regularly.
- Trade and business — Hat Yai is a trading town, so shopkeepers and business owners often come to ask for brisk sales.
- Study and intellect — parents regularly bring their children here during exam season to pray for success in their studies.
- Family and love — asking for a peaceful, harmonious home life.
- Health — praying to stay strong and recover from illness, one of the most common requests.
Other spots worth a stop inside the temple
Besides the reclining Buddha, the temple grounds have shrines and places of worship scattered across several corners, enough to keep you wandering a good while longer. It's not a one-and-done visit.
Shrine of King Taksin the Great
A popular spot to make vows about work and career advancement — another corner that sees a steady stream of visitors coming to pay respects.
Statue of Luang Pu Thuat
Luang Pu Thuat is a revered monk of the south, deeply respected by many. Stop to ask for safe and protected travels before you carry on.
Brahma shrine and Buddha footprint replica
A Brahma shrine to pray to from all sides, plus a replica Buddha footprint where you can apply gold leaf in keeping with tradition.
Getting to Wat Hat Yai Nai
Wat Mahattamangkalaram sits beside the U-Tapao Canal in Khuan Lang sub-district, Hat Yai district, Songkhla province, off Phetkasem Road near the bridge over the U-Tapao Canal. It's about 4–5 kilometres from central Hat Yai, roughly a 15-minute drive. Local drivers and motorbike-taxi riders all know it well — just say "Wat Hat Yai Nai" and they'll know where you mean.
- Taxi / Grab — the easiest option for travellers. From the Kim Yong Market or Lee Gardens area, expect roughly 80–150 THB per trip.
- Private car / rental — there's plenty of parking at the temple, ideal if you're covering several spots in a day. Drop a pin on "Wat Mahattamangkalaram" in Google Maps and it takes you straight there.
- Motorbike taxi — good if you're travelling solo, faster and cheaper. Always agree the fare before you get on.
- Songthaew — some routes pass through the Khuan Lang area; fares are cheap, but you'll need to walk the rest of the way and ask locals for directions.
Opening hours and entry fee
The temple is open for visitors roughly 08:00–17:00 daily and charges no entry fee — there are only donation boxes at various points, give as you wish. The softer light of early morning and evening makes for easy walking and good photos of the Buddha. On Saturdays and Sundays you'll often find tour groups arriving from Malaysia, so if you prefer it quiet, try to come on a weekday.
Where to go after the temple
Because the temple is within the city, you can easily continue to other spots the same day. Make it a half-day temple trip and follow it up with some good food.
Half-day temple visit + Hat Yai food
Etiquette and things to know
- Dress respectfully — skip spaghetti straps and shorts above the knee; carry a shawl just in case.
- Remove your shoes — before entering the viharn and the chamber beneath the Buddha, and leave them neatly.
- Keep your voice down — this is a place of practice where people come to pray; lower your voice and don't play music.
- Donate as you see fit — there are donation boxes and gold-leaf stations; give what feels comfortable, no one is forcing you.
- Ask before photographing people — especially monks and anyone praying or paying respects.
Plan a full Hat Yai trip — temples, food and where to stay
See the Hat Yai travel guide →