Thailand

At the border between Thailand and Malaysia, Hat Yai is a multifaceted cultural and contemporary metropolis. Located in the district of the same name, the city attracts those seeking the comfort of modern civilization. It is the largest city in Songkhla Province and the fourth largest nationwide. Hat Yai's folkloric charm will delight history enthusiasts. The metropolis is known for its giant Buddha statues and waterfalls.

Historical notes

In its early days, the metropolis was a small village named Khok Samet Chun. Everything changed in 1922 during the construction of a railway junction in the village. This railway line was crucial, connecting the city of Songkhla to the rest of Thailand and boosting the regional economy.

Khok Samet Chun experienced rapid development thanks to the growth of trade and financial support from the railway company Khun Niphat Chinnakorn. Within a few years, it transitioned from a village to a municipality and was renamed Hat Yai.

Hat Yai today

Like Bangkok, Hat Yai serves as a gateway to exploring Thailand's attractions. Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, the islands of the Andaman Sea… The city's transportation network also connects to several Malaysian cities, such as Langkawi, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore.

Infrastructure is abundant in Hat Yai, including hospitals, universities, railway stations, and highways. Hat Yai International Airport is highly favored by pilgrims traveling to Mecca.

Hat Yai is a giant business center adorned with skyscrapers and sophisticated shopping malls, serving as the main economic hub in southern Thailand. It is the industrial capital of Songkhla Province.

The metropolis is home to over 400,000 inhabitants (as of 2021). The majority of the population is either Thai Malay or Thai Chinese.

Exploring Hat Yai's attractions

Wat Hat Yai Nai

This temple is one of the city's main tourist attractions and is globally renowned for its sanctuary. A gigantic reclining Buddha statue dominates one of its courtyards, adorned from head to toe in gold. It is a true masterpiece. People from all over Thailand come to admire and worship it.

Hat Yai Central Mosque

A splendid sanctuary honoring Islam. The facade of the main building is dominated by golden and white tones, superbly designed. The property extends over several hectares, featuring an exotic landscaped garden and a large rectangular water feature.

Hat Yai Municipal Park

The park is a lush green resting area, the city's lungs. A cable car ride over the forest offers extraordinary views—an experience not to be missed.

The architecture of the main residence in the park is picturesque, with a giant Buddha statue of several tons adorning its facade. This time, the sage is standing and holding the moon in his right hand. Night visits to the park are allowed, with exceptional lighting highlighting the Buddha.

Kho Hong Mountain

Located near Hat Yai Municipal Park, north of the city, this green and flowery mountain is a natural landscape garden. The air is pure, and the views of the metropolis are breathtaking. The site is ideal for hiking and trekking or for organizing a picnic.

Namtok Ton Nga Chang

Come admire the city's famous multi-tiered waterfalls. You can visit the base of each level to enjoy the view or take a dip. Many accommodation sites are established nearby, allowing you to enjoy this waterfall for as long as possible.

Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol

Hat Yai's immense pagoda is a must-see monument. This towering Chedi is made with translucent materials. Like the standing Buddha, the extraordinary design of this religious edifice shines brightly at night, a spectacle not to be missed.

Hat Yai, a shopping haven

Hat Yai is home to the largest shopping centers in southern Thailand, including Diana, Odean, Robinson, Central, Siam Nakharin, Big C Extra, Tesco Lotus, etc. Thais and foreign visitors flock there to find quality products. Everything can be found in the stores and aisles: high-tech gadgets, clothing, cosmetics, fashion accessories, etc.

The city is also known for its numerous marketplaces. Among the most visited and frequented are Suntisook, Kim Young, Asian Trade, and Greenway. Small traders in alleyways sell fresh foodstuffs: fruits, vegetables, fish, condiments, Malay and Thai delicacies, etc.

Various cultural activities

Hat Yai hosts various cultural and religious events every year.

• The Buddhist Chak Phra Festival and its annual marathon.
• The Chinese lunar festival and its fascinating commemorations.
• Chinese New Year and its extravagant celebrations.

The climate

Life in Hat Yai is characterized by alternating between wet and dry seasons. The sunny period is from January to March, while the rainy seasons extend from April to December, with the heaviest rainfall typically occurring in November.

How to get to Hat Yai?

Thanks to Hat Yai International Airport, the metropolis is accessible from around the world. Minibus and train networks connect the city to Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima.

Getting around the city

Hat Yai offers various modes of transportation, including cars, tuk-tuks, buses, minibuses, bicycles, etc. Choose the one that best suits your excursion plans. Like in all major cities, walking tours should be minimized for safety reasons.