Hat Yai, a vibrant city in South Thailand, serves as a fantastic gateway to explore the region’s rich cultural heritage, bustling markets, and natural beauty.
It is a popular travel destination for Malaysians living across the border who like to drive there for a short weekend getaway, much like how Singaporeans like to drive across to Johor, Malaysia for weekend getaways. For Singaporeans, traveling to Hat Yai may be a little further. Still, there are much more things to explore in Southern Thailand, including the natural landscape and a rich culture and history that draws parallel to colonial Malaya. With convenient flights from AirAsia, you can easily start your journey from this dynamic city.
We recently went on a 5D4N trip to explore Hat Yai and South Thailand. Here are eight attraction highlights we visited in Hat Yai that we would like to share with everyone:
Address: 118 Supasarnrangsan Rd, Hat Yai, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
We begun our Hat Yai adventure with a visit to Wat Chue Chang, a unique Chinese-style Thai temple that reflects the city’s multicultural identity. This Mahayana Buddhist temple in the heart of the city was a humble shrine for Chinese traders before it was established as a temple.
For Singaporeans, you will find that it resembles the Chinese temples we see around Singapore and Malaysia, more so than a Thai Buddhist temple, which mostly follows Theravada Buddhism.
Address: 33 Supasarn Rangsan Road Soi Pracharak, Hat Yai 90110 Thailand
Located within a short walking distance of no more than 10 minutes from Wat Chue Chang is Wat Thawon Wararam, a Chinese temple that follows Theravada Buddhism influences.
This temple is notable for its various shrines, including the main shrine dedicated to Guan Yin (Bodhisattva). The fourth floor offers a panoramic view of Hat Yai city and is where the monastic congregation hall is situated, adorned with a majestic shrine featuring three Buddhas, two Bodhisattvas, and ornate dragon pillars.
There are several food markets and delectable food stalls located near the two temples which you can visit around the area if you are feeling hungry.
Address: ตลาดกิมหยง Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
No trip to Hat Yai is complete without exploring Kim Yong Market. This bustling market is the perfect place to experience local life and taste an array of Thai snacks, fresh fruits, and local delicacies. It is a hotspot for both tourists and locals looking for unique finds and authentic street food.
We would highly recommend visiting the market on the last day, just before heading to the airport so you can get all your last minute shopping done. It was near the Dumpling Festival when we visited and were able to score several handmade Thai-Chinese dumplings to bring home and share with our family. Other things you can buy include dried food products like nuts and herbs, as well as fresh fruits like lychee, mango and grapes.
Address: 248 Rattakarn Soi 5 Rd, Tambon Hat Yai, Amphoe Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Marita offers a unique culinary experience, blending Thai flavours with traditional Chinese dim sum, all freshly prepared on site according to halal standards. We love the colourful presentation of the dim sum dishes which are steamed and prepared on the spot after you select the ones you want from their open fridges.
It’s a popular spot for brunch and is well-loved for its diverse menu, catering to both local tastes and international visitors. Prices are very reasonable as well with all-you-can-eat buffet options available for big eaters.
Address: Songkhla Old Town, Songkhla City, Songkhla Province, Thailand 90000
Songkhla Old Town is a charming district that captures the essence of Sino-European architecture with its historic buildings and vibrant street art. You will find the area very similar to old British colonial era Chinese towns in Malaysia like Penang and Malacca as well as Singapore. This is due to the shared, similar cultural heritage.
The town’s three main roads—Nakhon Nok, Nakhon Nai, and Nang Ngam—are lined with traditional Chinese shophouses, local restaurants, and dessert shops offering authentic delicacies.
You can start exploring the area at the Songkhla City Gate. From there, stroll past old mills and street murals to immerse in the local culture. The streets are a treasure trove of history and a great spot for photography enthusiasts. Check out some of our shots:
If you like attention and something more showy, you can opt to ride in a hired traditional truck taxi to navigate the streets with a local guide. The truck taxi itself is a beautiful piece of cultural heritage that you can take pictures with:
Take a day trip to Songkhla Old Town to explore its charming cultural streets. Ride in a traditional truck taxi to navigate through Nakorn Nok Road, Nakorn Nai Road, and Nang Ngam Road, where you’ll find beautifully preserved Sino-European architecture and modern murals depicting local stories. The streets are a treasure trove of history and a great spot for photography enthusiasts.
Address: Samila Beach, Laem Samila, Songkhla City, Songkhla Province, 90000, Thailand
Samila Beach is a small, picturesque beach known for its iconic golden mermaid statue. With soft, white sand, calm turquoise waters, and stunning views of nearby islands, it offers a serene escape for both locals and tourists.
The statue came about to honour local legend around the story of a mermaid who once came ashore to comb her hair. According to local folkslore, a fisherman saw the mermaid sitting by the shore and, captivated by her beauty, tried to approach her. Startled, the mermaid fled into the sea, leaving behind her golden comb.The fisherman waited by the beach, hoping the mermaid would return for her comb, but she never did. Over time, the mermaid became a symbol of longing and beauty, and her statue now stands as a tribute to the legend.
Another version of the legend involves three magical creatures—the mermaid, a giant cat, and a mouse—who sailed together in search of treasure. During their journey, they encountered a storm, and the cat and mouse drowned, transforming into two islands near Samila Beach (Koh Nu and Koh Maeo, or Mouse Island and Cat Island), while the mermaid escaped.
While in Songkhla, visit Mermaid Beach, also known as Samila Beach.
This scenic beach is famous for its golden mermaid statue, which has become a symbol of the city. The beach offers stunning views of the Gulf of Thailand and is a great spot for a relaxing afternoon by the sea.
Address: 1006 Poonnakan Rd, Kho Hong, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
End your day with a dinner at Alive Cheewit Cheewa, a nature-themed restaurant in Hat Yai. Decorated with twinkling lights and lush greenery, the restaurant offers a tranquil dining experience with a menu featuring fresh seafood and local Thai cuisine.
These were the stuff we had for dinner:
The restaurant is very popular with Malaysians. Singaporeans will enjoy the food here too, catered to the Malaysian and Singaporean taste buds. The menu offers a wide variety of seafood, Thai and tze char dishes.
Greenway Night Market
Address: 1406/3 Kanjanavanich Rd., Hat Yai 90110 Thailand
ASEAN Trade Bazaar
Address: Chotiwittayakul Road 4, Hat Yai 90110 Thailand
Cenfest Night Market
Address: 45 Thumnoonvithi Rd, Hat Yai 90110 Thailand
The night markets are why many Malaysians and Singaporeans flock to Hat Yai. Bustling with activities throughout the night, they are the go-to places to eat street snacks, shop for souvenirs and enjoy a relaxing massage.
Getting There: AirAsia offers flights from Singapore to Hat Yai, with transit at Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur.
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