Categories > Guides and Tips

Top 15 Things to Do to Fully Experience Hat Yai

Top 15 Things to Do to Fully Experience Hat Yai 

| Last Updated: April 2024

Unlike Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Hat Yai is an underrated tourist destination. We actually think it’s a shame because the province has some of Thailand’s most stunning scenery and architecture!

So, if it has only reached your radar recently, you might wonder what adventures await you here. Check out our list of exciting things to do in Hat Yai and know an adventure of a lifetime awaits you here. 

Visit the picturesque Songkhla Central Mosque

Address: 352 หมู่ที่ Lopburi Ramesuan Road, Khlong Hae, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110, Thailand

Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Saturday – Thursday)

Contact Number: +66 7 430 5300

Website: https://www.facebook.com/islamicsk

Admission Cost: Free

The Songkhla Central Mosque is arguably the most stunning Muslim structure in Hat Yai. Even the locals call it the “Taj Mahal” because of the mosque’s beautiful ivory-white architecture reminiscent of its namesake.

That’s why it attracts diverse crowds of visitors who want to take photos with the mosque as the backdrop. If you like taking architectural photos, stopping by this mosque is one of the things you should do in Hat Yai.

Eat and shop your way through the ASEAN Night Bazaar

Media credit: wawan_widiana

Address: 76 Chotevittayakul 3 Road, Hat Yai, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110, Thailand

Operating Hours: 4:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. (Tuesday – Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 98 739 9809

Website: https://www.facebook.com/hatyainightmarket?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Admission Cost: Free

The place to go if you like food and shopping adventures. The ASEAN Night Bazaar has two levels, so expect to see a lot of shops with diverse products and services to offer.

On the first level, you’ll find a wide selection of items sold by the local vendors. Think clothes, souvenirs, handicrafts, accessories, shoes, household items, knick-knacks, and many more.

Meanwhile, the second level is a haven for foodies. It’s dotted with stalls selling affordable Thai food and snacks like pad Thai, grilled squid, fried rice, khanom buang, roti, fruit smoothies, etc.

Explore the nature-rich Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary

Media credit: kartini_mansor

Address: Thung Tam Sao, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110, Thailand

Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 7 489 4804

Admission Cost: 400 baht

If you enjoy nature’s company, exploring Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary is the best thing you can do in Hat Yai. It’s a popular hiking spot, so expect to see numerous nature trails and attractions within this park’s borders.

The seven-tier Ton Nga Chang Waterfall, in particular, is a well-known cascade to people who frequent this wildlife sanctuary. It’s nestled amid a lush rainforest, so it’s the ideal retreat from the stressful city life.

This place is also popular for animal-spotting activities since it’s home to over 187 bird species and 147 butterfly species.

See the world’s third-largest reclining Buddha image in Wat Hat Yai Nai

Media credit: theislanddrum

Address: 2 Wathatyainai Road, ต.หาดใหญ่, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110, Thailand

Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Daily)

Admission Cost: Free

This temple has the world’s third-largest reclining Buddha image, so it’s definitely worth visiting while you’re in Hat Yai. The 35-meter statue represents nirvana because it’s lying on its right side with its head over its hand and is supported by its right elbow.

Aside from that, Wat Hat Yai Nai has other unique statues like the three-headed elephant and numerous standing Buddhas. The temple also has a unique side—It’s not walled so you can see its sacred murals and carvings from the outside.

Go picnicking at Hat Yai City Municipal Park

Media credit: wilsonkhorphotography

Address: Kanjanavanich Road, Tambon Kho Hong, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110, Thailand

Operating Hours: 5 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 7 421 1898

Admission Cost: Free

This public park is the go-to spot for picnics and family outings in Hat Yai. It even has a massive golden Buddha image in the center, so it’s difficult to miss.

Some of the things you can do in Hat Yai City Municipal Park include jogging, paddle boating, fish feeding, playing at the playground, and painting. The equipment for these activities is available on-site for an affordable price.

Moreover, we recommend riding the park’s cable car for a stunning panoramic view. It’s particularly great for couples going on a casual park date.

Admire Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol’s stainless steel temple

Media credit: hahaman19

Address: Kho Hong, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110, Thailand

Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Saturday – Thursday)

Contact Number: +66 81 678 8809

Admission Cost: Free

Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol is one of the most unique temples you’ll find in Thailand. This unusual temple was built using mostly stainless steel, so we think it’s definitely a must-visit in Hat Yai.

In fact, you won’t find anything like this steel temple anywhere in the country. That makes seeing this contemporary structure a one-of-a-kind experience.

Check out the whimsical displays at the Magic Museum Hat Yai

Media credit: ishara968

Address: 414 Kanjanavanich Road, Hatyai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand

Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 7 421 1444

Website: http://www.magicmuseum.co/

Admission Cost: 300 to 550 baht

This whimsical museum is the place to go if you like seeing fun and creative displays. Here, you’ll find numerous 3D wall art, optical illusions, floor paintings, and magical theater shows.

That’s why the Magic Museum Hat Yai is a popular hangout spot. On weekends, expect to see mixed crowds of families and friends spending quality time here.

If you love taking funny photos, the creative and interactive displays in the museum make for goofy backdrops.

Hike to Kho Hong Mountain Viewpoint’s breathtaking summit

Media credit: hnchnsl

Address: Kho Hong, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110, Thailand

Operating Hours: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Saturday – Thursday)

Admission Cost: Free

If you enjoy watching beautiful cityscapes, Kho Hong Mountain Viewpoint is the place to be. Our team particularly enjoyed going here since it lets you see Hat Yai City Municipal Park in full glory. 

At night, the view here is even more stunning with the city lights shining amid the darkness. That also makes it ideal for stargazing and star trail photography.

Tour the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Natural History Museum

Media credit: looknam_suchada

Address: พิพิธภัณฑสถานธรรมชาติวิทยา ๕๐ พรรษา สยามบรมราชกุมารี, 15 ถ.กาญจนวณิชย์, Songkhla 90110, Thailand

Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Tuesday – Saturday)

Contact Number: +66 7 428 2782

Website: http://www.nhm.psu.ac.th/

Admission Cost: 30 baht

Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Natural History Museum is great for families visiting Hat Yai with their kids. It’s a fun and educational place, so expect to see colorful displays, interesting specimens, and informative exhibits during your visit.

If you like paleontology, the marine dioramas, animal exhibits, and dinosaur fossils are a must-see.

Marvel at Wat Chue Chang’s gorgeous architecture

Media credit: t3htopramen

Address: 118 Supasarnrangsan Road, Hat Yai, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110, Thailand

Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Saturday – Thursday)

Contact Number: +66 86 990 0976

Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064976790786

Admission Cost: Free

This temple is a work of art, so it’s one of the top places to visit in Hat Yai. It’s also the perfect place to learn about Chinese culture and history in the province.

Here, you’ll see stunning Chinese-style structures layered with gorgeous hand-painted ceramics. Plus, the temple’s oriental displays are perfect subjects for your Instagram photos.

Pig out at Khlong Hae Floating Market

Media credit: nicz_gg

Address: Khlong Hae, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110, Thailand

Operating Hours: 1 p.m. – 9 p.m. (Friday – Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 7 430 5333

Website: https://www.facebook.com/taladnamklonghae?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Admission Cost: Free

The foodies on our team say this is the place to go for local specialties in Hat Yai. It’s a floating market, so expect to see plenty of vendors selling food, snacks, and drinks on their boats.

In fact, food shops like these are the origin of Thailand’s infamous boat noodles, which, by the way, is definitely worth trying while you’re here. Aside from that, you’ll also find vendors selling fresh fruits, seafood, clothes, souvenirs, and more.

Treat yourself to a massive seafood plate at Bankampu Hatyai

Media from bankampuhatyai

Address: Lamaisongkrew Road, Hat Yai, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110, Thailand

Operating Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 87 109 8777

Website: https://www.facebook.com/bankampuhatyai

Admission Cost: Free

For seafood fanatics, Bankampu Hatyai is a godsend. They serve massive plates of succulent seafood that will blow your mind.

The crab platter, in particular, is a solid option. It comes with numerous crab arms, legs, and meat which they also prepared for easy consumption. Aside from that, their lobster and squid dishes are to die for, so don’t miss out!

Look at the numerous street art in Hat Yai 

Media credit: songkhlafocus

Address: 33 Sangchan Road, Tambon Hat Yai, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110, Thailand

Operating Hours: 24/7

Admission Cost: Free

Exploring the city is fun to do in Hat Yai because of its numerous building murals and paintings. In fact, there was even a fun run dedicated to these street arts.

Regardless, looking for these street arts is an adventure in itself, so it’s worth a shot.

Shop for delicious snacks at Kim Yong Market

Media credit: carpediem_life21

Address: ตลาดกิมหยง Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110, Thailand

Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 87 396 9509

Website: http://www.gimyonglover.com/

Admission Cost: Free

Kim Yong Market is famous for its selection of sweet snacks, nuts, and dried fruits that are perfect gifts to bring home. Cashew nuts are particularly excellent to get because of the affordable price.

This market is also dotted with shops selling other items like clothes, souvenirs, fresh produce, and more. That makes it ideal for last-minute shopping on your last day in Hat Yai.

Stroll around the Greenway Night Market

Media from greenwaynightmarket

Address: 1406/4 ถนน กาญจนวณิชย์ Hat Yai, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110, Thailand

Operating Hours: 4 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Tuesday – Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 81 990 6553

Website: http://www.greenwaynightmarket.com/

Admission Cost: Free

If you want the trendy night market experience in Hat Yai, there’s Greenway Night Market. It’s the perfect place to shop for of-the-moment fashion items and snacks.

That’s why this market is more popular among the younger generations. You’ll also find beauty salons offering affordable hair, facial, and body treatments.

It’s telling you there’s something for everyone here. And that should be enough reason for you to go. 

Related topics