Is Hat Yai Worth Visiting in 2025 and 2026?
Hat Yai is southern Thailand’s busiest commercial city, a crossroads of Thai, Malay and Chinese culture. Known for its food, shopping and cross-border vibe, many first-time visitors ask: Is Hat Yai worth visiting? This complete guide for 2025 and 2026 gives a clear answer with insider tips, hotels, attractions and practical travel advice.
1. Where to Stay in Hat Yai
Hotels in Hat Yai are affordable and well located. The city center is best for first-time visitors. Recommended options include:
See all our curated hotel picks here: Hat Yai hotel guide.
2. What to Do in Hat Yai
Hat Yai is compact but full of attractions. From food to cultural sites, here are the highlights:
2.1 Lean into local cultural diversity
Visit temples and mosques showing Hat Yai’s cultural mix. The Kim Yong Market showcases Chinese, Malay and Thai flavors in one place.
2.2 Eat fried chicken & night market food
Hat Yai’s fried chicken is legendary. Try it alongside seafood, noodles and desserts at Hat Yai food & nightlife spots and night bazaars like Asean Night Market.
2.3 Take it all in from above
Climb to Hat Yai Municipal Park and Big Buddha for sweeping views. It’s proof that when asked “Is Hat Yai worth visiting for views?” the answer is yes.
2.4 Watch sunset at Songkhla Central Mosque
The mosque, often called the “Taj Mahal of the South,” is most beautiful at sunset. Add it to your list if you wonder is Hat Yai worth visiting for photography?
2.5 Make a day trip to Songkhla Old Town
Songkhla Old Town is lined with colorful shophouses and murals. Nearby Samila Beach offers a seaside contrast to Hat Yai’s city buzz.
3. Is Hat Yai Worth Visiting in 2025 and 2026?
Yes. In 2025, official data showed more than 2 million Malaysians and nearly 2 million Chinese entered Songkhla province in just six months, proving Hat Yai’s popularity as a cross-border hub.
Hat Yai is not a beach resort city, but that’s its charm. It’s authentic, affordable and less touristy than Phuket or Bangkok. If you’re planning Thailand in 2026, ask yourself again: Is Hat Yai worth visiting? If you enjoy culture, food and local life, the answer is absolutely yes.
4. Top Reasons Why Hat Yai Is Worth Visiting
- Regional hub with great transport links (planes, trains, buses).
- Authentic street markets and unique attractions.
- Affordability: consistently ranked among Asia’s best-value cities.
- Gateway to Koh Lipe and southern islands.
- Cultural diversity with Thai, Chinese and Malay influences.
5. Other FAQ About Visiting Hat Yai
- 5.1 Is Hat Yai worth a visit?
- Yes — especially for food, shopping and regional vibes. It’s perfect for short trips or as a stopover on your way south.
- 5.2 Why is Hat Yai famous?
- Fried chicken, bustling markets, malls, and as southern Thailand’s commercial center.
- 5.3 Where should I stay in Hat Yai?
- Centara and Lee Gardens are reliable. Check our Hat Yai hotel guide.
- 5.4 How do I get to Hat Yai?
- See our transport guide. Official airport: Hat Yai Airport.
- 5.5 What’s the weather like?
- Check live Hat Yai weather here.
6. The Bottom Line
Is Hat Yai worth visiting in 2025 and 2026? Yes. It offers authentic southern Thai culture, fantastic food, and good value. Combine it with a trip to Songkhla Old Town or Koh Lipe for a richer experience. If you’re planning your Thailand trip, don’t skip this underrated city.
