Discover 45 Amazing Attractions in Hat Yai
Your complete guide to the best things to do in Southern Thailand’s vibrant city – from majestic temples and bustling markets to family-friendly adventures and cultural experiences
Explore Attractions VIEW ON MAPThis guide lists 45 attractions in and around Hat Yai, Thailand. Each entry includes a short description, location context, typical hours, entrance fees (when available), a Google Maps link, and a quick tip.
Hours and fees may change; please verify before visiting.
Shopping Malls
Discover Hat Yai’s modern shopping destinations offering everything from international brands to local products.
Central Festival Hatyai
Southern Thailand’s flagship shopping mall with 200+ stores, diverse dining, a cineplex and event spaces. Ideal for families, movie-goers and anyone wanting air-conditioned comfort.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
Lee Garden Plaza
Vertical shopping complex anchored by cafés, boutiques and casual restaurants. The plaza and surrounding streets come alive in the evenings with street snacks and pop-up stalls.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
Odean Shopping Mall
Popular mid-sized mall focusing on affordable fashion, cosmetics and eateries. Convenient stop while exploring nearby markets.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
Diana Shopping Complex
An older-style mall known for budget items, local clothing and small arcades. Nostalgic atmosphere and good for bargain hunting.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
Robinson Department Store
Well-known Thai department store chain stocking apparel, cosmetics and household goods. Clean facilities and air-conditioning make it a comfortable stop.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
Big C Extra (Hypermarket)
Large hypermarket offering Thai snacks, packaged goods and souvenirs in bulk. Handy for last-minute shopping before travel.
Hours: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily
Lotus’s (Tesco Lotus)
Supermarket and lifestyle store with a food court and value goods. Often less crowded than the central malls during midday.
Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
Makro Wholesale
Warehouse-style store for bulk groceries and household items. Practical for longer stays or group travel shopping.
Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
Markets
Experience the vibrant local culture at Hat Yai’s diverse markets offering everything from fresh produce to souvenirs.
Kim Yong Market
Hat Yai’s bustling central market selling dried fruit, nuts, clothing and electronics. A great place to sample local street snacks and observe daily life.
Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
Santisuk Market
A maze of stalls offering clothing, souvenirs and local foods—slightly more local and less touristy than the main bazaar. Bargaining is common and part of the experience.
Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
Suntisook Market
Market known for imported snacks, beauty items and gadgets. Good spot for assembling gift boxes or sampling international treats sold locally.
Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
Greenway Night Market
Trendy evening bazaar with second-hand fashion, handmade crafts and a large food section. Young and lively, ideal for a late stroll and casual shopping.
Hours: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM (often closed Tue)
ASEAN Night Bazaar (Trade Bazaar)
Large covered night market packed with souvenirs, clothing and Thai snacks. Weather-proof shopping makes it popular during rainy season evenings.
Hours: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM daily
Lee Gardens Night Market (Weekend)
Weekend pop-up stalls around Lee Gardens with tees, toys and street snacks. Lively photo spots and a relaxed atmosphere for casual browsing.
Hours: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Fri–Sun
Santisuk Night Stalls
Evening spill-over stalls selling snacks, accessories and casual clothing—local flavor without tourist frills. Good for light snacking and browsing after dinner.
Hours: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM daily (typical)
ASEAN Trade Market (indoor zone)
Semi-indoor section adjacent to the night bazaar offering clothing, accessories and small electronics. Weather-proof and comfortable for evening shopping.
Hours: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM daily
Downtown Food Alleyways (recommended routes)
Concentrated street-food areas where locals gather for late-night noodles, seafood snacks and desserts. Ideal for adventurous eaters and tasting tours.
Hours: Evenings typically 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Parks & Nature
Explore Hat Yai’s natural beauty through its parks, gardens, and outdoor attractions.
Hat Yai Municipal Park
Expansive hillside park with lakes, gardens, shrines and viewpoints. Cable car access links the main peaks; ideal for panoramic city views and sunset photos.
Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily
Hat Yai Cable Car
Short scenic gondola ride over forested slopes connecting hilltop sights. Excellent for families and photographers seeking city panoramas.
Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily
Standing Buddha (Phra Phutthamongkol Maharat)
Impressive golden standing Buddha overlooking Hat Yai from the park summit. Quiet place for reflection with great sunrise and sunset light.
Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily
Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol (Stainless-Steel Pagoda)
A unique stainless-steel chedi that shimmers in daylight and is illuminated at night. A favorite for architecture and spiritual photography.
Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily
Guan Yin Statue & Shrine
Tall white Guan Yin statue set in calm gardens and landscaped terraces. Photogenic and peaceful—often quieter than the main temples.
Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily
Dragon Head Tunnel & Viewpoint
Walk through a dragon’s mouth to reach hill paths and lookout spots. Playful installation popular with families and kids.
Hours: Park hours (6:00 AM – 8:00 PM)
Hat Yai Park Lake Zone
Relaxing lakeside area with shaded paths and pedal-boat rentals (seasonal). A pleasant break between temple visits and market shopping.
Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily
Ton Nga Chang Waterfall (Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary)
Multi-tiered waterfall set in a protected wildlife sanctuary with trails and swimming areas. A refreshing nature day-trip from Hat Yai with picnic spots and shady pools.
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily
Tinsulanon Park
Lakeside park offering breezy walks, local sculptures and pleasant benches for sunsets. Family-friendly and calm in the evenings.
Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily
Temples & Religious Sites
Discover Hat Yai’s spiritual side through its beautiful temples, shrines, and religious monuments.
Wat Hat Yai Nai (Mahattamangkalaram Temple)
Temple famous for its 35-meter reclining Buddha and ornate grounds. A calm, spiritual stop that’s free to enter and popular with both locals and visitors.
Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
Wat Khok Saman Khun
Beautifully decorated temple noted for its intricate exterior and peaceful compound. Off-the-beaten-path gem for visitors seeking photogenic architecture.
Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
Our Lady of Lourdes Church
Historic red-brick Catholic church with a quiet interior and classic architecture. A peaceful interlude amid the bustle of downtown Hat Yai.
Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (services Sun AM)
Songkhla Central Mosque (Masjid Songkhla)
Striking mosque with reflective pools and graceful domes; impressive at sunset. Visitors should dress modestly and observe local customs when visiting.
Hours: Courtyard daylight hours; prayer areas restricted during services
Downtown Chinese Shrines
Small ornate Chinese shrines tucked between shopfronts, often bedecked with lanterns and offerings. Wonderful to visit during local festivals for lively ceremonies.
Hours: Varies by shrine; daytime–evening
Museums & Cultural Sites
Explore Hat Yai’s rich cultural heritage through its museums, galleries, and historical sites.
Magic Eye 3D Art Museum
Interactive trick-art museum where painted scenes create 3D photo illusions. Family-friendly attraction built for hands-on photo opportunities.
Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily (check locally)
Hatyai Vijit Ice Dome (seasonal/exhibition)
Indoor chilly attraction showcasing ice sculptures and thematic installations—fun for cooling off in tropical heat. Jackets are usually supplied for visitors.
Hours: Varies by event/season; check local listings
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Natural History Museum (PSU)
Small natural history museum with displays on local fauna, fossils and regional biodiversity. Informative and well-suited to curious travelers and families.
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Tue–Sun (often closed Mon)
PSU Planetarium & Science Center
Retro-style planetarium offering scheduled shows and science exhibits. Kid-friendly and educational—best to check showtimes in advance.
Hours: Showtimes vary; typically mid-morning and afternoon
Common Art Gallery (Lee Gardens)
Boutique gallery showcasing contemporary Southern Thai artists and rotating exhibitions. Easy to combine with a coffee stop at the plaza.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (hotel hours)
Hat Yai Junction Railway Station
Historic southern rail gateway with old-style platforms and steady passenger flow. Photogenic architecture and a glimpse into Thailand’s railway culture.
Hours: Station is operational early–late (trains start ~5:00 AM)
Hat Yai Clock Tower
A local architectural focal point and common meeting place in the city center. Good for quick photos and orienting yourself in downtown Hat Yai.
Hours: Outdoor landmark (24/7)
Nipat-U-Tid Road Shophouses (historic facades)
Rows of Sino-Portuguese shop-house facades now housing cafés, boutiques and tailors. Charming streetscape that rewards slow walking and photography.
Hours: Shop hours vary; generally 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Downtown Street Art Trail
Murals and small public installations brighten alleyways and walls—great for a self-guided photo walk. Many pieces reflect local culture and island life themes.
Hours: Daylight hours recommended
Common Art / Boutique Galleries (various)
Small contemporary galleries showcasing Southern Thai artists; rotating exhibitions and pop-up shows. Pleasant stops for art lovers and collectors.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (varies)
Day Trips & Nearby Attractions
Explore beyond Hat Yai with these fascinating day trip destinations in the surrounding area.
Khlong Hae Floating Market
Southern Thailand’s best-known floating market, operating mainly on weekends with vendors selling grilled and fried specialties from boats. Colorful, atmospheric and a photographer’s favorite at dusk.
Hours: Typically Fri–Sun, 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM (check local days)
Tang Kuan Hill Lift & Viewpoint
Hilltop lift and walkway with panoramic sea and lake views; cheeky monkeys are common on the path. Popular half-day trip from Hat Yai with photogenic overlooks.
Hours: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM daily
Samila Beach & Mermaid Statue
Broad sand beach with the iconic golden mermaid statue and seaside promenade. Relaxed atmosphere and lovely sunset vantage points.
Hours: Outdoor area (24/7)
Songkhla Old Town (Heritage District)
Charming streets of Sino-Portuguese buildings, cafés and murals—ideal for slow wandering and photography. Plenty of small galleries and cultural shops to explore.
Hours: Daytime–evening depending on shops
Songkhla National Museum
Restored governor’s residence exhibiting regional archaeology, trade history and local crafts. Informative displays that cover the peninsula’s past.
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Wed–Sun (check local closures)
Chira Nakhon Stadium
Local football stadium sometimes hosting regional matches and events. Good spot to catch local sporting life if timing aligns with fixtures.
Hours: Event-based; stadium operational daytime
Bullfighting Arena (traditional venue)
A cultural venue for traditional southern Thai bullfighting events (not to be confused with Spanish bullfights). Occasional events reflect local customs and rural entertainment.
Hours: Event-based
Hat Yai Attractions Map
Use our interactive map to plan your itinerary and locate all the top attractions in and around Hat Yai.
Plan Your Hat Yai Visit
Make the most of your trip with our essential planning resources and recommendations.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Hat Yai is between December and February when the weather is cooler and drier. Avoid the rainy season from September to November.
Getting Around
Tuk-tuks, songthaews (shared taxis), and motorbike taxis are abundant. For more flexibility, consider renting a car or motorbike.
Where to Stay
Stay in central Hat Yai for easy access to markets and attractions, or choose accommodations near the airport for convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
The top attractions in Hat Yai include Wat Hat Yai Nai (with its giant reclining Buddha), Kim Yong Market, ASEAN Night Bazaar, Hat Yai Municipal Park, and Central Festival shopping mall. For families, Magic Eye 3D Museum and Water World are highly recommended.
We recommend spending 2-3 days in Hat Yai to experience the main attractions, markets, and nearby day trip options. This allows enough time to explore the city at a relaxed pace without feeling rushed.
Yes, Hat Yai is very family-friendly with attractions like water parks, interactive museums, parks with playgrounds, and many shopping malls with entertainment facilities. The city is generally safe and welcoming to visitors of all ages.
Hat Yai is easily accessible by air through Hat Yai International Airport, by train via Hat Yai Railway Station, or by bus. Many visitors also arrive by road from Malaysia or other parts of Thailand.
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