About Hat Yai

Hat Yai, often called the gateway to Southern Thailand, is a bustling commercial and cultural hub in Songkhla province. Its name originates from the mahat tree, reflected in the city’s logo.

The name “Hat Yai” is a short version of “mahat yai”, meaning big mahat tree, a relative of jackfruits in genus Artocarpus. Once a small village, Hat Yai City grew rapidly due to its strategic position on the Bangkok-Singapore railway and its role as a cross-border trade center.

The city’s unique Hokkien-Thai identity creates a fascinating cultural fusion — from bilingual street signs to Malaysian-influenced cuisine, from Chinese temples to Thai Buddhist wats. This isn’t just another Thai city; it’s a living testament to Southeast Asian cultural integration.

Hat Yai (Thai: หาดใหญ่) is the fifth-largest city in Thailand with a population of 191,696 (2024). Hat Yai is the largest city of Southern Thailand. The city is often mistaken for being the provincial capital. In fact, Songkhla is the capital and the center of administration and culture while Hat Yai is the business center.

Cultural Mosaic

Hat Yai blends Thai, Chinese, and Malay influences, creating a lively multicultural identity.

Street markets like Kim Yong and Santisuk buzz with food vendors, while the city hosts colorful festivals, temples, and mosques. Night markets add to the city’s rhythm, where sizzling street food and live music set the scene.

Kim Yong Market

Famous market located in the center of Hat Yai, known for street food, dry food, and local products.

Santisuk Market

Vibrant market offering imported processed food, cosmetics, fabrics, gadgets and electrical appliances.

Songkhla Central Mosque

Beautiful mosque representing the Islamic influence in the region.

Getting Around

Hat Yai is Southern Thailand’s transport hub, with connections by train, plane, bus, and minivan.

Top Attractions

Explore the diverse attractions that make Hat Yai a unique destination in Southern Thailand.

Hat Yai Municipal Park

Beautiful park featuring the Standing Buddha statue and panoramic views of the city.

Tang Kuan Hill

Viewpoint with cable car offering spectacular views of Hat Yai and surrounding areas.

Khlong Hae Floating Market

Famous floating market where vendors sell food and goods from boats.

Wat Hat Yai Nai

Beautiful temple housing the third largest reclining Buddha in the world.

ASEAN Night Bazaar

Vibrant night market with colorful stalls and shopping opportunities.

Samila Beach

Famous beach in nearby Songkhla with the iconic mermaid statue.

Where to Stay

Hat Yai offers a wide range of accommodation options from luxury hotels to budget-friendly stays.

Centara Hotel Hat Yai

Luxury accommodation in the heart of the city with excellent amenities.

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Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel

Popular hotel featuring shopping mall access and multiple dining options.

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Laguna Grand Hotel & Spa

Luxury hotel popular with road-trippers from Malaysia.

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The Signature Hotel

Conveniently located near Hat Yai Airport and Kim Yong Market.

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Red Planet Hat Yai

Budget hotel conveniently located within walking distance to Hat Yai markets.

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Buri Sriphu Hotel

Comfortable accommodation in the Hat Yai market area.

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Hospitals

Hat Yai has excellent medical facilities with two main hospitals serving the region.

Education

Hat Yai is an important educational hub in Southern Thailand with several renowned institutions.

Shopping

Hat Yai has a reputation for being a shopping destination for both Thais and foreigners.

The city features numerous department stores, shopping malls and markets throughout. Suntisook Market on Nipat U-tid roads are among the best-known, offering imported processed food, cosmetics, fabrics, gadgets and electrical appliances.

Major shopping centers include Central Festival (one of the largest in Southern Thailand), Diana, Odean, Robinson, Central, Siam Nakharin, Big C, Big C Extra, Tesco Lotus and Makro.

Central Festival Hat Yai

One of the largest shopping centers in Southern Thailand with numerous international brands.

Lee Garden Plaza

Vertical shopping complex in downtown Hat Yai with diverse retail options.

Lee Gardens Night Market

Weekend night market near Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel offering various products and street food.