Hat Yai has long been a favourite weekend getaway for tourists from neighbouring countries and a base for travellers looking to explore Southern Thailand’s famous islands and beaches. Songkhla may be the provincial capital, but Hat Yai with its multi-ethnic society of Thais, Malays and Chinese is the most exuberant city with dynamic nightlife and the famous Midnight Songkran.
PLACES OF INTEREST
1. Samila Beach
While there are many myths and legends surrounding the golden mermaid statue that has become a symbol of Songkhla, there is a lot more to this beach beyond the icon. Locals and travellers come here to swim, have a picnic, or just to enjoy the soft sea breeze—a wonderful idyllic day in the sun!
2. Wat Hat Yai Nai
The temple itself may not hold a candle against other big name temples in Thailand but it houses a special inhabitant—Phra Phuttha Hatta Mongkhon, the world’s 3rd largest reclining Buddha at 35 metres long.
3. Kao Seng
Kao Seng, a stone’s throw away from Samila, is known mainly for its quiet fishing village. Locals pay their respects to a big boulder named Hui Nai Raeng, believed to have treasure valued at 900,000 baht (Kao Saen in Thai) underneath it.
4. Hat Yai Municipal Park
There’s so much to see and do here, you’ll need at least half a day to explore. The lake, lush landscape and flowerbeds occupy majority of the compound. You’ll also find a cable car, planetarium, Guan Yin Temple, King Rama V monument and Buddha statues in the vicinity.
5. Khlong Hae Floating Market
On the banks of Hat Yai River lives the buzzing action of Khlong Hae Floating Market, where there a row of boats sell local delicacies and trinkets at bargain prices. The kaleidoscope of colours, food and aroma makes this place a photographer’s heaven.
6. Street Food
Seafood and khanom chin (rice noodles) are popular at the many street food stalls, but the must-try is the famous tasty Hat Yai fried chicken.
7. Nearby Attractions
Khao Nam Khang National Park
The 212-square-kilometre national park is characterised by rugged mountain ranges, which includes its namesake Khao Nam Khang—Thai for ‘Dew Mountain’. The park has a historic tunnel, a witness to battles with Chinese communist insurgents. It is also the home of two waterfalls, Ton Dat Fa and Ton Lat Fa.
Ton Nga Chang Waterfall
Ton Nga Chang Waterfall is a part of Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary, where locals go for a picnic and take in the beautiful surroundings. The water cascades down from the seventh tier, Ton Metchoon at 1550 metre high, all the way to the first, Ton Ba. But the third tier, Ton Nga Chang, is considered to be the most beautiful with two streams resembling elephant tusks.
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