Travel advice: In a few districts of Songkhla province (Chana, Na Thawi, Thepha and Saba Yoi) the Dutch travel advice (as of 15 October 2026) uses colour code orange. Read the current travel advice (NederlandWereldwijd, Dutch) ↗
About Hat Yai
Hat Yai is the largest city in southern Thailand and, according to Wikivoyage, the country's fifth largest. It is a lively commercial centre in Songkhla province, close to the Malaysian border, and attracts many Malaysian visitors for shopping and eating. In Hat Yai Park a cable car runs to the hill with the Phra Buddha Mongkol Maharaj statue and an observatory. From Friday to Sunday there is a floating market at Khlong Hae, and from mid-December to April the lantern festival by the pond in the park. The provincial central mosque of Songkhla stands in the city. Hat Yai is a good base for Songkhla and for travel to Malaysia, and has an airport. Check current travel advice beforehand. Hat Yai lies roughly 950 km south of Bangkok; flying or taking the night train are the usual ways to get here, and the city is a major transport hub for the south.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Indicative: the driest period runs roughly from February to April. The wettest months are about October to December, with frequent heavy showers. Always consult current travel advice for this region. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Bangkok by flight (about 1.5 hours), night train or bus (about 12 to 14 hours); the Malaysian border lies roughly 60 km south. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Hat Yai
- Hat Yai Park and cable car A cable car to the Phra Buddha Mongkol Maharaj statue, daily 9:00 to 20:00.
- Khlong Hae floating market Open Friday to Sunday, about 6 km from the centre.
- Lantern Festival From mid-December to April by the pond in the park, 17:00 to 21:00.
- Street food The city is known for its dishes and night markets.
