While visiting the southern Thailand commercial centre of Hat Yai, be sure to check out the many markets, pristine beaches, dazzling temples, and sprawling shopping districts. Take a cable car to see the Golden Buddha and explore the lush valleys and mountains surrounding Hat Yai Park before checking out the enormous Reclining Buddha at Wat Hat Yai Nai Temple. After taking a tour of Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary to admire the cascading waterfalls and encounter exotic wildlife, venture back into the city to visit the stainless steel temple of Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol. Please check out the following guide to Kim Yong Market before boarding a tuk-tuk through the bustling streets of Hat Yai.
Things to do/Highlights
While visiting the sprawling commercial centre of Hat Yai, take time to frequent the numerous markets to purchase anything from fresh produce to electronics, flowers, and crafts. Hat Yai has many streetside markets full of stands overflowing with goods, including morning market, Kim Yong Market.
Shop for produce and commercial goods
Arrive early in the morning to get the best produce, spices, seafood, and meat. This bustling market is full of imported products from Malaysia and Singapore that are very inexpensive. Compared to other merchants throughout Thailand, Kim Yong’s prices are the best for imported snacks and goods from other Asian countries.
What to eat
Enjoy wandering the streets of Hat Yai in search of delicious coconut rice, spicy curries, succulent seafood specialities, and pad thai. Even the most insignificant-looking cafe can be a culinary gem that shouldn’t be missed during a visit to exotic Hat Yai. Here are a few restaurants to try out near Kim Yong Market:
Zabbroi Hat Yai
Drop by this popular diner with limited seating to indulge in colourful salads prepared with fresh seafood, exotic spices, and vegetables. Make the two-minute walk from Kim Yong Market to indulge in deep-fried pork and spicy blue crab salad laden with julienned vegetables.
De Van Cuisine
After spending the morning at busy Kim Yong Market, drive three minutes to indulge in filet mignon seared to perfection at this European-inspired restaurant. There are fixed-price menus as well as a la carte items to choose from, including the four-cheese pork chop accompanied by various vegetables.
Travellers tips
Drop by the oldest market in Hat Yai, Kim Yong Market, while visiting this sprawling commercial city located in southern Thailand. Be prepared to join the crowds early to get a chance to view and purchase a large variety of products at this popular and crowded morning market.
Bartering
Although the prices are fairly inexpensive, it is possible to get a reduced price on items from vendors. Make sure you are really interested in the product you are seeking else you risk the wrath of sellers.
Be on the lookout for cheap imported goods
The crowded alleyways are lined with numerous stands selling fresh produce, flowers, clothing, accessories, and crafts. Due to Hat Yai’s coastal location and ports, there are many imported goods from Singapore and Malaysia to purchase at cheap prices. If staying in Hat Yai for a while, try out some of the fresh seafood and locally grown vegetables to take home for a sumptuous feast.
How to get there
Travelling around Thailand can be quite an adventure for foreigners who have never travelled outside North America. They will be astounded by the crowded streets and narrow alleyways, transportation differences, and other cultural differences. Travel throughout Hat Yai and easily head to Kim Yong Market by hopping aboard a colourful tuk-tuk, motorbike, or songthaew.
Tuk-Tuk
Hire a driver to navigate the bustling streets of Hat Yai by means of a three-wheeled motorcycle. Though you might encounter traffic, rest assured that you will arrive safely and in a decent amount of time to your destination.
Rental car or motorbike
Book a rental car online and pick it up at the airport or any city location to have the freedom to travel on your own schedule. For safety and convenience, some rental companies provide a local driver on behalf of tourists.
Taxi
Choose from motorcycle taxis or regular taxis to get to your destination quickly. These can be easily found close to intersections or alleys, however, keep in mind that taking a regular taxi provides comfortable, air-conditioned travel in humid, tropical Thailand. Travelling by motorcycle taxi means stress-free commuting since visitors won’t be daunted by the encircling traffic - the driver will simply zip in and out of lanes.
Songthaew
Approach a driver on the streets and ask them to take you on a unique journey by using this truck option to commute through the busy streets. Basically, this is similar to a shared shuttle service, but with bench seating in the truck’s deck that passengers will carefully depart from.
Information on Kim Yong Market
Kim Yong Market
Address: Sang Aretit Road, Hat Yai 90110, Thailand
Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
Website: Kim Yong Market
Department of tourism: Amazing Thailand
History
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