Hat Yai is the third largest metropolitan area of Thailand, located in the southern part of the country, near the Malaysian border. It was just a small village but quickly grew into a small town when the southern railway was built. Claiming to be a city, the town was finally upgraded in 1995, and since then, the city has been one of the major rail hubs on the line and is now the major business center of Songkhla province.
As we all know, the country of Thailand is known for its shopping districts, with a very affordable and inexpensive goods. From fashionable clothes, cosmetics, fabrics, gadgets, imported processed foods and even electrical appliances - you name it and they have it. Hat Yai is also known as a shopping destination, for both tourists and Thais.
But let us not state the obvious and walk a different path. Instead, let’s check out the many things you can do if you don’t have the budget for shopping - or even if you do, but you’d rather admire the beauty of the city.
1. See the Wat Hat Yai Nai
Hat Yai Nai Temple or Wat Hat Yai Nai is where you can see the third largest reclining Buddha in the world. It measures 35 meters (114.8 feet) long,15 meters (49.2 feet) tall and 10 meters (32.8 feet) wide. It is an important Buddhist temple that brings people from all over the country to pay respect and make offerings. Some call this statue, the “Beautiful Sleeping Buddha” and it is a very nice spot to visit, as well as a holy place.
Wat Hat Yai Nai
Address: 6/1 Soi Sakornmongkol, Tambon Khuan Lang, Amphoe Hat Yai, Chang Wat Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Price: FREE
Opening Hours: 8am - 5pm. Closed on public holidays.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Access: located on Phetkasem Road near Khlong U Taphao Bridge
Contact: +66 83 398 9387
Near by Food: Foresto Cafe
2. Visit Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Natural History Museum
Originally known as the Natural History Museum of Prince of Songkla University, this museum is located in the Prince of Songkla University, in the southern part of Thailand, in Hat Yai. It was renovated and re-opened on January 14, 2008, and was renamed by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, in honor of her 50th birthday.
The building contains two zones: the exhibition zone and the reference collection zone. In the exhibition zone, the museum displays a collection of rocks, with their names and origin and exhibits the works of students and youth from competitions held on Children’s Day and National Science Day. There is also a Biodiversity and Ecosystem exhibition, which shows the relationship between living organisms and educates its visitors on saving the environment. The reference collection zone is where hundreds of thousands of specimens have been collected, in order to research, educate and promote interest and knowledge for both students and researchers, from all over the world. Educational, isn’t it?
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Natural History Museum
Address: 15, Kanjanawanich Road | Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai 90110, Thailand
Price: 20 THB (.60 USD) Students / 30 THB (.90 USD) Adults
Opening Hours: 9am - 4pm. Closed on Sundays
Duration: around 2-3 hours
Access: Located in the Prince of Songkla University
Contact: +66 74 288 067
Near by Food: Namaste Ganesha Indian Food House
Website: Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Natural History Museum
3. Take the kids to Hat Yai Park
If you are traveling with kids and need a place to go where you can all enjoy yourselves, then you should visit Hat Yai Park. Located in Hat Yai District, this park offers activities which the young ones and even the young at heart will surely enjoy. Upon entering this municipal park, you will be able to see the cable car station, which gives you a panoramic view of Songkhla and Hat Yai city and connects you to the standing Buddha.
Aside from admiring the statues, you can also rent a boat here or have a picnic, under a tree by the lake, while being amazed by the spectacular view. There is also a chapel and the 80 seat Planetarium, which is showing a Nat-Geo documentary about the universe. This is one of the best places to go if it’s your first time in the city!
Hat Yai Park
Address: Kho Hong, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Price: from 200 THB (5.99 USD) for the cable car
Opening Hours: 6am - 9pm.
Duration: around 3 hours required.
Access: By car or tuk tuk
Contact: +66 74 211 898
Near by Food: Bon Khao Restaurant
Website: Hat Yai Park
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4. Visit Chang Puak Elephant Camp
Visiting this place is great, especially with the kids and the whole family. Take the kids to a fun-filled day of learning, where they can experience how to take care of elephants, including feeding and take in a crocodile show. You can try a 4 wheel motorcycle tour in the forest, for a very affordable price, or ride an elephant for around 500 THB (14.97 USD). Do note, however, that riding elephants can be physically taxing on the animals and it is worth researching the history of tourist elephant camps in Thailand, to learn more about how you can enjoy these animals in an ethical way. At any rate, just feeding the animals is enough to fully enjoy this place. It’s definitely a whole day of fun!
Chang Puak Elephant Camp Hat Yai
Address: Thung Yai, Khlong Hae, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Price: from 200 THB (5.99 USD)
Opening Hours: 8am - 5pm.
Duration: around 2-3 hours
Access: Located at Moo, Thoong Yaisub District (old Songkhla route)
Contact: +66 90 985 9987
5. Take a magical picture in the Magic Eye 3D Museum
This museum uses an art technique, known as “Trompe-l’oeil”, a French art style, popular during the 17th century. The museum displays a 3D wall and floor paintings in various themes, which are intended to create the illusions of three-dimensional objects, tricking the eyes and giving a magical feeling.
As a visitor, it will give you a different way to use that camera and find the perfect angle to make your own story, with every painting. The ticket is just 400 THB (11.98 USD for adults and 300 THB (8.98 USD) for children, ages 4-12. In the Magic Eye 3D Museum, it is not just about the art, but also the experience and the unforgettable memories. Don’t forget your camera!
Magic Eye 3D Museum
Address: 1408 ถนน กาญจนวณิชย์ Tambon Hat Yai, Amphoe Hat Yai, Chang Wat Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Price: from 300 THB (8.98 USD)
Opening Hours: 9am - 9pm.
Duration: around 2-3 hours
Access: Walking distance from Hat Yai main bus terminal
Contact: +66 74 559 111
Near by Food: Suan Chuensuk Restaurant
Website: Magic Eye 3D Museum
6. See the Golden Mermaid at Samila Beach
Samila Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the city. Not only that, most of the visitors stop by to see the Golden Mermaid, which was created during 1966, situated on the shore of the beach. This is a truly relaxing spot, with a beautiful history and it is believed that touching the Golden Mermaid will bring luck to your love life. There’s nothing to lose, right? So, if you are traveling solo, now is your chance to try your luck and see what will happen. Who knows? Maybe after doing so, your next trip to Hat Yai will not be by yourself!
Golden Mermaid
Address: Samila Beach, Songkhla, Thailand
Price: FREE
Opening Hours: Open daily
Duration: Discretion of the visitor
Access: Ride a minibus within the city to the beach
Near by Food: Samila Sea Sport Restaurant
7. Visit Phra Phutthamongkol Maharat
As we all know, Thailand is filled with must visit Buddhist temples, with captivating Buddha statues. One of these temples is Phra Phutthamongkol Maharat, located northeast of downtown Hat Yai. The temple is covered with multiple shrines and, of course, a massive golden Buddha statue, in every corner. The temple also gives you a scenic view of the city of Hat Yai. Make sure to visit this temple, as it is close to Hat Yai Park.
Phra Phutthamongkol Maharat
Address: Kho Hong, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Price: from 200 THB (5.99 USD)
Duration: Discretion of the visitor
Access: Located to the northeast of downtown Hat Yai
Contact: +66 74 200 000
Near by Food: Bon Khao Restaurant
Website: Phra Phutthamongkol Maharat
8. Experience the Khlong Hae Floating Market
I know, when you hear “market”, you think it means spending money, right? But there’s nothing wrong with taking home a simple souvenir. After all, you will not be buying designer bags and shoes in this market. Instead, you can buy snacks, drinks and maybe a keychain, for a friend, from the vendors in their boats.
And talk about unusual! And if you are looking for fresh and authentic traditional Thai food, make sure to put this floating market on your list. The vendors prepare, cook, and sell their food, from their boats, in this market. It is truly a unique experience and a very good place to hang out with your loved ones, friends or family. With its unusual setup, this place is also a haven for photographers. Make sure to visit!
Khlong Hae Floating Market
Address: Khlong Hae, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Price: from 20 THB (.60 USD)
Opening Hours: 3pm - 9pm. Closed Mondays-Thursdays
Duration: Discretion of the visitor
Access: Take local transport from Hat Yai city.
Contact: +66 86 823 7657
Discover the culture of Hat Yai
It is so nice to explore different cultures. If we go on a vacation, especially with the kids, let us not limit ourselves to shopping centers and theme parks, but rather learn and discover the culture of a place, which has a lot to offer. Have an awesome vacation to a place that will show you wonderful things and give you a memorable experience. Let’s visit Hat Yai!
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