Do you ever need a quick escape from Malaysia and travel to our neighbouring country? How about thinking of visiting Hat Yai? Wondering what are the best places to visit in Hat Yai? It is one of the most popular destinations among Malaysians that driving into Thailand, especially for short weekend trips.
Whether you are coming for food hunting, shopping, sightseeing, or just a change of vibe, Hat Yai is an ideal city that is easy to access from Malaysia, affordable, and very friendly for first-time visitors. Hatyai city offers a good mix of night markets, shopping malls, cultural spots, and also nearby nature attractions.
If you are planning a road trip from Malaysia to Hat Yai, this article will cover 5 must-visit places in Hat Yai, along with some practical tips that are especially helpful if you are driving your own car.
- Khlong Hae Floating Market
If you ever think of Hat Yai, you’ll definitely think of their famous floating market, Khlong Hae Floating Market. This floating market is a must-visit attraction near Hat Yai, where the vendors sell food, snacks, and beverages on top of the boats. This market is very different from Bangkok’s floating markets as it feels more local and also the ambience makes you feel like you are in a village. The food is also more traditionally driven, such as mango sticky rice, som tam (papaya salad), Thai milk tea, and pad thai. You name it, this place will definitely fulfil your Thai cravings.
The market usually opens in the late afternoon on selected days. It can get crowded during weekends, so plan your visit earlier. Parking is available but may require some walking.
2. Central Festival Hat Yai
Do you know, Hat Yai is also well known for having the largest shopping mall in southern Thailand? It’s especially popular among drivers because of its spacious parking lot.
This mall is a great place to stop for shopping, dining, resting, or simply cooling down in air-conditioned comfort after a long drive. It is also a family-friendly mall and easy to navigate. One of the most popular stores that Malaysians often look out for is Gentlewoman, one of Thailand’s most popular women’s fashion brands. The items are a must-catch.
3. Hat Yai Municipal Park
One of the most popular sites in the city is Hat Yai Municipal Park. It is a well-liked location for sightseeing and taking pictures because it is perched on a hill and provides stunning views of Hat Yai and the surrounding areas.
A lot of people come here to ride the cable car, explore the park, and take in the enormous Buddha statues. To avoid the heat, it's best to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Bringing a handheld fan is a great idea if you have one; it's very helpful. There is parking lot, but drive carefully and slowly because the road up the hill can be steep.
4. Kim Yong Market
Kim Yong Market is famous for dried fruits, snacks, nuts, and souvenirs. Many Malaysians shop here for food to bring back home.
To avoid the crowds, it's best to go in the morning or early afternoon. Due to the market's location along a major road, there may be some foot traffic from the parking lots. Would suggest to prepare some local cash since QR payment systems are not commonly used, cash is typically preferred.
5. Samila Beach (Songkhla)
Samila Beach is roughly 30 minutes away from Songkhla by car. It is wellknown for its lengthy stretch of sand, refreshing sea breeze, and scenic spots like the statue of the golden mermaid. The statue is tied to a local legend about a mermaid who fell in love with a fisherman and later disappeared into the sea, leaving her golden ornaments behind. Set against the backdrop of the ocean and pine-lined beach, it’s a popular photo spot for both locals and visitors.
Parking lot is available near the beach, and it’s a great place to relax or catch the sunset. Many visitors combine this trip with a stop at Songkhla town.
While planning your trip and deciding which places to visit in Hat Yai, it’s also a good idea to think about the practical side of driving into Thailand. Even for short road trips from Malaysia, having proper car insurance to Thailand can help give you extra peace of mind if something unexpected happens along the way. Don’t let unnecessary risks affect your holiday. Plan ahead, prepare your documents, and make sure your vehicle is properly insured before entering Thailand. Get your roadtrip Hatyai car insurance from Drive2Thai today for a safer and more worry-free road trip.
