Is Hat Yai worth visiting?
Yes, Hat Yai is definitely worth visiting for numerous reasons. Its a city that everyone should see, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay here.
Whether you're a on a weekend getaway, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the terrific food and great shopping.
Hat Yai is loved by visitors for many reasons, and is routinely on national "best of" lists, including U.S. News Best Places to Visit in Thailand.
Hat Yai is a Thai city near the border with Malaysia. It's a popular shopping destination with a floating market and several night markets. It also has a wonderful culinary scene with amazing street food and local restaurants. There are several temples in town as well.
Hat Yai, Thailand
6 Reasons to Visit Hat Yai
1. Food
Eating is really what you do in this city. There is amazing street food, impressive floating restaurants, and authentic cuisine that locals and visitors alike enjoy. The dishes include lots of seafood and some Chinese influences.
The Asean Night Bazaar is known for its bustling market atmosphere and local cuisine. (Free)
Khlong Hae Floating Market is known for its unique boat-vendor market experience. (Free)
2. Shopping
It's a large commercial hub in southern Thailand and many visitors come specifically for the shopping. There are many markets in town and places to buy everything from local products to trendy clothes.
The Asean Night Bazaar is known for its bustling market atmosphere and local cuisine. (Free)
Khlong Hae Floating Market is known for its unique boat-vendor market experience. (Free)
3. Museums and Attractions
The city has many temples to explore such as Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol and Wat Hat Yai Nai.
The Magic Eye 3D Museum is known for its fun and interactive 3D art pieces. (฿500 ($14))
Wat Hat Yai Nai is known for its massive reclining Buddha statue. (Free)
4. Nightlife
It's a big city, so there are plenty of clubs and bars where you can party late into the night.
5. The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Hat Yai might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Hat Yai here or see if Hat Yai is expensive here.
6. Authenticity
Hat Yai has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Hat Yai worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the low season for travel in Hat Yai. This destination is not very touristy, so in the low season it can become fairly quiet.
The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 29°C (83°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.
You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums, discover the big city activities, and enjoy the evening activities.
Summer Weather in Hat Yai
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 29°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| August | 29°C (83°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| September | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
Is Hat Yai worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Hat Yai. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 28°C (82°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.
During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks and the big city activities.
Autumn Weather in Hat Yai
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| November | 27°C (81°F) | 588 mm (23.1 in) |
| December | 27°C (80°F) | 404 mm (15.9 in) |
Is Hat Yai worth visiting in the Winter?
The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 28°C (82°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.
The peak season for travel is winter in Hat Yai, so expect to see more tourists than usual. Even though this destination is not very touristy, in the high season it's busier than usual because this is when most visitors come here.
This is a great time of year to wander through the museums, sample the delicious cuisine, and enjoy an evening out. Also, you'll be able to enjoy the city's energy.
Winter Weather in Hat Yai
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| February | 28°C (83°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| March | 29°C (85°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
Is Hat Yai worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Hat Yai. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
The weather this time of year is terrific, and averages around 30°C (85°F) through the season. This is one of the main reasons that travelers come, because they are looking for beautiful weather and a fun escape.
You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, browse through museums, and grab some drinks at a bar.
Spring Weather in Hat Yai
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 30°C (85°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| June | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Hat Yai
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
Related
What is Hat Yai most famous for?
Hat Yai is most famous for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples. The city is very popular for its food. Also, it's known for shopping. Many people love the museums and attractions and nightlife, too. It is often described as colorful, cultural, lively, and festive.
What is the most famous sight in Hat Yai?
The most popular sight in Hat Yai is Wat Hat Yai Nai. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Hat Yai on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Wat Hat Yai Nai and other attractions here.
How touristy is Hat Yai? Is it a popular city to visit?
Hat Yai is an off-the-beaten-path city that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- One Way Speedboat and Van Ticket Koh Lipe to Hat Yai Airport: $31
How long should I spend in Hat Yai?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Hat Yai is one to three days. Since Hat Yai has a variety of activities such as dining, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Hat Yai? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Hat Yai?.
More Things to Do in Hat Yai
- Is Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary Worth Visiting?
- Is The Asean Night Bazaar Worth Visiting?
- Is The Hat Yai Cable Car Worth Doing?
- Is Songkhla Old Town Worth Visiting?
- Is Hat Yai Municipal Park Worth Visiting?
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand and The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Expert Advice from Local Travelers
We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Hat Yai.
How can you save money during your time in Hat Yai?
I love that everything is cheap here because it's not one of the more touristy places in Thailand. We went to the park and rode the cable car up to the top of the peak and it was very cheap. We also did a tour to the waterfalls and it was also pretty cheap. The markets are fun and free, too.