Have you ever felt the need to visit a place based on a single picture? That's how I felt about Hat Yai. It was a few years ago, and my dear friend Nath was there.

"That's the Central Mosque of Songkhla," he told me when I asked him where his great selfie was taken. He then explained that it's actually closer to Hat Yai than to the old town of Songkhla. He said I absolutely had to go there for sunset, even though, as I later discovered, his photo hadn't been taken there at all.

The good news? As you can see from the cover image of this article, Nath's advice paid off. The even better news? No matter which activities in Hat Yai appeal to you most, this article will help you make the most of your time – and decide whether a visit to Hat Yai is worthwhile.

Accommodation in Hat Yai

To be honest, the hotels in Hat Yai leave much to be desired. There are many, but only a few truly impressed me. I was lucky enough to discover the Habita Hat Yai, which was surprisingly stylish and also offered a great location and excellent service. Of course, there are other options, but this hotel is my absolute top recommendation in the city center.

And what if you'd prefer to stay overnight in Songkhla's old town, instead of taking a day trip there as recommended in this article? The good news is that there are significantly better hotels available, which makes sense – after all, the area is geared towards tourists. Options include the boutique hotel Baan Tae Raek or the Montana Hotel, which is considerably more upscale than one might expect so far south.

Things to do in Hat Yai

Take advantage of the local cultural diversity

I happened to arrive in Hat Yai the day before Chinese New Year, which meant red lanterns were hanging everywhere and qipaos were being sold on almost every corner. Even if you're not that lucky, you can still visit the temples of Wat Chue Chang and get a taste of Chinese culture. Wat Hat Yai Nai, with its reclining Buddha, is more typically Thai.

Eat fried chicken

Hat Yai also has a relatively large Muslim population, though this isn't something you necessarily experience in one specific place. A typical example of what to wear in Hat Yai is the food. Whether you buy something from a street stall (there's an excellent one opposite the aforementioned Wat Hat Yai Nai) or visit the famous Gai Tod Decha restaurant, your palate is the best way to discover the Islamic side of Hat Yai.

Enjoy everything from above.

Hat Yai may not have a breathtaking skyline, but it still looks quite nice from above. Well, sort of. To be honest, the impressive Buddha statue was what I liked best on the climb to the viewpoint of the Phra Phuttamongkol Maharat Temple, but of course, the view of Hat Yai from up there helped me put everything into perspective.

Watching the sunset at the Central Mosque of Songkhla

No matter which other activities in Hat Yai appeal to you most, you absolutely shouldn't miss the Songkhla Central Mosque. And as Nath already mentioned: definitely go at sunset! Since the mosque isn't accessible by public transport, you'll need a driver for at least two hours, which probably won't be cheap. It's best to ask at your hotel if they can negotiate a price for you!

Take a day trip to Songkhla

Speaking of Songkhla: The aforementioned old town of Songkhla is definitely worth a visit. How long you stay there depends on how thoroughly you want to explore the city. If you only want to see the city or climb Tang Kuan Hill to enjoy the beautiful view, half a day is perfectly sufficient. However, if you plan to visit the nearby island of Koh Yo, it's recommended to set aside a full day.

Is Hat Yai worth a visit?

Since I essentially chose Hat Yai based on a single photo, you might think I regretted the trip. In fact, quite the opposite was true. Among other things, visiting southern Thailand (though not the islands) reminded me once again how much culture there is to discover here, far removed from the supposedly simple adventures on the islands of the idyllic Andaman Sea.

As I've already emphasized in this post, determining the required length of stay in Hat Yai is crucial. Another important factor for a successful stay? Skillfully integrating Hat Yai into your travel plans. This can be done, for example, in conjunction with island hopping (you can reach Hat Yai from Koh Lipe by speedboat and van) or in combination with a trip to the controversial provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat.

Other frequently asked questions about visiting Hat Yai

Is Hat Yai worth a visit?

Hat Yai is definitely worth a visit if you have time during your Thailand trip and everything is well-organized. However, I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for your first trip to Thailand, or if you have limited time and want to visit many other places.

Why is Hat Yai famous?

Hat Yai is popular with tourists for many reasons, including the fusion of different cultures (Thai, Chinese, and Muslim) and culinary delights such as crispy fried chicken and seafood offered at the night markets. Among Thais, it is considered the largest and most important city in the far south of Thailand.

Where should I stay in Hat Yai?

For convenience, the best place to stay is in Hat Yai's town center, near the clock tower. As I mentioned before, I really like the Habita Hat Yai boutique hotel. However, some travelers prefer the old town of Songkhla, which is about 30 minutes away along the coast.

Conclusion

Although Hat Yai is one of Thailand's largest cities, a few days are perfectly sufficient for a thorough exploration. Most sights can be seen in a day; another day is ideal for a half- or full-day trip to Songkhla – half a day for the old town or a full day if you also want to explore nearby Koh Yo. After your stay in Hat Yai, you can either return to Bangkok or continue your journey through southern Thailand, whether island hopping in the Andaman Sea or exploring the interior. Still unsure what to do? Then let us create a tailor-made Thailand itinerary for you!