10 Things to Do in Hat Yai: Exploring Southern Thailand's Vibrant City

Hat Yai, located in southern Thailand near the Malaysian border, is a bustling city known for its lively markets, vibrant cultural scene, and diverse Thai, Malay, and Chinese influences. Often overlooked by tourists heading to the beaches of the Andaman coast or the islands of the Gulf of Thailand, Hat Yai offers a unique experience for those looking to explore a different side of Thailand. Whether you’re interested in shopping, exploring cultural landmarks, or enjoying nature, there are plenty of things to do in Hat Yai that will make your visit memorable. In this guide, we’ll dive into the top things to do in Hat Yai, from must-visit markets to peaceful parks and exciting cultural experiences.

1. Visit Kim Yong Market: A Shopping Paradise

One of the first things to do in Hat Yai is to visit Kim Yong Market, a bustling market in the city’s heart. Known for its wide variety of goods, this market is a haven for locals and tourists looking for everything from fresh produce to souvenirs.

What to Find at Kim Yong Market

• Local Produce: At the market, you’ll find an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, many of which are unique to southern Thailand. Be sure to try local favorites like durian, rambutan, and mangosteen.
• Snacks and Treats: Kim Yong Market is famous for its snacks, especially dried fruits, nuts, and locally made sweets. These are great to take home as souvenirs or to enjoy while exploring the city.
• Electronics and Fashion: Besides food, the market is filled with vendors selling inexpensive electronics, clothing, and accessories. This is the place to be if you’re in the mood for bargain hunting.

Visiting Kim Yong Market is one of the most exciting things to do in Hat Yai, especially for those who love to shop and sample local delicacies.

2. Explore the Hat Yai Municipal Park

For a break from the city’s hustle and bustle, one of the best things to do in Hat Yai is to visit the Hat Yai Municipal Park. This large, lush park is just outside the city center and offers a peaceful retreat with plenty of attractions to explore.

What to Do at Hat Yai Municipal Park

• Kuan Yin Temple: One of the park’s main attractions is the Kuan Yin Temple, which houses a large statue of the Chinese Goddess of Mercy. The temple is perched on a hill, offering stunning views of the park and the surrounding area.
• Phra Buddha Mongkol Maharaj: This golden Buddha statue, towering over the park, is one of the largest in southern Thailand. Visitors can climb the hill to get a closer look at the statue and enjoy panoramic city views.
• Cable Car Ride: For a unique perspective, ride on the park’s cable car, which runs between the Kuan Yin Temple and the Phra Buddha Mongkol Maharaj statue. The ride offers sweeping views of Hat Yai and the surrounding mountains.

Exploring the Hat Yai Municipal Park is one of the most relaxing and scenic things to do in Hat Yai, offering a blend of culture and nature.

3. Visit Wat Hat Yai Nai: Home of the Reclining Buddha

One of the most important religious landmarks in the city, Wat Hat Yai Nai, is home to one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in Thailand. Visiting this temple is one of the most spiritual things to do in Hat Yai, providing a glimpse into the city’s religious heritage.

Why Visit Wat Hat Yai Nai?

• The Reclining Buddha: The temple’s massive reclining Buddha statue measures 35 meters long, 15 meters high, and 10 meters wide, making it one of the largest in Thailand. The statue symbolizes Buddha’s entry into Nirvana and is a peaceful and awe-inspiring sight.
• Temple Grounds: The temple grounds are quiet and serene, offering a peaceful space for meditation and reflection. Visitors can also explore the smaller statues and shrines surrounding the main temple.

Visiting Wat Hat Yai Nai is one of the most culturally significant things to do in Hat Yai, offering a serene and spiritual experience.

4. Shop at ASEAN Trade Bazaar

If you’re a shopaholic, one of the best things to do in Hat Yai is to visit the ASEAN Trade Bazaar. This bustling night market is a favorite among locals and tourists, offering a wide range of Southeast Asian products.

What to Expect at ASEAN Trade Bazaar

• Fashion and Accessories: The ASEAN Trade Bazaar is known for its trendy and affordable fashion items, including clothing, shoes, and accessories. Many products are imported from neighboring countries, making this market a great place to find unique items.
• Street Food: No night market visit is complete without sampling the local street food. At the ASEAN Trade Bazaar, you’ll find a variety of dishes from Thailand, Malaysia, and beyond. Try local favorites like grilled seafood, satay skewers, and spicy southern Thai curries.
• Souvenirs: The market is also a great place to pick up souvenirs, including handmade crafts, jewelry, and home decor. With so many options, it’s the perfect spot to buy gifts for friends and family back home.

Shopping at the ASEAN Trade Bazaar is one of the most exciting things to do in Hat Yai, offering a vibrant atmosphere and a wide range of products.

5. Explore the Magic Eye 3D Museum

For a fun and interactive experience, one of the most entertaining things to do in Hat Yai is visiting the Magic Eye 3D Museum. This unique museum features a collection of 3D art and optical illusions that allow visitors to become part of the artwork.

Why Visit the Magic Eye 3D Museum?

• Interactive Art: The Magic Eye 3D Museum is filled with large-scale paintings that create optical illusions, making it appear like you are part of the scene. Whether you’re standing in front of a shark or floating through space, the artwork is designed to trick the eye and create fun photo opportunities.
• Great for Families: This museum is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a great destination for families. It’s a fun and lighthearted way to spend an afternoon, and you’ll come away with plenty of memorable photos.
• Creative Exhibits: The museum features different themed rooms, from animals to famous landmarks, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Exploring the Magic Eye 3D Museum is one of the most creative and fun things to do in Hat Yai, perfect for families and groups of friends.

6. Take a Trip to Ton Nga Chang Waterfall

For nature lovers, one of the top things to do in Hat Yai is visiting the Ton Nga Chang Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in southern Thailand. Located about 26 kilometers from the city, this waterfall is set in a lush forest and offers a peaceful retreat from the city.

What to Do at Ton Nga Chang Waterfall

• Hiking: The waterfall consists of seven levels, each with unique features. Visitors can hike up the waterfall, passing through jungle paths and crossing streams. The higher you climb, the more secluded and serene the experience becomes.
• Swimming: The lower levels of the waterfall have natural pools where visitors can swim and cool off. The clear, refreshing water is perfect for a relaxing dip after a hike.
• Wildlife Spotting: The area around the Ton Nga Chang Waterfall is home to various wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and monkeys. Keep an eye out for these creatures as you explore the forest.

Visiting the Ton Nga Chang Waterfall is one of the most adventurous things to do in Hat Yai, offering a blend of hiking, swimming, and nature-watching.

7. Experience the Hat Yai Cable Car

For panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape, one of the best things to do in Hat Yai is taking a ride on the Hat Yai Cable Car. This cable car runs between the Kuan Yin Temple and the Phra Buddha Mongkol Maharaj statue in the Hat Yai Municipal Park.

Why Take the Hat Yai Cable Car?

• Stunning Views: The cable car ride offers breathtaking views of the city, the park, and the surrounding mountains. It’s a peaceful and scenic way to take in the beauty of Hat Yai from above.
• Unique Experience: As one of the few cable cars in southern Thailand, the Hat Yai Cable Car offers a unique perspective of the region and is a must-do activity for visitors to the city.
• Cultural Landmarks: The ride connects two important cultural landmarks in the Hat Yai Municipal Park, allowing you to explore both the Kuan Yin Temple and the Phra Buddha Mongkol Maharaj statue.

Riding on the Hat Yai Cable Car is one of the most scenic and unique things to do in Hat Yai, offering stunning views and easy access to cultural sites.

8. Visit the Central Festival Hat Yai Shopping Mall

For those looking for a more modern shopping experience, one of the most popular things to do in Hat Yai is visiting the Central Festival Hat Yai shopping mall. This large, modern mall is the perfect place to shop, dine, and enjoy entertainment in the city.

What to Expect at Central Festival Hat Yai

• Shopping: The mall is home to many international and local brands, offering everything from fashion and accessories to electronics and home goods. Whether you’re looking for high-end brands or budget-friendly options, you’ll find it here.
• Dining: Central Festival Hat Yai has a diverse range of dining options, including Thai, Japanese, Western, and fast food restaurants. There’s also a large food court where you can sample local dishes at affordable prices.
• Entertainment: Besides shopping and dining, the mall offers a variety of entertainment options, including a cinema, arcade, and bowling alley. It’s a great place to spend a rainy day or unwind after exploring the city.

Visiting Central Festival Hat Yai is one of the most convenient and enjoyable things to do in Hat Yai, offering a modern shopping and entertainment experience.

9. Enjoy Local Cuisine at Lee Garden Plaza

Only a visit to Hat Yai is complete with sampling the local cuisine, and one of the best places to do this is at Lee Garden Plaza. This popular shopping mall is known for its food court, where you can find various local and international dishes.

What to Eat at Lee Garden Plaza

• Southern Thai Cuisine: Southern Thai food is known for its bold, spicy flavors. Try dishes like khao yam (a rice salad with fresh herbs and spicy dressing), massaman curry, and southern-style fried chicken.
• Chinese and Malay Influences: Due to Hat Yai’s location near the Malaysian border, Chinese and Malay cuisine heavily influences the food scene here. Dishes like Hainanese chicken rice and roti with curry are popular and delicious options.
• Street Food Stalls: Outside the mall, street food stalls sell various snacks and sweets, from fried bananas to coconut pancakes.

Enjoying the local food at Lee Garden Plaza is one of the tastiest things to do in Hat Yai, offering a chance to indulge in the flavors of southern Thailand.

10. Visit the Songkhla Old Town

For a day trip from Hat Yai, visiting Songkhla Old Town is one of the most interesting things to do in Hat Yai. Located about 30 kilometers from the city, Songkhla is a charming coastal town known for its historic architecture, colorful street art, and cultural landmarks.

What to Do in Songkhla Old Town

• Explore the Historic Streets: Songkhla Old Town is known for its well-preserved Sino-Portuguese buildings, many of which have been converted into cafes, art galleries, and boutique shops. Wandering through the narrow streets is a great way to take in the town’s history and charm.
• Visit the National Museum: The Songkhla National Museum offers a glimpse into the region’s history, with exhibits on southern Thai culture, art, and archaeology.
• Street Art: The town is also known for its vibrant street art, with colorful murals adorning the walls of buildings throughout the Old Town. These murals depict scenes from everyday life and local folklore, adding a creative and modern touch to the historic town.

Exploring Songkhla Old Town is one of the most culturally enriching things to do in Hat Yai, offering a blend of history, art, and coastal charm.

Conclusion: Discover the Best Things to Do in Hat Yai

Whether you’re shopping at bustling markets, visiting beautiful temples, or exploring the natural beauty of nearby waterfalls, there are countless things to do in Hat Yai that will make your visit to this southern Thai city unforgettable. From the cultural landmarks of Hat Yai Municipal Park to the lively Kim Yong Market, Hat Yai offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity that appeals to all travelers.

Table of Summary

Activity	Description
Kim Yong Market	A bustling market offering local produce, snacks, and bargain shopping.
Hat Yai Municipal Park	Explore this large park with temples, statues, and scenic views.
Wat Hat Yai Nai	Visit the temple home to one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in Thailand.
ASEAN Trade Bazaar	Shop for fashion, souvenirs, and street food at this lively night market.
Magic Eye 3D Museum	An interactive museum filled with 3D art and optical illusions.
Ton Nga Chang Waterfall	Hike and swim at this beautiful waterfall set in a lush forest.
Hat Yai Cable Car	Take a scenic cable car ride for panoramic city views and surrounding mountains.
Central Festival Hat Yai	A modern shopping mall with shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
Lee Garden Plaza	Enjoy southern Thai cuisine and street food at this popular mall.
Songkhla Old Town	Explore historic streets, street art, and museums in this nearby coastal town.

Things to Do in Hat Yai FAQ