Hat Yai Southern Thailand is a popular weekend destination for visitors from Malaysian and Singapore. The city is located in the Songkhla Province 957 kilometers from Bangkok is about 50 kilometers from Pedang Besar on the Malaysian border. Hat Yai is not particularly interesting but its a good place to go shopping if you are staying in nearby Songkhla.

Hat Yai with the lack of any significant sights or attractions of its own. Hat Yai's central location its amount of hotels and accommodation the many transportation options. Make Hat Yai a reasonable base from which to explore the deep south. The city at night with its shopping and nightlife, provide an enjoyable overnight stay.

Hat Yai is Less than a Century Old and has been devoloped to become The Economics Center for the Lower South. The city is only 30 kilometers from Songkhla town and 60 kilometers away from the Thai - Malasian border, acts as the gateway to Malasia and Singapore.

Songkhla a Coastal Town of two Seas on one side is the Gulf of Thailand on the other Songkhla Lake. The lake is richly enduwed with abundant natural resources is renowned for its natural beauty and is idea for a few days relaxation and sightseeing.

Wat Hat Yai Nai on Phetkhasem Road is home to the third largest reclining Buddha image in the world. The statue, named Phra Buddha hatmongkhol is 35 meters long, 15 meters high and 10 meters wide is considered, one of the most revered statues in the region.

Khao Nam Khang National Park consists of a complex mountain range stretched southward to the border of Malaysia. The significant mountains are Kuan Sya, Kuan Khao Mai and Khao Nam Kang which is the highest standing 648 meters above sea level.

Most of the parks area is moist evergreen forest consisting of rich natural resources.  The main attractions are Ton Tat Fah, Wang Luang Prom and Pru Ching Waterfalls. Mueang Look Nueng and Khao Nam Khang tunnel.

San Kala Khiri National Park covers an area of over 200 square kilometers consisting of complex mountains bordering between Thailand and Malaysia. Which is the main source of rivers for the The Pha area.

The park includes the Toa Thep Mountain National Forest Reserve and has many interesting plants. Wild animals and naturally unique stunning waterfalls, caves and the Pha Rain Forest.

National Parks Thailand

Thai Airways International and Thailand's budget airlines have daily flights from  Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang Airport Bangkok to Hat Yai International Airport, which takes 1¼ hours, from the airport Taxis, Mini Buses are available.

Several trains depart from Hua Lampong Station Bangkok each day and take about 18 hours to reach Hat Yai Station.

VIP Air Conditioned Buses regular and non air conditioned Buses Depart from the Southern Bus Terminal Bangkok. Twice a day for the 15 hour journey to Hat Yai. There is a regular bus service to Songkhla which takes about 35 minutes.

Air Rail and Bus Time Tables

Central Department Store, Tesco Lotus and Carefour Superstores, Diana Shopping Mall, Lee Garden Plaza, Odean Shopping Mall, two main Markets plus various Street Stalls.

Hat Yai Local Cuisine, found in roadside stalls, markets and shophouses comprising of Muslim, Chinese and Thai foods with some Malay influences, hotel buffets, top quality seafood restaurants, shark fin, sushi platters, international cuisine, steak houses, fast food KFC and Macdonalds.

Thai Boxing stadium, and local bull fights organized on a weekend basis. Daily featured cultural shows at the Southern Cultural Village in Hat Yai Municipal Park 6 kilometers from the city center on Kanchanavanit road

Hat Yais nightlife, is one of the city's main attractions, popular among weekenders from Singapore and Malaysia, as well Thai and Western Visitors, live music venues, beer gardens, karaoke, cafés, cocktail bars, exotic nightclubs, trendy pubs, discos, and local style dance clubs.

Hat Yai has plenty ot offer in leisure and sporting activities. Two 9 hole golf courses Koh Hong Golf Club and Hat Yai Country club an 18 hole golf course Hat Yai Resort & Golf Club. Shooting ranges, paintball park, a 15 meter water slide at Bhasawang Big Splash.

Hat Yai has an abundant selection of hotels and guesthouses to suit all budgets and  tastes. Most are situated around Hat Yai's downtown area with easy access to the citys restuarants and shopping venues. On weekends, Malaysian and Singapore holidays, rooms need to be pre booked.