Hat Yai: your passport to foodie paradise, just a 90-minute flight away! Get ready for a culinary adventure like no other!
When to go to Hat Yai
Ideal months – January to March (sunny, cool(ish) weather)
Months to avoid – October to December (massive rains)
The South of Thailand does have its moods. I went in November, which turned out to be the worst time to visit. It was raining day and night, and the torrential downpours rendered umbrellas useless. I would recommend going during dry months, which are from January to March. The other months of the year are risky, and the end of the year should be avoided.
How to get to Hat Yai from Singapore
Best option to save time – by flight (2 flights per day from SG)
Best budget option – bus (18-hour bus ride)
By Flight – this is the most convenient by far. Although not the cheapest, it’s worth taking a flight just to avoid the fatigue and stress of land travel. Scoot flies regularly to Hat Yai, and there are about 2 flights per day that fly between Singapore and Hat Yai. Each flight is about 90 minutes long.
By Train – You can take a train from Johor Bahru down towards the border, then into Hat Yai. I’ve never done this, but here’s a video of someone who has.
By Bus – this I did once many years ago and decided to never do again. It takes about 18 hours and you’ll be spending most of that time sitting in a bus. Regardless of the comfort the seats can promise, it’s a long time to be on the road. Buses to Hat Yai will drop you off near Lee Garden Hotel, from which point you can grab to head out to your hotel. This is an affordable and more straightforward option compared to taking the train.
Where to stay in Hat Yai
Option 1 – Centara Hotel Hat Yai (about SGD 90 per night)
Option 2 – Habita Hatyai Hotel (around SGD60 per night)
While modern, this city doesn’t have many fancy hotels like Bangkok does. There are a few littered here and there, but expect them to be basic at best. When I was there, I stayed at The Habita Hatyai Hotel: โรงแรมฮาบิตา หาดใหญ่. This hotel is a modern boutique property, situated about 10 mins away from the city centre by foot. I didn’t mind this, as there were plenty of places to eat around the property. Rooms are at $50 per night, excluding breakfast.
I didn’t notice that there was a Centara Hotel Hat Yai as well, located in a much more central area. The building occupied by this hotel used to house Novotel, and many of the rooms still maintain the polished interior. This is a popular option with Singaporeans, at $82 per night. You’ll be right next to eateries, massage parlours, markets and a McDonald’s.
Hat Yai has many other flexible options for almost every budget. However, Centara and Habita are about as fancy as you can get without travelling outside the city.
Shopping in Hat Yai
Night markets – Greenway Night Market, ASEAN Night Bazaar
Day market – Kim Yong Market
Mall – Big C
Street shops – areas around Lee Garden and Centara hotels
Looking for fresh threads? Cute shoes? Or are you the kind that likes to window shop while munching away on snacks? This city has a little something for everyone, at shockingly low prices. Here are some places I checked out.
Greenway Night Market
A beautiful collection of local, home-grown brands, cheap perfumes that smell exactly like the branded stuff, and fooood! Greenway is a grab ride away from the hotels above and opens at around 4 p.m. It’s the biggest night market in the city! Almost every local will tell you that – though it’s not quite a local place. Expect to find plenty of Malaysian tourists, especially in the ASEAN Night Bazaar just adjacent to this market.
ASEAN Night Bazaar
Just across the street from Greenway, this night bazaar is quieter and has a smaller collection of clothes and shoes. You can take a quick walk around to see if anything catches your fancy – they open at 4.30 p.m. Most of the crowd can be found munching away on street food on the second floor. However, the food at Greenway is better.
Kim Yong Market
This market is where the locals and tourists go to shop. Connected to a wet market, Kim Yong Market has a selection of snacks that make even the most gluttony-resistant shopper’s mouth water. This is also a great place to get local ingredients, sold at wholesale prices. However, it’s an open market space and can get stuffy. If you’re looking for a cooler experience, you’ll need to head to Big C.
Big C Hat Yai
Aaahhh Big C has everything you need! This huge hypermart and I dare say the only one in Hat Yai, is fantastic for kitchen supplies, electronics, beauty products, clothes and lunch. It’s located within a hypermall, where you can find one of my favourite Japanese places in Thailand – Fuji Restaurant.
Places to eat
Like many tourists, I go to Thailand primarily for the food. The South doesn’t disappoint, especially when it comes to local and Western eateries.
Fuji Restaurant
It’s odd to start off this list with a Japanese restaurant but this place is really quite fantastic. They have traditional Japanese food and Green Tea, all made by Japanese chefs and served with precision. I highly recommend the spicy pork bacon, cooked in a sweet soy sauce. It comes with rice and a soft-boiled egg. One bite will set you free, two will take you to heaven and the rest will just be a dream.
Side note: Fuji is available all over Thailand, so you can give this a miss. I ate here because I was tired from shopping at Big C. This restaurant is located inside the Big C Mall.
Bualoy Paeauan
If you have a sweet tooth, you’re going to love this. Delicious, soft and tender little globules of cooked rice flour floating serenely in a warm bowl of sweetened coconut milk. As I mentioned before, I was in Hat Yai during the monsoon season. The rain as a backdrop to me savouring this dessert was like living in a slice of heaven. You can walk there from Habita, or grab from Centara. A MUST GO, not to be missed.
Clio Healthy Cafe
Clio Cafe is an excellent choice for those who crave the vibrant flavours of Thai food served in a wholesome and healthy manner. The staple here is brown rice. I’ll admit, I didn’t quite know what to expect of my Tom Yum Fried Rice but I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was. They also serve thirst-quenching sodas and a bevvy of cakes to satiate your sweet tooth (yes, I sense the irony, too).
Kin Chao
This place is only open in the morning, serving up delicious yet simple sandwiches along with fries and traditional Thai coffee. Expect no lattes or cappuccinos, but traditional black coffee with a scant layer of condensed milk at the bottom of the see-through glass. They also have fresh fruit juices, along with Western breakfast options.
Billin
This versatile cafe is within walking distance from Habita Hotel. It’s great for breakfast, lunch, coffee/tea and even dinner. Come evening, this cafe transforms into a restaurant, serving up delicious ribs and burgers. During the day, you can savour delicious coffee, homemade bakes and pastries and just cool off from the summer heat with a cold soda drink.
Mookata Paeyim
Wow, this smoked a lot! But it was worth it – every piece of meat we got was so tender and juicy, and took very well to the pan-frying. They have a variety of set menus, drinks and meats to juice from. Most options here are pork, though they are marinated in many different ways. I was here for dinner, and it can get pretty crowded. There’s no real way for a reservation either, so go prepared to wait in case it’s full-house.
Chokdee Dim Sum
I feel like this was one of my trip highlights. Actually, more than everything I had, it was the herbal Bak Kut Teh that made my trip. I am not a fan of herbal soups to start with, so I wasn’t too excited when the waitress recommended it as a ‘must-have’. One sip of this aromatic brown-black soup and I was in Bak Kut Teh heaven!
This is a pretty traditional dim sum place that can get quite crowded. You’ll have to let the guy at the entrance know how many pax, and wait around till they call your allotted number. Then, select the frozen/chilled dim sum that you prefer and they’ll steam it for you and bring it to your table. I loved the whole process, and it was done pretty quickly, too!
Cafe Sirene
This was a random find when I was looking for my 4 p.m. coffee fix. Turns out, they have a large variety of mocktails and cocktails, each more innovative than the last. They also have a small selection of pastries and snacks, such as croissants and waffles. The coffee was good! This place is also within walking distance from the Habita Hotel.
Places to Visit
Hat Yai Municipal Park is a popular hangout, providing locals and visitors a peaceful escape with diverse outdoor activities and natural beauty. There’s a temple with amazing views of the sprawling city of Hat Yai and the rest of Songkhla province, and a cable car ride that visitors can enjoy as part of the park.
Here are some key features and attractions you’ll find in the park:
Hiking and Nature Trails: Hat Yai Municipal Park boasts several hiking and nature trails, making it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. These trails lead you through the park’s verdant landscapes, offering opportunities for bird-watching and wildlife observation.
Viewpoints: One of the highlights of the park is its viewpoints. Visitors can hike or drive to elevated points within the park to enjoy panoramic views of Hat Yai City and its surrounding areas. These viewpoints are particularly captivating during sunrise and sunset.
Exercise and Picnic Areas: The park features exercise areas with outdoor fitness equipment, providing a space for those who want to stay active. There are also designated picnic areas where families and friends can enjoy meals surrounded by nature.
While there are many things for tourists to do at this park, the Kho Hong Mountain Viewpoint is a popular area.
When’s your next trip?
Hat Yai, with its bustling markets, delectable street food, cultural sites, and the tranquil Hat Yai Municipal Park, promises a diverse range of experiences. This captivating city in southern Thailand welcomes travellers with open arms, leaving a lasting impression with its warm hospitality and rich offerings. Are you ready to start exploring?