Things to Do in Hat Yai, Thailand – A Complete Guide

Flo MBT
Mar 31
3 min read

Updated: 7 days ago

Hat Yai, a bustling city in southern Thailand near the Malaysian border, is an underrated destination packed with culture, nature, and vibrant markets. As we crossed into Thailand by bus, Hat Yai was our first stop. We originally planned to stay just two nights, not expecting much—but the city surprised us in the best way!

How to Get Around Hat Yai

Renting a vehicle (scooter or car) is the best way to explore Hat Yai freely. Taxis are also available but can be more expensive. We chose to rent a scooter, which gave us the flexibility to visit multiple spots in a day. The total cost, including fuel, was $15.10 USD, making it a budget-friendly option.

How to Spend 1 Day in Hat Yai

Here’s the perfect itinerary for a day trip in Hat Yai:

#1 Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary

Start your day with a nature escape at Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the stunning Elephant Tusk Waterfall. The 45-minute drive by scooter was a bit long, but totally worth it.

Entrance to the park costs 200 THB per person. The waterfall has seven levels, each offering breathtaking views. The hike is steep but rewarding. We only went up to level four before heading back to take a dip in the crystal-clear pools at level one, where we swam alongside fish.

Elephant Tusk Waterfall

#2 Stainless Steel Temple (Wat Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol)

Next, visit Wat Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol, also known as the Stainless Steel Temple. Unlike traditional temples, this futuristic marvel is built entirely from stainless steel, making it one of the most unique temples in Thailand.

The reflective structure shines beautifully under the sun, and the peaceful setting makes it an excellent place for meditation or simply appreciating the architecture.

Wat Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol

#3 Wat Hat Yai Nai

A short drive away, you'll find Wat Hat Yai Nai, home to one of Thailand’s largest reclining Buddha statues at 35 meters long. This peaceful temple is a great place to experience Thai Buddhist culture and admire the intricate details of the statue.

#4 Hat Yai Municipal Park

For stunning city views, head to Hat Yai Municipal Park. This lush green space features a massive golden Buddha statue overlooking the city, a cable car ride for panoramic views, and beautifully landscaped gardens. It’s a great spot to unwind and take in the beauty of Hat Yai from above.

Golden Buddha statue Hat Yai — *Golden Buddha statue*

#5 Night Markets in Hat Yai (in order we liked them)

Hat Yai is famous for its vibrant night markets, each offering delicious street food, shopping, and local culture.

Greenway Night Market: A trendy shopping and food market, perfect for budget travelers. You’ll find clothes, souvenirs, accessories, and plenty of local snacks. The live music adds to the fun vibe.
Lee Garden Night Market: Located in the heart of Hat Yai, this market is perfect for a lively street food experience. Some of the must-try foods include fried insects, satay skewers, and Thai-style roti. It’s a great place to experience the city's nightlife.
ASEAN Night Bazaar: A large indoor and outdoor market with great bargains. Best for fashion, accessories, and electronics at affordable prices. The food stalls here offer everything from fried chicken to bubble tea.
Khlong Hae Floating Market: The most famous market in Hat Yai, where vendors sell food directly from boats. It’s a great spot to try grilled seafood, Thai desserts, and mango sticky rice while soaking in the lively atmosphere. We visited during Ramadan, which might explain why there weren’t as many boats operating at that time

Additional Activities (We Did Not Do, But Worth Considering)

The Central Mosque of Songkhla

Also known as the "Floating Mosque," the best time to visit is at sunset when the mosque looks absolutely breathtaking. We skipped this stop due to time constraints, but many travelers recommend it as a peaceful and beautiful place to visit.