Hat Yai

Hat Yai is a city in Songkhla Province, southwestern Thailand. 1. Location and Transportation • Hat Yai is located on the Andaman coast, bordering Malaysia. It is one of Thailand's largest port cities and the transportation and economic hub of the 14 provinces in southern Thailand, known as the "Heart of Southern Thailand." 2. Culture and Attractions • The majority of Hat Yai's residents are Thai Chinese, mainly Hakka and Teochew people. As a result, the city is filled with Chinese temples and guild halls, and the shops have a distinct Chinese style. 3. Food Recommendations • Hat Yai offers a wide variety of delicious food. Here are some must-try dishes: • Jiraphat Restaurant: A signature restaurant in Hat Yai. • Best Mango Sticky Rice in Hat Yai: A great choice for mango sticky rice, sweet but not greasy, with an excellent texture. • Me Melon: Great desserts and drinks. • Cheevit Cheeva and Jibchanaisuan: Dim sum shops worth trying. • Krua Mae Porn: Authentic Thai flavors, a popular spot for locals. • Songkla Fangjie Bun Shop: Buns near the Old Town Temple, with soft bread and great taste. • Nanyuan Wonton Noodles: Authentic wonton noodles. • Cook Chai Dim Sum: Delicious dishes and a comfortable environment. Other recommended dishes include Qingjie Pork Intestine with Pickled Vegetables, Hat Yai Tea Le Bao, Songkhla Congee, ChongKao Seafood Restaurant, and Southern Thai Roast Pig. 4. Shopping and Prices • Hat Yai is a shopping paradise, with numerous department stores and street stalls selling various goods. Many "branded" items are finely crafted and affordable. • However, note that prices in Hat Yai are higher than in northern Thailand. In summary, Hat Yai is a charming city with cultural attractions, delicious food, and a great shopping experience. If you're planning a trip to southern Thailand, consider adding Hat Yai to your itinerary.