Hatyai Travel Guide

City Introduction Hatyai is an important city in southern Thailand, located in the southwest of Songkhla on the Malay Peninsula, just a few dozen kilometers from Malaysia. It is a vibrant commercial and tourist center. In addition to its rich natural landscapes and historical and cultural sites, it also has bustling night markets and food streets. Winter is the peak tourist season in Hatyai, with pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. --- Recommended Attractions 1. Hatyai Municipal Park Hatyai Municipal Park is the largest recreational center in the area, with facilities such as the Four-Faced Buddha, Guanyin statue, and cable car. You can take the cable car to overlook the entire city of Hatyai or take a walk in the park to enjoy the tranquil natural environment. 2. Samila Beach This is a lively beach with a golden mermaid statue on the sand, surrounded by many street food stalls and picnickers. There are also shopping malls and restaurants near the beach, making it suitable for family outings. 3. Wat Hat Yai Nai Wat Hat Yai Nai is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Hatyai, with a giant reclining Buddha statue inside. The surrounding environment is peaceful, making it suitable for worship and photography. 4. ASEAN Night Market This is a very lively night market with a variety of goods and food. You can buy Thai souvenirs here, such as elephant pants, and taste delicious food such as Tom Yum Goong and Pad Thai. 5. Songkhla Oldtown Songkhla Oldtown is about a 40-minute drive from downtown Hatyai. It is a small town full of history and culture, with ancient buildings, specialty foods, and handicraft shops. 6. Thale Noi Waterbird Park This is a nature reserve suitable for boating tours to admire pink lotus flowers and waterbirds. The natural scenery here is spectacular, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts. --- Recommended Food 1. Nanyuan Noodle Restaurant This is a very popular wonton noodle shop. You can choose between dry noodles or soup noodles, paired with fried wontons and fried roast pork, which taste great. 2. Inter Pork Leg with Rice Pork leg rice is one of the classic Thai dishes. The pork leg here is tender and flavorful, paired with rice and chili sauce, making it very delicious. 3. Ama Dim Sum If you want to taste Chinese dim sum, Ama Dim Sum is a good choice. There are various steamed and baked dim sum, suitable for breakfast. 4. PI Lek Restaurant This is a restaurant offering traditional Cantonese cuisine, suitable for tourists who like Chinese food. 5. Night Market Food At the ASEAN Night Market, you can taste various Thai street snacks, such as grilled seafood, fruit salad, Thai milk tea, etc. --- Recommended Travel Itinerary Day 1: City Tour • Morning: After arriving in Hatyai, head to Nanyuan Noodle Restaurant for breakfast. • Morning-Afternoon: Visit Hatyai Municipal Park and take the cable car to enjoy a panoramic view of the city. • Afternoon: Visit Wat Hat Yai Nai. • Evening: Visit the ASEAN Night Market and taste various foods. Day 2: Beach and Cultural Tour • Morning: Head to Samila Beach to admire the mermaid statue and enjoy a leisurely time on the beach. • Noon: Have lunch near the beach. • Afternoon: Head to Songkhla Oldtown to experience the charm of history and culture. • Evening: Return to the city for free activities. Day 3: Nature and Shopping Tour • Morning: Head to Thale Noi Waterbird Park for a boat tour to admire the natural scenery. • Noon: Have lunch in or near the park. • Afternoon: Return to the city and head to Central Festival Mall for shopping. • Evening: Have dinner in the city. --- Notes 1. Weather: The weather in Hatyai is pleasant in winter, but the temperature difference between morning and evening is large, so it is recommended to bring a light jacket. 2. Transportation: It is recommended to choose a chartered car or taxi for convenient and fast travel. If you choose to drive yourself, pay attention to local traffic rules. 3. Cultural Etiquette: Dress appropriately when visiting temples and avoid wearing revealing clothing. 4. Safety: Take care of your personal belongings when playing at night markets and beaches. 5. Language: Although English is commonly used at tourist attractions, mastering some simple Thai vocabulary will be more convenient. I hope this guide helps you better plan your trip to Hatyai!