Hat Yai, which is situated approximately 28 kilometers from the city of Songkhla, is an important gateway to Malaysia and Singapore. Strategically located only 60 kilometers from the port of entry at Sadao, Hat Yai has only recently been developed and has rapidly been transformed into the commercial, transportation, communication, educational, and tourism hub of the south. Tourists enjoy shopping at Hat Yai for various goods ranging from fresh produce to consumer products such as electrical appliances. The area of Niphat Uthit 1, 2, or 3 Roads is where major commercial shops are located. Several shopping centers available include Lido Shopping Center, Odeon Shopping Center, Sanehanuson, Hat Yai Plaza Shopping Center, and Si Kimyong Market on Phetkasem Road.

Hat Yai Municipal Park

The park is located on Kanchanawanit Road and is approximately six kilometers from the city center on the Hat Yai-Songkhla Highway. A popular recreational spot for the local residents, the park is beautifully decorated with colorful flowers. With a pavilion in the middle of the pond, an aviary, and food stalls, the park is the perfect place to spend a peaceful evening. Additional attractions include a statue of King Rama V that is enshrined at the foot of the hill near the aviary, a hill-top Brahman shrine and a jade statue of Guan-yin, the Chinese Goddess situated, at the southern foothill near the boy-scout camp.

Namtok Ton Nga Chang

Located in the Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary, about 26 kilometers from the city, this 7-tiered waterfall is one of the beautiful waterfalls of the south. The waterfall offers scenic views, with the third level being the most beautiful as the stream is separated into two, resembling the elephants’ tusks. Trekking trails are provided for tourists with adventurous hearts.

To reach the waterfall by car, follow the Hat Yai-Rattaphum Road for 13 kilometers, then turn left at Ban Hu Rae and proceed for another 13 kilometers. Alternatively, a tuk-tuk can be hired to take visitors to the waterfall for two to three hours at between 300 baht to 400 baht. On the other hand, visitors can also take the minibus from the fresh market (Talat Sot Thet Sa Ban Hat Yai).

Wat Hat Yai Nai

Located on Phetkasem Road, near Khlong U Taphao Bridge, the monastery is where Phra Phuttha Hattha Mongkhon, a large reclining Buddha measuring 35 meters long, 15 meters tall, and 10 meters wide, is enshrined. Highly revered by both Thai and foreign tourists, the image is believed to be the third largest reclining Buddha in the world.