Why Hat Yai Is One of Thailand’s Best Alternatives to Bangkok

Bangkok may be Thailand’s undisputed centre for shopping and dining, but it is far from the country’s only city worth visiting. Travellers looking for a more compact alternative will find bustling markets, excellent food and plenty of cultural diversity in Hat Yai.

Image credit: All Of Me with you

Meet Hat Yai.

Located in Songkhla Province near the Malaysian border, Hat Yai has long been a popular getaway for Singaporean and Malaysian travellers. The city brings together Southern Thai, Chinese and Malay influences, resulting in a destination filled with colourful markets, halal-friendly food and an energetic urban atmosphere. Here are some of the best reasons to visit.

A ‘Hat’ Food Scene: Thai, Chinese & Malay Cuisine

Hat Yai’s multicultural identity is especially apparent in its food. Southern Thai flavours sit alongside Chinese-influenced dishes, Malay favourites and an abundance of halal-friendly options. From traditional breakfast restaurants and street-food stalls to cafés and craft-beer bars, there is plenty to explore throughout the day.

Thai Cuisine: Maliam Restaurant

Image credit: @ezanymalek

Located five minutes away from the Kim Yong market, Maliam Restaurant serves authentic Thai food (it’s also halal!). Crowd favourites include seafood Tom Yum, Baby Kai Lan and their fresh coconuts. The restaurant is easily accessible by foot from Kim Yong, and has ample space for a comfortable dine-in experience.

Address: 90110 45 Thumnoonvithi Rd, Hat Yai, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110, Thailand

Malay Cuisine: Sulaiman Restaurant

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Around the corner of Maliam Restaurant is Sulaiman Restaurant – or as some would call it, roti canai paradise. This restaurant offers a variety of rotis to satisfy your cravings. Imagine having Malaysian-style street food like murtabak and roti canai in Thailand!

Address: Nipatuthit 2 Road, Tambon Hat Yai, Amphoe Hat Yai, Chang Wat Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Opening hours: 6am – 9pm daily

Chinese Cuisine: Ama Dim Sum, Nai Roo Restaurant, Betong Chicken

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Hat Yai offers plenty of Chinese and Chinese-influenced dishes, from early-morning dim sum to comforting plates of chicken rice.

Ama Dim Sum remains a popular breakfast stop, with an extensive selection of steamed and fried dim sum displayed for diners to choose from.

Address: 542 Thumnoonvithi Road, Hat Yai, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Opening hours: 6am – 12.30pm daily

Image credit: @celestialdelish (top left, top right, bottom left), @easteryeoh (bottom right)

Nai Roo Restaurant is a small Thai-Chinese restaurant hidden along a narrow lane near the city centre. Its menu includes dishes such as deep-fried pork, spring rolls, seafood and stir-fried vegetables.

Address: 13 Soi 1, Nipat-Utid 3 Rd., Hat Yai 90110, Thailand
Opening hours: 11am – 8pm daily

Image credit: @aunbever

Betong Chicken Rice serves the Southern Thai interpretation of Hainanese chicken rice using Betong-style chicken. The chicken is accompanied by fragrant rice and a savoury sauce flavoured with fermented beans, chilli and garlic.

Address: 30, Kimpradit Rd, Hat Yai, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Opening hours: 9am – 2pm daily

Try Local Craft Beer at a Hipster Hat Yai Cafe

For something produced closer to home, look out for ROY Beer, a craft-beer brand originating from Hat Yai. Its name comes from the Southern Thai word hroy, meaning delicious.

Image credit: Homeless House

One place to try it is Homeless House, a relaxed restaurant and bar known for burgers, smoked meats, steaks and live music. The venue currently opens from 5pm to midnight, although operating hours may change.

ROY Beer can also be found at selected bars and restaurants around Hat Yai. Check the brand’s current social-media pages for its latest stockists and releases.

The Markets Are like Chatuchak…But Better

Khlong Hae Floating Market

Image credit: Yeoh Thean Kheng

This canalside market features vendors selling Thai street food, drinks and souvenirs from stationary boats. Transactions are often completed using long poles with baskets attached, making the experience as entertaining as the food itself.

Many vendors offer halal or Muslim-friendly dishes, including grilled seafood, dumplings, pad thai, coconut pancakes and local desserts. However, visitors with dietary requirements should still confirm ingredients with individual vendors.

Khlong Hae Floating Market generally operates from Friday to Sunday during the afternoon and evening. Opening hours have changed periodically, so check the latest schedule before travelling.

Address: Khlong Hae, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110, Thailand

Kim Yong Market

One of Hat Yai’s best-known markets, Kim Yong Market sells dried fruit, nuts, snacks, fresh produce, clothing, household goods and imported products. It is busiest and most atmospheric in the morning, although different sections and surrounding stalls may operate at different times.

Address: Supasarnrangsan Road, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand

ASEAN Market Bazaar

Image credit: ASEAN Night Bazaar Hatyai

ASEAN Night Bazaar spreads across two levels, with stalls selling clothes, shoes, accessories and souvenirs alongside a large food section. It is particularly popular with Muslim travellers because of its selection of halal-friendly dishes and snacks.

Address: Chotevittayakul Road, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Opening hours: Approximately 4.30pm–10pm, Tuesday to Sunday; closed on Monday

Greenway Night Market

Image credit: Greenway Night Market

Greenway Night Market offers a more contemporary and organised shopping experience, with stalls selling fashion, accessories, beauty products and gifts. Its food area makes it easy to combine shopping with dinner, although carrying cash is advisable because payment methods vary between vendors.

Address: 1406/3 Kanchanawanit Road, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand
Opening hours: Approximately 5pm–10pm, Tuesday to Sunday; closed on Monday

This City is Not Only for Shopping

Apart from being a shopper and foodie haven, Hat Yai is also home to some spectacular spots where you can catch the best views — these include amazing nature spots as well as stunning monuments!

Ton Nga Chang Waterfalls

Image credit: @lbzero (right), @eingsworld (left)

Located within Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary, this seven-tiered waterfall is one of the region’s best-known natural attractions. Its name means “elephant-tusk waterfall”, referring to the way the water divides around the rocks at its distinctive third tier.

The lower levels are suitable for a leisurely visit or picnic, while reaching the higher tiers requires more demanding hiking. Foreign-adult admission is currently listed at 200 baht, with separate Thai-resident and vehicle charges potentially applying.

Address: Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary, Hat Yai District, Songkhla, Thailand

Songkhla Zoo

Image credit: Songkhla Zoo

Located outside central Hat Yai, Songkhla Zoo occupies a hilly site overlooking the surrounding countryside and Songkhla Lake. It is home to a variety of native and international animal species and is best explored by car, tram or rented buggy because of its size and terrain.

Current foreign-adult admission is 350 baht, while separate child and parking charges apply. Shows, feeding sessions and other programmes can change, so check the official schedule before visiting.

Address: 189 Songkhla–Nathawi Road, Khao Rup Chang, Songkhla 90000, Thailand
Opening hours: 8.30am–4.30pm daily

Songkhla Central Mosque

Image credit: Tanyanat Pichitwong

Songkhla Central Mosque is an important Islamic landmark located between Hat Yai and Songkhla city. Its symmetrical architecture, four minarets and reflection across the large water feature have earned it the nickname “Thailand’s Taj Mahal”.

Visitors are welcome to admire the building and its surroundings, but should dress modestly, avoid disrupting prayer times and ask permission before entering areas used for worship.

Address: 352 Lopburi Ramesuan Road, Khlong Hae, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110, Thailand

Hat Yai may not be another Bangkok, but that is precisely part of its appeal. Whether you visit for the food, bargain hunting, local culture or nearby natural attractions, the city offers more than enough for a lively Southern Thailand getaway.