Hat Yai

Booming Hat Yai city is almost as modern and high rise as you get in Thailand outside of Bangkok, the bustling downtown area consists almost entirely of huge banks, skyscraping hotels interspread between department stores and massage parlours.

At ground level the central area is jammed with small shops, food stalls, arcades selling everything imaginable and all lit by dazzling neon.

It is not western tourists who are responsible for this boom but the crossborder visitors from Malaysia, an hours drive away, who flock here in droves for the cheap wares.

Crudely speaking this involves the wives shopping in air-con malls while the men go off for a massage or "hair-cut" -- Thai women being one of the cheap deals to be had for many Malaysian and Singaporean men.

Despite the busy downtown area, Hat Yai is not that big and most of the activity is concentrated along its 3 main throughfares Niphat Uthit 1,2 & 3, known locally as Sai Neung, Sai Song and Sai Sam, particularly the section between Thanoonwithi and Suphasanrangsan Roads which on a rainy evening, and it does rain a lot in Hat Yai, takes on an almost "Blade Runner" feel to it.

 

Food and drink of every kind abound, though Hat Yai prices are easily as high as Bangkok, but apart from having a massage, shopping or eating there is not a lot to do here. Still it is fascinationg to see and the city park is well worth a visit if you have the time.

The population is largely Chinese as one would expect from such a commercial hub, with a muslim minority and due to the number of Malaysian visitors, English is widely spoken.

Add to scrapbook

 

 

  Search for accommodation

Search for guesthouses & hotels
where in Thailand?
Ao Nang Ao Phang Nga National Marine Park Ayutthaya Ban Chiang Ban Huay Kon Ban Krut Ban Phe Ban Toei Bang Saphan Yai Bangkok Betong Buriram Cha-am Chachoengsao Chanthaburi Chiang Dao Chiang Kham Chiang Khong Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Chiang Saen Chumphon Chumphon Beaches Damnoen Saduak Doi Khun Tan National Park Doi Phukha National Park Haad Nopphara Thara Hat Yai Hua Hin Kamphaeng Phet Kanchanaburi Khao Lak Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park Khong Chiam Ko Adang Ko Bulon Lae Ko Chang Ko Kham Ko Kho Khao Ko Kradan Ko Kut Ko Lanta Ko Lao Liang Ko Libong Ko Lipe Ko Maak Ko Muk Ko Mun Nork Ko Ngai Ko Pha Ngan Ko Phi Phi Ko Samet Ko Samui Ko Sukorn Ko Tao Ko Tarutao Ko Wai Ko Yao Noi Ko Yao Yai Krabi Lampang Lamphun Lopburi Mae Hong Son Mae Sai Mae Salong Mae Sariang Mae Sot Muang Tam Mukdahan Mukdahan National Park Nakhon Pathom Nakhon Phanom Nakhon Ratchasima Nakhon Si Thammarat Nakhon Si Thammarat Beaches Nan Nan to Ban Huay Kon Narathiwat Nong Khai Nonthaburi Pai Pakbara Pattani Pha Taem National Park Phang Nga Town Phanom Rung Phattalung Phayao Phetburi Phibun Mangsahan Phimai Phitsanulok Phrae Phrao Phu Chee Fah Phu Lang Ka Phu Sa Dok Bua National Park Phuket Prachuap Khiri Khan Railay Beach Ranong Ratchaburi Sangkhlaburi Satun Si Saket Soppong Sri Chiang Mai Sukhothai Sungai Kolok Surat Thani Surin Tak Tak Bai Thale Ban National Park That Phanom Thong Pha Phum Trang Trat Ubon Ratchathani Udon Thani Umphang Yala Yasothon

Sort results by:
Travelfish ranking (best first)
Price (cheapest first)
Name (A-Z)
Show only properties bookable online

Sponsored listings

Feature of the month

 

Hat Yai reviews

Backchat from the Travelfish community

Not a soul has had a thing to say about this place -- why don't you get the ball rolling?

Have your say