Hat Yai

Hat Yai (หาดใหญ่; also Hatyai, Had Yai, Haad Yai) is the fourth largest city in Thailand, the largest city in southern Thailand, and is in Songkhla Province on the Southern Gulf Coast. It's a popular tourist spot for Malaysians, Singaporeans, Indonesians on holiday, and for Thais from neighbouring provinces. It's best avoided if you are looking to get off the beaten path. Prices are relatively high in tourist areas. This place has comparatively few Western visitors. The city can be a stop for tourists on a journey to Southern Thailand's beaches and islands, or further down south to Malaysia and Singapore.

Hat Yai was a small village that used to be known as Khok Sa-Met Choon. Its population has been growing since the railway station was built.

Today, Hat Yai is one of the biggest and busiest cities in Southern Thailand. The population is around 156,000 in the city and roughly 360,000 in the whole Hat Yai District. Hat Yai city is bigger than the capital district Mueang Songkhla, and sometimes mistakenly reckoned to be the capital district. It is 60 km from the Thailand-Malaysia border at Dannok and Padang Besar in Sadao district. The city has become a business, education, transportation, tourism, and shopping centre in south Thailand due to the well-established connections by road, rail, and air. The city has been a melange of Thai, Chinese, and Malay for generations. Trading, manufacturing, and tourism industry contribute much of its economy.

Southern Thai dialect is prominent, although Central Thai is used in offices and schools. Many Thai Chinese of older generations can speak a Chinese dialect called Teochew. English can be spoken by some younger people.

It is either dry or wet season in Hat Yai. The dry season is from January to April, which is the hottest month of the year, and wet season is from May to December. Major flooding occasionally occurs in November or December.

You can pick up Hat Yai maps and brochures at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Hat Yai Office, 1/1 Nipatuthit 3 Rd Soi 2 (Near Juladis Bldg, +66 74 231055. M-F 08:30-16:30.

There is a separate Tourist Assistance Centre at the corner of Odean Shopping Mall.

• Hat Yai Park, Kanchanawanit Rd, +66 74 200000. Daily. The city's municipal park is 6km from the city centre. It is a major recreational centre for the people of Hat Yai and surrounding areas. The park is full of beautiful flowering plants, with a pavilion in the middle of the pond, aviarium, and food stalls. At the foot of the hill near the aviarium stands the statue of King Rama V. There is a Brahman shrine at the hilltop. And at the southern foothill near the Boy Scout camp stands the jade statue of Guanyin (กวนอิม Kuan-im), the Chinese Goddess. The park covers rather vast area with several attractions far apart. Walking between places is not recommended unless you have a full day and stamina to do lots of walking up and down hills. The road in some spots can be pretty steep and winding as well. No admission charge.

* Hat Yai Art and Culture Center. Daily 09:00-18:00. Free admission.

* Hat Yai Cable Car. Daily 09:00-20:00. There are two stations: one at Phra Buddha Mongkol Maharaj (พระพุทธมงคลมหาราช) and the other at Thao Maha Phrom (ท้าวมหาพรหม). The second phase will add two more stations at the playground and Guanyin statue, connecting four stations altogether. There is also a tram service running between the cable car station and the Hat Yai Ice Dome during 10:00-17:00 for 50 baht. A one-way cable car ride takes only a few minutes. Round trip 200 baht.

* Hat Yai Ice Dome, +66 74 219333. Daily 10:00-20:00. At -15°C, the building contains a seasonal display of ice sculptures created by sculptors from Harbin, China. Mid-Dec through Sep, featuring ice sculptures of the Great Wall of China, Mount Rushmore, Mount Fuji, Colosseum, Sphinx. Adults: 300 baht, children 200 baht.

* Hat Yai Lantern Festival. Daily 17:00-21:00. mid-15 Dec through April. Free admission.

* Hat Yai Observatory. Daily 09:00-20:00. Hat Yai's deep sky observatory.

• Khlong Hae Floating Market, Khlonghae-Khutao Rd (Near Wat Khlong Hae, about 6km from the city centre. F-Su 15:00-20:00. The first floating market in south Thailand. Sells mainly local foods.
• Sino-Portuguese Townhouses, Nipatuthit 1 Rd. These old Peranakan-inspired houses have been re-painted in vivid colours.
• Songkhla Central Mosque, 352 Lopburi Ramesuan Rd, Moo 10, Khlong Hae, +66 74 237844. This beautiful grand mosque is 400 m off the road from Hat Yai to Songkhla.
• Stainless Steel Pagoda, Moo 8 Ban Nai Rai, Poonnakan Rd (On Kho Hong Hill. Daily 08:00-17:00. This unique pagoda was made of stainless steel to celebrate King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 60th year on the throne.

• Wat Hat Yai Nai, Phetkasem Rd (Near Khlong U Taphao Bridge. The temple is the site of a large reclining Buddha measuring 35m long, 15m tall, and 10m wide, named Phra Phuttha Hattha Mongkhon, believed to be the third-largest reclining Buddha in the world, and revered by both Thai and foreign tourists.

• Khao Nam Khang National Park, Na Thawi (64km from Hat Yai. Daily 08:00-17:00. The park has two waterfalls: Ton Dat Fa and Ton Lat Fa.

* Khao Nam Khang Historic Tunnel, Moo 1, Khlong Kwang, Na Thawi (4km from the park office. Daily 08:00-17:00. This large, long man-made tunnel was once inhabited by Communist insurgents. It is three levels deep and contains several rooms. Entry fee for foreigners is 150 baht.

• Khu Khut Waterfowl Park, Khu Khut, Sathing Phra (70 km from Hat Yai in the central part of the Songkhla Lake. You can hire a boat for birdwatching (200 baht/hr) and have a pleasant meal at the restaurants beside the serene lake. The best time to visit is during Dec-Mar. Free admission.
• Thale Noi Waterfowl Reserve, Khuan Khanun, Phatthalung (Northern area of Songkhla Lake, 125 km from Hat Yai. Home to staggering 287 bird species. The best time for bird watching and seeing a sea of blooming pink water lilies is during Jan-Apr. Go early in the morning to avoid strong sun. A boat ride costs 500 baht and takes about 1½ hr. Free.
• Ton Nga Chang Waterfall. The waterfall is in the Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the beautiful waterfalls in the south, about 26 km from the city. This waterfall has seven levels. The third level is the most beautiful and is named after the waterfall. At the third level the stream separates into two, resembling an elephant's tusks. One can hire a tuk-tuk to the waterfall for two to three hours at 300-400 baht, or one can take the minibus from the fresh market (ตลาดสดเทศบาลหาดใหญ่ Talat Sot Thesaban Hat Yai).

Khao Nam Khang National Park, Na Thawi (64km from Hat Yai. Daily 08:00-17:00. The park has two waterfalls: Ton Dat Fa and Ton Lat Fa.

Khu Khut Waterfowl Park, Khu Khut, Sathing Phra (70 km from Hat Yai in the central part of the Songkhla Lake. You can hire a boat for birdwatching (200 baht/hr) and have a pleasant meal at the restaurants beside the serene lake. The best time to visit is during Dec-Mar. Free admission.

Thale Noi Waterfowl Reserve, Khuan Khanun, Phatthalung (Northern area of Songkhla Lake, 125 km from Hat Yai. Home to staggering 287 bird species. The best time for bird watching and seeing a sea of blooming pink water lilies is during Jan-Apr. Go early in the morning to avoid strong sun. A boat ride costs 500 baht and takes about 1½ hr. Free.

Ton Nga Chang Waterfall. The waterfall is in the Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the beautiful waterfalls in the south, about 26 km from the city. This waterfall has seven levels. The third level is the most beautiful and is named after the waterfall. At the third level the stream separates into two, resembling an elephant's tusks. One can hire a tuk-tuk to the waterfall for two to three hours at 300-400 baht, or one can take the minibus from the fresh market (ตลาดสดเทศบาลหาดใหญ่ Talat Sot Thesaban Hat Yai).

• Chinese New Year. Usually fall in Jan or Feb depending on the Chinese calendar. With a sizeable Thai-Chinese population, Chinese New Year is celebrated everywhere in Hat Yai especially in the city center. The Chinese New Year is on 5 Feb 2019.
• Hat Yai Midnight Songkran. The festival marks Thai New Year, which is traditionally celebrated during 13-15 Apr. The most prominent part of the festival is blessing people with sprinkles of water. As you can guess, this devolves into massive water fights. The main activities are held near/around Odean Shopping Mall and Lee Garden Plaza, including foam party, free concert, and Songkran beauty contest.
• Hat Yai Vegetarian Festival. A yearly event held during the ninth month of the Chinese calendar (usually in October). Observed mostly by Chinese and, increasingly, some Thais.
• Loi Krathong. Festival to pay respect to the river by floating beautifully decorated krathong (กระทง). It usually incorporates a Nang Noppamas (นางนพมาศ) beauty competition where contestants dress in Thai traditional costume. The festival is held on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month.
• Tham Bun Duean Sip. A Southern Thai tradition held in/around October (the full-moon day of the tenth lunar month). The main purpose is to make merit for their ancestors. There are specific foods made for this. Business may close for the day.

Chinese New Year. Usually fall in Jan or Feb depending on the Chinese calendar. With a sizeable Thai-Chinese population, Chinese New Year is celebrated everywhere in Hat Yai especially in the city center. The Chinese New Year is on 5 Feb 2019.

Hat Yai Midnight Songkran. The festival marks Thai New Year, which is traditionally celebrated during 13-15 Apr. The most prominent part of the festival is blessing people with sprinkles of water. As you can guess, this devolves into massive water fights. The main activities are held near/around Odean Shopping Mall and Lee Garden Plaza, including foam party, free concert, and Songkran beauty contest.

Hat Yai Vegetarian Festival. A yearly event held during the ninth month of the Chinese calendar (usually in October). Observed mostly by Chinese and, increasingly, some Thais.

Loi Krathong. Festival to pay respect to the river by floating beautifully decorated krathong (กระทง). It usually incorporates a Nang Noppamas (นางนพมาศ) beauty competition where contestants dress in Thai traditional costume. The festival is held on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month.

Tham Bun Duean Sip. A Southern Thai tradition held in/around October (the full-moon day of the tenth lunar month). The main purpose is to make merit for their ancestors. There are specific foods made for this. Business may close for the day.

Hat Yai Park, Kanchanawanit Rd, +66 74 200000. Daily. The city's municipal park is 6km from the city centre. It is a major recreational centre for the people of Hat Yai and surrounding areas. The park is full of beautiful flowering plants, with a pavilion in the middle of the pond, aviarium, and food stalls. At the foot of the hill near the aviarium stands the statue of King Rama V. There is a Brahman shrine at the hilltop. And at the southern foothill near the Boy Scout camp stands the jade statue of Guanyin (กวนอิม Kuan-im), the Chinese Goddess. The park covers rather vast area with several attractions far apart. Walking between places is not recommended unless you have a full day and stamina to do lots of walking up and down hills. The road in some spots can be pretty steep and winding as well. No admission charge.

Khlong Hae Floating Market, Khlonghae-Khutao Rd (Near Wat Khlong Hae, about 6km from the city centre. F-Su 15:00-20:00. The first floating market in south Thailand. Sells mainly local foods.

Sino-Portuguese Townhouses, Nipatuthit 1 Rd. These old Peranakan-inspired houses have been re-painted in vivid colours.

Songkhla Central Mosque, 352 Lopburi Ramesuan Rd, Moo 10, Khlong Hae, +66 74 237844. This beautiful grand mosque is 400 m off the road from Hat Yai to Songkhla.

Stainless Steel Pagoda, Moo 8 Ban Nai Rai, Poonnakan Rd (On Kho Hong Hill. Daily 08:00-17:00. This unique pagoda was made of stainless steel to celebrate King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 60th year on the throne.

Wat Hat Yai Nai, Phetkasem Rd (Near Khlong U Taphao Bridge. The temple is the site of a large reclining Buddha measuring 35m long, 15m tall, and 10m wide, named Phra Phuttha Hattha Mongkhon, believed to be the third-largest reclining Buddha in the world, and revered by both Thai and foreign tourists.

• Cinema. Movie tickets in Thailand are more affordable than in Western countries. There are multiplexes and an IMAX theatre at Hatyai Cineplex on 5F of CentralFestival. The other venue is at Diana Cineplex on 5F of Diana. 140+ baht for a film.
• Thai Massage. No trip to Thailand would be complete without a Thai massage and Hat Yai is one of the best places to get one. Some of the many good places would be Garden Home Hotel or Hat Yai Central Hotel. The rooms are nicely decorated and provide a soothing environment to go with a good massage. Ask the doorman at any good hotel for a recommendation if you want to avoid the more dodgy places.

Cinema. Movie tickets in Thailand are more affordable than in Western countries. There are multiplexes and an IMAX theatre at Hatyai Cineplex on 5F of CentralFestival. The other venue is at Diana Cineplex on 5F of Diana. 140+ baht for a film.

Thai Massage. No trip to Thailand would be complete without a Thai massage and Hat Yai is one of the best places to get one. Some of the many good places would be Garden Home Hotel or Hat Yai Central Hotel. The rooms are nicely decorated and provide a soothing environment to go with a good massage. Ask the doorman at any good hotel for a recommendation if you want to avoid the more dodgy places.

There are many Thai banks around the city, as well as Chinese money changers. Exchange rates from the latter for Malaysian ringgits may be significantly better than in the banks.

ATMs are abundant in Hat Yai, although most of them, as everywhere in Thailand, charge a 220-baht fee for foreign card transactions. Western Union can be found at Central Department Store's underground floor and on the 3rd fl. of CentralFestival.

Minimarts such as 7-Eleven are ubiquitous and open 24 hours. Good for a quick meal, stocking up food and personal items. Or head to Tops Market for more high-end groceries at Robinson Department Store, Central Department Store, or CentralFestival.

A variety of English-language books (travel guides, fiction, children's, cookery, Thailand interest) can be purchased at Asia Books shop inside the B2S on the second floor of CentralFestival.

• ASEAN Trade Market. W-Su 17:00-22:00. Wide market famous for second-hand designer clothing, bags, and shoes, but interesting locally-designed new clothes and some vintage decorative stuff can be found here as well. Lots of food stalls inside.
• Green Way Market. W-Su 17:00-22:00. Very similar to ASEAN Market.
• Kim Yong Market, Supasarn Rungsan Rd. This is the most attractive place for shopping. There are plenty of foods, home appliances, chocolates, cosmetics, watches, CD games.
• Suntisuk Market, Nipatutid 1, 2, 3. The famous market sells electric appliances, gadgets, gaming consoles, IT devices and accessories, clothes, shoes, bags, cosmetics, imported food.

ASEAN Trade Market. W-Su 17:00-22:00. Wide market famous for second-hand designer clothing, bags, and shoes, but interesting locally-designed new clothes and some vintage decorative stuff can be found here as well. Lots of food stalls inside.

Green Way Market. W-Su 17:00-22:00. Very similar to ASEAN Market.

Kim Yong Market, Supasarn Rungsan Rd. This is the most attractive place for shopping. There are plenty of foods, home appliances, chocolates, cosmetics, watches, CD games.

Suntisuk Market, Nipatutid 1, 2, 3. The famous market sells electric appliances, gadgets, gaming consoles, IT devices and accessories, clothes, shoes, bags, cosmetics, imported food.

• Big C Extra, 677 Phetkasem Rd, +66 74 262999. Daily 09:00-23:00. Has HomePro, Office Depot, and several restaurants.
• Big C Supercenter, 111/19 Moo 4 Klonghae (Near Klonghae floating market, +66 74 427755-69. Daily 09:00-22:00.
• CentralFestival Hatyai, 1518, 1518/1-2 Kanchanavanich Rd (Near ASEAN Trade Market and opposite Makro, +66 74 222699. M-Th 11:00-21:00, F-Su & public holidays 10:00-21:30. Opened in 2013. It's one of the largest shopping complexes outside Bangkok. You can find fashion clothes, restaurants and cafes, Hatyai Cineplex with 10 cinemas including an IMAX and a 4DX theatre, bowling alley, karaoke, ice skating rink, all major banks, Tops Market, IT and electronics, service centres of all major mobile network operators, and more. There are also shuttle buses from the Central Department Store in the city.
• Central Department Store, 1 Sanaehanusorn Rd, +66 74 352333-47. M-Th 11:00-21:00, F-Su 10:30-22:00. Probably Hat Yai's most upmarket store. Clothes, cosmetics, books, household goods, and a TOPS food supermarket on the highest floor.
• Diana Complex Shopping Center, 55/3 Sripoowanart Rd. Clothes, mobile phones, restaurants, multiplex.
• HomePro, 33/40 Moo 5, Kanchanavanich Rd, +66 74 210999. Daily 09:00-21:00. Home improvement.
• Lee Gardens Plaza, +66 74 261111. The most popular mall for Thai teenagers. Restaurants include Sizzler, Swensen's, McDonald's, and Fuji among others. Shops inside sell books, clothes, mobile phones, and souvenirs. There is a multiplex cinema and a games complex which also includes karaoke booths.
• Makro, 345 Moo 5, Korhong, +66 74 428320. Cash & carry wholesale.
• Odean Shopping Mall, 79/7 Thammanoonvithee Rd. Mostly clothes.
• Robinson Department Store, 9 Thammanoonvithi Rd (Near Hat Yai train station, +66 74 354503-9. Daily 10:30-21:00.
• Siam Nakarin Complex, 488/88 Phetkasem Rd (Near Hatyaiwittayalai School, +66 74 222999. Office supplies, furniture, restaurants, food court, IT/mobile phones, and other small shops.
• Tesco Lotus Hat Yai 1, 1142 Karnjanawanich Rd (Near Prince of Songkla University, +66 74 464405-20. Daily 08:00-23:00. A large supermarket that sells food, clothes, household items. There are also restaurants and smaller shops just outside the main supermarket.
• Tesco Lotus Hat Yai 2, 1318 Phetkasem Rd (In Hat Yai Nai area, +66 74 361101. Daily 08:00-22:00.
• Thai Watsadu, 224 Moo 1, Tambon Samran, +66 74 800400. Daily 07:30-20:00. Home improvement.

Big C Extra, 677 Phetkasem Rd, +66 74 262999. Daily 09:00-23:00. Has HomePro, Office Depot, and several restaurants.

Big C Supercenter, 111/19 Moo 4 Klonghae (Near Klonghae floating market, +66 74 427755-69. Daily 09:00-22:00.

CentralFestival Hatyai, 1518, 1518/1-2 Kanchanavanich Rd (Near ASEAN Trade Market and opposite Makro, +66 74 222699. M-Th 11:00-21:00, F-Su & public holidays 10:00-21:30. Opened in 2013. It's one of the largest shopping complexes outside Bangkok. You can find fashion clothes, restaurants and cafes, Hatyai Cineplex with 10 cinemas including an IMAX and a 4DX theatre, bowling alley, karaoke, ice skating rink, all major banks, Tops Market, IT and electronics, service centres of all major mobile network operators, and more. There are also shuttle buses from the Central Department Store in the city.

Central Department Store, 1 Sanaehanusorn Rd, +66 74 352333-47. M-Th 11:00-21:00, F-Su 10:30-22:00. Probably Hat Yai's most upmarket store. Clothes, cosmetics, books, household goods, and a TOPS food supermarket on the highest floor.

Diana Complex Shopping Center, 55/3 Sripoowanart Rd. Clothes, mobile phones, restaurants, multiplex.

HomePro, 33/40 Moo 5, Kanchanavanich Rd, +66 74 210999. Daily 09:00-21:00. Home improvement.

Lee Gardens Plaza, +66 74 261111. The most popular mall for Thai teenagers. Restaurants include Sizzler, Swensen's, McDonald's, and Fuji among others. Shops inside sell books, clothes, mobile phones, and souvenirs. There is a multiplex cinema and a games complex which also includes karaoke booths.

Makro, 345 Moo 5, Korhong, +66 74 428320. Cash & carry wholesale.

Odean Shopping Mall, 79/7 Thammanoonvithee Rd. Mostly clothes.

Robinson Department Store, 9 Thammanoonvithi Rd (Near Hat Yai train station, +66 74 354503-9. Daily 10:30-21:00.

Siam Nakarin Complex, 488/88 Phetkasem Rd (Near Hatyaiwittayalai School, +66 74 222999. Office supplies, furniture, restaurants, food court, IT/mobile phones, and other small shops.

Tesco Lotus Hat Yai 1, 1142 Karnjanawanich Rd (Near Prince of Songkla University, +66 74 464405-20. Daily 08:00-23:00. A large supermarket that sells food, clothes, household items. There are also restaurants and smaller shops just outside the main supermarket.

Tesco Lotus Hat Yai 2, 1318 Phetkasem Rd (In Hat Yai Nai area, +66 74 361101. Daily 08:00-22:00.

Thai Watsadu, 224 Moo 1, Tambon Samran, +66 74 800400. Daily 07:30-20:00. Home improvement.

Although not in the same league as Bangkok, there are a lot of different food options on offer in Hat Yai. Typical Thai street food is abundant. Big international chain restaurants have branches in town offering Japanese and Western food.

Restaurant chains are located mostly in shopping malls. International restaurant chains such as KFC, McDonald's, Sizzler, Pizza Hut, Dunkin' Donuts, Mister Donut, Swensen's, Dairy Queen, Starbucks. Local restaurant chains such as MK Restaurant (Thai-style sukiyaki), S&P, Black Canyon Coffee, Chester's Grill, The Pizza Company, Jeffer Steak, Fuji Restaurant, Shabushi , Oishi Ramen. Food courts are also available in most of the shopping malls.

Owing to the ethnic diversity, you can find Thai, Chinese, and Malay (Muslim) food available throughout the city. Most restaurants offer a variety of Thai, Chinese and/or Western fusion cuisine.

Ethnic Chinese from Malaysia and Singapore make up the bulk of Hat Yai's tourists so many restaurants and hotels cater primarily to them. Just opposite Lee Gardens (next to the Regency Hotel) you will see a restaurant which spit-roasts suckling pigs every day. Large, open-air seafood restaurants are also popular with Chinese visitors and the quality of seafood available in Hat Yai is good. Some Chinese are vegetarians and the town has a good selection of small vegetarian restaurants that offer tofu and soy meat substitutes.

There is a large resident Muslim population and some visitors from Malaysia are also Muslim so finding halal food isn't a problem.

Food hawkers can be found all over the city. Some stay open until very late at night. Grabbing a bite in late night is not uncommon. A spot for a variety of night hawkers is at Suphasarnrangsan Rd around Wat Cheu Chang near Kim Yong Market. Other places are such as at Tanrattanakorn Rd called Talad Mai (ตลาดใหม่) and at Thung Sao 1 Rd. There are also a number of small roadside places to eat on Nipha Phakdi alley behind the Florida hotel.

A typical meal for one can start at as low as 50 baht for street food, 80 baht in general restaurants, and 120 baht in more upscale restaurants.

• B's Sweet, 75 Thumnoonvithi Rd, +66 74 221909. Daily 10:00-21:30. B's Sweet serves up Americanos, cappuccinos, lattes, smoothies, pork or prawn omelettes, local rice and noodle dishes, and a wonderful selection of cakes, ice creams, and sorbets. The chocolate lava should not be missed. Open breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• E.P.'s Artisan Bakery, Nipatuthit 1 Rd (Next to the Esso petrol station near the old Lee Gardens Hotel. 11:00-22:00. Good cakes & coffee.
• Cha-Chak Forseen, Thumnoonvithi Rd, +66 74 462122. 18:30-24:00. Sipping drinks and having snacks including roti and murtabak in open-air atmosphere.

B's Sweet, 75 Thumnoonvithi Rd, +66 74 221909. Daily 10:00-21:30. B's Sweet serves up Americanos, cappuccinos, lattes, smoothies, pork or prawn omelettes, local rice and noodle dishes, and a wonderful selection of cakes, ice creams, and sorbets. The chocolate lava should not be missed. Open breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

E.P.'s Artisan Bakery, Nipatuthit 1 Rd (Next to the Esso petrol station near the old Lee Gardens Hotel. 11:00-22:00. Good cakes & coffee.

Cha-Chak Forseen, Thumnoonvithi Rd, +66 74 462122. 18:30-24:00. Sipping drinks and having snacks including roti and murtabak in open-air atmosphere.

• Chok Dee Tae Tiam, 58/25 Lamaisongkrew Rd (Near Daiichi Hotel, +66 74 356779. Daily 06:00-12:00 & 17:00-22:00. One of the most famous dim sum restaurants in Hat Yai. The restaurant fills up fast, so go early to ensure a table. If you order bak kut teh, you'll get refilled constantly. Dim sum: 16 baht/basket; Bak kut teh: 80/250 baht for small/large bowl.
• Khor Nang Tae Tiam, Niphatuthit 3 Rd (Near Tune Hotel. Another dim sum restaurant famously known by locals.

Chok Dee Tae Tiam, 58/25 Lamaisongkrew Rd (Near Daiichi Hotel, +66 74 356779. Daily 06:00-12:00 & 17:00-22:00. One of the most famous dim sum restaurants in Hat Yai. The restaurant fills up fast, so go early to ensure a table. If you order bak kut teh, you'll get refilled constantly. Dim sum: 16 baht/basket; Bak kut teh: 80/250 baht for small/large bowl.

Khor Nang Tae Tiam, Niphatuthit 3 Rd (Near Tune Hotel. Another dim sum restaurant famously known by locals.

• Bang Farang Restaurant, 32/7 Thungsao 2 Rd, Soi Khamuthit 2, +66 82 4399590. 07:00-20:00, closed M. Nice small cosy restaurant at a walking distance from the bus station, ASEAN Market, or Green Way market. Halal, genuine Thai food (spicy, not sweet Malay cuisine). Excellent kaeng som. Serves fresh fruit juices and coffee. Free Wi-Fi for patrons. The cook/owner is married to a Muslim Frenchman. You can usually meet him on Saturdays.
• Decha Fried Chicken, Chee Uthit Rd, +66 81 098 3751, +66 87 2895008. Daily 11:00-22:00. Muslim fried chicken restaurant. Also serve seafood, Thai, Isaan food.
• Hamid Restaurant, 73 Prachathipat Rd (Across the street from Lee Garden Hotel, +66 74 243008. M-F 10:00-22:00, Sa-Su 7:00-22:00. Nice, clean, and good halal food. There are a couple of other Muslim restaurants nearby.

Bang Farang Restaurant, 32/7 Thungsao 2 Rd, Soi Khamuthit 2, +66 82 4399590. 07:00-20:00, closed M. Nice small cosy restaurant at a walking distance from the bus station, ASEAN Market, or Green Way market. Halal, genuine Thai food (spicy, not sweet Malay cuisine). Excellent kaeng som. Serves fresh fruit juices and coffee. Free Wi-Fi for patrons. The cook/owner is married to a Muslim Frenchman. You can usually meet him on Saturdays.

Decha Fried Chicken, Chee Uthit Rd, +66 81 098 3751, +66 87 2895008. Daily 11:00-22:00. Muslim fried chicken restaurant. Also serve seafood, Thai, Isaan food.

Hamid Restaurant, 73 Prachathipat Rd (Across the street from Lee Garden Hotel, +66 74 243008. M-F 10:00-22:00, Sa-Su 7:00-22:00. Nice, clean, and good halal food. There are a couple of other Muslim restaurants nearby.

• Namaste Hatyai, 236/1 Niphatutit 1 Rd (About 300m from Robinson, near a corner where Niyomrat Rd meets Niphatutit 1 Rd, +66 74 354131, +66 89 7394400. M-Sa 08:30-20:00. Indian-Thai restaurant. Chicken biryani/murtabak, roti/chapati, lassi, and more. (No pork or beef served.) Free Wi-Fi. 50-250 baht.

Namaste Hatyai, 236/1 Niphatutit 1 Rd (About 300m from Robinson, near a corner where Niyomrat Rd meets Niphatutit 1 Rd, +66 74 354131, +66 89 7394400. M-Sa 08:30-20:00. Indian-Thai restaurant. Chicken biryani/murtabak, roti/chapati, lassi, and more. (No pork or beef served.) Free Wi-Fi. 50-250 baht.

There are lots of Japanese restaurants on the 4th floor of CentralFestival.

• Marichan Japanese Restaurant, +66 74 230636, +66 81 3688827. M-Sa 16:00-21:30. Authentic Japanese food by Japanese chef.

Marichan Japanese Restaurant, +66 74 230636, +66 81 3688827. M-Sa 16:00-21:30. Authentic Japanese food by Japanese chef.

• 33 Buffet Restaurant, 33F at Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel, +66 74 261111. Daily 11:00-14:30 & 17:00-21:30. The hotel has a top floor restaurant with panoramic views of the city. It offers an excellent all-you-can-eat buffet at lunch and dinner.
• 192 Rat Na, 192 Supasarnrangsan Rd (Opposite 7-Eleven near Wat Cheu Chang. 18:00-. Good Chinese food served here and very busy but worth waiting for some good fried stuff. Fried rice a specialty. 50 baht and less.
• Bon Khao Restaurant, 1/9 Karnjanawanich Rd in Hat Yai Park (On the road that leads up to the Guanyin statue, +66 74 218124, +66 74 211929. Daily, 10:30-22:00. Good Thai food and great view looking onto Hat Yai.
• Chongkhao Seafood, Suphasarnrangsan Rd (Near Prince of Songkla University and Tesco Lotus, +66 74 244060. Large seafood restaurant.
• Daothiam, 79/3 Thammanoonvithi Rd (Opposite Odean Shopping Mall, +66 74 243268. Daily 07:00-22:00. Friendly staff and tasty breakfasts, Thai, and vegetarian food. Grab a pad Thai and Chang beer among a collection of framed world currency.
• Nai Roo Restaurant, Soi 1, Nipatuthit 3 Rd (In the small alley opposite a Cute Press shop behind Kim Yong Market, +66 74 237680, +66 81 8987656. This hidden gem of a small Thai-Chinese restaurant may fill up quickly during meal time. Try fried popiah, tom yam omelette, fish dishes.
• Nakorn Nai, Nipatuthit 2 Rd (A block away from Tune Hotel on the same side. A stylish restaurant with free Wi-Fi. They serve very tasty Western food such as pasta and pizza, Thai food, and Muslim food such as roti for reasonable prices.
• Samila Sea Sport, 39 Rajyindee Rd (Near Yee Fah Grand City Hotel, +66 74 223416-7. Serves delicious seafood.
• Sugar Rock, 528 Thumnoonvithi Rd (Near Tesco Lotus, +66 74 235270. Daily 8:30-23:00. Tasty Thai food.
• Ta-kun, Nipatuthit 1 Rd (Nearly opposite King's Hotel, a few blocks from the train station. Daily 17:00-01:00. If you're looking for cheap and good local food, try this small and very friendly little spot.
• Tor Huad Restaurant, 32/1 Rajyindee Rd (Near Yee Fah Grand City Hotel, +66 74 231030-1. Daily 10:30-14:00, 17:30-22:00. Upscale Chinese restaurant.

33 Buffet Restaurant, 33F at Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel, +66 74 261111. Daily 11:00-14:30 & 17:00-21:30. The hotel has a top floor restaurant with panoramic views of the city. It offers an excellent all-you-can-eat buffet at lunch and dinner.

192 Rat Na, 192 Supasarnrangsan Rd (Opposite 7-Eleven near Wat Cheu Chang. 18:00-. Good Chinese food served here and very busy but worth waiting for some good fried stuff. Fried rice a specialty. 50 baht and less.

Bon Khao Restaurant, 1/9 Karnjanawanich Rd in Hat Yai Park (On the road that leads up to the Guanyin statue, +66 74 218124, +66 74 211929. Daily, 10:30-22:00. Good Thai food and great view looking onto Hat Yai.

Chongkhao Seafood, Suphasarnrangsan Rd (Near Prince of Songkla University and Tesco Lotus, +66 74 244060. Large seafood restaurant.

Daothiam, 79/3 Thammanoonvithi Rd (Opposite Odean Shopping Mall, +66 74 243268. Daily 07:00-22:00. Friendly staff and tasty breakfasts, Thai, and vegetarian food. Grab a pad Thai and Chang beer among a collection of framed world currency.

Nai Roo Restaurant, Soi 1, Nipatuthit 3 Rd (In the small alley opposite a Cute Press shop behind Kim Yong Market, +66 74 237680, +66 81 8987656. This hidden gem of a small Thai-Chinese restaurant may fill up quickly during meal time. Try fried popiah, tom yam omelette, fish dishes.

Nakorn Nai, Nipatuthit 2 Rd (A block away from Tune Hotel on the same side. A stylish restaurant with free Wi-Fi. They serve very tasty Western food such as pasta and pizza, Thai food, and Muslim food such as roti for reasonable prices.

Samila Sea Sport, 39 Rajyindee Rd (Near Yee Fah Grand City Hotel, +66 74 223416-7. Serves delicious seafood.

Sugar Rock, 528 Thumnoonvithi Rd (Near Tesco Lotus, +66 74 235270. Daily 8:30-23:00. Tasty Thai food.

Ta-kun, Nipatuthit 1 Rd (Nearly opposite King's Hotel, a few blocks from the train station. Daily 17:00-01:00. If you're looking for cheap and good local food, try this small and very friendly little spot.

Tor Huad Restaurant, 32/1 Rajyindee Rd (Near Yee Fah Grand City Hotel, +66 74 231030-1. Daily 10:30-14:00, 17:30-22:00. Upscale Chinese restaurant.

• Thong Poon, 399 Thammanoonvithee Rd, +66 74 357831. Daily 11:00-22:00. One of a few Vietnamese restaurants in Hat Yai.

Thong Poon, 399 Thammanoonvithee Rd, +66 74 357831. Daily 11:00-22:00. One of a few Vietnamese restaurants in Hat Yai.

• Dé Van Cuisine Coffee & Bistro, 162/4 Prachatipat Rd (A few blocks away from New Season Hotel at the junction of Prachatipat Rd and Prachatipat 2 Rd, +66 74 351438, +66 90 7199060. Daily 11:00-22:00. Italian cuisine.
• Gäp's Garten German Restaurant, 516/1 Soi Chuntarajanusorn, Thumnoonvithi Rd (In an alley near Udomsuksa school, +66 86 9636551 (German/English), +66 84 7293542 (Thai). Daily 16:00-24:00. Serves authentic German food and beer (Erdinger, Warsteiner, Weihenstephan, and Köstritzer) for reasonable prices. Best to book a table in advance as it is usually quite full.
• McCafe, Sripoowanart Rd (Next to Diana Complex Shopping Center. 24 hours daily.

Dé Van Cuisine Coffee & Bistro, 162/4 Prachatipat Rd (A few blocks away from New Season Hotel at the junction of Prachatipat Rd and Prachatipat 2 Rd, +66 74 351438, +66 90 7199060. Daily 11:00-22:00. Italian cuisine.

Gäp's Garten German Restaurant, 516/1 Soi Chuntarajanusorn, Thumnoonvithi Rd (In an alley near Udomsuksa school, +66 86 9636551 (German/English), +66 84 7293542 (Thai). Daily 16:00-24:00. Serves authentic German food and beer (Erdinger, Warsteiner, Weihenstephan, and Köstritzer) for reasonable prices. Best to book a table in advance as it is usually quite full.

McCafe, Sripoowanart Rd (Next to Diana Complex Shopping Center. 24 hours daily.

• Bee Club. Live music, pool upstairs and decent food.
• Co Art. A cafe-style place to hang-out in the evenings. There is a live band almost every day covering internationally-known songs.
• Deep Wonder. Street side and downstairs bar. Live music.
• Living Room, 94 Thamannoonvithee Rd. At the site of the now-defunct Monkey Club. It's a nice place with fairly quiet atmosphere, and no longer a nightclub.
• Oceania. Closes when last customer leaves, about 04:00. A beautiful open-air restaurant and bar set on 2 floors with a landscaped garden of waterfalls and palms, and soft lighting. The kitchen is open until well after 02:00, serving decent Thai food at around 100 baht a dish. A large Heineken is 90 baht, with draft available also. The theme is quiet and romantic, ideal after an hour or two in the disco nearby. Live acoustic music is inflicted on diners every night until 24:00.
• Post Laser Disc, 82-84 Thamannoonvithee Rd (Opposite Indra Hotel near Odeon Shopping Mall, +66 74 232027. Daily 09:00-01:00. Air-coned and pool. Best band in town playing from 21:00 onwards. Farang hangout. Jack Coke 80 baht.
• Sunrise Coffee, She-Utit Rd (Opposite the Hakka Chinese Association and the D-Pan-Panya Restaurant. A nice little coffee shop offering a variety of coffee blends and smoothies; very cosy atmosphere.
• The Swan, Thamannoonvithee Rd (One block from The Pub.. Nice atmosphere with books and 2 TVs with UBC cable. A slight British pub feel. Jack Coke, 60 baht.
• The West Side Saloon. Can get crowded and very noisy. They have a good bar food menu. The only pub/bar in town that writes the prices on the menu excluding service charge and VAT. Can be a surprise when you get the bill.

Bee Club. Live music, pool upstairs and decent food.

Co Art. A cafe-style place to hang-out in the evenings. There is a live band almost every day covering internationally-known songs.

Deep Wonder. Street side and downstairs bar. Live music.

Living Room, 94 Thamannoonvithee Rd. At the site of the now-defunct Monkey Club. It's a nice place with fairly quiet atmosphere, and no longer a nightclub.

Oceania. Closes when last customer leaves, about 04:00. A beautiful open-air restaurant and bar set on 2 floors with a landscaped garden of waterfalls and palms, and soft lighting. The kitchen is open until well after 02:00, serving decent Thai food at around 100 baht a dish. A large Heineken is 90 baht, with draft available also. The theme is quiet and romantic, ideal after an hour or two in the disco nearby. Live acoustic music is inflicted on diners every night until 24:00.

Post Laser Disc, 82-84 Thamannoonvithee Rd (Opposite Indra Hotel near Odeon Shopping Mall, +66 74 232027. Daily 09:00-01:00. Air-coned and pool. Best band in town playing from 21:00 onwards. Farang hangout. Jack Coke 80 baht.

Sunrise Coffee, She-Utit Rd (Opposite the Hakka Chinese Association and the D-Pan-Panya Restaurant. A nice little coffee shop offering a variety of coffee blends and smoothies; very cosy atmosphere.

The Swan, Thamannoonvithee Rd (One block from The Pub.. Nice atmosphere with books and 2 TVs with UBC cable. A slight British pub feel. Jack Coke, 60 baht.

The West Side Saloon. Can get crowded and very noisy. They have a good bar food menu. The only pub/bar in town that writes the prices on the menu excluding service charge and VAT. Can be a surprise when you get the bill.

A series of bombings in September 2006 that specifically targeted restaurants and shopping centres popular with visitors (and locals) killed two tourists. There were another 7 bombs in May 2007 in Hat Yai which killed one person. Strict security measures (bag searches, metal detectors) are to be expected in most gathering places. The most recent bombing was 3 Apr 2012.

To check water level during monsoon season, visit Hatyai City Climate. For air quality, visit Air4Thai.

• Medical Emergency, 1669.
• Police (General Emergency), 191, +66 74 243333, +66 74 231645.
• Tourist Police, 1155, +66 74 246733.
• Fire Station, 199, +66 74 243111.

Medical Emergency, 1669.

Police (General Emergency), 191, +66 74 243333, +66 74 231645.

Tourist Police, 1155, +66 74 246733.

Fire Station, 199, +66 74 243111.

Hat Yai's area code is 074. To make a call to anywhere in Thailand, always add a preceding "0" to the fixed line/mobile number. For example, +66 74 123456 will be dialled locally as 074 123456.

The major telephone service providers are AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove. Thai prepaid SIM cards can be purchased in minimarts, mobile retailer shops, or telco service centers, all of which can be found on CentralFestival's 3rd floor. Domestic calls usually cost only about 1 baht/min depending on your prepaid plan.

• Talad Mai Post Shop, 15/30 Phadungphakdi Rd, +66 74 800139. A franchise of Thailand Post.
• Thailand Post, Ban Phru, 190 Moo 4, Karnjanawanich Rd, Ban Phru, +66 74 210255.
• Thailand Post, Hat Yai, 43 Nipatsongkraw 1, +66 74 243121, +66 74 245293.
• Thailand Post, Hat Yai Nai, 25 Moo 1, Soi 35, Petchkasem Rd, Khuan Lang, +66 74 255880.
• Thailand Post, Kho Hong, 176 Moo 5, Karnjanawanich Rd, +66 74 212603.
• Thailand Post, Rathakarn, 158 Rathakarn Rd, +66 74 244480.
• Thailand Post, Sripuwanart, 19, 21, 23 Po Natthapon 2 Rd, +66 74 231477.
• Thailand Post, Thung Lung, 2/1 Moo 1, Karnjanawanich Rd, Phatong, +66 74 291990.

Talad Mai Post Shop, 15/30 Phadungphakdi Rd, +66 74 800139. A franchise of Thailand Post.

Thailand Post, Ban Phru, 190 Moo 4, Karnjanawanich Rd, Ban Phru, +66 74 210255.

Thailand Post, Hat Yai, 43 Nipatsongkraw 1, +66 74 243121, +66 74 245293.

Thailand Post, Hat Yai Nai, 25 Moo 1, Soi 35, Petchkasem Rd, Khuan Lang, +66 74 255880.

Thailand Post, Kho Hong, 176 Moo 5, Karnjanawanich Rd, +66 74 212603.

Thailand Post, Rathakarn, 158 Rathakarn Rd, +66 74 244480.

Thailand Post, Sripuwanart, 19, 21, 23 Po Natthapon 2 Rd, +66 74 231477.

Thailand Post, Thung Lung, 2/1 Moo 1, Karnjanawanich Rd, Phatong, +66 74 291990.

The Chinese, Indonesian, and Malaysian consulates are in Mueang Songkhla, the capital district of Songkhla Province, 35 km from Hat Yai.

• Dentist, +66 74 287620. Prince of Songkhla University's Faculty of Dentistry offers very good and reasonably priced treatments. But always put a few notes in the collection box. Government-operated hospital, so expect a wait.

• Bangkok Hospital Hat Yai, 75 Soi 15 Phetkasem Rd (near Big C Extra, +66 74 272800. Private hospital.
• Hat Yai Hospital, 182 Ratthakarn Rd, +66 74 273100. Regional public hospital.
• Rajyindee Hospital, 119 Rajyindee Rd (Near Diana Complex Shopping Center, +66 74 200200. Private hospital.
• Sikarin Hat Yai Hospital, 169 Niphatsongkhro 1 (Near Jiranakorn Stadium, +66 74 366966. Private hospital.
• Songklanagarind Hospital, 15 Karnjanavanit Rd (At Prince of Songkhla University, +66 74 455000. Public hospital.

Bangkok Hospital Hat Yai, 75 Soi 15 Phetkasem Rd (near Big C Extra, +66 74 272800. Private hospital.

Hat Yai Hospital, 182 Ratthakarn Rd, +66 74 273100. Regional public hospital.

Rajyindee Hospital, 119 Rajyindee Rd (Near Diana Complex Shopping Center, +66 74 200200. Private hospital.

Sikarin Hat Yai Hospital, 169 Niphatsongkhro 1 (Near Jiranakorn Stadium, +66 74 366966. Private hospital.

Songklanagarind Hospital, 15 Karnjanavanit Rd (At Prince of Songkhla University, +66 74 455000. Public hospital.

• Bangkok - Thailand's bustling and vibrant capital city.
• Chiang Mai - an artistic and cultural city in Northern Thailand; there are direct flights to Chiang Mai from Thai AirAsia.
• Krabi - beautiful islands such as Ko Lanta and Ko Phi Phi.
• Phuket - world-renowned white sandy beaches and resorts. Direct flights available from Bangkok Airways.
• Satun - a gateway to Ko Tarutao and Ko Lipe.
• Songkhla - a relaxed old seaside city only 35 km away with the famous mermaid statue. Recommended for a day trip for sightseeing, museums, beaches and excellent seafood.
• Trang - for ferries to Ko Muk.

• Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia's capital city. Take a short train ride to Padang Besar (1 hr), then switch to ETS high-speed train to KL (5-5.5 hr).
• Langkawi - a beautiful duty-free island; can be reached via ferry from Satun.
• Penang - visit Georgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A food paradise. The easiest way to reach Georgetown is by mini-van, but you can also use a combination of bus, train, and ferry.
• Singapore - a highly developed island nation at the tip of the Malay Peninsula.

If you need to extend your stay in Thailand for another 15 days, you can cross the border at Dannok, near Sadao. Getting there from the airport is easy and takes about 2 hours. From the terminal, walk straight out into the parking lot to the parking lot ring road. You can wait here for a light blue songthaew to take you into town and get dropped off at The Plaza for 13 baht. The ride takes about 20-30 minutes. You can also take an airport taxi into town. At The Plaza, you can find a van waiting just across from the TOT office, which makes regular trips to Dannok. If you can't find it, just say "Sadao" or "Dannok" to people till they point you the right way. The trip is 60 baht, and vans leave once they are full. The trip should take about 1 hour 30 minutes. It will drop you off near the border at Dannok and you can just walk to exit Thailand. You will be approached by motorcycle drivers who will offer to take you to the Malaysian side. Walking takes about 10 minutes, so it could be worth it to pay 20 baht each way if you are in a hurry. If you have time, a stop at the duty free shop is worthwhile. Minivans returning to Hat Yai depart from outside the 7-Eleven in Dannok. Back-to back stamps are only allowed for a total stay of 90 days within any given 180 day period of time.

• Royal Thai Consulate-General in Penang, 1 Jl Tunku Abdul Rahman, Penang, Malaysia (Opposite St Christopher's International Primary School, +60 4 2268029, +60 4 2269484. M-F 09:00-12:00 & 14:00-16:30. 60-Day Tourist Visas can be obtained in Penang, Kota Bharu, and in Kuala Lumpur at the Thai consulates or embassy. In Penang 60 day tourist visas cost generally RM110. Bring 2 photographs. A copy of passport main page is required. It is possible to copy it in a high school library nearby. To get there: take Bus 1 from Komtar (RM1) down Jl Burma. After 10 minutes get off at the crossing with Jl Cantonment, turn left and walk down Jl Cantonment for 10 minutes and turn right to the consulate. Open 09:00-12:00 and you will have your tourist visa after 15:30. While waiting it's worth taking a bus ride to Batu Feringgi Beach (RM2). You can also find visa services in Little India and Chinatown for about RM20 (will also be ready after 15:30). Cost: 280 baht/RM30 one-way to Georgetown (via minibus) and usually lets you off in Little India. There are return buses as late as 16:00.

Royal Thai Consulate-General in Penang, 1 Jl Tunku Abdul Rahman, Penang, Malaysia (Opposite St Christopher's International Primary School, +60 4 2268029, +60 4 2269484. M-F 09:00-12:00 & 14:00-16:30. 60-Day Tourist Visas can be obtained in Penang, Kota Bharu, and in Kuala Lumpur at the Thai consulates or embassy. In Penang 60 day tourist visas cost generally RM110. Bring 2 photographs. A copy of passport main page is required. It is possible to copy it in a high school library nearby. To get there: take Bus 1 from Komtar (RM1) down Jl Burma. After 10 minutes get off at the crossing with Jl Cantonment, turn left and walk down Jl Cantonment for 10 minutes and turn right to the consulate. Open 09:00-12:00 and you will have your tourist visa after 15:30. While waiting it's worth taking a bus ride to Batu Feringgi Beach (RM2). You can also find visa services in Little India and Chinatown for about RM20 (will also be ready after 15:30). Cost: 280 baht/RM30 one-way to Georgetown (via minibus) and usually lets you off in Little India. There are return buses as late as 16:00.