5 Must Visit Places on Your Road Trip in Hat Yai, Thailand

Travel south (or north, if you're traveling from Malaysia) to the city of Hat Yai, a charming destination in Thailand that is comparable to the famous Bangkok. We'd say that this lesser known destination offers just as much to see and do - a shopping haven and a foodie's paradise that is also filled with its fair share of scenic green spaces and unique cultural experiences, what more can we ask for?

Whether you're hoping to explore the city's shopping centers and night markets, or thinking of paying the idyllic parks and temples here a visit, Hat Yai is best discovered on a road trip. Driving a car here is the most convenient way of moving around, and if you're planning to do so on your trip here, let's help you out! Keep reading to discover must-visit spots in Hat Yai, as well as a guide on booking car rentals in Thailand.

It isn't a road trip if you haven't gotten your car sorted out. Renting a car in Thailand is actually really simple and you can even book directly on Klook! All you have to do is input the dates you plan on driving, select a car and input your driver information. You can check out our car rental booking guide on Klook for more details, as well as how to get your international driver’s license if you don’t have one yet.

Plan your road trip in Hat Yai by adding these must-visit spots and fun activities located in the Thai province into your list of stops:

Have you truly shopped in Thailand if you haven't visited a local market? Known for its bustling atmosphere and wide range of goods, the Kim Yong Market in Hat Yai is the go-to pick for most locals and tourists, and is where you can enjoy the quintessential Thai market experience. Divided into several sections, take your time to explore each one of the areas as they specialize in different goods, such as food and clothing.

Put your bargaining skills to the test to get the best deals from the vendors here. It's the perfect place to find local products such as traditional Thai sweets, fabrics, herbs and spices, souvenirs, ware, handmade soaps, fresh produce, and the best one of all, Thai street food. The market is also known for its selection of halal food, making it a great spot for Muslim travelers to find a variety of tasty options!

Located in the heart of the city, the beautiful Hat Yai Municipal Park stretches across 200 acres on a hilltop, offering breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains. Home to an abundance of lush greenery and beautiful botanical gardens, it is the perfect spot for those of you who love nature. Go on a leisurely stroll, or try out any of the fun activities here, such as paddle boating, cycling, or hiking up trails that lead to scenic viewpoints.

Standing at an impressive height of 20 meters, the highlight of the park is the Standing Buddha statue that has become a landmark of Hat Yai, and can even be seen from many parts of the city. At the park, you can also take a cable car that brings you up to the top of the hill, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Hat Yai.

Marvel at one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in Thailand at Wat Hat Yai Nai, a stunning temple in Hat Yai. The impressive golden statue is 35 meters long and truly a sight to behold! The temple also houses several other statues, including a 3-headed elephant, a standing Buddha, and several other Buddha images.

In fact, the temple itself is a work of art. Wat Hat Yai Nai has no walls, but features a massive traditional Thai roof and elaborate architecture. On the inside, you'll be greeted with a beautifully decorated main hall with intricate carvings and murals. The temple is considered to be a sacred site, so do come dressed appropriately!

The popular Khlong Hae Floating Market is another must-visit market in Hat Yai, except that you'll have to do your shopping along a canal. Vendors here sell a variety of food, drinks, souvenirs, clothing, and other goods from their boats, making it a pretty unique experience for all tourists.

Take your time to browse through the goods being sold. We personally recommend sampling all of the local dishes available here such as Thai street food, noodles, fresh fruits and seafood. The best part is the lively atmosphere created at the market with music and entertainment, making it a truly great place to soak up the local culture and flavors of southern Thailand.

Reconnect with nature at the Tong Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area that is home to a lush forest, rugged mountains and diverse wildlife. Go on one of the numerous trekking trails here and try your luck to spot as many animals as you can, including elephants, tigers, gibbons, hornbills and more.

The sanctuary also boasts a stunning nature landscape of verdant jungle and majestic waterfalls, including the stunning multi-tiered Ton Nga Chang Waterfall, which is one of the main highlights here. Aside from taking a dip in the cool water or enjoying a picnic by the falls, there are also other fun activities you can do within the sanctuary, such as bamboo rafting, bird watching, or camping.

Planning to join in the splashing fun of Songkran at Hat Yai this year? From epic water fights and lively parties, to temple visits and street parades, this annual event celebrated in Thailand is a one-of-a-kind experience that you won't want to miss out on. We hope you're as excited as we are, because we're throwing in an additional 10% discount off all Thailand activities! Get your water pistols ready and hit the road! 🔫 🚗