Hat Yai is the largest city of southern Thailand and the junction where the southern railway line splits towards Malaysia. The Habita says on its location page that Hat Yai is almost 950 km from Bangkok and about 30 km from the Malaysian border, which is why so many visitors come from Malaysia and Singapore for food, massage and shopping. Thai visitors tend to come for the markets and the food, and use the city as a base for Songkhla Old Town or the waterfalls.
This hub gathers what we could check against official and hotel sources on 16 October 2026. If you are choosing a hotel, go straight to where to stay in Hat Yai, or read the Thai version, ที่พักหาดใหญ่. For flights, trains and buses from Bangkok, see our Thai guide Hat Yai to Bangkok.
Getting to Hat Yai
Hat Yai has an international airport, the Hat Yai Junction railway station and its own bus terminal. Nok Air lists several daily flights between Bangkok (Don Mueang) and Hat Yai with a scheduled flight time of about 1 hour 25 minutes, but the schedule table on an airline page can be out of date, so check it before you book. The train and the coach are overnight trips; they are compared in the Hat Yai to Bangkok guide (Thai). For other long-distance options, see getting around Thailand.
| Option | What the sources say | Check yourself |
|---|---|---|
| Flight | Nok Air lists Don Mueang to Hat Yai flights, about 1 hour 25 minutes scheduled | Current schedule, departure airport, baggage fees |
| Train | Hat Yai Junction is in the city centre (background source) | Trains and tickets on the State Railway of Thailand site or D-Ticket |
| Coach | One ticket-seller page gives about 14 to 14.5 hours | Operator, departure times, current fare |
| Car | About 936 to 950 km by a coach seller and The Habita | Rest stops and insurance |
On arrival at Hat Yai Airport, the Airports of Thailand page lists airport vans from the arrivals area, minibuses and car rental on the first floor. Nok Air says the airport is 12 km (20 minutes) from Hat Yai district and 40 km (45 minutes) from Songkhla's Mueang district, while Wikipedia gives about 9 km from downtown. The figures differ by the point measured, so check the time on a map for your day.
The airport page advises arriving at least 2 hours before a flight, and several hotels near the airport can help with a very early departure. See examples in where to stay in Hat Yai.
Markets and food
Markets are the main reason people come. Nok Air describes Kim Yong Market as the biggest souvenir market in Hat Yai, and the Greenway Market as an evening market at the Khlong Rian junction, open Wednesday to Sunday from about 17:00 to 21:00, with clothes, accessories and food. Market days and hours change, so check the latest notice before you go.
Several hotels we checked name these markets as nearby. HOP INN Hat Yai Downtown lists Kimyong Market and Greenway Night Market, and B2 Hat Yai Rat Uthit lists Kimyong Market at 1.3 km. For evening food on foot, stay downtown or on the Kim Yong side and open the exact map pin of your hotel.
Things to do in and near the city
- Hat Yai Municipal Park: shrines, a rope footbridge and viewpoints appear in Commons photographs of the park; Nok Air also mentions a cable car with a 360-degree view. Check opening times before you go.
- Wat Hat Yai Nai: known for its large reclining Buddha, as shown in Wikimedia Commons photographs. Check opening hours with the temple.
- Ton Nga Chang Waterfall: Nok Air says it has seven tiers and lies within the Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary, with visitor facilities.
- Songkhla Old Town: Nok Air names Nakhon Nok, Nakhon Nai and Nang Ngam roads, with Chinese wooden shophouses and Sino-Portuguese style buildings. Laguna Grand says it is 10 minutes from the heritage city.
Nok Air gives 40 km (45 minutes) between the airport and Songkhla's Mueang district, so Songkhla Old Town works as a day trip. If you want to sleep near it, look at the Phawong option in where to stay in Hat Yai.
Where to stay in Hat Yai
The city is spread out, so choose by plan. Our guide splits it into six areas with 14 hotels checked on official sites:
- Downtown (Lee Gardens, Nipat Uthit): Centara, The Habita, The Three, Monkham
- Kim Yong Market and Rat Uthit Road: HOP INN, B2 Rat Uthit, Hatyai Paradise
- Central Festival and Kanchanavanich Road: Z Sleep, Crystal, B2 Premier
- Kho Hong: Richmann, Hatyai Signature
- Airport: The Signature Hotel Airport
- Phawong, towards Songkhla: Laguna Grand
See the comparison table and hotel cards in where to stay in Hat Yai.
Plan the next leg
If you continue north or to the coast, see Surat Thani, Phuket and Krabi, the Thailand hub and the best time to visit Thailand by region. Check the entry requirements and TDAC page if you are arriving from abroad, and the Bangkok hub for most trip starts.
For budgets and safety, see Thailand budget per day and safety, scams and health. Hotel guides for the next stops are Surat Thani, Phuket and Krabi.
Nearby destinations
- Surat Thani gateway to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan
- Phuket the big Andaman island
- Krabi beaches and islands around Phang Nga Bay
- Thailand hub planning pages for the whole country
FAQ
How far is Hat Yai from Bangkok?
The Habita's location page says almost 950 km. A coach ticket seller gives about 936 km. The figures differ by the route measured.
What is the best way to get to Hat Yai?
Flying is fastest. The train and the coach are overnight and save a hotel night. Check the latest schedules with the airline, the State Railway of Thailand or the coach company.
How do I get from Hat Yai Airport to the city?
Airports of Thailand lists airport vans from the arrivals area, minibuses and car rental on the first floor. Nok Air says the airport is 12 km, about 20 minutes, from Hat Yai district. Fares can change, so read the airport's own page.
When is the Greenway night market open?
Nok Air says Wednesday to Sunday from about 17:00 to 21:00 at the Khlong Rian junction. Market days change, so check before you go.
Which area is best for a first visit?
Downtown or the Kim Yong side suits food and markets on foot; Kho Hong suits a pool stay with a car; the airport area suits a very early flight. See the hotel guide for details.
Can I visit Songkhla Old Town from Hat Yai?
Yes. Nok Air gives 40 km (about 45 minutes) from the airport to Songkhla's Mueang district, so a day trip works. Laguna Grand in Phawong is a base nearer the old town.
How close is Hat Yai to the Malaysian border?
The Habita and The Signature Hotel Airport both say about 30 km. Check border entry rules with the immigration authorities before you travel.
Is there halal food at the hotels?
Hatyai Paradise Hotel & Resort describes a halal-certified restaurant on its own site, although its home page does not name the certifying body. Ask the hotel if you need that detail.
Official sources and further reading
Prices, schedules and entry rules change. Figures here are approximate as of 2026; always confirm on the official or operator page before you book. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.