View Accommodations in Hat Yai, Songkhla
Hat Yai, the southern hub and gateway
Songkhla is one of provinces located near the southern border of Thailand, and also connected to the Malaysian state of Kedah on the other by the Gulf of Thailand. In Songkhla, the province features two unique tourist attractions of interest with two different characteristics including Hat Yai, the busy and modern city, is the centre of business, communication and transportation, and the ancient regional sea port presents the old world atmosphere of Songkhla. The two places are only 28 kilometres apart. Songkhla is the coastal province features the varieties of pleasures, visitors have plenty of things to enjoy including history, beaches, cruising, bird watching, shopping and nightlife, as well as outstanding sports like Thai bullfighting and bird singing contests. In the early 20th century, when the Thai railway system was established, Hat Yai junction was the chosen place as the station for Songkhla, the largest railway station in the south. This is the beginning of prosperity and the rise of Hat Yai into the largest and richest metropolitan area of the south. Hat Yai became the transportation hub of Southern Thailand. Hat Yai Railway Station is the hub of domestic train as well as an international railway station. It handles 28 passenger trains per day, including 26 trains served by State Railway of Thailand and 2 trains served by KTMB of Malaysia. The city’s name may be taken from mahat yai, a large mahat tree, rather than the literal meaning, which is “Big Beach”. The city of Hat Yai has grown rapidly and significantly into business, transportation, communications, education and tourism hub of the south.
Strategically located near the border of Malaysia, is essential in Hat Yai’s development. The city serves as the southern hub of business, communication and transportation as well as a gateway to the prosperous neighbouring countries including Malaysia and Singapore, due to the border checkpoint of Sadao is only 60 kilometres to the south.
City Attractions
Niphat Uthit Road
The city proudly presents the hub of major shopping and entertainment area. Around Niphat Uthit 1, 2, and 3 Roads serve as the commercial centre. Shopping opportunities feature all the way from fresh produce to electrical appliances, and consumer products are very well represented. Attractions boast Lido Shopping Centre, Odeon Shopping Centre, Sanehanuson, Hat Yai Plaza and Si Kimyong Market.
Wat Hat Yai Nai
Located on Phetchakasem Road, next to Saphan Khlong U-Taphao, is the site of a large reclining Buddha measuring 35 metres long, 15 metres tall and 10 metres wide. Named Phra Phuttha Hattha Mongkhon, it is believed to be the third largest reclining Buddha in the world.
Hat Yai Municipal Park
Located on Kanchawanit Road, 6 kilometres from the central city, there is a Brahman shrine on a hilltop and at the foot of the hill stands a jade statue of Kwan Yin, the Chinese Goddess of Mercy.
Out-Of-City Attractions
Namtok Ton Nga Chang (Elephant Tusk Falls)
Approximately 26 kilometres from the city, this waterfall is located in the Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary. Take Highway 43 for 13 kilometres, then turn left at Ban Hu Rae and continue for 13 kilometres. It is a seven-tiered waterfall; the third tier resembles the elephant’s tusks, as its stream is separated into two substreams in accordance with the waterfall’s name. Its natural feature is suitable for ecotourism, adventurous tourists can take treks.
Namtok Boriphat Forest Park
Approximately 52 kilometres from Songkhla, take Highway 406, then turn off at KM 35, the park is located in Amphoe Rattaphum, It has a small all-season waterfall.
Amphoe Sadao
Sadao district borders Malaysia’s state of Kedah, approximately 60 kilometres south of Hat Yai, and includes the border trading post and railway station of Padang Besar.
Wat Tham Khao Rup Chang
This cave temple is located on the road between Sadao and Padang Besar. This cave temple has several compartments boasting exquisite stalactites and stalagmites. The surroundings are peaceful and shady.
Khao Nam Khang National Park
This park features verdant forest cover and two waterfalls, Ton Dat Fa and Ton Lat Fa. The park is reachable by two routes, it is 26 kilometres from Sadao, or it is 31 kilometres from Na Thawi. Please contact Na Thawi District office for more information on 0 7437 1010.
Khao Nam Khang Historic Tunnel
The tunnel is located in Khao Nam Khang, approximately 4 kilometres from the park office. This tunnel was once known as Piyamit Village 5, run by the Communist insurgents. After almost 40 years of fighting against the Thai government, the Communist Party surrendered and became a Thai Development Participant in 1987. It is the largest and longest man-made tunnel in Thailand; it took two years of construction. It offers three corridors and three levels. The train can accommodate an estimated 200 passengers; it features a conference room, sick bay, radio transmission room, kitchen, firing range and other facilities.
Wat Tham Talot
This cave temple is located at Khao Daeng, approximately 25 kilometres from Saba Yoi. Tham Talot (Talot Cave) features three large compartments with a plaster-covered wooden image of the Buddha, believed to be several hundred years old. The revered temple was built in 1676. It enshrines about a hundred Buddha images in different postures and sizes. At the cave entrance stands a six-metre tall demon figure. The surrounding areas are peaceful and well shaded by trees.
Tham Ru Nok Sak
The cave is located at Khuha, approximately 14 kilometres from the Saba Yoi District Office. This 300 metre-long cave features a stream running through it with exquisite stalagmites and stalactites. The cave is accessible by some hiking and climbing. The surroundings of the cave are verdant.
Spectator Sports
Bullfighting
Bullfighting has been a favourite local sport since ancient Srivijaya times. After the harvest, owners would bring their bulls to fight as an expression of solidarity and festivity. Two bulls fight against each other in a match lasting 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the bulls. Each district has its own bullring, the bullfighting is held monthly on either Saturday or Sunday. Fights usually take place in Hat Yai on the first Saturday of the month at Noen Khum Tong Stadium. On the first Sunday of the month they take place in Amphoe Klonggit, between Hat Yai and Sadoa. For the latest details, please check with the TAT office tel: 0 7424 3747.
Thai Boxing
Thai Boxing is held on Wednesday nights at the Songkhla Navy Base boxing ring (call 0 7431 1451-5) and at Hat Yai boxing ring (call 0 7423 2682).
Bird Singing
The Khao Java bird is the favourite domesticated bird in the south and this popular bird culture is centered in Chana, approximately 40 kilometres from Hat Yai on Highway 408. Bird-singing contests are held annually from January to July. Singing birds are judged by tone, rhythm, volume and duration. The winners receive a high value.
Special Events
Songkran Festival
April 13-15
The Songkran water festival is held on 13 April, marking the tradtional Thai New Year. A big thing in Hat Yai, the festival is held around Niphat Uthit 1, 2 and 3 Roads, from morning till evening. Splashing water on each other is the custom. The Thai Goods and Produce Promotion Fair
This fair is usually held in mid-July when the fruit harvest is at its peak. The fair proudly presents a large collection of the best agricultural products from all southern provinces, for presentation and for sale.
How To Get There
By car
From Bangkok, take Highway 4 to Chumphon, then Highway 41 to Hat Yai.
By bus
Buses from Bangkok take about 13 hours and depart from the Southern Bus Terminal, tel: 0 2435 1199. For information in Hat Yai, Tel. Bo Kho So on 0 7423 2789, 0 7423 2404, Piya Tour on 0 7442 8972, and Thai Doen Rot on 0 7442 9525. From Hat Yai Bus Terminal, there are buses to other provinces in the south. Pho Thong Transportation, tel: 0 7431 1126, provides buses to Songkhla city.
By Rail
Trains depart from Bangkok’s Hualamphong Railway Station and travelling time is about 17 hours. For further information Tel. 0 2220 4334 and Hotline 1690, Hat Yai Railway Station Tel. 0 7424 3705, 0 7423 8005 or visit http://www.railway.co.th
By Air
Thai Airways International operates several daily flights between Bangkok and Hat Yai. For more information, Tel. 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 (Bangkok Office), 0 7424 5851-2 (Hat Yai Office) and Hotline 1566 or visit www.thaiairways.com
Reference: Tourism Authority of Thailand
