Hat Yai isn’t just a bustling city full of life, it’s your perfect starting point for discovering the hidden gems of Southern Thailand.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, a cultural deep dive, or simply a peaceful escape into nature, the nearby areas offer countless opportunities to relax, explore, and immerse yourself in the local way of life.
Here’s your ultimate guide to some of the best weekend getaways and day trips, all within easy reach of Hat Yai.
Songkhla: A cultural and natural gem of Southern Thailand
A short journey from Hat Yai, Songkhla is a delightful mix of history, culture, and nature.
From golden beaches to centuries-old temples, every traveler will find something to love here.
We’ve rounded up 32 remarkable attractions, categorized to suit your every mood and interest. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
1. Natural attractions
– Ko Yo: A scenic island on Songkhla Lake, featuring rolling hills and a community of around 4,000 residents, mostly of Chinese descent.
The island is renowned for its Ko Yo woven fabric with the intricate Ratchawat pattern, a design named by King Rama VII.
Visitors can experience traditional life, witness fish farming, and see the unique three-water fish cages used to raise sea bass, which is celebrated for its tender, fresh taste—one of the best in Thailand.
– Liwong (Switzerland of Chana): a serene, picturesque valley with rich red soil. Surrounded by nature, it’s perfect for camping, hiking, or simply relaxing while taking in the stunning views, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Liwong’s tranquil atmosphere makes it a popular escape for nature lovers.
– Khao Khuha Mountain: This mountain offers a unique landscape of oddly shaped mountains, once altered by quarrying activities.
The result is a striking panoramic view, surrounded by pine trees.
The area is known for its morning mist, creating a magical scene for visitors, and providing a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts.
– Tangkuan Hill: Offering panoramic views of Songkhla city from its peak, where you’ll find the Phra That Kudi Mueang Songkhla Pagoda, originally built during the Nakhon Si Thammarat era.
The hill also features a lighthouse and the Red Vihara Hall. Every October, the pagoda hosts a cloth-wrapping ceremony, coinciding with local religious festivals.
– Samila Beach: One of Songkhla’s most iconic destinations, known for its soft white sand and shady pine trees.
The Golden Mermaid Statue, a symbol of the city, stands on the beach, offering stunning views of nearby islands.
The beach is ideal for water sports like banana boating and jet skiing, with lifeguards ensuring safety for visitors.
– Chalathat Beach: Extending from Samila Beach, Chalathat Beach is known for its long stretch of clean white sand, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
With a line of pine trees providing shade, it’s a peaceful place to enjoy a morning sunrise or take a leisurely walk along the shore.
– Bor It Beach (Le Bo It): Known for its white sands and 13 breakwaters, creates picturesque views resembling a hammerhead shark when viewed from a distance.
The beach is a hidden gem for seafood lovers, with fresh catches sold right on the shore. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxing day by the sea.
– Kao Seng Beach: Known for its small bays and large rocky outcrops, offers a traditional glimpse into local fishing life.
The beach’s highlight is the rock “Hua Nai Raeng,” where locals tie colorful cloths, believing it to be the resting place of a protective spirit.
From here, visitors can gaze out to Noo and Maew Islands.
– Sakom Beach: A peaceful beach in Thepha District, known for its tranquility and the traditional lifestyle of the local fishing community.
Ideal for relaxation away from the crowds.
– Songkhla Lake: A vast lake offering scenic boat rides and views of local fish farming communities.
2. Historical and cultural sites
– Songkhla Old Town: With over 200 years of history, is famed for its preserved architecture and vibrant street art.
Visitors can stroll along Nakhon Nok, Nakhon Nai, and Nang Ngam roads, admiring the Chinese-style wooden shophouses and Sino-Portuguese buildings.
The town is a blend of history and modern street culture, offering photo opportunities at every turn.
– Wat Khao Rup Chang: A temple features a magnificent marble stupa, modeled after India’s Mahabodhi Temple, built by Phra Mongkol Yan Khun, a Singaporean monk.
Inside the temple, visitors can explore sacred caves with Buddha statues, admire a large Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva figure, and take in the beauty of natural stalactites and stalagmites.
– Wat Pha Kho: The oldest temple in Songkhla, sits atop Phatthasin Hill, which once served as the administrative hub for the Songkhla Lake Basin.
This temple is closely tied to the legend of Luang Pu Thuat, who supposedly made seawater fresh with his footstep.
It’s a site of historical and spiritual significance in the region.
– Wat Phra Non Laem Pho: This temple is home to the largest reclining Buddha statue in Thailand, easily visible from afar.
The temple’s location near Tinsulanonda Bridge makes it a must-see attraction for visitors passing by. The intricately designed soles of the Buddha’s feet showcase traditional Thai artistry.
– Wat Matchimawat (Wat Klang): The largest and most significant temple in Songkhla, dating back 400 years.
The temple combines Thai-Chinese architecture, houses mural paintings, and the Patarasilp Museum.
It also houses ancient artifacts, Chinese-European style gate arches, and beautifully preserved murals, including one of Songkhla’s port.
– Wat Thai Yo: An ancient temple with over 200 years of history.
The temple is famous for its traditional Thai monk quarters, a Lanna-style pagoda, and conservation-worthy ancient structures.
– Wat Khao Kao Saen (Khao Kao Seng): A small rocky hill by the sea, housing a sanctuary and a large Buddha statue.
The temple also features a Lankan-style pagoda.
– Songkhla City Pillar Shrine: An ancient site with a Chinese-style pavilion from the Rattanakosin era.
It houses a sacred city pillar made of Chaiyaphruek wood, bestowed by King Rama IX.
A historically significant spot in Songkhla.
– Song Thale Park: This public park, located between Songkhla Lake and the Gulf of Thailand, features a water-spewing Naga sculpture and offers a stunning view of the surroundings.
– Tinsulanonda Bridge (Tin Bridge or Pa Prem’s Bridge): The longest bridge over a lake in Thailand, connecting Ko Yo Island to the mainland.
The bridge is a significant tourist attraction, providing scenic views and quicker travel across the lake.
– Krom Luang Chumphon Monument: A landmark in Songkhla commemorating the “Father of the Thai Navy,” Prince of Chumphon.
A notable historical and cultural site.
3. Museums and learning centers
– Songkhla National Museum: Housed in a century-old building, Songkhla National Museum blends Chinese and Western architectural styles and is painted in striking red and white.
Inside, visitors can view cultural artifacts, including ancient doors, traditional artworks, and archaeological finds from significant sites like Ban Chiang and Kanchanaburi.
– Songkhla Phathammarong Museum (Tinsulanonda Family House): A historical site displaying the belongings and history of General Prem Tinsulanonda’s family.
The stilted wooden house is a fascinating glimpse into Songkhla’s past.
– Nakhon Nai Museum: A beautifully preserved historical house-turned-museum in the center of Songkhla.
Known for its well-organized displays and knowledgeable guides, offering a memorable experience for visitors.
– Folklore Museum, The Institute for Southern Thai Studies: Located on Ko Yo Island, the museum focuses on southern Thai arts and culture, with a viewpoint offering panoramic views of Songkhla Lake and the Tinsulanonda Bridge.
– Hub Ho Hin (Red Rice Mill): A former rice mill transformed into a community learning center.
It also serves as an ice factory, pier, and rubber storage, preserving Songkhla’s industrial history.
– Ban Rum Daeng: A learning center showcasing the relationship between sugar palm trees, rice fields, and bamboo.
Visitors can learn about local wisdom and traditional practices.
– Lung Wee Garden: Located on Ko Yo, Lung Wee Garden is an agricultural site famous for its cultivation of “Champada Jackfruit.”
Known for its sweet taste and fragrant aroma, this local fruit is gaining popularity and becoming a hallmark of Ko Yo.
Visitors to the garden can experience the serene environment while learning about this unique fruit that draws tourists to the area.
4. Family-friendly attractions
– Songkhla Zoo: Southern Thailand’s first zoo, is set on a hill overlooking Songkhla Lake.
It houses a wide range of animals, both local and international, making it an ideal spot for families.
The zoo also focuses on wildlife conservation and serves as a tranquil retreat for animal lovers.
– Songkhla Aquarium
A popular destination for families, featuring a fish tunnel, ecosystem displays, and daily feeding shows of aquatic animals. Other fun activities like go-karting and ATV rides are also available.
– Songkhla Regional Observatory: A must-visit for astronomy enthusiasts, offering a planetarium show and the chance to use telescopes for stargazing.
5. Markets and shopping
– Khlong Daen Market: A small tourist village connecting Nakhon Si Thammarat and Songkhla provinces.
Known for its quiet, natural environment, making it perfect for relaxation, especially lively on Saturdays.
– Songkhla Walking Street: A bustling market near the Clock Tower, open on Friday and Saturday nights.
A great spot for food, clothing, souvenirs, and lively street experiences.
A warm invitation
We warmly welcome you to embrace the charm, culture, and hospitality that Hat Yai and its neighboring areas offer.
As you embark on your journey of teaching and exploring, these destinations will be your haven for recharging, relaxing, and discovering.
Whether you’re strolling along a quiet beach, marveling at historical wonders, or taking in breathtaking views from a hilltop, every trip you take will enrich your experience and offer stories you’ll cherish forever.
So, pack your bags, bring your curiosity, and let the adventure begin! We can’t wait to see the amazing memories you’ll create as you thrive in Hat Yai.
