Hat Yai

Hat Yai, in Songkhla, is a city of approximately 190,000 inhabitants.

From here it’s about 130 miles (209 kilometers) to the northwest to Krabi and 120 miles (193 kilometers) to the south to Penang, Malaysia.

This area is famous for being a great destination if you love to shop so be sure to get your retail fix while you are here. Snap up a great deal, indulge in a little luxury or just enjoy window shopping. Tesco Lotus and Robinson Department Store are popular with locals and tourist alike for shopping and socializing. Central Department Store and Odean Shopping Mall are other bustling retail zones.

During your stay in Hat Yai, grab your golf bag and check out some of the great local golf courses. Keen golfers will appreciate the well-designed fairways at Koh Hong Golf Club or Tee Off Driving Range. Red Mountain Driving Range and Thong Baan Rai Golf Course are two of the other popular links in the area.

Leave the ordinary behind in Hat Yai when you visit the Songkhla National Museum. Savor the quiet atmosphere, ask the staff about any one-off exhibitions, buy something from the gift shop or just admire the relics of the past.

Lose yourself amid the beautifully recreated fresh and saltwater habitats of the Songkhla Aquarium. Watch colorful clouds of fish glide by and pick up a few tips about marine conservation.

When you are in Hat Yai visit Samila Beach, an idyllic place much loved by the locals. On a fine day, this is the place to come to enjoy the sunshine, enjoy long walks and paddle in the shallows. Take off your shoes and walk along the coast or just enjoy the view.

Tinsulanon Park is among the most popular green havens around the city. It is a peaceful place where families, students, office workers and the elderly gather to enjoy the fresh air and greenery.