Hat Yai is a city located in Songkhla Province, Thailand. It is situated about 30 kilometers from the Malaysia land border crossings in Sadao and Padang Besar.
Land travel access to Hat Yai can be reached via the Asian Highway AH2, which stretches from the Malaysian border all the way to Bangkok.
In addition to the highway route, railway lines from Malaysia also run toward the city of Hat Yai.Its close proximity to Malaysia makes Hat Yai a strategic location in southern Thailand.
Here are three interesting facts about Hat Yai.
The Largest City in Songkhla Province
Hat Yai is the largest city in Songkhla Province in terms of land area. Its municipal area spans 21 square kilometers. Hat Yai's land area surpasses that of the provincial capital, Mueang Songkhla, which covers an area of 7.5 square kilometers.
Aside from being the largest city at the provincial level in Songkhla, Hat Yai is also recorded as the fifth-largest city in Thailand. Hat Yai ranks as the fifth-largest city after urban areas such as Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pak Kret, and Chiang Mai.
In terms of population, the municipality of Hat Yai was inhabited by approximately 191,696 people in 2024.
Connected to Malaysia by Rail
In addition to being the largest city in southern Thailand, Hat Yai is directly connected to the Malaysian border via railway.
The railway line is directly connected from Padang Besar Station at the Malaysian border leading to Hat Yai Junction Station, which is located in downtown Hat Yai.
The train journey from Padang Besar Station to Hat Yai Junction takes about 45 minutes. Tickets for the route are sold for 50 Baht.
For the direction from Padang Besar to Hat Yai, there are three departures available daily, at 10:15 AM, 3:40 PM, and 5:00 PM local time.
Besides connecting to the Malaysian border, Hat Yai Junction Station also serves as the main railway junction hub in the southern region.
Hat Yai Junction Station operates branch routes to lower southern Thailand all the way to Sungai Kolok at the eastern border. The railway line from Hat Yai is also connected to the main route heading to the capital, Bangkok.
Hat Yai's Bustling Market Scene
In Hat Yai, there are several shopping areas that serve as the city's trade activity hubs. The market areas are divided into daytime daily shopping centers and night market areas that operate into the night.
Kim Yong Market is one of the main trading centers in Hat Yai. It is located on Suphasarn Rangsan Road. The market sells various culinary items, snacks, vegetables, fruits, clothing products, and souvenirs. Kim Yong Market is open daily from around 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM local time.
Aside from Kim Yong Market, there is Santisuk Market, which is located on Nipatuthit 2 Road. The location of the market is in the urban commercial area close to Hat Yai Junction Station.
At Santisuk Market, the goods traded include clothing products, grocery items, cosmetics, and various household goods. Santisuk Market is open daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM local time.
For nighttime shopping activities, there is a night market known as the ASEAN Night Bazaar, among others. The night market complex is located on Chotevittayakul 4 Road.
The ASEAN Night Bazaar operates every Tuesday through Sunday from 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM local time.
The night market occupies a two-story building; the first floor is occupied by various stalls providing clothing, shoes, and accessories, while the second floor is used as a culinary center area.
