by Revati Tamboli Updated on 15 Oct 2018
An essential guide to the very best things to do in and around Hat Yai, Songkhla.
Image: Pixabay.com
Thailand is exotic, so is this place called Hat Yai and Songkhla. People who seek more adventure in their trip to Thailand continue their trip for a bit longer and definitely visit this place. International vacation destinations are many but, Thailand is always among the very few names that make to the top of the list. While many people would consider Thailand to be a luxury trip, the beauty of the place and the serenity offered makes the trip a necessity as well with rich and different cuisine platters to the unconventional landforms and adventure. Interested much? Now before you visit Hat Yai Songkhla, here is a list of best places to visit in Hat Yai Songkhla. This list is the be-all and the end-all because it not only contains the points of interest in Hat Yai Songkhla but also information about the adventures that this place offers and the food that needs to be tasted.
Let's explore these activities and the best things to do in Hat Yai, Songkhla:
1. Visit and know the story of the Golden Mermaid at Songkhla
Image: Golden Mermaid @Songkhla via wikimedia.org
Known as the symbol of Songkhla, this golden mermaid serves as an iconic sight for all the tourists. One can spot this statue in the Samila beach. The year of is making goes back to 1966 and this statue was somewhat a tribute to the royal poet Sunthorn Phu who had composed an epic named Phra Alphai Mani. A story of pure love.
2. Let the trekking trail start with Khao Tang Kuan
Image: Khao Tang Kuan via wikimedia
Folktales are always an integral part of growing up. But, irrespective of that Songkhla has two islands named after its individual legends- mouse island, cat island and the dog island which is also known as the Khao Tang Kuan. Offering a panoramic view of the lake, the Khao Tang Kuan Island has a hiking trail that leads to an ancient Stupa and a pavilion. Further, a lot of monkeys pay visit near the tourists wanting food. All these experiences can be got at once and none of them should be missed out.
3. Go bird watching at Khu Khut Waterfowl Park
Image: Khu Khut Waterfowl Park via Pixabay.com
Calmness is all that one needs, while bird watching. There are more than 300 species of rare birds, some of which can be sighted easily in this wildlife refuge that was established in the year 1976. Wondering what is the best time to be here?- well anytime between the months of December to March is suitable because there would be a complimentary boat service to take the tourists near the avis.
4. Experience fish-farming at Ko Yo Island
Image: Ko Yo Island, Hat Yai (Songkhla) via wikipedia.org
Thailand is known for its seafood platters. So, this island offers the ultimate experience of fishing in their extensive fishing farms and have some freshly prepared meal with the same. The island is connected to the mainland with the largest concrete bridge and boasts of the sweet and delicious jackfruits and specially woven fabrics. Tourist can definitely stop here for a sumptuous meal.;
5. Feel the magic and go click-click at Magic Eye Museum
Image: Magic Eye Museum Hat Yai via Twitter
The ultimate rage of the trip can be felt at the Magic Eye Museum. This place is decorated with 3D pun intended and humorous pictures and paintings. There is a special magic show that can be enjoyed in a pocket-friendly fee and one can go crazy clicking pictures almost everywhere- even in the washrooms.
6. Witness the exclusive architecture of Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol
Image: Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol, Hat Yai via Twitter
Although this place is a bit far away from the main Hat Yai, one should visit this place and witness the extraordinary architecture of this place. The whole structure is made up of stainless steel and sits on the top of the hill. However, the place that surrounds the building is serene and quiet. The night view and the atmosphere is also mesmerising and, thus, makes this place a must visit for the tourists.
7. Namtok Ton Nga Chang - the exclusive waterfall
Image: Namtok Ton Nga Chang Waterfall near Hat Yai
This is a series of waterfalls that are always surrounded by colourful butterflies. Any tourist who would visit here would enjoy the adventure packed journey to reach the several stages of waterfalls. The first of the many waterfalls are easily accessible but as one moves forward, the challenge intensifies and so does the thrill. It is always advisable to keep time in hand while one is summiting the trail.
8. Know the part of History in Wat Hat Yai Nai
Image: Wat Hat Yai Nai via Twitter
The humongous Buddha statue is the show-stealer here. This place is an ancient monastery that has a lot of local significance. The divinity and calmness can be felt instantly as one enters the place. The monks are pretty welcoming as well but the attraction of this place is the highly worked pillars and the abbots.
9. Visit the old Songkhla town because ‘Old is Gold’
Image: Huge ship picture on the streets of Old Songkhla
Both steel and street art was very famous in the region and, thus, this historic section has a lot of steel structure and old-street art done almost on every wall. This can be the perfect place for the tourists if they want to buy souvenirs and experience the local café culture of the place. The reflection of colonial influence is evident in the buildings and the waterfront eateries just complete the package.
10. The Hat Yai Municipal Park cannot be missed out
Image: Standing Buddha on Hat Yai Municipal Park via Twitter
The municipal park is the amusement destination of this place. Local transports such as tuk-tuk and Song Taew are available to reach the place. Entering inside, one is expected to see merry faces all around. The huge statue of laughing Buddha would also add up to the merriment and cable car . There is a lake with fountains and the tourists can hire a paddle-boat to explore the waters that have colourful fishes. This is a typical public park with a great view from the hill-top.
11. Being in Thailand and not being in the Hat Yai Beach is a big no-no
Image: Hat Yai Beach Songkhla via Twitter
The beach is exotic with a number of shacks and open-air eateries to feed oneself from. The beaches are not away from the mainland and, thus, are easily accessible. The place would also suit your budget and tourists can enjoy the sand and the wave with some beer served on-the-house.
12. Experience the Hat Yai nightlife at Rock out at Hat Yai’s live music bars
Image: Hat Yai Nightlife to experience
The nightlife of Thailand cannot be missed out at all. The bustling crowd and the lively pubs with live music is something that every tourist would want to experience. The drinks and the food platter is extensive and the musicians are attractive but what is more attractive is that this part of town has a famous night market and food stalls as a bonus! So, one can end the day with some mango sticky rice which is yummy and some fried giant river prawns.
13. Local seafood is always the best along with some Muay Thai Fights
Image: Muay Thai Fights Hat Yai
Seafood is extensively available in the streets. The street-food culture is enough to engulf a person totally. And the next attraction has to be the Muay Thai fights that are held every now and then in the stadium. So the tourists can grab some spicy street food and head towards the stadium to enjoy the local fight.
14. Soothe the aches with a Thai Spa
Image: Hat Yai Spa via flickr
The concept of Thai Spa is famous all over the world. So, why waste time when we can get some authentic one in the land of its origination. Soothe the aching muscles and feel light at a very pocket-friendly price here. The masseurs are highly trained and professional and they would take a lot of care to release all the muscle clots from the body. So it would be a bad decision if one does not choose to experience it.
15. Shootout at Songkhla sports Shooting Club
Image: Songkhla Shooting Club
Any tourist would get a significantly different experience if they try their hand at shooting in Songkhla sports Shooting Club. It is very seldom that we get the opportunity to gather some skill in this field, so the modified guns and the black human cut-outs would give anyone a sense of ownership and a thrill of real training. The activity is very cheap and the cost for firing 15 bullets is only 890 Bhatt. The price increases and decreases according to the revolver or the rifle that was chosen.
Any tourist visiting these off-beat routes should surely do the above-mentioned things to squeeze the ultimate juice out of their vacation place. The places are exotic, not enthralled with crown and most importantly rich in culture and heritage. So be in Hatyai and experience the unseen and unexplored part of Thailand.
