Hat Yai

Hat Yai is the fourth largest city in Thailand with population of about 160,000 and is located in Songkhla Province, South Thailand. The city is 1000 km /600 miles/ away from Bangkok and is very close to the Thai-Malaysian border – just 30 km /18 miles/. Demographically Hat Yai is mostly populated by Islamic and ethnic Chinese citizens. The city of Hat Yai is the largest metropolitan area and business centre in Southern Thailand. The name "Hat Yai" originates from "Ma Hat Yai", meaning giant Ma Hat tree. In the beginning of 20th century Hat Yai was a small provincial village until the southern railway was built there.

Hat Yai is very interesting city providing various of attractions like rich nightlife, nightclubs, different kinds of accommodation, night shopping, bull fighting, some excellent restaurants with Thai, Chinese and Islam cuisine. Another interesting attraction is the Reclining Buddha statue which you can enter. The only disadvantage from tourist point of view is that Hat Yai lacks any historical or cultural sights and is in a way arid for historical tourism. If you become tired of the city you can enjoy bargaining when shopping or in the least resort, go to Malaysia as it is a stone-throw away.