Even Khon Kaen is more exciting. Hat Yai also had terrible hotels. Songkha has the Old Town. Nakhon Si Thammarat is more interesting. I was surprised how boring Hat Yai would be. Phattalung was better as well.
There are 4 major long train lines with many places to visit. I don't think each temple is the same at all, neither are the beaches or the food.
Golf is hard to learn above the age of 25.