Hat Yai

[STEALTH K3]

Is Hat Yai worth a visit what does it have to offer been to Hua Hin and Pattaya before.

[bkkmadness]

I love Hat Yai, one of my fave places in Thailand, but I know alot of people disagree with that.

Its not got much to offer really for many people, no beaches, not many girly bars for farang there, more karaoke lounge places, foods not great either so I expect a lot of farang don't like it for those reasons.

I like it because I like the adventure of going out on one of those long night benders where you just dont know where you will end up, and Hat Yai always works out perfect for that, the live music bars, thai bars, and seedy little joints are perfect for one of those adventurous lone night drinking wanders and many a time I have just gone from bar to bar around the place and always, I repeat ALWAYS have had a great night there.

Being so close to the border there is a lot of trade and mix of people there and thats a nice feeling, its almost a little different from many parts of Thailand but definately not for everyones tastes, though maybe I'll be surprised here and a few people will agree with me.

[The Dude]

Hat Yai is better than Penang for sure

[Tornado]

Hat Yai has the best food (all foods from all asian countries) and the best shopping in my opinion. If you have never been there you will be surprised how big it is.

Good Hotels are also cheap and well located to everything.

[baht&sold]

Decent beaches in Songkhla as well (Samila Beach and Son Onn Beach) just a few clicks east.

[jackr]

Yeah, despite it being a featureless metropolis, Hat Yai does have a decent nightlife and you can pick up some good bargains in the markets in the centre of town. The Pub is good for drinks and live band and the Pink Lady is good for... Although both a tad expensive, there are cheaper versions on the same theme. As already said, head to Songkhla for the beaches - 14 baht green bus, 18 baht minivan or 150-200 baht for taxi. Royal Crown Hotel or Pavilion Hotel for location in Songkhla, BP Samila for quality, 'Dark Side' on Sadao Road for bars.

[Patong Bob]

Kings Hotel (near Railway station) is excellent value at 400B per night and the "coffee shop" there is full of girls. Hat Yai is cheaper than Phuket or Bangkok and most prices are marked, i.e. no haggling. I like the place.

[lopburi3]

Kings Hotel (near Railway station) is excellent value at 400B per night and the "coffee shop" there is full of girls.  Hat Yai is cheaper than Phuket or Bangkok and most prices are marked, i.e. no haggling.  I like the place.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I hardly consider Kings Hotel (although cheap) a value, when much better hotels can be had for only 6 or 700 baht.

[mnoorsapl]

If you have never been there you will be surprised how big it is.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hat Yai will be the 2nd largest City in Thailand.

[fox]

Hatyai is famous for its night life and the sex related industry.

Good food and good shopping and happy sight seeing for family visitors.

It is a very popular holiday attraction/destination for Malaysian and Singaporean tourists.

Given any day, thousands of Malaysian and Singaporean visitors would cross over the

Bukit Kayu Hitam, Malaysia/Danok, Thailand border over to Hatyai.

During week-ends and public holidays, all the hotels would be fully booked.

Some drive in, some by tour buses, bus, motorcycles, van and some just walk in.

For me, it would just take me about a five hours drive from my Malaysian home.

But today, because of the Muslim problems in the Southern provinces ( Pattani,

Narathiwat and Yala ) ......... the amount of visitors are 70% down.

Hatyai, in the province of Songkhla, is very near the three muslim majority provinces.

These three Southern Provinces (Pattani, Narathiwat and Yala) have more than

90% Thai muslims.

At present, the tourism industry there is very badly hit.

Last month I was there, and I could see that the usual crowd was missing.

We were the only occupants on that hotel floor. Normally it would be full.

The usual thousands of visitors were not there. We could see only a few visitors.

We could feel and see that the crowd is not there any more.

[baht&sold]

Hatyai, in the province of Songkhla, is very near the three muslim majority provinces. These three Southern Provinces (Pattani, Narathiwat and Yala) have more than 90% Thai muslims.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Of which, probably less than .001% are nutters and it should be pointed out Yala and points south where things kick off from time to time, are a considerable distance and another world away. The exception being the odd isolated incident but I'll be dammed if that would keep myself or any rational person away (assuming i'm rational of course)

[lopburi3]

Hatyai, in the province of Songkhla, is very near the three muslim majority provinces. These three Southern Provinces (Pattani, Narathiwat and Yala) have more than 90% Thai muslims.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Of which, probably less than .001% are nutters and it should be pointed out Yala and points south where things kick off from time to time, are a considerable distance and another world away. The exception being the odd isolated incident but I'll be dammed if that would keep myself or any rational person away (assuming i'm rational of course)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Not another world away and Hat Yai has a long history of bombings. As a sin city in a Muslim area it should be considered a prime target and those from Malaysia obviously agree. If you decide to take the chance use caution.

[baht&sold]

Better yet, build a bunker and stay in it Seriously tho, Lop is right in that one should exercise caution anywhere, anytime. Just common sense.

[fox]

You are right, Lop.

A few months ago, three bombs exploded in Hatyai causing some fatal casualties on the same day.

One exploded in the Hatyai International Airport.

The second one exploded in Hatyai's Carrfour.

and the third one exploded in a hotel in Songkhla.

Last year a few Malaysians suffered causalties in Sungai Golok, South Thailand, a border town,

North East of Malaysia. One Malaysian was killed in the blast and a few tourists and locals

were injured. They just happened to be there. Malaysians have been warned not to visit

South Thailand for the present moment.

When we were in Hatyai, we were very cautious and careful when we moved around.

As I have said, the usual crowd is not there anymore. Normally I could see hundreds of

Malaysian cars there. This time I could hardly see more than ten, more or less.

[Captain Haddock]

Was there last week, and twas fine. I noticed the only cinema showing English soundtracked flicks was at Diana shopping centre (and only 1 screen a night) - no more at Lee Gardens Plaza - compared to 18 months ago when both cinemas had plenty of them. Notta lotta touristas anymore.

Went by minivan to border and back no problem. Picked up Wild Turkey at duty free and went home.................

Edited July 4, 2005 by Captain Haddock

[ProfessorFart]

I'll add a shout for Hat Yai here too.

I've spent a fair amount of time there and more than anything its a nice place to biff around in. No hassle, pleasant people, and not too pricey with enough to keep you occupied.

I was with my shopping mad ex last time I was there for any amount of time and we had a very nice time combing the shops and markets for her stuff mixed with some good nights out. Ended up staying for 7 days instead of our planned 3.

[fox]

Yes, Captain.

The English film sound track at Lee Garden Plaza is to cater for Malaysian and Singaporean visitors.

The main reason is that Malaysians and Singaporeans are English speaking nations.

It is a 'Second Language' to both nations.

Therefore, now, with only a few Malaysians and Singaporeans coming........

the English sound track has ' gone with the wind ' , so to speak.

Even the duty free shop at Bukit Kayu Hitam, Malaysia, next to the Thai border is not crowded like before.