Hat Yai Things to Do Tips by travelpug Top 5 Page for this destination

Hatyai Lantern Festival 2007 Festivals Review

I was in Hatyai in November 2007 during Loykrathong festival. The city of Hatyai had a Lantern Festival in the area next to Diana Department Store. It was packed with visitors. There was a performance on the center stage. The lanterns were really colourful. Admission is free and too crowded to my liking. If it was less crowded, it would be an enjoyable walk in the middle of the colourful lanterns. They came in different shapes and colours. Good photo opportunities. However, I am not sure if this is a yearly event. But I hope it is.

Directions: On the empty land next to Diana Department Store

Reclining Buddha Wat Hat Yai Nai Review

This temple house the 3rd largest reclining buddha in Thailand. It is the largest in southern Thailand. To be honest, if you have been to Wat Pho in Bangkok, you might get disappointed here. Wat Hat Yai Nai is a temple without walls. The temple that house the reclining buddha is like a huge pavilion with pillars and traditional thai roof. Nothing much to get excited about.

Address: Phetchakasem Road

LoyKrathong Festival Festivals Review

Loykrathong festival is the event that Thai people make a wish and release beautiful mini (or some large ones!) flower floats, known as 'krathong' to the water. It happens after dark. I have to admit that Thai people really know how to celebrate festivals. You can buy these 'krathong' from the street. You lit a candle and incense in the middle of your krathong and then release it to the water. I visited Loy Krathong festival in Prince of Songkla University.

Please check the actual date as it changes every year. It is sometime in October or November each year. Wat Hat Yai Nai is also another place to celebrate Loy Krathong festival in Hatyai.

Ton Nga Chang Waterfall

This is the most famous waterfall in Hatyai. It is located 26km away from the city. Take highway 43 and go for 13km, turn left at Ban Hu Rae. Then continue for another 13km until you come to the park. It has seven tiers, but it is the 3rd tier that gives its name "Elephant Tusks Waterfall" because the waterfall splits in the middle into 2.

Standing Buddha - Hatyai Municipal Park Buddha Statues Review

This buddha is located on top of the hill in Hatyai Municipal Park. It is about 6km away from the city on Kanchawanit Road. Follow the signs that direct you to Goddess Guan Im (The Goddess of Kindness). You will reach Guam Im statue first. After that, go further up to the hill top to admire this beautiful Buddha image. You will get a nice view of Hatyai city from up here. I heard from the tour office that they charge 350baht per tuk-tuk to come here. I am sure you can get a cheaper tuk-tuk on the street on your own.

Address: Hatyai Municipal Park (Kanchawanit Road)

Directions: Follow the signs that direct you to Goddess Guan Im (The Goddess of Kindness). You will reach Guam Im statue first. After that, go further up to the hill top.