Why Is Hat Yai Famous?

Hat Yai is famous among travellers for its unique blend of Thai, Malay, and Chinese identities. These form a nexus of culture and food tourism that is unmatched in the far south. It also offers a perfect jumping-off point for the surrounding area of historic sites and natural beauty. 

Seeing everything Hat Yai has to offer often requires hiring a taxi by the trip or by the day. Taxi prices can add up quickly, so a car rental in Hat Yai can make a lot of sense for both convenience and cost. 

Drive Car Rental has a location just two kilometres from the Hat Yai airport, and we provide pickup and drop off so you can fly in and drive away. Once your bags are at the hotel, it’s time to go out and see what makes Hat Yai a favourite among both Thais and Malays!

Unique Cultural Identity

Given its status as the largest city near the Thai-Malaysia border, Hat Yai has been an important centre of international commerce for generations. The city has three primary ethnic groups: Thai, Malay, and Chinese. 

Over the centuries, as traders passed between Thailand and Malaysia, many put down roots in Hat Yai and brought their cultural gems with them. Today, the city remains a vital economic hotspot for the entire region. 

Is Hat Yai Safe? Yes! While there is an ongoing conflict in the provinces southeast of Hat Yai–and tourists should stay away from Yala and Narathiwat provinces unless they have a local with them–conflicts in the southern regions rarely involve foreigners, and in Hat Yai, everything is perfectly safe. 

Visitors will find Buddhist, Chinese, Muslim, Hindu, and Sikh places of worship dotted throughout the city. Goods from both Malaysia and Thailand are on display, as the trading has only increased as the years have passed. 

Visit the Kim Yong Market to see a multicultural galaxy of fruits, vegetables, and trinkets from common to rare. Once the cultural sites are out of the way, it’s time to dive into the food for which Hat Yai is famous. 

Diners Delight

Hat Yai is worth visiting for the food alone. Cuisines from all over Southeast Asia can be found in Hat Yai. Try a Malay-Indian curry with some flaky Roti Chennai flatbread! Hat Yai is also famous for its fried chicken, which has made its way to other Thai cities that find it even tastier than their local variety. The secret is the marinade, spices, and a sprinkle of crispy fried shallots on top. 

All of this and more can be found in and around the Asean Night Bazaar, which opens around sunset each evening. After trying all that food, be sure to sleep it off so you can go out and see the countryside in the following days!

Natural Sights

Getting out of town in a rental is a great way to see the area around Hat Yai. Several national parks and protected areas are within a few hour’s drive and offer stunning landscapes. 

The closest gem is Songkhla Lake, a lagoon formed by seawater and river runoff that empties into the Gulf of Thailand at low tide. At the northern end of the lake is Thale Noi Bird Watching Park, a wetland area filled with stunning water lilies and numerous bird species.

See the World

To really see all that southern Thailand has to offer, a rental car is the most cost-effective option. Drive Car Rental has a wide selection of vehicles, including electric cars. Monthly and annual rental rates are available for expats and long-stay business travellers who need to get around. 

At Drive Car Rental, we also provide chauffeur services for visitors who prefer to watch the world go by while a professional takes the wheel. With the busy season just around the corner, book your rental or chauffeur service soon to get the best rates and the perfect car for your journey!