Life is short and time is precious, so why not make the most of it? If you’re craving a quick escape, you’re not alone. Instead of the usual Bangkok trip, explore our action-packed weekend itinerary to Hat Yai, a hidden gem in southern Thailand. Just 1 hour 35 minutes by flight from Singapore, Hat Yai offers exciting activities for hipsters, foodies, and adventure seekers alike. From affordable shopping and cosy cafés to vibrant night markets and local eats, this underrated destination has it all. Read on to discover why Hat Yai should be your next weekend getaway.
Note: This recommended itinerary assumes the travellers catch an early morning flight. Do note that flight timings fluctuate according to airline availability.
Day 1 Morning arrival to Hat Yai
[7.30am – 9.30am] Breakfast at Kim Yong Market
Good morning, troopers! Start your day with breakfast at Kim Yong Market, a 30-minute drive from Hat Yai airport. Known as the ‘Small Market’, it offers local food, dried goods, appliances, and more across three floors.
Try affordable local delights like grilled banana with coconut milk, coconut waffles, and curry noodles!
Address: Supasarnrangsan Road, Hatyai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Operation Hours: 6am to 6pm
[10.30am – 12pm] Escape the city hustle at Ko Yo Island
Just 30 minutes from Hat Yai city, Ko Yo Island is a fishing village connected by Thailand’s longest concrete bridge across Songkhla Lake. So, what can you do on a fishing island? Start by visiting the Southern Folklore Museum, where you can dive into local culture and history. You’ll find ancient artefacts, including 4,000-year-old beadwork and 1,000-year-old ceramics, perfect for history lovers and culture seekers alike.
Don’t miss Wat Laem Pho, a lakeside temple that was established more than 200 years ago. Here, you will find a 20-metre-long reclining Buddha statue, reputed to be the largest in Thailand.
Address: Ko Yo, Mueang Songkhla District, Songkhla 90100, Thailand
Operation Hours: 7am to 5.30pm
[12pm – 2pm] Lunch at a waterfront restaurant
A trip to Ko Yo Island will not be completed without a seafood feast! While you are here, enjoy lunch at one of the various waterfront restaurants such as Khun Jit Sea View. If spice is your thing, go for the spicy catfish!
Address: 68 Moo 3 Songkla-Ranod Road, Koh Yo, Songkhla 90100
Operation Hours: 10am to 10pm
[2.30pm – 5.30pm] Shopping, massage and coffee time!
After lunch, head back to the city and proceed for your hotel check-in. Take a nap if you like or hit the various shopping malls around town. You may also want to pamper yourself at one of the city’s many massage parlours.
The main shopping area in Hat Yai is around the Niphat Uthit 1, 2 and 3 Roads area. Check out Central Festival Hatyai too, which is one the biggest malls in the city. Prices are said to be relatively cheaper than Bangkok’s, and that includes taxi prices!
Chill at one of Hat Yai’s hipster cafés
If you’re looking for the best cafés in Hat Yai to relax and recharge, the city’s growing selection of hipster coffee spots won’t disappoint. These trendy cafés are perfect for brunch, great coffee, and your next Instagram story. Here are a few popular Hat Yai cafés to check out:
- Foresto Café – A hidden gem surrounded by greenery, offering a peaceful atmosphere and quality brews.
- Samo Coffee Bar – A stylish greenhouse café famous for its Japanese-inspired cheesecake and strong coffee game.
- Baker Bro – A Scandinavian-inspired bakery café with flaky pastries and a cosy minimalist vibe.
Explore more top-rated cafés in Hat Yai on Tripadvisor’s curated list to plan the perfect café-hopping experience.
[6pm – 9pm] Relive childhood fun at Hat Yai Wonders Land
Looking for a bit of fun? Head to Hat Yai Wonders Land, a local amusement park featuring classic rides like roller coasters, a 4D theatre, water-play areas, and a carousel. It’s perfect for families or the young at heart.
The park also comes alive during festive periods like Songkran and Christmas, with colourful decorations and seasonal events that add to the excitement. Whether you’re travelling with kids or just want to relive your childhood, it’s a great spot to spend a relaxed evening outdoors.
Turn in early tonight to get a fresh start on the morrow. Otherwise, there are night markets and bars that you can check out.
Day 2 Hat Yai
[9am – 11am] Morning hike at Ton Nga Chang Waterfalls
If you enjoy the company of nature, have your go at hiking up Hat Yai’s most iconic waterfalls – Ton Nga Chang. This amazing landmark offers quite the sight and is a visionary treat, especially in how the water flows out, said to resemble an elephant’s tusks.
#TiqOurWord Be cautioned, the hike can be tough for some, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions. Plan enough breaks. Did you know that Tiq covers pre-existing conditions and lets you customise your plan with travel insurance add-ons? Protect yourself with our travel insurance and get the most from your purchase!
[11.30am – 2pm] Enjoy a sumptuous lunch at one of the city’s popular restaurants
From market stalls to well-established eating houses and trendy restaurants, Hat Yai offers a wide range of affordable food. Tuck in to a sumptuous lunch at one of the city’s popular restaurants. According to various food bloggers, Kan Eng Restaurant serves delicious Chinese-Thai food that’s affordable. Although the restaurant is often crowded, service is quick .
Some dishes to try include the signature deep fried sand fish, salted veggie intestine soup, braised pork trotters and steamed crab cakes (similar to otah).
Address: 50/3 Kimpradij Road, Hat Yai 90110, Thailand
Opening Hours: 10.30am – 2pm; 5pm – 9.30pm daily
[3pm – 5pm] Visit the Khlong Hae Floating Market in Hat Yai
Available only from Friday to Sunday (timely for a weekend travel from Singapore!), the Khlong Hae Floating Market is definitely smaller than the ones in Bangkok, but it is an authentic local experience for those who have yet to visit a waterside market. Here, you can continue shopping and eating, or simply sit back and relax on one of the big boats that offers canal tours.
Address: Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Opening Hours: 3pm to 9pm
[5pm – 7pm] Discover the Little Mermaid and ride on a horseback at Samila Beach
Samila Beach’s natural beauty and local charm is well-preserved, seen in its long stretches of pristine white sand and breath-taking sculptures of mythical legends that tells of its long history and rich culture. Other than being famous for the Mermaid Statue (we heard it’s bigger than the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen!), one of the unique things to do at Samila Beach is that one can enjoy the lovely sunset on a horseback at just 150 THB, which works out to be only about ~ 6SGD – score!
[7.30pm – 10pm] Indulgences at Greenway Night Market
Greenway Night Market is Hat Yai’s largest lifestyle market, divided into 26 zones that offer something for everyone. First, hipsters will love the vibrant fairy lights and lively music. Meanwhile, shoppers can discover fashionable bargains, and foodies will enjoy local snacks, Instagram-worthy drinks, and a two-storey food market. Plus, you can relax under the stars in the open dining area. If you usually avoid Thai night markets due to heat and crowds, Hat Yai’s cooler nights, averaging 22-25°C, make this market comfortable and inviting to explore.
Day 3 Morning arrival to Singapore
Note: If you fly on Saturday, you only need to take one day off on Monday to enjoy this itinerary. Alternatively, for more time, depart Friday afternoon and return Sunday afternoon.
Accommodation
Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with family, you’ll find affordable and comfortable hotels near Hat Yai city center. For example, top-rated options like The Lantern Hatyai Hotel and Centara Hotel Hat Yai offer great value and convenience.
Before you #TiqOff…
Can’t wait to travel to Hat Yai with all these exciting activities in mind? Before you hit the ‘X’ button on the top right of your browser to book your flight and hotel, don’t miss out on this – your travel insurance!
Tiq Travel Insurance offers COVID-19 add-ons, which covers travellers for pre-departure, during, and post-trip COVID-19 related expenses. Should you be diagnosed with COVID-19 just before your trip, resulting in trip cancellation or postponement, Tiq covers up to $5,000 on non-refundable costs for cancelling or postponing your trip 14 days before your departure date!
Even in the event that you are diagnosed with COVID-19 and are hospitalised back in Singapore for treatment, you will get a lump sum payout of up to $300. Read more on Tiq Travel Insurance here!
Wondering what the travel requirements are for travelling to Thailand? Check them out here!
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Information is accurate as at 3 August 2022. This policy is underwritten by Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (Company Reg. No. 201331905K). Protected up to specified limits by SDIC.
This article was updated on 11 July 2025.
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