Hat Yai offers a variety of starting points: Kim Yong Market in the central business district, Wat Koksamankhun and several cultural and scientific attractions in Hat Yai Municipal Park. The park is outside the city centre. This lets you explore the city through different themes: markets and goods, religious sites, art or science.
Market Life in the Centre
Kim Yong Market is in Hat Yai’s central business district and is highlighted by the city administration as a visitor attraction. Its range of goods includes imported nuts, as well as fresh and dried fruit. Roasted chestnuts are also associated with the market. Alongside city life, food is a specific point of interest here. For travellers who enjoy including markets and their goods in their explorations of a city, Kim Yong Market is a destination in its own right.
Temples and Monuments in Hat Yai Municipal Park
Hat Yai Municipal Park features several distinct attractions. One monument depicts King Chulalongkorn seated on a throne. Thao Mahaprom is located on Chum Sak Hill in the park. On Khao Kho Hong stands Phra Phuttha Mongkhon Maharatch, a standing Buddha statue in the gesture of blessing. It is considered the largest Buddha statue in this posture in southern Thailand. The monument, the site on the hill and the Buddha figure represent clearly distinct religious and historical themes.
Wat Koksamankhun is an old temple in Hat Yai and a third-class royal monastery in the “ordinary” category. It was established almost 100 years ago. Its age and monastic classification offer a different perspective on the city’s history than the images and monuments in the park.
Wat Mahattamangkhalaram, also known as Wat Hat Yai Nai, is another religious site in the city. The temple is behind Hat Yai Nai Market, by the U-Tapao Canal, and is shaded and peaceful. Buddhist devotees visit to make religious merit. Here, the focus is on religious practice, rather than market goods or imagery.
Art and Science
Hat Yai Astronomy Science Learning Centre is located in Hat Yai Municipal Park and includes an exhibition hall, a film screening room and an observatory dome. If you plan to visit, check the centre’s current accessibility in advance. Hat Yai Art Gallery is also in the park; it is also advisable to check its current accessibility before visiting.
The HATYAI STREET ART attractions depict the city from two perspectives. HATYAI IN THE PAST shows Hat Yai as it looked in the past. THE TRAIN OF GLORY depicts an old steam locomotive with steam rising at Hat Yai Junction railway station. If you include these photo spots in your plans, check their current availability in advance.
Hotels in Hat Yai to Suit Your Travel Priorities
If you’re looking for a hotel in Hat Yai, you can start by considering which themes you want to shape your stay. Kim Yong Market represents the central business district and market products; Hat Yai Municipal Park is outside the city centre and brings together several religious, artistic and scientific points of interest. Then compare suitable hotels using the details provided for each accommodation.
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