Hat Yai is the most important transport hub in southern Thailand — every traveler crossing between Malaysia and Thailand\’s islands passes through here. This complete guide covers every connection out of Hat Yai, plus the best hotels for a stopover night.
Arriving in Hat Yai
From Malaysia
The main border crossing is Bukit Kayu Hitam (Malaysia) / Sadao (Thailand) — used by most buses from KL, Penang, and JB. Padang Besar is the train crossing (KTM Komuter to Padang Besar, then SRT to Hat Yai).
🎟 [Travelpayouts 12Go widget: Penang → Hat Yai bus]
🎟 [Travelpayouts 12Go widget: Kuala Lumpur → Hat Yai bus]
By Flight
Hat Yai International Airport (HDY) is served by AirAsia from KL (Senai and KLIA2), Bangkok (DMK), and Singapore. Nok Air and Thai Lion Air fly from Bangkok\’s Don Mueang.
✈️ [Travelpayouts Kiwi widget: Flights to Hat Yai (HDY)]
Onward Connections from Hat Yai
To the Andaman Islands
🎟 [Travelpayouts 12Go widget: Hat Yai → Koh Lipe (Pak Bara)]
🎟 [Travelpayouts 12Go widget: Hat Yai → Trang (for Koh Kradan, Koh Mook)]
🎟 [Travelpayouts 12Go widget: Hat Yai → Krabi (for Koh Lanta, Railay)]
To the Gulf Islands
🎟 [Travelpayouts 12Go widget: Hat Yai → Surat Thani (for Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao)]
To Bangkok
🎟 [Travelpayouts 12Go widget: Hat Yai → Bangkok overnight train or bus]
Where to Stay in Hat Yai
Hat Yai deserves at least one night — it\’s one of Thailand\’s best street food cities. The Kim Yong Market area is the epicentre: covered market by day, outstanding night market by evening. Budget and mid-range hotels cluster near the train station and bus terminal.
Near Hat Yai Train Station
🏨 [Travelpayouts Hotellook/Agoda widget: Hotels near Hat Yai Train Station]
Near Hat Yai Bus Terminal
🏨 [Travelpayouts Hotellook/Agoda widget: Hotels near Hat Yai Bus Terminal]
Near Hat Yai Airport
🏨 [Travelpayouts Hotellook/Agoda widget: Hotels near Hat Yai Airport]
Hat Yai Street Food Guide
Hat Yai\’s food scene is the reason to stay. The city is the capital of Southern Thai-Muslim cuisine — yellow curries, roti with condensed milk, grilled chicken with sticky rice, and the famous Hat Yai fried chicken (kai tod Hat Yai) which has become a franchise across Thailand.
- Kim Yong Market: Covered day market with Muslim Thai food, fresh fruit, and snacks. Excellent breakfast.
- Lee Garden Plaza night market: Outdoor evening market, ~18:00 onwards. Grilled meats, seafood, Thai-Muslim dishes.
- Greenway Night Bazaar: More modern night market on Phetkasem Road — good for browsing and eating.
Related Guides
- Penang to Hat Yai
- Johor Bahru to Hat Yai
- Hat Yai to Koh Lipe
- Hat Yai to Koh Samui
- Malaysia to Thailand: Complete Guide
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