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*While we’ve taken every precaution to ensure a location is halal, or accommodates halal service requests, please reconfirm with vendors on your dietary or religious restrictions beforehand.
Discover another side of Thailand in the beautiful hills of Hat Yai. This shopping and cultural hub is popular with local Thai and foreigners alike for the huge variety of things to do. Thanks to the bordering proximity of Malaysia, there are a significant number of Thai-Muslim and Thai-Chinese living here. With a harmonious blend of Malay, Thai and Chinese influences congregating in this southern district, Hat Yai is home to a melting pot of Asian flavours that result in some of the most delicious food you’ll have! Getting there is easy – as a transportation hub, you’ve got options be it rail, plane, car or boat. Hat Yai, like the rest of Thailand, is a food haven. While there are tons of options for pork-free meals here, do make sure to check beforehand and request no ‘moo’ !
Kim Yong Market | Photo credit: Tourism Authority of Thailand Song Khla Old Town
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A historic area filled with lovely old buildings and street art, the area is marked by the Old Town Gate which is the only remaining remnant of the original town fortifications. Amid a mix of Thai and Chinese architecture there are quaint alleyways filled with shops, temples and shrines. You’ll find lots of Instagram-worthy street art hiding around the streets of Song Khla Old Town with vibes similar to Georgetown, Penang, and Ipoh.
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Song Khla Central Mosque
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Located just 10 minutes away from the floating market, you can stop by at Thailand’s very own Taj Mahal; the Song Kha Central Mosque to unwind. Take a relaxing walk at the marble pathway while you breathe in the cool air. Due to its striking modern meets classic architecture and its crystal clear pool that glistens during sunset, the place is perfect for taking pictures. So to the Muslim married lovers who are still deciding where to go for their honeymoon, come to Song Khla Central Mosque for your heirloom-worthy pictures!
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Song Khla Zoo
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Roar! Summoning all animal lovers to Song Khla Zoo where you can meet some of Thailand’s fiercest tigers. Fierce as may they be, you are able to feed those overgrown cats at certain times and watch them munching on their lunch. Afraid of tigers? Fear not! Instead, you can visit the zoo’s penguins waddling around adorable. If one day is not enough, then feel free to book the zoo’s shelter for another night — or two, to maximise the nature experience. With extra time, you can also take the chance to play at the waterpark and just relax.
Hat Yai Cable Car | Photo credit: Tourism Authority of Thailand
Kho Hong Mountain View
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Head over to Kho Hong Mountain and catch some of the most breathtaking scenery you’ll ever experience. Whether it’s through the comfort of the 360 degree view from the cable car ride up, or one of the many lookout points, there are unforgettable moments to capture. You’ll find the largest Buddha statue in Southern Thailand here, along with a few temples, several with statues of the revered elephant and Buddhist iconography.
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Khlong Hae Floating Market | Photo credit: Tourism Authority of Thailand
Khlong Hae Floating Market
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A mere 20 minutes from Hat Yai’s city centre, this is the place to go if you’re searching for halal food! Take the bus or tuk-tuk to the market and get ready to brave the crowds if you’re going around evening time. From the beautiful Thai dessert, Lukchup, to refreshing drinks in cute clay cups, there’s plenty to try. Grab a bit of everything, find a spot and enjoy.
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Kai Tod Decha | Photo credit: Tourism Authority of Thailand
Decha Fried Chicken Restaurant
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It’s an institution in its own right. Decha’s served their famous Hat Yai-style fried chicken for almost 50 years and with golden, crunchy skin and juicy meat that will keep you coming back. Hat Yai Fried Chicken is typically accompanied by fried onions, a sweet chilli dip, acar or Malaysian style pickles, and sometimes, a spicier chilli sauce.
- Flavour town! The restaurant is along the road to Hat Yai airport, so if you’re craving for an extra taste, you can easily grab a cheeky tapau (takeaway) on the way.
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Did you know? Hat Yai is just a few hours away from Koh Lipe, which has some of Asia’s most beautiful beaches. Calm, azure waters, and crystal-white sand, are just a quick trip away and you can even go directly from Hat Yai airport!
