📚 HATYAI FACTS 📚

Here is a deeper look at Hatyai, covering its history, culture, economy, tourism and more. Whether you are planning a holiday to Hatyai, or are just curious, these facts will give you a deeper understanding of the city.

📌 Geography & Location 📌

• Hatyai is located in Songkhla Province, which is in southern Thailand.

• It is the largest city in southern Thailand and the fifth largest in Thailand.

• It is located approximately 946 km from Bangkok and only around 50 km from the Malaysian border.

• Due to its strategic location, it serves as a commercial and transportation hub between Thailand and Malaysia.

📚 History 📚

• Originally a small village called Khok Samet Chun, Hatyai began to grow rapidly with the expansion of the Southern Railway system in the early 20th century.

• The name Hatyai means "Big Beach", although it is not a coastal city. It is named after the nearby area.

📉 Population & Demographics 📈

• The city has a very interesting mix of Thai, Chinese and Malay cultures.

• Hatyai has a population of around 160,000 in the city centre, and over 800,000 in the wider area.

• Spoken languages: Thai, Southern Thai, Malay, Chinese and some English.

💰 Economy 💰

Hatyai's economy is driven by:

• Retail and wholesale trade.

• Tourism.

• Education and health services.

• Cross-border trade with Malaysia and Singapore.

• It is a major shopping destination for Malaysians and Singaporeans, especially for low-cost goods, food and health services.

🚂 Transportation Hub ✈️

• Hatyai International Airport (HDY) is the main airport in southern Thailand.

• Railway lines connect to northern Thailand and also to Malaysia.

• Highways connect Malaysia and other parts of Thailand.

• Express buses and vans to Bangkok, Malaysia, Singapore and also to other cities in Thailand.

📚 Education 📚

• Prince of Songkhla University (PSU) – the oldest and most prestigious university in southern Thailand.

• Hat Yai University.

• Various Private Institutions.

🕌 Religion & Culture 🛕

• Buddhism is the majority religion.

• A large number of Muslims, especially of Malay and Thai descent.

🍚 Food & Cuisine 🍜

• A major foodie destination in southern Thailand!

• Famous for:

• Dim sum (especially for breakfast).

• Southern Thai curries (spicier and coconut-based).

• Muslim cuisine such as chicken biryani, roti, fried chicken with glutinous rice and nasi kerabu.

• Street food, night markets and food courts.

🛍️ Shopping Paradise 🛍️

• Shopping Paradise for Malaysians & Singaporeans:

• Hatyai is very popular among tourists because of its shopping, lively weekend markets and cheaper prices compared to home country.

☀️ Weather ☔

• Dry season is from January to April, which is the hottest month of the year.

• Rainy season is from May to December. Major floods sometimes occur in November or December.

💡 Bonus Facts 💡

• Safety: Generally safe for tourists, although like any city, petty theft can occur.

• Currency: Thai Baht (THB)

• Best Time to Visit: ANYTIME 😀

• Time Zone: Indochina Time (GMT+7) one hour behind Malaysia.

• Electricity: AC is 220 volts, Bring or buy in Thailand a travel adapter.