Hatyai is a city known for its lively markets that offer a unique shopping experience. Here is a guide to some of the interesting markets around Hatyai:

A bustling indoor and outdoor market known for its mix of local and imported goods, from snacks to household items.

Atmosphere: Lively, crowded and full of excitement — from the aroma of street food, colorful stalls and the hustle and bustle of haggling.

Hours:  

Day Market: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.

Night Market: operates until 10:00 PM.

Goods:

Snacks:

• Thai chips, biscuits and sweets, at reasonable prices.

• Fresh & Dried Fruits:

• Seasonal Thai fruits (mango, strawberry, lychee) and nuts such as cashews, almonds and chocolate-coated peanuts.

Local Specialties:

• Thai spices, pastes and seasonings.

Non-Food Items:

• Traditional clothing, perfumes, cosmetics, accessories and handicrafts.

Food Highlights

Street Food: noodle soup, glutinous rice fried chicken and grilled seafood.

Visitor Tips

• Best Time: Morning for fresh produce; evening for street food and cooler temperatures.

• Bargaining: Bargaining is common for non-food items.

• Cash Only: Most merchants do not accept cards.

Santisuk Market (ตาดสาสิติกสุก) is one of the famous markets in Hat Yai. Famous for its unique offerings local snacks and lively atmosphere. Located in the heart of the city, it is a must-visit for foodies and those who want to experience authentic Thai market culture.

📍 Location & Getting There

Address: Santisuk Road, Hat Yai. (near the train station).

How to get there:

From Hat Yai city center: 5-10 min by tuk-tuk or Grab.

From Hat Yai Train Station: Just a short walk (~500m).

🕒 Opening Hours

Morning Market: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM (best for fresh seafood & produce).

Night Market: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM (lively street food).

🍽️ Must-Try Food

1. Grilled Seafood – Fresh prawns, squid, and fish.

2. Khanom Jeen (Fermented Rice Noodles) – Served with Southern Thai-style curry.

3. Roti & Sweet Condensed Milk – Crispy, flaky bread with a variety of toppings.

4. Miang Kham – Betel leaf wrap with coconut, peanuts, and sour sauce.

5. Thai Desserts - Glutinous rice with mango, coconut pancakes, and more.

🛍️ What to Buy

✔ Local spices & pastes

✔ Dried fruits & nuts

✔ Cheap clothing & accessories.

✔ Local Handicrafts

💡 Visitor Tips

Best Time to Go: Early evening (around 5-7 PM) for the most lively atmosphere.

Cash Only: Most vendors don’t accept cards.

Bargaining: Not common for food, but you can try non-food items.

Seating: Some stalls have plastic chairs, but most are walking markets.

Why Visit?

Santisuk Market offers an authentic and less touristy experience than the larger Hat Yai night markets. It’s perfect for foodies who want to try authentic Southern Thai street food in a local setting.

Pro Tip: Combine your visit with Kim Yong Market for a full day of shopping😋

Here is a guide to Lee Gardens Night Market in Hat Yai, one of the city’s most vibrant night time destinations for food, shopping and entertainment:

📍 Location & Hours 🕛

Address: In front of Lee Garden Plaza Hotel.

Opening Hours: Friday–Sunday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM (closed Monday–Thursday) .

🌟 Highlights

1. Variety of Street Food:

Seafood: Fresh oysters, giant prawns and grilled squid.

Thai classics: Pad Thai, Kerabu, tom yum soup, mango sticky rice and Thai iced tea.

Snacks: Coconut ice cream and sweet desserts.

2. Shopping & Souvenirs

Clothing, accessories, handicrafts and toys at bargain prices.

3. Entertainment

Live music from local buskers.

🍽️ Must-Try Food

Grilled prawns: Large and often sold by the size.

Oysters: Served fresh with Thai dipping sauce.

Mango Sticky Rice: Sweet sticky rice with coconut milk.

Thai Tea: Creamy and aromatic, perfect for cooling down.

💡 Visitor Tips

Cash Only: Most vendors don't accept cards.

Time: Arrive before 6:00 PM for the liveliest atmosphere.

Why Visit?

Lee Gardens Night Market offers a more comfortable, more relaxed alternative to the larger Hat Yai markets, with street food and a fun local atmosphere.

Here’s a guide to the ASEAN Night Bazaar in Hat Yai, a bustling market that combines shopping, food and local culture:

📍 Location & Hours

Address: 76 Chotevittayakul 3 Rd, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110 .

Opening Hours:

Usually opens around 5:00 PM (exact closing time varies; some stalls operate until midnight).

🛍️ Shopping Highlights

• Affordable clothes, shoes and handbags (new and used).

• Local souvenirs.

• Lower prices than Hat Yai city center markets like Lee Gardens.

🍜 Food & Drink

Thai Street Food:

Must try: Pad Thai, grilled seafood and Thai desserts.

Halal options available.

Food Court: Upstairs offers a variety of Thai dishes and drinks.

🌟Visitor Experience

Atmosphere: Crowded and lively, with live music and a mix of locals/tourists.

Layout:

Ground Floor: Shopping stalls.

Upper Floor: Food vendors and seating area.

Challenges: Can be hot. Wear comfortable shoes.

💡 Tips

Payment: Cash Only

Best Time: Visit early evening to avoid the crowds.

Why Visit?

ASEAN Night Bazaar offers an authentic Thai market experience with great deals and delicious food—perfect for budget travelers and foodies!

Greenway Night Market is the largest and most modern night market in Hat Yai, offering a lively mix of shopping, food and entertainment. Unlike traditional markets, it features a clean and organized layout.

📍 Location & Hours

1406/3 Karnjanavanit Rd, Hat Yai, Thailand 90110

Opening Hours:

• Tuesday-Sunday: 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM (liveliest after 7 PM)

🚗 Getting There

• From City Center: 10 minutes by tuk-tuk or Grab

• From Hat Yai Railway Station: 20 minutes on foot

🛍️ Shopping Highlights

• Fashionable clothes (from 100 THB)

• Handmade jewelry

• Local crafts

• Phone and gadget accessories

• Thai silk scarves

• Souvenirs

🍜 Foodie Paradise

Must-Try Foods:

• Giant grilled prawns

• Hat Yai's famous fried chicken

• Colorful drinks and desserts

• Southern Thai specialties like massaman curry

Unique Offers:

• Live cooking stations

• Halal food section

• Instagram-worthy tea

🎉 Entertainment & Atmosphere

• Live music performances

• Cultural shows occasional

• Photo spots with colorful backdrops

• Family-friendly environment

💡 Visitor Tips

1. Best Time to Visit: 5:00-9:00 PM for peak atmosphere

2. Payment: Most vendors accept cash only

3. Comfort Tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes

• Bring a handheld fan (can get crowded)

• Umbrella during rainy season

4. Bargaining: Light bargaining is acceptable

🌟 Why Visit?

• Greenway offers a more contemporary night market experience than traditional markets like Kim Yong or Santisuk. It is perfect for:

• Foodies who want a variety of options

• Young people looking for trendy items

• For families with its well-organized layout

• Instagrammers with photogenic settings

Khlong Hae Floating Market is Hat Yai's only original floating market, offering a unique blend of water-based commerce and Southern Thai culture. Unlike the tourist-filled floating markets near Bangkok, this market retains a local charm with vendors selling from boats along the canals.

📍 Location & Time

Address:

Khlong Hae Floating Market, 2FWF+PMG, Khlong Hae, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110 (about 10km from the city center)

Operating Hours:

• Friday-Sunday: 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM (peak 4-7 PM)

• Closed: Monday-Thursday

🛶 Unique Features

1. Authentic Floating Experience:

• 30+ wooden boats selling goods directly from the water

• Can walk along the canal-side walkway or sit on the waterside platform

2. Cultural Performances:

• Occasional traditional Thai cultural performances

• Local musicians play Southern Thai folk songs

🍜 Must-Try Food

From the Boat:

• Khanom Jeen

• Sweetened condensed milk bread

• Grilled seafood

Land Vendors:

• Khao Mok Khai

• Southern-style satay

• Coconut ice cream served in a coconut shell

• Thai drinks served in bamboo containers

🛍️ Shopping Highlights

Local Crafts:

• Hand-woven baskets

• Coconut shell products

• Batik fabrics

Souvenirs:

• Floating market-themed items

• Traditional Thai crafts

💡 Visitor Tips

• 1. Best Time to Visit: Arrive before 4:30 PM to avoid the crowds

• 2. Payment: Cash only (small bills recommended)

• 3. Sightseeing:

• Comfortable walking shoes recommended

• Some areas can get muddy after rain

• 4. Cultural Notes:

• Try to speak Thai with vendors

• Ask before taking pictures of people

🚗 Getting There

From Hat Yai Center:

• car (15-20 minutes)

• Tuk Tuk/Grab (15-20 minutes)

• Parking: 20 Baht

Why Visit?

Khlong Hae offers:

• Excellent photo opportunities

• Opportunities to interact with local vendors

• Different shopping experience