Hat Yai is safe for tourists, business travellers, and locals alike. Any danger is almost entirely contained to Yala and Narathiwat provinces far to the southeast of Hat Yai.
Once you arrive, hiring a car in Hat Yai is the most economical way to get around. Drive Car Rental’s location is just two kilometres from the Hat Yai Airport, and pickup and drop-off services are available right from the airport itself. With keys in hand, it’s time to see what Hat Yai has to offer and see why it’s just as safe as the rest of Thailand!
Safety and Security in Hat Yai
Thailand is the world’s number one tourist destination. A primary reason for this is how safe travellers feel here. Hat Yai, located in Songkhla province, is no exception. Concerns seen on the news and travel advisories are solely related to provinces located to the southeast.
The far southern provinces of Yala and Narathiwat to the southeast of Hat Yai have been in conflict with the Thai government for generations. While there is occasional violence in these regions, it does not spill outside of these provinces. Thai security forces tightly control access to these provinces, and anyone going in or out must go through checkpoints with heavy security. As a result, Hat Yai stays insulated from any of the troubles further south.
Furthermore, as a popular tourist destination, the police view Hat Yai’s security as a top priority, so visitors can feel entirely at ease here. If you wish to visit Yala or Narathiwat provinces, you should consult with a travel agency specialising in tours to this area.
Why See Hat Yai?
Hat Yai is famous for several reasons, but especially for its cultural diversity. Because of its close proximity to the Malaysian border, Hat Yai and nearby Songkhla have served as trade hubs between the two nations since time immemorial.
As natives of both countries have crossed the border, many have put down roots. This gives Hat Yai a strong Malay and Chinese influence on everything from temple design to food.
Hat Yai is the culinary capital of the far south. People fly in from all over Thailand to eat its Hat Yai fried chicken, Malaysian noodles, and exceptional Chinese food.
Visitors to Hat Yai often remark that it is so diverse it’s difficult to tell who is a local and who isn’t. This gives Hat Yai a welcoming atmosphere and provides opportunities to experience cultures that you won’t find in the rest of Thailand. Once you’ve had your fill of great food, it’s time to explore what else Hat Yai has to offer.
Around Town
Those wanting a great view of the city should head to Hat Yai Municipal Park, which covers Kho Hong Mountain on the northeast edge of the city. Here, daytrippers can see flower gardens, towering Thai and Chinese Buddhist statues, and plenty of nature. The area is large and has several viewpoints with scenic vistas of the city and the countryside.
Hat Yai and the surrounding southern areas grow a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. To see everything available, head to the Khlong Hae Floating Market on the north side of the city. Here, trading is done the old way–from dockside boats that pull in, sell out, and move on.
Vendors are constantly smiling and joking with everyone, which creates a lively atmosphere. In centuries past, floating markets were a vital way to get food to market in the rainy season. Now, the tradition continues year-round to encourage Thais young and old to keep their culture intact.
Catch a Ride Without Breaking the Bank
Public transit is nearly non-existent in Hat Yai, as it is in many provincial capitals. Locals rely on rideshare pickup trucks or taxi services. The cost of a few taxi rides, especially to outer areas, can easily equal the cost of a day’s rental vehicle.
Drive Car Rental is here to provide our customers with a selection of vehicles varying from compact to luxury, from gasoline to electric. We also provide affordable monthly and yearly rentals for long-stay expats and business travellers.
Those who don’t want to drive can also utilise our chauffeur services for the ultimate convenience. Check out our services today so you can see all Hat Yai has to offer!