Weekend in Hat Yai

A sprawling covered market near the clock tower, packed with stalls selling dried seafood, spices, local snacks, and textiles. Great for people-watching and cheap eats.

Tip: Try the grilled pork skewers (moo ping) from the vendors on the outer lanes—10 baht each and far better than the ones inside. Go before 10 AM for the freshest produce.

A Buddhist temple housing one of the world's largest reclining Buddha statues, 35 metres long and gold-painted. The temple grounds are peaceful and good for a quiet stroll.

Tip: Walk behind the statue to see the smaller shrines and a small pond with turtles. No entry fee, but donations of 20 baht for a candle-and-incense set are common. Avoid midday as the concrete courtyard gets scorching.

The rooftop of this large shopping mall has an open-air garden, a small skate park, and free benches. You get a good view of the city without spending money.

Tip: The food court on the ground floor sells cheap local dishes from 40 baht—bring cash as not all stalls take cards. The rooftop is quieter on weekday afternoons.

A large hilltop park with a golden Buddha statue, cable car, and walking trails. The park offers views over the city and a cooler breeze than the streets below.

Tip: Come late afternoon to avoid the heat and catch sunset from the Buddha platform. The cable car costs about 40 baht one way, but walking up the stairs is free.

A Sunday evening market along the old streets of Songkla town, with street food, live music, and local crafts. The retro shophouses make it feel like a different era.

Tip: Take a songthaew from Hat Yai's market for 20 baht—takes about 40 minutes. The market runs 4 PM to 10 PM. Try the roti sai mai (cotton-candy wrap) from the stall near the Chinese temple.