Thailand Family Holidays
Attractions outside of town
Falls Ton Nga Chang
Translated literally as "Chute of Defense elephant", this cascade is located 24 kilometres west of Hat Yai after the
Tham Khao Rup Chang
Translated literally "Mountain in form of elephant", and near Wat Khao Chang Rup, 10 kilometres market Padang Besar, the three main caves formations of stalactites and stalagmites.
Local Festivals
Festival Sat DuEan Sip
The Festival of the Tenth Lunar Month in September, is an opportunity to commemorate the tradition in the dead ancestors where, for a period of 15 days, offerings of food are made to Buddhist monks.
Hat Yai
This is a modern university town, vibrant and cosmopolitan with many malls, shops and markets. It is clearly a Thai Muslim city, made obvious by the large number of picturesque mosques. This is perhaps one of the more ‘real’ non tourist orientated areas of Thailand which conversely may be why it attracts a lot of tourists and a small number of farangs who now call the city home.
This is a popular stopping off point for bus and train travellers going to and from Malaysia. Many people stop for a night or two to take in this different side of Thai culture.
Getting There
By Bus
Buses, air-conditioned and non air-conditioned leave the South Bus Terminal in Bangkok to Hat Yai daily.
By Train
Several trains leaving the Bangkok main station every day to Hat Yai. Some continue their route to Malaysia to Singapore.
By plane
The Thai Airways has daily flights connecting 75 minutes from Bangkok to Hat Yai.
Hat Yai - Songkhla
Buses green (No. 1871) leave the bus Phetkasem on the street in front of the Place du Theatre Hat Yai (clock tower) every 30 minutes from 6am to 19pm every day. The fare is 22 baht per person.
The complex located near the bridge across Khlong U-Taphao on the road to the airport, is popular with Chinese and Malaysian visitors and hosts a replica of the Buddha Coated 35 metres long and 15 metres high.
The Doves of Chana
They are found in the district of Chana, 40 km's south-east of the city. The doves are very popular among the Muslim villagers. Dove competitions are held each year from January to June, between doves from Chana, and in neighbouring provinces of Trang, Pattani and Narathiwat.
The doves are put in a cage on 8 metre high poles . The judges decide on the song emitted by doves based on the tone, melody and sound. The dove nurseries of Chana welcome visitors. Admission free.
Festival of the Chinese Moon
In September of each year, (or October) Thais of Chinese origin make offerings to the Moon, or Queen of Heaven, in recognition of their past and future opportunity. The festivities include traditional lion and dragon dances , torchlight processions, contests, shows and folk entertainment.
Shopping
Hat Yai provides opportunities to pick up a bargain of Thai handicrafts, clothing, fruit, preserved Thai seafood, textiles and other foodstuffs imported from South East Asia and
