Population 361,680Currency Exchange 1 US$ =32.5 Baht (On 1 Jun'08)

Population 361,680Currency Exchange 1 US$ =32.5 Baht (On 1 Jun'08)

Songkhla's liveliest town is a fun, if slightly dodgy, place with a bit of a buzz to it. The main pastime here seems to be eating critters from the sea. There are literally hundreds of restaurants serving great seafood, prepared either in Chinese, Muslim or Thai style, and every street seems to be packed with shops and street stalls. Markets are also plentiful and several large, air-con shopping malls offer a chilly respite from the heat. The nightlife scene buzzes nightly and you can hang out in some cozy pubs or dance the night away before heading off to the surrounding region.

Emergency CallsPolice & Emergency : 191City Police : 074 243 333, 074 231 645Tourist Police : 1155, 074 246 733 International Airport : 074 251 008-12Tourism Authority of Thailand : 074 243 747Lost or stolen credit cards : American Express : 02 273 0022-44 Master Card : 02 299 1990-2 Visa : 02 299 1990-2

Internet Resource http://www.hatyai-today.com

Day Tripping Eating Sleeping Getting Around

Welcome to Hat Yai

Most travelers only visit Hat Yai while in transit to Malaysia, but since terrorists started targeting it for bombings within the last few years it's seeing fewer and fewer folks passing through; many people are choosing to fly straight on to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore rather than do the traditional overland route through Thailand's Deep South. Violence comes in spurts, however, so it might very well be quiet again before this book is retired. If you do visit, just be vigilant about your surroundings and stay away from large demonstrations or crowded spaces, which are more likely to be targets, but don't worry too much.

GuideBook 2

Wat Hat Yai Nai

Ton Nga Chang , Ton Nga Chang Wildlife SanctuaryHat Yai Municipal Park

Day TrippingHat Yai is rather short in the attraction department. During festivals and special events, Muay Thai boxing matches (admission 200 THB.) are held in the boxing stadium just north of Hat Yai's sports stadium. Times vary, so check with the TAT office to confirm the schedule. If you're interested in boxing, you'll be thrilled with the low admission price - seats at matches, as in other cities can go for as much as 1,500 THB.

Wat Hat Yai Nai If you're bored, you could hop on a sangthaew and head about 1.5 km out of town to Wat Hat Yai (near Khlong U Taphao Bridge) it features a 35 m reclining Buddha (Phra Phut Mahatamongkon). Inside the image's giganitic base is a curious little museum and mausoleum with a souvenir shop.

Hat Yai Municipal Park The park is located on Kanchanawanit Road and is approximately 6 km from the city center on the Hat Yai-Songkhla Highway. A popular recreational spot for the local residents, the park is beautifully decorated with colorful flowers. With a pavilion in the middle of the pond, an aviary, and food stalls, the park is the perfect place to spend a peaceful evening. Additional attractions include a statue of King Rama V that is enshrined at the foot of the hill near the aviary, a hill-top Brahman shrine and a jade statue of Guan-yin, the Chinese Goddess situated, at the southern foothill near the boy-scout camp.

Ton Nga Chang WaterfallLocated in the Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary, about 26 km from the city, this 7-tiered waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls of the south. The waterfall offers scenic views, with the third level being the most beautiful as the stream is separated into two, resembling the elephants' tusks. Trekking trails are provided for tourists with adventurous hearts.

Kan-eng Thai, Chinese Food Place : Niphat Uthit 3 Rd. Tel : 074 246 138

The extensive night market specializes in fresh seafoodPlace : Montri 1 Rd. Price : around 200 THB. /dish

Muslim Ocha This is one of the few Muslim cafes in town.Place : Niphat Uthit 1 Rd.Price : 40 - 210 THB. / dishOpen Daily : 6.00 am. - 7.00 pm.

Post Laserdisc With an excellent sound system and well-place monitors.Place : 82/83 Thamnoonvithi Rd.Tel : 074 232 027Open Daily : 9.00 am. - 1.00 am.

Phailin Steak House Place : 18/3-4 Siphuwanat Rd. Tel : 074 238 562, 074 233 222

EatingHat Yai is southern Thailand's gourmet Mecca, offering Muslim roti and curries, Chinese noodles and dim sum, and fresh seafood from both the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. Lots of good, cheap restaurants can be found along the three Niphat Uthit Rd., in the markets off side streets, between them and near the train station.

Hong Yok Place : 31/33-35 Chiwanuson Rd.Tel : 074 245 124-5

GuideBook 3

Kosit Hotel

V.L. Hadyai Hotel

Sleeping● Budget

Cathay Guest House - 93/1 Niphat Uthit 2 Rd.Tel : 074 243 815 (r 100 - 250 THB.)

Kosit Hotel - Niphat Utit 2 Rd.http://www.kosithotel.com (r 170 - 590 THB.)

Louise Guest House - 21-23 Thamnoonvithi Rd.Tel : 074 220 966 (r 300 - 400 THB.)

Sleeping● Budget

Cathay Guest House - 93/1 Niphat Uthit 2 Rd.Tel : 074 243 815 (r 100 - 250 THB.)

Kosit Hotel - Niphat Utit 2 Rd.http://www.kosithotel.com (r 170 - 590 THB.)

Louise Guest House - 21-23 Thamnoonvithi Rd.Tel : 074 220 966 (r 300 - 400 THB.)

● Midrange & Top End● Midrange & Top End Getting AroundSongthaews ply fixed routes for a fixed fare but using them requires a little local knowledge or the ability to speak Thai. Songthaew run along Phethasem Rd. Around the city would cost 10 THB. / trip.

Tuk-Tuks and Motorcycle taxis are abundant and easy to flag down but fares must be negotiated first otherwise you run the risk of being overcharged. Most journeys around town should not cost any more than 20 THB. There are several guesthouses in town that provide bicycle and motorcycle rental services at the rate of approximately 100 THB. / day and 200 THB. / day respectively.

Lee Garden PlazaNovotel Central Hat Yai

New Season HotelRegency Hotel

Photos by www.hflight.net Content by

Lee Garden Plaza - 29 Prachatipat Rd.Tel : 074 261 111 http://www.leeplaza.com (r 1,149 - 8,500 THB.)

Novotel Central Hat Yai - 3 Sanehanusorn Rd.Tel : 074 352 222 http://www.centralhotelsresorts.com/csh/csh_default.asp(r 1,600 - 2,825 THB.)

New Season Hotel106 Prachathipat Rd. Hadyai Songkhla 90110Tel. 074 352 888 Fax. 074 352 390http://www.newseasonhotel.com(r 900 - 2500 baht.)

Regency Hotel - 23 Prachathipat Rd.Tel : 074 353 333-47 http://www.theregencyhatyai.com/spacial.php (r from 900 THB.)

V.L. Hadyai Hotel - 1-3-5-7 Niphat Uthit Rd.Tel : 074 223 660-3http://www.vlhatyaihotel.com (r 900 - 1,400 THB.)