Hat Yai is located in Songkhla Province in the southern region of Thailand. Hat Yai is famous for its unique blend of Thai, Chinese, and Malay influences, bustling night markets, and proximity to the Malaysian border.

Even though there are no beaches in Hat Yai, Malaysian travelers can explore the best beaches nearby, especially in Songkhla and Koh Lipe, just a short drive away from Hat Yai.

Read More: Malaysia News: The Trend of Malaysians Traveling to Hat Yai – Discover What Awaits!

Located in the Southern region of Thailand, the coastal area of Songkhla and Koh Lipe - a small tropical island located in the Andaman Sea within Satun Province - will be the best location to explore the beaches nearest from Hat Yai. Here are 5 best beaches near Hat Yai:

Samila Beach in Songkhla is one of the most iconic beaches in the region. The scenic 2 kilometer shoreline features soft sand, clean water, and a shaded promenade lined with pine and casuarina trees. But the tranquil scenery is not the major attraction here!

The Golden Mermaid Statue in Samila Beach is the official symbol of Songkhla Province. Local legend says touching the mermaid brings good luck to visitors. There are also the iconic Cat and Mouse Statues, another sculptures illustrate the local folklore tied to the offshore islands of Ko Nu and Ko Maeo.

The best time to visit is early in the morning, to enjoy a nice stroll along the beach, and wait patiently as the sunrise appears. Samila Beach is one of the best beaches to catch sunrise in the Northern region.

Location: Bo Yang, Mueang Songkhla District, Songkhla (about 40–50 minutes from Hat Yai)

Ticket Fee/Cost: Free public access.

Chalathat Beach is a beautiful, 4.2-kilometer stretch of white sand and clear waters located in Mueang Songkhla. Unlike more isolated coastal strips, Chalathat Beach is lined by Chalathat Road, which is densely shaded by a long row of pine and coconut trees, providing excellent natural canopy from the heat. Making it a pleasant location for morning strolls, mid-day beachside reading, or casual evening picnicking.

This free public beach is also equipped with a dedicated cycling lane, public stage, a playground, open sand play areas, and public toilets. Because the waves are typically calm and gentle, it is highly suitable for swimming with lifeguards stationed on-site to monitor the area. 

Come early in the morning to catch the sunrise, or late afternoon/after sunset to shop and dine at the local pushcarts and food vendors set up along the strip, allowing you to enjoy budget-friendly street foods—such as fresh grilled mackerel.

Location: Bo Yang, Mueang Songkhla District, Songkhla (right next to Samila Beach)

Ticket Fee/Cost: Free public access.

Bor It Beach (also commonly spelled Bo It Beach or known as Hat Bot It) offers a serene, less-crowded alternative to neighboring Samila Beach, blending local culture, calm waters, and scenic natural beauty.

The beach is a perfect place to swim, as there are man-made rock breakwaters (13 coastal barriers) that calm the waves, making the water relatively flat and protected from strong waves. It is also a popular spot for kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Shady pine groves run parallel to the shore, offering an excellent environment for daytime picnicking, fishing, and overnight camping. You can also watch the sunset at the end of the shoreline. The beach area is easy to access, features plenty of parking, and offers basic amenities like local bars, restaurants, and toilets.

Location: Ko Taeo, Mueang Songkhla District, Songkhla.

Ticket Fee/Cost: Free public access.

Read More: Hat Yai 3D2N Itinerary: Temples, Night Markets, and Hidden Gems for Malaysian Travellers

Before we get to the next beach recommendations in Koh Lipe, read this travel guide for an insight of how to get to Koh Lipe Island.

Traveling from Hat Yai to Koh Lipe takes about 4 to 5.5 hours, combining a land transfer (car, minivan, bus, or taxi) with a speedboat or ferry ride via Pak Bara Pier. Follow this step by step guide to get to Koh Lipe:

1.  Get to Pak Bara Pier (Satun Province)

Take a shared minivan or book a private taxi for a 1.5-2 hours trip by land. Visitors are advised to take an early trip to line up with the ferry schedule.

2. Take a Speedboat or Ferry to Koh Lipe

From Pak Bara Pier, board a speedboat or ferry to Pattaya Beach on Koh Lipe. The boat ride takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours. The last standard join-in speedboats depart Pak Bara around 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, so you must catch an early-morning transfer from Hat Yai.

Additional Travel tips:

1. Bring cash in Baht to pay for:

2. Check the boat schedules from Pak Bara Pie to avoid travel cancellation, as the schedules are limited and only operating between 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM.

But, if you are not traveling from Hat Yai, and planning to go straight to Koh Lipe from Langkawi, then it will only take about 1.5 to 2 hours by direct ferry or speedboat. You can click to read The Best Way to Go to Koh Lipe from Langkawi.

Sunrise Beach on Koh Lipe offers a 1.5-kilometer sweep of soft white sand with shallow, glowing turquoise water and views of nearby Koh Adang's jungle peaks. The water is gentle and calmer during dry season mornings (November through April) and is perfect for both swimming and snorkeling.

As the name suggests, Sunrise Beach is a favourite spot for early risers and travellers who enjoy a quieter beach atmosphere. Facing directly east over the Andaman Sea, Sunrise Beach is a perfect place to enjoy the sunrise.

Fun Fact: You can venture to the opposite side of the island in the late afternoon to visit Sunset Beach, with dramatic west-facing views of the Andaman Sea, offering a dramatic sunset view. 

Location: Koh Lipe, Mueang Satun District, Satun.

Not to be mistaken with the iconic beach in Thailand, Pattaya Beach on Koh Lipe in Satun Province is completely different from the famous major mainland resort city of Pattaya in Chon Buri Province. 

It serves as the primary landing and drop-off point for speedboats and ferries coming from the mainland or Langkawi. Pattaya Beach sits directly adjacent to Koh Lipe's famous pedestrian Walking Street, packed with restaurants, cafes, street food, and shops. When the night comes,the shoreline transforms with beach bars, live music, and fire shows.

Location: South side of Koh Lipe, Satun.

These beachfront hotels will be the perfect place to stay while exploring the best beaches in Songkhla and Koh Lipe:

BP Samila Beach Hotel & Resort offers direct beachside location, affordable pricing, and convenient access to Songkhla's top cultural landmarks. Situated right on Samila Beach and steps away from Chalatat Beach, allowing you to hear the sound of the sea from your room. Book a room starting from RM191/night.

Akira Lipe Resort offers prime beachfront location on Pattaya Beach, direct pool-access rooms, and only a 5-minute walk to Koh Lipe's vibrant Walking Street for local dining and shopping, yet quiet enough at night to sleep well. A luxurious stay at the resort is available starting from RM452/night.

Ananya Lipe Resort combines a prime beachfront location on Pattaya Beach with modern 5-star amenities, direct pool access rooms, and a short walk to local dining and entertainment areas. The spacious and modern room can be booked starting from RM466/night.

Read More: Best Muslim-Friendly Hotels in Hat Yai for Your Unforgettable Holiday

The beaches and island near Hat Yai in the Southern part of Thailand can be your next destination, located not too far from Malaysia. Enjoy the calm water and sea breeze in Songkhla, and also dive into the breathtaking view of Andaman Sea in Koh Lipe.

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