Flight to Hatyai, Southern Thailand

Hat Yai is the commercial capital of southern Thailand and, for many Malaysians, the easiest taste of Thailand there is. It sits in Songkhla province, not far from the border at Sadao and Bukit Kayu Hitam, and draws weekend crowds for its night markets, shopping, street food and relaxed pace. Booking a flight to Hatyai saves the long drive from the Klang Valley or further south, and it also puts you within reach of Songkhla's beaches and lake. This page helps you compare flights, understand the airport and make the most of your time in town.

About Hat Yai International Airport

Location

Hat Yai International Airport (HDY) lies to the south-west of the city centre, in an area of fields and low-rise suburbs. It is the main airport of the lower south of Thailand, serving Hat Yai, Songkhla town and the neighbouring provinces, which makes it busier than its size suggests.

Terminals

The airport has a single passenger terminal handling both domestic and international flights, so arriving passengers follow one set of signs from the aircraft to immigration or baggage claim. Facilities are compact: currency exchange, SIM card counters, food stalls and car rental desks are all a short walk from the arrivals exit.

Getting to and from the airport

Shared airport minivans run from outside arrivals into the city centre and drop passengers at central points. Metered taxis and ride-hailing apps are also available and are convenient for groups or late arrivals. If you are heading on to Songkhla town or the beaches at Samila, a taxi or a pre-booked car is the most straightforward choice.

Direct and connecting flights to Hat Yai

From Malaysia, nonstop flights to Hat Yai have operated from Kuala Lumpur on some schedules, while other travellers connect through Bangkok. In the search results, switch on the Direct filter to see only nonstop options for your dates.

Bangkok to Hat Yai is one of Thailand's busiest domestic routes, with departures from both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang. If you are combining a Bangkok stay with the south, check which Bangkok airport your onward flight leaves from before you book, because moving between the two takes time. For a round trip from Malaysia, compare a return ticket against an open-jaw plan that flies into Hat Yai and home from Bangkok.

When to fly to Hat Yai

Hat Yai is warm all year. The months from around February to April tend to be the driest, with hot, sunny days that suit market hopping and trips to the coast. Heavier rain usually arrives towards the end of the year, when the north-east monsoon affects the Gulf side of the south and low-lying parts of the city can flood after big storms.

Demand from Malaysia peaks over long weekends, Malaysian school holidays, Chinese New Year and the Hari Raya break, when the city fills with visitors and room rates rise. Thailand's own festivals add to the busy periods: Songkran in April brings water fights to the streets, and the Chinese community celebrates Lunar New Year with lanterns and lion dances. For a calmer trip, pick an ordinary weekday outside these dates.

Popular places in Hat Yai

Hat Yai Municipal Park

On the hill of Khao Kho Hong, this park is home to a large golden Guan Yin statue, a four-faced Brahma shrine and a Buddha image overlooking the city. Come near sunset for the best light over the city.

Wat Hat Yai Nai

This temple on the western side of town is best known for its huge reclining Buddha, one of the largest in the region. Visitors can walk inside the base, which houses a small shrine.

Khlong Hae Floating Market

Held in the late afternoon from Friday to Sunday, this canal-side market has vendors selling snacks, desserts and drinks from small boats. It is lively, colourful and a good first taste of southern Thai food.

Samila Beach, Songkhla

A short drive away in Songkhla town, Samila Beach is famous for its bronze mermaid statue and the casuarina trees along the shore. Nearby, Songkhla's old town has Sino-Portuguese shophouses and street art.

Kim Yong Market

This covered market in the city centre is the classic place for dried fruit, nuts, snacks, cosmetics and household goods. Go early to avoid the midday crowd.

Where to stay in Hat Yai

Most visitors choose the city centre around the Niphat Uthit roads, where shopping streets, markets and eateries are all within walking distance. The streets between Kim Yong Market and the railway station stay lively late into the evening. Travellers who prefer quiet nights can look slightly further out towards the Municipal Park, while those who want the sea can base themselves in Songkhla town and visit Hat Yai for the day.

Food to try in Hat Yai

Hat Yai fried chicken

Gai tod Hat Yai is marinated with garlic and spices, fried until crisp and topped with crunchy fried shallots. It is usually eaten with sticky rice.

Dim sum breakfast

Hat Yai's Chinese heritage shows at breakfast, when dim sum shops fill up with families ordering baskets of dumplings and buns with tea.

Khao mok gai

The south's version of chicken biryani, with fragrant yellow rice, tender chicken and a sweet-sour green sauce. Many stalls in town are halal.

Khanom jeen

Fresh rice noodles served with a choice of curries and a spread of raw vegetables and herbs, a southern favourite at lunchtime.

Skip the long drive north this time. Search a Hat Yai flight on Traveloka, put a Price Alert on your route, and let 24/7 customer service sort things out if a weekend plan changes.