Located in the Songkhla Province of Southern Thailand, Hat Yai is the largest metropolitan area in the south of the country. The city is also located near the border of Malaysia. Hat Yai is the business centre of its province and well known for a shopping destination among tourists. In addition to its wide range of local products sold in the markets and malls, Hat Yai is also popular for its Buddhist culture which can be seen from its local festivals and Buddhist statues around the city.

Best time to fly from Boracay to Hat Yai

The weather in Hat Yai is generally hot and humid throughout the year. To enjoy your trip, it is highly recommended for visitors to travel between January to April. The weather is relatively drier and sunnier than the rest of the year. Rainfall is common in other months. It is best to avoid travelling during the monsoon season which falls between October to December. Rainstorms and floods can be expected in these months and may not be suitable to visit for your holiday.

Main airports available in Boracay and Hat Yai

Kalibo International Airport – Kalibo International Airport is located in the province of Aklan and only two kilometres away from the city centre. This airport is one of the two airports serving Boracay city. Currently, 15 local and international airlines are operating in Kalibo Airport. This airport is also the hub for Cebu Pacific, Pan Pacific Airlines and Philippines AirAsia, and the focus city for Philippine Airlines and Royal Air Charter.

Hat Yai International Airport – Hat Yai International Airport is an international airport serving Southern Thailand in the Songkhla Province. This civilian airport is the hub for Thai AirAsia and has in total of eight carriers in operation. These carriers are Bangkok Airways, Kunming Airlines, Malindo Air, Nok Air, Scoot, Thai Lion Air and Thai Smile. Since its expansion completion in the year 2018, Hat Yai Aiport has a capacity of up to 4.5 million passengers. Its airport terminal has various facilities including restaurants, cafes and shops. From the terminal, passengers can reach Hat Yai city by taking taxis, buses, public van or car hire.

Climate pattern in Boracay and Hat Yai

Hat Yai has typical Thailand cities tropical climate. The weather is hot and humid throughout the year, and the temperature is relatively stable, which is about 27 degrees on average. Hat Yai also has distinct dry and wet seasons. Its dry season usually falls between January to April and the days are the sunniest compared to the other months. The wet season occupies the rest of the year. However, due to the monsoonal winds, heavy rainstorms happen typically between October to December. Floods are also common during this period.

Highlights attractions in Hat Yai

• Hat Yai Municipal Park – Hat Yai Municipal Park is situated seven kilometres northeast of the city centre. It is a large recreational park which has beautiful hilly landscaped gardens and various points of interest. Visitors can find the tallest Golden Buddha statue in Southern Thailand called the Phra Buddha Mongkol Maharaj statue and other Buddhist statues and decorations around the park. Visitors can also take a short cable car ride to visit the Lord Brahma complex further up the hill. As Hat Yai Municipal Park is large, visitors can hire a public shuttle within the parking area to ease your tour. Visiting hours is between 9.00 am to 8.00 pm.
• Central Mosque of Songkhla – Central Mosque of Songkhla is located by the highway connecting Hat Yai and Songkhla city. The Mughal architectural style greatly inspired the modern design of the mosque. The main building is square with a gold dome at the top and flanked by four detached minarets. The mosque compound also has a large rectangular water pool which enhances the beauty of the scenery. The central mosque has also been regarded as Thailand’s own Taj Mahal.
• Khlong Hae Floating Market – Khlong Hae Floating Market is a famous floating market in Southern Thailand which is only five kilometres away from the city centre. Visitors can essentially find a wide variety of Thai food and halal food from traders who adorn local traditional wear. Souvenirs can also be found here. Khlong Hae Floating Market is unique for its campaign to reduce plastic usage and opt for eco-friendly food containers such as bamboo tubes, coconut shells and clay pots. The market is opened from Fridays to Sundays and public holidays between 1.00 pm to 9.00 pm.