City in Songkhla, Thailand
Hat Yai for solo travelers
Is Hat Yai good for solo travel?
Southern Thailand's big shopping and transport hub, with cheap food, night markets and Malaysian visitors. Useful as a gateway to Koh Lipe and Penang; hot, flat and not a classic solo destination.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 3/5 · Good, with some effort |
|---|---|
| Locals | Friendly |
| English | Limited |
| Safety | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Solo women | Generally comfortable for solo women in central areas. Dress modestly, as the region is more conservative, and avoid isolated walks late. |
How to meet people in Hat Yai
Night markets, food tours, university language-exchange events, and mixed travelers heading to Koh Lipe or Malaysia; few social hostels.
Good things to do alone
- Eat Hat Yai fried chicken and southern curries
- Browse Kim Yong Market and the Santisuk night market
- See the Hat Yai Municipal Park cable car
- Visit the giant reclining Buddha at Wat Hat Yai Nai
- Day trip to Songkhla Old Town
Where to stay in Hat Yai
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Central Hat Yai (Niphat Uthit & Thamnoonvithi roads) | Hotels, malls, food and night markets |
| Kim Yong Market area | Street food, local life and cheap hotels |
| Songklanagarind–PSU area | Students, cafés and quieter long stays |
Solo travel across Thailand
| Place | Solo | English |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | 5/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Chiang Mai | 5/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Phuket | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Krabi | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Phangan | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Pai | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Tao | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Chiang Rai | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Railay | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Kanchanaburi | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Chang | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Khao Lak | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Khao Sok | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Sukhothai | 4/5 | Limited |
| Kata Beach | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Rawai | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Samui | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Phi Phi | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Pattaya | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Patong | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Hua Hin | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Ayutthaya | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Lanta | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Samet | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Lipe | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Khao Yai | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Hat Yai | 3/5 | Limited |
| Jomtien | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Udon Thani | 3/5 | Limited |
| Koh Kood | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
Quick answers
Is Hat Yai good for solo travelers?
Good, with some effort (3/5). Southern Thailand's big shopping and transport hub, with cheap food, night markets and Malaysian visitors.
How do you meet people in Hat Yai?
Night markets, food tours, university language-exchange events, and mixed travelers heading to Koh Lipe or Malaysia; few social hostels. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in Hat Yai?
Limited.
Is Hat Yai safe for solo female travelers?
Generally comfortable for solo women in central areas. Dress modestly, as the region is more conservative, and avoid isolated walks late.
More about Hat Yai
Going to Hat Yai solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Hat Yai meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Hat Yai International Airport (Airports of Thailand)
- Bangkok Hospital Hat Yai
- State Railway of Thailand
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.