The best way we can describe Hat Yai? An up-and-coming city that’s affordable, laid-back, and perfect for a long weekend getaway. Here are 5 Gen Z-approved things to do!
Thailand has always been a favourite holiday destination for Singaporeans, but Hat Yai often gets overlooked.
There’s also this perception that it’s mainly a destination for the older generation. We’ll admit, we were a little sceptical too. We weren’t convinced Gen Z travellers like us would enjoy it as much as places like Bangkok or Chiang Mai.
Turns out, we couldn’t have been more wrong.
Just a ~1.5-hour direct Scoot flight from Singapore, Hat Yai makes for one of the easiest destinations for a spontaneous long weekend getaway. Throughout the trip, our most repeated phrase was, “We’re coming back here again.”
Psst, enjoy daily flights from Singapore and Hat Yai with Scoot from S$112/way! One-way, taxes included. Terms and travel periods apply.
Need more convincing? Here are some of the things we did there that had us planning our return trip before we’d even left.
1) Escape the city with a day trip to Songkhla
Songkhla Old Town is famous for its colourful streets, vintage shophouses, aesthetic cafes, and picture-perfect corners.
We spent a few hours wandering through the neighbourhood, browsing local shops, and snapping photos along the way. Despite visiting on a weekend, it wasn’t packed with tourists — which made it even more enjoyable to explore at our own pace.
How to get there: 40min drive from Central Hatyai (Google Maps)
While most visitors head straight to Songkhla Old Town, those looking for a little adrenaline should make a pit stop at Southern GoKart Songkhla first.
Racing around the track quickly became one of the highlights of our trip, with the karts reaching speeds of up to 40km/h. Whether you’re travelling with friends or family, it’s a fun way to add a little friendly competition to your Hat Yai itinerary before exploring the city’s cultural sights.
Cost: From ฿650/pax (~S$26) for 15mins
Opening hours: 10AM – 7PM (Mon – Fri), 9AM – 7PM (Sat – Sun)
How to get there: 37min drive from Central Hatyai (Google Maps)
2) Make your own trendy orchid resin necklace at Watashi Workshop
Orchid accessories are trending right now, and what better souvenir than one you make yourself? At Watashi Workshop, you can personalise every piece — from the size and design to even the colours.
We started by colouring our pre-cut orchid designs, before using a blow dryer to shape the petals into our final pieces. The colouring process was surprisingly therapeutic, while the shaping part was a fun challenge. Thankfully, the friendly staff were always there to guide us (and even save our creations when needed). After all, every handmade piece is a unique work of art.
*Note: Advance reservations are required so the team can prepare the necessary equipment and materials beforehand.
Cost: From ฿350/pax (~S$14)
Opening hours: 10AM – 6PM
How to get there: 13min drive from Central Hatyai (Google Maps)
3) Visit the highest point in Hat Yai city for the best views
For a panoramic view of Hat Yai City, the Municipal Park is a must-visit. Perched above the city , it offers breathtaking views of Hat Yai and the surrounding landscape, especially on a clear day.
Beyond the views, the park is a peaceful escape with temples, statues, lush greenery and plenty of scenic spots to explore. Perfect for photos and seeing Hat Yai in a different perspective
To make the experience even more fun, we explored the park in rented Thai school uniforms — and honestly, it gave the whole day a whole new vibe!
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 5AM – 9PM
How to get there: 11min drive from Central Hatyai (Google Maps)
4) Refresh your wardrobe with vintage and Y2K finds
One person’s trash is another person’s treasure, and Hat Yai’s thrift scene is a great place to discover unique finds at affordable prices. During our trip, we checked out two thrift shops that offered completely different vibes.
AGATE.thrift carries a range of feminine and casual pieces, with majority of the items priced at just ฿20 (~S$0.80) — making it the perfect spot to hunt for budget-friendly finds.
Opening hours: 12PM – 8PM, closed on Mon
How to get there: 10min drive from Central Hatyai (Google Maps)
Our personal favourite (and where we probably spent the most) was Saengwan, a cafe-meets-thrift shop filled with curated Y2K and grungier streetwear pieces.
Despite the thoughtfully selected collection, prices remain affordable starting at ฿150 (~S$6). This makes it a must-visit for anyone looking to add some unique pieces to their wardrobe while exploring Hat Yai beyond its usual tourist spots.
Opening hours: 9AM – 7PM, closed on Tue
How to get there: 10min drive from Central Hatyai (Google Maps)
5) Get manicures from S$6 at Greenway Night Market
A manicure at Greenway Night Market is a must while you’re in Hat Yai. With plenty of nail booths to choose from, it’s one of the most affordable places to treat yourself.
One of us got extensions with French tips and hand-drawn floral designs for just ฿750 (~S$29), while I got polka dot French tips with 3D blueberries for only ฿550 (~S$22). Safe to say, getting our nails done has officially become a non-negotiable for future Hat Yai trips.
Cost: From ฿150/pax (~S$6)
Opening hours: 5PM – 10PM
How to get there: 8min drive from Central Hatyai (Google Maps)
This is your sign to book that Hat Yai trip — only 1.5hrs from Singapore
If you’ve been looking for a quick getaway from Singapore, this is your sign to book that trip. Just a 1.5-hour direct Scoot flight away, Hat Yai makes for an easy weekend escape without having to spend hours travelling.
We flew on the Embraer E190-E2, which has a 2×2 seating layout, giving us a little more space and a comfortable start to our trip.
To make the journey even better, we pre-ordered a few light bites like wraps and pastries to enjoy on board. With Scoot operating direct flights to Hat Yai daily, it’s easy to fit this into your schedule.
Psst, enjoy daily flights from Singapore and Hat Yai with Scoot from S$112/way! One-way, taxes included. Terms and travel periods apply.
We genuinely think this underrated city is set to become Gen Z’s next favourite weekend escape. It’s affordable, close by, and packed with trendy workshops, shopping, and wellness spots — everything you need for a fun and refreshing getaway without breaking the bank!
*Pro-tip: It’s good to carry some cash for smaller shops and stalls when exploring Hat Yai, but we found that many places also accept QR code payments. Options like PromptPay and Touch ’n Go made getting around and paying for things much more convenient.
For more travel inspiration that Gen Z travellers will love, check out these articles next:
– Central Thailand Guide for Explorers — 11 Things to Do in Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi
– 4D3N Khao Yai Itinerary — The Whimsical City Just 3 Hours From Bangkok
– 8D Thailand Itinerary — Road Trip from Bangkok to Hua Hin Under S$900
Any other underrated things to do in Hat Yai that you think Gen Z travellers like us should try? Share with us in the comments below!
This post was brought to you by Scoot.
