How to Go to Hatyai from Malaysia! Everything You Need to Know

If you’re looking for a quick international getaway from Malaysia without breaking your wallet, Hatyai, Thailand, should be on your list. Just a few hours away, this border city is famous for its food, shopping, massages, night markets, and fun activities. But before you pack your bags, let’s look at everything you need to know from transport options and costs to the best time to visit, things to pack, and even common mistakes travelers make!

How to Go to Hatyai from Malaysia

There are multiple ways to reach Hatyai, and each has its pros and cons. Let’s compare:

Transport	Duration	Cost (RM)	Comfort Level	Notes
Flight (KLIA / Penang → Hatyai Airport)	1 hr	RM150 – RM400 return	★★★★★	Fastest way. AirAsia, Batik Air, Thai Smile operate here.
Train (KTM ETS KL → Padang Besar → Hatyai)	6–8 hrs	RM70 – RM120 one way	★★★★☆	Scenic, comfy, but need to change trains at border.
Bus (KL/Penang → Hatyai)	7–10 hrs	RM70 – RM100 one way	★★★☆☆	Budget-friendly, overnight buses available.
Self-Drive (via Bukit Kayu Hitam / Padang Besar)	5–7 hrs	RM150+ petrol & toll - one way	★★★★☆	Flexible, but need border insurance like GoThai Takaful, Vehicle Ownership Certificate (geran kereta)

👉 Best Choice?

• If you want fast & hassle-free → Take a flight.

• If you’re on a budget but don’t mind the journey → Train or bus.

• If you’re with friends/family → Driving is fun (plus you can stop along the way).

🌤️ Best Time to Visit Hatyai

• November – February: Cool, breezy, best weather (peak season).

• March – May: Hot, dry, but still manageable.

• June – October: Rainy season (bring an umbrella).

👉 If you love festivals, visit during Songkran (April) for crazy water fights or Chinese New Year for lanterns and parades.

Best Places to Stay in Hatyai

Hotel	Price (RM/night)	Location	Best For	Notes
Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel	RM180 – RM250	Central (near night markets)	First-timers	Famous, busy, shopping downstairs.
Centara Hotel Hatyai	RM200 – RM300	Town Centre	Couples	Modern, spacious, great service.
Crystal Hotel Hatyai	RM150 – RM200	Near Central Festival Mall	Families	Good facilities, less crowded.
S Hadyai Hotel	RM120 – RM180	Slightly outside centre	Young travelers	Instagrammable, stylish, quiet.
Budget Hostels (e.g., Hatyai Backpackers)	RM40 – RM70	Around train station	Solo travelers	Cheap, basic, social vibe.

👉 Tip: Stay near Lee Gardens / Kim Yong Market if you want to be in the action.

✅ Checklist Before You Go

• Passport: Minimum 6 months validity.

• Visa: Malaysians do NOT need a visa for Thailand (stay up to 30 days).

• Currency: Thai Baht (1 RM ≈ 7–8 THB). Exchange in Malaysia for better rates.

• Travel Insurance: Highly recommended (esp. if driving).

• SIM Card / eSIM: Get at Hatyai Airport or 7-Eleven (AIS/TrueMove are best). Can also buy eSIM through Klook

• Car Insurance (if driving): Buy Thai car insurance at the border. (I recommend buy at GoThai Takaful)

• Apps: Grab/Bolt (transport), Google Maps, XE Currency.

  
  

What to Wear in Hatyai

• Casual & comfy clothes – it’s hot most of the year.

• Light jacket/umbrella – if traveling during rainy season.

• Comfortable shoes/sandals – you’ll walk a lot at night markets.

• Temple visits? Wear modest clothing (cover shoulders & knees).

  
  

Estimated Total Cost (4D3N Trip – 1 Pax)

Category	Details	Cost (RM)
Transport (Return KUL-BKK)	Bus: RM200 / Train: RM300 / Flight: RM400	200 – 400
Accommodation (3 nights)	Budget hotel/hostel ~ RM80/night	240
Food & Drinks	~ RM50/day × 4 days	200
Local Transport (Grab/BTS/MRT)	Average RM30/day × 4 days	120
Shopping / Night Markets	Clothes, souvenirs, snacks	150
SIM Card / eSIM	4–5 days unlimited data	40
Others	Massage, tips, small buys	50

Total Estimated Cost (4D3N)

• By Bus → RM1,000

• By Train → RM1,100

• By Flight → RM1,200

Things to Do After Landing at Hatyai Airport

1. Buy a Thai SIM card (AIS or TrueMove) at the arrival hall.

2. Get some cash from ATMs or money changers.

3. Take a Grab or airport taxi to your hotel (20–30 mins).

4. Freshen up → then head straight to the night markets for food!

   
   

5 Big Mistakes Travelers Make in Hatyai (That You Shouldn’t!)

Okay, let’s be real. Everyone talks about the “don’t forget your passport” type of mistakes. But those are too obvious. Here are the actual slip-ups people make in Hatyai that can mess up your trip if you’re not careful:

1. Thinking Hatyai = Just a Stopover

A lot of people treat Hatyai like it’s only a pitstop before Phuket or Krabi. Big mistake! This city has its own charm street food, floating markets, night vibes, and even temples worth exploring. If you rush through, you’ll totally miss the good stuff.

2. Not Having Enough Cash

Hatyai isn’t as cashless as KL or Bangkok. Many stalls at markets or tuk-tuk drivers don’t take cards or e-wallets. If you land with just your debit card, you’ll be stuck hunting for an ATM (and paying extra fees). Pro tip: bring some Thai Baht already, or exchange a bit before you go.

3. Only Eating at “Famous” Spots

Yes, everyone raves about certain restaurants or cafes, but don’t limit yourself. The best stuff in Hatyai is often at random night markets or roadside stalls. If you’re too “safe” with your food choices, you’ll miss out on what locals actually eat.

4. Forgetting About Transport Hustles

Grab works, but not always. Tuk-tuks in Hatyai sometimes overcharge tourists, especially if you don’t ask the price before hopping in. If you skip this step, you’ll probably pay triple. Always ask, smile, and bargain a bit it’s part of the fun.

5. Underestimating the Heat

The weather can be brutal, especially if you’re walking around the markets in the afternoon. Some people forget sunscreen, hats, or even water, and end up half-dead before sunset. Trust me, carry a bottle and dress light. Your body will thank you.

Itinerary for Hatyai (4D3N)

Day 1 – Arrival

Time	Activity	How to Get There	Notes/Tips
Morning	Travel from KL to Hatyai (Bus ~RM200 / Train ~RM300 / Flight ~RM400)	Bus: KL → Hatyai Bus Terminal / Train: KL Sentral → Hatyai Junction / Flight: KLIA → Hatyai International Airport	Flights are fastest (1.5 hrs), bus is cheapest but long (8-9 hrs), train is comfy but slower (9-10 hrs).
1:00 PM	Check-in hotel/guesthouse	Grab or tuk-tuk from station/airport	Stay near Lee Garden area for easy access to food & night market.
3:00 PM	Explore Kim Yong Market	Walk or Grab	Try local fruits, snacks, and some cheap souvenirs.
6:00 PM	Dinner at Lee Garden area	Walk	Easy spot with tons of halal + local food.
8:00 PM	Greenway Night Market	Grab	Chill, shop clothes & eat street food.

Day 2 – Temples + Shopping + Chill

Time	Activity	How to Get There	Notes/Tips
8:00 AM	Breakfast at local kopitiam or halal stalls	Walk	Try roti, dim sum, or Thai iced tea.
9:30 AM	Visit Hat Yai Municipal Park & Golden Buddha	Grab/tuk-tuk	Beautiful view of Hatyai, peaceful temple vibes.
12:30 PM	Lunch	Grab back to city	Lots of halal restaurants near Lee Garden.
2:00 PM	Central Festival Mall	Grab	Good for shopping, aircon break, and maybe karaoke.
6:00 PM	Dinner at Decha Fried Chicken (Halal)	Grab	Famous spot, must-try crispy chicken.
8:00 PM	Asean Night Bazaar	Grab	Great for cheap clothes, snacks, and fun vibes.

Day 3 – Day Trip Adventure

Time	Activity	How to Get There	Notes/Tips
7:30 AM	Breakfast	Hotel or nearby stalls	Eat heavy, long day ahead.
8:30 AM	Songkhla Day Trip (Samila Beach + Tang Kuan Hill + Mermaid Statue)	Join local tour or Grab (best if sharing cost)	Tours are convenient, Grab works if splitting with friends.
12:30 PM	Lunch at Songkhla	Included in tour or own	Try seafood or halal options in Songkhla town.
2:00 PM	Street art & café hopping in Songkhla	Walk/Grab	Super chill Instagrammable spots.
5:00 PM	Return to Hatyai	Tour van/Grab	Rest up before night outing.
7:30 PM	Dinner at Hamid Restaurant (Halal Thai food)	Grab	Popular with Malaysian tourists.
9:00 PM	Chill night walk around Lee Garden / Massage	Walk	Thai massage around RM40–50/hr.

Day 4 – Last Minute Fun + Back to KL

Time	Activity	How to Get There	Notes/Tips
8:00 AM	Breakfast + Last minute shopping at Kim Yong/ASEAN Bazaar (if still open)	Walk	Stock up on snacks like Thai tea, chips, cashew nuts.
11:00 AM	Pack & check-out	Hotel	Keep passport, ticket, and snacks ready.
12:00 PM	Early lunch	Walk/Grab	Keep it light before travel.
1:00 PM	Head to bus/train station or airport	Grab	Allow buffer time, especially if flying.
Evening	Travel back to KL	Bus/Train/Flight	Bring neck pillow if bus/train, flight is fastest.

✅ Extra Tips for Hatyai (fun but useful):

• Tuk-tuks are everywhere, but Grab is easier if you don’t want to haggle.

• Always keep some Thai Baht cash, many small stalls don’t take card.

• Halal food is easy to find, especially around Lee Garden area.

• Don’t overpack shopping, Hatyai markets will tempt you big time.

• Massage in Thailand is cheaper than in Malaysia, so don’t skip it.

❓ Top 5 FAQs About Hatyai

1. Is Hatyai safe? Yes, it’s tourist-friendly, but watch your belongings at night markets.

   
   

2. How many days do I need? 2–3 days is enough for food, shopping, and sightseeing.

   
   

3. Is Grab available? Yes, but prices are higher than in Malaysia. Tuk-tuks are cheaper but

   need bargaining.

   
   

4. Is Hatyai expensive? Not at all, street food can be as low as RM3–RM5 per meal.

   
   

5. Do I need to speak Thai? Nope! Basic English + hand gestures work fine. Many locals understand Malay too.

Hatyai is the perfect mini holiday destination from Malaysia. Cheap, fun, and full of surprises. Whether you’re flying, taking the train, or road-tripping with friends, this guide should help you prepare like a pro. So pack light, bring your appetite, and get ready to shop, eat, and relax your way through this lively Thai city.