Asia's second-year running Hat Yai acknowledged as one of the top 3 cities offering unbeatable value
Hat Yai, a city located in Thailand's southern Songkhla province, has once again been recognised as one of Asia's top-value cities. This accolade, bestowed for the second consecutive year, underscores the growing potential of Thailand's emerging secondary cities as competitive travel destinations.
The city's popularity among international tourists, particularly from Malaysia and Singapore, is primarily due to its affordability and rich cultural experiences.
Proximity and accessibility play a significant role in Hat Yai's appeal. Its location near the Malaysia-Thailand border makes it an easily accessible and convenient short trip for Malaysian and Singaporean travellers seeking an affordable getaway.
The city's bustling markets and shopping malls, such as Kim Yong Market, Lee Garden Plaza, Central Department Store, Odean Shopping Mall, and Robinson Department Store, offer a wide variety of goods at budget-friendly prices.
Vibrant markets like the Greenway Night Market and Khlong Hae Floating Market provide tourists with lively, culturally rich experiences where they can enjoy inexpensive authentic southern Thai food, handmade goods, and local crafts. These attractions enhance the appeal for budget-conscious travellers.
Hat Yai offers several affordable leisure activities and tourist spots, including parks, flea markets, religious sites, and tours, creating a varied and rich travel experience without high costs.
Moreover, the city's value for money in accommodation and food is another significant draw. Generally, accommodation and meals in Hat Yai are cheaper compared to many other tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, attracting tourists seeking cost-effective travel options.
In summary, Hat Yai balances cultural experience, shopping opportunities, and affordable prices, making it especially attractive to visitors from Malaysia and Singapore who prioritize budget-friendly travel with rich local experiences.
[1] Travel and Leisure [2] Forbes [3] Lonely Planet
- Hat Yai's popularity in international tourism, as noted by Travel and Leisure, Forbes, and Lonely Planet, is attributed largely to its rich cultural experiences and affordability.
- The city's proximity and accessibility to the Malaysia-Thailand border play a significant role in its appeal as a budget-friendly travel destination.
- The wide variety of shopping options in Hat Yai, including Kim Yong Market, Lee Garden Plaza, Central Department Store, Odean Shopping Mall, and Robinson Department Store, are budget-friendly and commercially attractive.
- Vibrant markets like the Greenway Night Market and Khlong Hae Floating Market provide an authentic southern Thai culture experience for visitors, enhancing the appeal for budget-conscious tourists.
- Hat Yia offers budget-travelers a diverse range of leisure activities and tourist spots, such as parks, flea markets, religious sites, and tours, creating a rich and cost-effective travel experience.
- Food and drink, as well as accommodations in Hat Yai, are significantly cheaper compared to many other tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking rich local experiences.