Where Should YOU Stay In Hat Yai?
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- čas přidán 5. 06. 2024
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Video Description
The best place for someone else may not be the best place for you. The only way to make a decision is to understand what different areas are like and then you can decide for yourself. That's what I've tried to do in this video. Feel free to ask questions if you have any.
I've used mainly maps in the video which are 1920x1080 pixels in size. The video is therefore better viewed on a computer, rather than a phone.
I didn't include the Chee Gim Yong area in this video because I covered it in a recent video, but that is also an area where many people like to stay in Hat Yai. There are just so many hotels and accommodation options in Hat Yai that it's impossible to cover even a tiny fraction.
Thanks for the latest information.
Pleasure! Thanks for watching.
Used to drive from Malaysia into Hadyai pre covid but never knew there’s so much to see. Thx for the info
It's the biggest provincial city in southern Thailand and there's quite a lot to see and do. I imagine that most tourists only get to see a small part. There are also places worth visiting outside the city limits, as well as in neighboring provinces. One of my ideas for this channel was to highlight some of the places that are less well known.
Hope Patthalung is in your list ☺️
@@sharkysharpy6233 Definitely! It's one of my favorite places. Khaochaison is really pretty with hot springs and some nice restaurants overlooking Songkhla Lake. The main town is interesting and Thale Noi is great if you like nature and wild birds.
Great vlog. I planning on staying near the new shopping centre. I also wanted to ask if you are able to do a vlog if a person gets sick and needs to go to the hospital or even needs to call an ambulance. Hope you are all starting to feel better. Cheers
Thank you! I'm just about recovered now. That area is probably better these days even though there are still traditional markets and plenty of massage shops around Lee Gardens Plaza. I can remember on one video talking about what to do in the event of ill health, but I can't remember which video! It's certainly a lot different to the UK and the Thai system took me a while to get used to, but it's actually much better. All budgets are catered for and I never have to wait long to see a doctor or dentist. When I was in the UK I was paying a lot for dentistry, but I arrived in Thailand with all sorts of dental problems. Now, after several years and quite a few visits to Thai dentists, my teeth have never been in better shape. Thanks for the video suggestion.
HI Phil, hope you are feeling better these days and wifey too ... enjoyed the video . We used to stay in Asian Hotel , then when Lee Gardens opened , we were being put up there cos of the brekky but after a while , i found it a hassle with the multiple lifts. After that , we chose The Centara but kinda pricey.
I was just getting over Covid when I put my back out a few days ago! I'm just getting old. Good job I'm not a horse! Wifey can't shift her cough, which she has had for weeks.
The Centara, Regency and Lee Gardens Plaza were very popular when Lee Gardens Plaza was the place to be. I called into the Centara recently and was quoted Bt2,500, which seemed a bit steep. There are so many hotels in Hat Yai that I think offer better value. I'll try to do a video with some suggestions when I get time!
@@expatlivinginthailand 2.5kBt is way cheaper than i was quoted before but yeah still too pricey . I like the location though . I booked Aloha once after a 10 year hiatus from hadyai but it was rather too quiet for us especially night time . I was wondering if the travel agent at the corner opp the New Season Hotel is still operating ? We used to get the transport from Penang to Hadyai .
Yes i heard the prolong or never-ending cough after covid is rather common. Just get more rest ya.
@@user-qc6bt5lx1b Really? Bt2,500 was the walk-in rate, which is normally the most expensive. For many years it was Bt2,000, so I was surprised at Bt2,500. At least you can be assured of quality with Centara. We stayed at a Centara in Krabi a couple of months ago and the quality/service was very good.
I know the travel agent you are referring to and next time I'm down that way I can check. There are other places in Hat Yai that advertise van trips to Penang - I think there are three a day. It shouldn't be too difficult booking transport to Penang.
Thais talk a lot about 'Long Covid', of which a lasting cough is one symptom. I'm not sure though whether my wife might have an underlying problem. When she's had colds before she has had a cough for a long time after. If it goes on much more I will get her to see a doctor.
@@expatlivinginthailand yup the last time i checked was nearly BT4000 so BT2500 is way cheaper and the convenience of going down for supper and foot massage which is definite plus .
Yeah the travel company i used from Penang will stop at the office before dropping us off to our hotel . I was searching for the contact in penang for ages as they have moved since covid.
yes its better to get a proper check-up for your wife .
Hi Phil, thanks for highlight on Hatyai hotel accomodations. I was there beginning of the month, stayed a night at Grand Pink Hotel - Block C, the newer block before going up north, to Koh Samui and Bangkok. It's quite well maintain and clean but the price is a little bit on the high side. On returning from Bangkok, I stayed at Mayflower Grande Hatyai (new wing), the room price is quite reasonable (850baht), I think it's of money value to stay at this hotel which is short walking distance to Lee Garden Plaza area. There are night shopping and food stalls outside Lee Garden Plaza area and there was decent number of tourists. It is quite sad to see that Central mall and the 7-11 is still closed.
When the Pink Lady turned into the Grand Pink it turned into a completely different hotel. It's a lot plusher now, but a lot more expensive. The Mayflower is centrally located and a decent hotel. There are signs outside Central Lee Gardens saying it is being refurbished, but my feeling is that it won't reopen. It's a mystery why 7-Eleven hasn't reopened now that things are getting busier. Also, when I last looked, McDonald's was still closed. Thanks for your info!
@@expatlivinginthailand Mmm. McDonald at Lee Garden Plaza is open last week. I went in to see it, they did not turn on brighter light, it's quiet misleading from outside. Most of the retail shops at ground floor are open but not the higher floors. Pink Lady use to be famous for something else...
@@xundestravelfood7055 Thanks for letting me know. It's been a few weeks since I was down that way and it was still closed when I last looked. Pink Lady was quite a notorious place in the old days. The new Grand Pink is completely different. There has been a deliberate move in recent years to close down all the conspicuous commercial sex establishments in Hat Yai.
Hi Phil, As far as i am concerned before the Covid 19 my first option hotel will either be Centara or New season square it's clean and not noisy unlike others which are within the main walking street as I agreed with you it's not necessary to stay on the busy road as most of the time in the day I will be traveling to Pattalung or Nakhon Si Thammarat or Pattani Yala province, however, the nightlife is no more lively as in the early year 2000 as such I might cut down my stay in Hatyai from a week to four days I heard from news Tiger Air (Virgin) has ceased operations Jetstar Indian owned airline has taken over.
Thank you for your informs 👍👍
Hello Francis, those two are in the top tier of Hat Yai hotels and very nice if your budget allows. All Centara hotels are good quality. I took a look at the rooms in New Season Square just after the hotel opened and I was very impressed. The Habita is also a very nice hotel.
I hadn't heard about Tiger Air, but that is a shame because it was so convenient. India seems to be taking over the world at the moment. I saw lots of Indian tourists in Krabi and I just heard about hordes of Indian tourists in Pattaya. I also heard that India currently has the world's fastest growing economy. At the moment Indians are the second largest tour group in Thailand after Malaysians. When is your trip?
I've stayed at both The Crystal Hotel and Z Sleep Hotel. Hard for me to say if I prefer one over the other to be honest. The Crystal Hotel was probably a bit nicer but a little farther walk to Central Festival whereas the Z Sleep Hotel is nice but basic. Unfortunately for me, the bathroom always smelled like a sewer unless I closed the drains and the floor is practically flat so unless you remove the drain plug completely, water doesn't drain fast enough and it can flood the entire bathroom floor. The main benefit of Z Sleep is you're literally a stone throw away from CF. Now I'm residing at Centris Condo over near Lee Gardens and personally, I prefer this area...it seems to be getting more busy now that restrictions are lifted.
Thanks. Z Sleep is definitely the closest hotel to Festival, but I've never been inside. The Crystal has been there a long time. I went to look years ago and thought it's a nice hotel, but why would anyone want to stay in this area? Of course, that has now changed! Your information was very useful.
Hello, I stayed at Centara from 28 to 31 July, 2022. The area around Lee Garden Plaza was not quiet at all. It was still very busy especially during weekend. The night market and food stalls at the vicinity were full of people on Friday and Saturday night, just like before. Go check it out this weekend.
Things have really taken off recently. It was Malaysia Day last Friday and last weekend was absolutely crazy. Malaysians are the biggest tourist group in Thailand and it seems as if most visit Hat Yai. I made the video a few months ago when things were still quiet - honestly. There has been a huge change since then.
@@expatlivinginthailand
You are right. Things really started to take off towards the end of July when Thai authority waived the requirement of insurance.
Tq for the video/info....I prefer to stay in hostels that have few bunk beds in the same room, we can made friends easily as compared with staying alone in own private hotel room. At Hatyai I usually stay at The Hive Hatyai Hostel, less than 5 mins walk to Kim Yong, Lee Garden Plaza, friendly/helpful receptionist, last I stayed there was pre covid, Nov. 2019. But due to COVID as a safety n health precautions I will stay in private room in my next travel.
Originally, the only place with a dormitory was the Cathay Guest, which has now closed. Some years ago the situation changed and a wave of backpacker type places opened, the Hive being one of them. There are now quite a few. Another place that has a dormitory is the Train hotel just in front of the train station. As you say, it's very sensible at the moment to have some private accommodation because this BA.5 variant is so transmissible.
Here's the review I did some years ago: phil.uk.net/hatyai/hat-yai-hotel-accommodation-page-6.html#thehivehostel
When I first went to Hatyai in the 90s my usual hotel was Sakura, friendly receptionists, happy memories. At that time it was quite a new hotel but now it looks bit worn out. I have been to Central Festival n ASEAN Bazaar couple of times but not my liking, I find the mall similar to many other malls in Malaysia, as u said different ppl have different likes/dislikes, interests, etc. Fyi this Central Group partnered with a Malaysian Co. opened a big mall named Central I City, Shah Alam, outskirt of KL.
@@bk1571 Sakura Grand View or the one opposite? The Sakura Grand View is now the Yannaty. I'm glad you agree with my point of view! This is one of my biggest gripes with the Internet. It's all clickbait Top 5 or Top 10 or best this or best that. Best for who? Best for what? I'm no fan of shopping malls, either. Festival is useful sometimes, but not somewhere I go to if I have no need. As Monty Python said, "We're all different, we're all individuals!"
@@expatlivinginthailand the one opposite Sakura Grand View, that time Grand View not yet built. But been to Sakura Grand View's breakfast buffet few times .
@@bk1571 There's also a Sakura Budget hotel now in Rajyindee Road. I always assumed that the Sakura hotels were owned by the same people, but I don't know. I was quite surprised when the Grand View became the Yannaty because it is such a big hotel. The new owners are Muslim and I suspect they will try to attract Muslim guests. Nothing stays the same for very long!
Are there anyplace around the new area you can go to in the evening and relax, listen to music.? Or is the old area at Lee Garden completely dead? I don't mind paying a little for taxi.
There are some places on Thamnoonvithee Road where Thais go to listen to music in the evening, but more towards the university end rather than the train station end. Years ago I went to the Pubb occasionally to listen to bands and there was another place called Corazon. These places were close to Lee Gardens, but now they've gone. Generally, I don't go to Lee Gardens Plaza after dark these days but I did a video at night a few weeks ago and that area was very quiet. Just a few shops and restaurants open, but little else. On my stroll the best/liveliest place I saw was called Mirinda. If you get a tuk-tuk or motorbike taxi from Lee Gardens Plaza it shouldn't be too expensive. goo.gl/maps/UjRCmxTNAGzRV7UD6
We always stay at the most affordable hotel, Rama hotel. maybe visiting during November.
I know of it, but I've never been inside. Just opposite the Florida. I didn't realise it was very affordable. Thanks for the info!
I have a question: When I book a room for two, being a foreign tourist, they require the check-in with passports. It is strictly only for two and do they charge extra if there are more than two guests? Thank you.
The check-in with passports is an immigration requirement. Hotels have to submit a list of all foreign guests to immigration. Expats in Thailand have to report to immigration every 90 days and Thailand keeps very close tabs on all foreigners in the country.
The number of guests depends on the type of room, age of guests and hotel policy. Some rooms can accommodate three or four guests. Some hotels will require you to put another bed in a room if there are three people in a room for two people (at a charge). Kids up to 12 can often stay free. If breakfast is included it will only be for two people if the room is for two people. Additional guests will need to pay.
I live in Hat Yai so don't use hotels in Hat Yai, but I stay in hotels elsewhere in Thailand and have two young children. Some places are very relaxed, but other places can be a pain. Most hotel rooms are designed for two adult guests and that's what they expect. If more people show up it may cause problems and you may have to pay extra.
@@expatlivinginthailand Thank you for the info.
@@youthtube69 Pleasure!
during the 2019 , I usually stay around old Lee garden area(not new one), which is not far from Lee Garden night market street and Hotel are little bit cheaper than the new one.
It's actually in quite a good location. A bit quieter and a bit cheaper than Lee Gardens Plaza, but an easy walk. It's also a fairly comfortable walk to Thung Sao. Lots of nearby massage shops and if you want to go slightly more upmarket it's near Preuksa Spa. I also like Alina restaurant opposite the Kosit hotel where you can get good Thai, Muslim and Western food. Good choice!
@@expatlivinginthailand Thank you for the hotels information in Hatyai, I usually stay near the Lee Garden area, hotels that I have patronize over the years include the Montien Hotel ( now called Aloha Hotel, ), Asian Hotel, Golden Crown, Hatyai Rama and the Florida Hotel which was a short walk to Chaniwet and Thungsao Area, years my favourite hotel was the old Kings hotel in Niphat Uthit 1, with the Washington Cafe downstairs, 80s style hotel with very friendly staff, but I think. they are closed now. Good to see you again Phil, looks like you have fully recovered,
@@ahkhong2223 I know all of those hotels! I went to the massage shop at the Florida a couple of days ago for a foot rub, but they wanted Bt300 when it is only Bt200 elsewhere. I ended up going to a place just opposite the Kosit hotel. Many years ago I went to the massage shop at Kings hotel on the first floor. I never ate at the Washington, but they had the big Chinese tables and roast duck. I'm not sure if it's still open or not.
Not fully recovered yet. I'm OK today, but felt rough yesterday. My wife is the same. Some days are fine, but not others. A lot of her friends are suffering from 'Long Covid' and it can last a long time.
@@expatlivinginthailand By the way, Phil, do you think it's within walking distance from Asian Hotel in Niphat Uthit road 3 to Central Festival and Greenway. Thanks !
@@ahkhong2223 Not really. It's possible to walk, but it's too far to be comfortable. I would stay somewhere closer or plan on getting a tuk-tuk or motorbike taxi.
The Grand Pink. Formely The Pink Lady Hotel. It was 850 baht and you can get a hotel voucher from Mee Mee Tours. Not expensive as I do not do the Lonely Planet guide and stick to that group circuit. This LP group is not at all visible here, thank heavens! I rent a car thus there are ample parking bays. Worse hotel so far is Hat Yai Merridian. Hat Yai is just Hat Yai and apart from the normal places of interests, its just a short layover for me.
Thanks for the info, Sham. I called in to the Grand Pink just after the renovation was completed in 2016 to get some information. Room rates were Bt1,150 and Bt1,300, therefore the Bt850 rate you got was very good. When I first got to Hat Yai I stayed at the Grand Plaza for a few weeks and got vouchers from Konsortium, which were a lot cheaper than the hotel walk-in rate. Konsortium has now closed, but you can still find vouchers at other agents, such as the one you mentioned. You can also get vouchers for massage shops, which will save you a few Baht.
What area should i stay in? A mosque. Day market, night market walking distance is the area i want to be in.. I don't need to be in a high end store area. A love street markets and street food area. If i go to agoda on line what would that area be called by name? I will need public transportation no car. Fyi il be arriving from Malaysia. How many days would you suggest there. I dont drink or party.
Hello! For day markets - Gim Yong, Suntisuk - you want to be around the Lee Gardens Plaza area. For the Asean and Greenway night markets, you want to be around the bus station area.
You could find a hotel in the middle, and walk to both areas or choose one or the other and then get motorbike taxis or tuk-tuks.
Hay Yai isn't a big place. If you look on Google Maps, you will be able to find the two places I mentioned. Click the link to show hotels, and then find something you like.
many have obsession on lee garden plaza hotel, i don't know the actual reason, and there are many place to stay in hatyai or shouldn't in hatyai only
songkhla, trang, phathalung, etc...
I think we're all the same. When I first came to Hat Yai I wanted to be near LGP. I stayed in the Grand Plaza for a couple of weeks, then rented an apartment close by LGP. After you get to know a place well, the central area becomes less important. Every time I moved I moved further away and now I'm out near the airport!
Also, historically, LGP was always the best place to be in Hat Yai for tourists. However, as I pointed out in the video, that all changed when Central Festival opened. Hat Yai before 2013 and Hat Yai now are different places because so much has changed. Perhaps many people don't realise this and they just remember Hat Yai how it used to be years ago.
Is 7 days too long to stay in hat yai? What area has to most street food stalls, day and night markets and massage places. We don't shop or care about high end stores. A walkable area.
It is, really. Two days is fine. Walk around the downtown area in the daytime (Gim Yong and Suntisuk markets), the Asean night market and Greenway at night, a trip to the floating market, and maybe a temple or two. There is quite a lot of street food along Supasarnrangsan Road, around the large Cheu Chaang temple.
If you have more time, a day trip to Songkhla to the beach and old town. Yo island is also a pleasant place to visit.
More time than that, a trip to Khao Chaison and Thale Noi in Phattalung province.
@expatlivinginthailand I looked on agoda they have about 14 neighbors do you know the name of the neighbor that you speaking of? The one between both areas
@@justice4all997 Some of those neighborhoods on Agoda are miles away in completely different districts of Songkhla.
The ones in the central area of Hat Yai are: Hat Yai Market Area Hotels, Hat Yai Central Hotels. I think it's a bad idea to use Agoda neighborhoods. Just look on Google Maps and click to show the hotels.
If you're only in Hat Yai for a few days, I would get a hotel near Lee Gardens Plaza and look around that area in the daytime. In the evening you could take a tuk-tuk or motorbike taxi to Greenway and the night market.
I am coming to Hat Yai tomorrow, wana stay there for a month. Pls recommend or guide me for a cheapest place to stay, where I could survive for a month. Thanks
Nobody has asked this question before and, to be honest, I'm not really sure. Some years ago, I listed some cheap places on my website, but the information is now out of date because a few of these places have now closed. I need to update the site. However, the information about hostels may be useful. A hostel with a dormitory will probably be the cheapest place.
phil.uk.net/hatyai/ten-cheap-places-to-stay-in-hat-yai.html#hostels
A cheap apartment building would be a cheap option, but there is normally a three month minimum stay and you will need to buy some bedding, etc, because the rooms have nothing.
I've never looked at them personally, but there are some cheap rooms around the bus station. Not very luxurious, but if you want the cheapest option, you may find something.
When I used to travel around Thailand before I was married, I was sometimes offered accommodation in temples - free, but you had to make a donation for water and electricity. If you are just looking to 'survive', as you describe, this could be an option, but I have information. Good luck!
@@expatlivinginthailand Thanks for letting me know in detail. Will try to stay some where in Hat Yai, but don't know where. Actually hostel are also expensive in Hat Yai, almost double the price compare to north (chiang Mai).
Any way once again Thank you.
@Trash Box You're right, Hat Yai is expensive. Land and property prices are expensive compared to many other parts of Thailand. I remember getting a Bt99 foot massage in Chiang Mai, but expect to pay at least twice that in Hat Yai! Hope you get yourself sorted out!
@@expatlivinginthailand yeah lets see if it is still possible to stay at minimum cost.
Let me know what you find.