Hat Yai 2D1N Self-Drive Adventure: Your Ultimate Guide to 12 Must-Visit Spots!

Nestled in southern Thailand, Hat Yai might seem bustling, but it's a city rich in history, culture, and serene natural beauty, making it a beloved getaway for Malaysians. As a frequent visitor from northern Malaysia myself, I constantly hear about friends flocking there for holidays.

I recently embarked on a packed two-day, one-night self-drive trip with friends, and now I'm excited to share this super detailed guide, broken down by attractions, to help you make the most of your visit!

Also read: Melaka Day Trip Itinerary: A Local's Guide to Good Food & More!

Before You Go: Driving into Thailand

Before entering Thailand, all foreign visitors need to complete the Thailand Electronic Arrival Card (TDAC) online. You can fill in your passport, personal, entry, exit, accommodation, and health information up to three days before your departure. Remember to download the PDF or screenshot your completed e-card.

We set off from Changlun, Kedah, bright and early at 6 AM, heading straight for the Bukit Kayu Hitam border. Along the way, you'll notice many roadside eateries also act as agents for essential services like Thai car insurance, passport processing, and TM form completion.

We chose Quanmei Kopitiam and opted for Plan C, which included 8-day Thai medical insurance, third-party car insurance (covering both parties' medical costs and third-party accident losses), plus form-filling services, all for RM103. This was also a convenient spot to exchange Thai Baht and purchase a SIM card.

TripZilla tip: Don't forget your Vehicle Ownership Certificate (GERAN). If the car isn't registered under your name, you'll need the owner's authorisation letter and a copy of their passport. The counter staff are usually very helpful with filling out the TM2 and TM3 forms, so no worries about getting it wrong!

Self-Drive Entry Steps:

1. Thai Immigration Checkpoint: Drive to the immigration counter. Submit passports, TM2, and TM3 forms for stamping. The driver and all passengers must alight for facial recognition. Be ready to show your TDAC QR Code if requested.

2. Thai Customs Checkpoint: Park your car. The car owner must bring their passport and original GERAN to the Customs office to apply for and collect a Customs Declaration Form. This is crucial! You must return this form to Customs Counter No. 8 when leaving Thailand. Failing to do so incurs a penalty of 1,000 Baht per day, up to a maximum of 10,000 Baht.

Hat Yai 2D1N Itinerary: A Journey Through 12 Must-Visit Spots!

Spot 1: Dannok White Serpent Temple – A Mysterious Spiritual Oasis

Just a 5-minute drive after clearing immigration, our first stop was the White Serpent Temple in Dannok. Its unique pure white architecture and intricate carvings instantly transported us to another world. Though our visit was brief, its distinct charm left a deep impression. Nearby are the Tua Pek Kong Temple and Ganesh Temple for those with more time.

Spot 2: 7-Eleven – Kicking Off with a Warm Breakfast

Hunger led us straight to 7-Eleven. This little convenience store is a treasure trove of affordable food. I grabbed a burger and had the staff heat it up; the warm, fragrant burger paired with coffee was pure bliss, fueling us for the day!

Spot 3: Hat Yai Municipal Park – Panoramic Views and Sacred Sanctuaries

Next, we headed to Hat Yai Municipal Park, the largest park in Southern Thailand. It felt like a peaceful sanctuary. Perched on the hill are three distinct temples: the Four-Faced Buddha Temple, the Standing Buddha Temple, and the Guanyin Temple, all popular local landmarks. Driving directly to the summit, the majestic Standing Buddha statue, guarding the land, greeted us. From the viewpoint, the entire Hat Yai cityscape, rolling mountains, and clustered houses stretched out beneath us. The cloudy, breezy weather made our visit incredibly comfortable. At the Guanyin Temple, you can even try electronic fortune-telling, adding a touch of mystery to your trip.

Spot 4: Baan Khun Bhu Restaurant – Authentic Thai Flavors, Amazing Value!

For lunch, we discovered Baan Khun Bhu. This authentic restaurant, styled like a traditional Thai courtyard, instantly charmed us. Every dish was incredibly delicious! The sour and spicy Tom Yum soup, crispy-skinned grilled chicken, flavorful Thai sausages, and aromatic pork omelette were all outstanding. The best part? The price! Our meal cost only 590 Baht (approx. RM19 per person), an unbeatable value!

Spot 5: Lee Garden Plaza – Shopping & Thai Massage Haven

In the afternoon, we explored the Lee Garden area. Lee Garden Plaza is a landmark shopping mall in Hat Yai, with a McDonald's at its ground floor entrance and various stalls on the second floor. The surrounding streets are also a shopper's paradise. Even if you're not buying, strolling around absorbs the local shopping vibe. For a relaxing authentic Thai massage, there are many reasonably priced shops nearby.

Spot 6: Hatyai Midtown Hotel – Our Cozy Retreat

We checked into Hatyai Midtown Hotel at 2:30 PM. Our spacious and well-designed quad family room was perfect for our group. The two comfortable double beds ensured a good night's sleep, and the separate wet and dry bathroom was fully equipped with stable hot water. The hotel's modern lobby felt upscale, and the staff were warm and helpful, even offering complimentary drinks and snacks. We paid only RM336.69 for one night, which was excellent value, providing a comfortable and welcoming resting spot on our journey!

Spot 7: Greenway Night Market – A Bustling Hub of Snacks & Handicrafts

In the evening, we visited Greenway Night Market, divided into food and shopping zones. Lit up and buzzing with life, the market offered a vibrant local atmosphere. The shopping area featured clothes, bags, and local handicrafts, with unique on-site nail art services as a distinctly Thai touch! While the food section had many choices, none particularly stood out to us, costing us 269 Baht (approx. RM34.88). However, strolling through the lively market was an experience in itself. We highly recommend the SumaLee stall for its crispy rice crackers and other snacks – perfect for souvenirs!

Spot 8: Lee Garden Night Market – Lively Food & Nightlife Scene

Next, we returned to the Lee Garden area, enjoying a crispy pork and char siew platter with Kuey Cap at the "Hat Yai Night Market Crispy Pork Rice (Old Shop)," costing 290 Baht (approx. RM37.61). The nearby night market truly comes alive in the evening, bustling with people and countless tempting Thai street food stalls that will make your mouth water!

Spot 9: Villa Vanilla Bar – A Relaxing Evening Unwind

Later, we unwound at Villa Vanilla Bar. With its simple yet stylish exterior and soft interior lighting, it offered a cozy and pleasant atmosphere. They serve a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, catering to all preferences. Chatting with friends here, we enjoyed a lovely evening for a total of 760 Baht (approx. RM98.55).

Spot 10: Central Festival Shopping Mall – All-in-One Entertainment

After waking up naturally and enjoying a simple breakfast at our hotel, we checked out at noon and headed straight for Central Festival, one of Hat Yai's largest shopping centers. This mall houses international and local brands, numerous restaurants, and various shops. We had KFC there, spending 453 Baht (approx. RM58.74). Their special green curry chicken rice was surprisingly delicious, and the egg tarts were perfectly crispy with a not-too-sweet filling – a pleasant surprise!

We continued exploring the mall, grabbing drinks at Starbucks and indulging at After You Dessert with Thai milk tea and strawberry bingsu, costing 420 Baht (approx. RM54.46). The bingsu was incredibly fine and rich in flavor, truly memorable. Of course, we couldn't leave without a haul from the ground floor grocery section, stocking up on local snacks and instant noodles, bringing back a happy bounty for 443 Baht (approx. RM57) personally.

Spot 11: Songkhla Old Town – A Journey Through Time and Culture

Next, we ventured to Songkhla Old Town, a living time capsule preserving memories of the past. The streets are lined with vintage buildings, each telling a story of history. The weathered walls provide endless hidden photo opportunities. You can also spot the seaside and various temples, immersing yourself in the local culture. Strolling here, feeling the weight of history, was like hearing the footsteps of time.

Spot 12: Samila Beach – The Romantic Mermaid Beach

Our final destination was Samila Beach, a truly dreamy coastal paradise. Its most famous landmark is the iconic Mermaid statue. On good weather days, it's perfect for watching sunrise and sunset, or simply strolling along the sand in a romantic ambience. You can even enjoy a horse ride for a memorable photo. During our visit, a lively night market was happening, so we grabbed dinner there. Around 8 PM, we completed our final round of shopping at 7-Eleven, spending approximately 167 Baht (RM21.66). Satisfied and filled with wonderful memories, we made our way back to Penang, concluding our unforgettable 2-day, 1-night Hat Yai adventure.

Self-Drive Exit

When leaving Thailand by car, the driver needs to submit the TM2 and TM3 forms to the outbound counter. Passengers must alight for facial recognition and passport stamping, and importantly, remember to return your Customs Declaration Form to Customs Counter No. 8 outside. Afterwards, drive to the Thai Customs checkpoint, where officers will inspect items in your vehicle; remember to open your car boot!

Hat Yai 2D1N Trip Cost Summary:

• Transportation (Self-Drive): Fuel, tolls, and car insurance amounted to approximately RM57.51 per person.

• Accommodation: Our hotel stay costs RM336.69 in total, averaging RM84.17 per person.

• Personal Food & Shopping: Around RM235 per person.

• Total Trip Cost: Roughly RM376 per person, truly excellent value for money!

If you're dreaming of a spontaneous trip to Thailand, consider this guide – we're sure you'll fall in love with Hat Yai too! Tag your travel buddy and start planning!

Read the article in Chinese: 合艾 2天 1夜自驾游全攻略：必去的12个景点体验！