Sunset in Samila Beach from Hat Yai, Songkhla
Many travelers come to Hat Yai in Songkhla province to connect to southern islands of Thailand or go further south and cross the mainland to reach Malaysia for visa run or other purposes. Though Songkhla province has not much to offer, but you can still make use of the layover time in Hat Yai. Explore the busy downtown Hat Yai and Samila beach, which is situated 30 km away from Hat Yai.
Highlights of the Day
- Hat Yai downtown
- Samila Beach
Hat Yai Downtown
I was already staying in Phetkasem Road at an apartment for 3500 ฿ per month in Hat Yai. Have a look at my apartment!
On a leisure day, I took the songthaew to explore the markets of Hat Yai and enjoyed the colors of the city.
Hat Yai has an ice dome that you can enjoy by paying 300 B for an adult. Hat Yai also has a park and an observatory where you can also enjoy cable car ride. I did not visit there as I was more into exploring roadside markets of Hat Yai.
Lunch
The night ended with a delicious bowl of Tom Yum soup at a highly recommended restaurant in Hat Yai for Thai delicacies, known as Udom Pochana retaurant.
Sunset at Samila Beach
During late afternoon, I took the minivan that starts from the Ramwithi road and crosses Phetkasem Road, which reached Songkhla in an hour. If you tell the minivan that you want to go to Samila Beach, it drops you right in front of the beach.
The beach is clean and made of white sand. It has many pine groves, and also, there is the famous statue of a mermaid, which is the symbol of Songkhla.
There are other places in Songkhla, like Koh Yo, it is a small island not very far from the beach, but the main attraction is the beach, so I preferred going back home in Hat Yai after enjoying sunset at Samila Beach.
Back to Hat Yai
To reach the minivan stop, I took a motorbike taxi who helped me get the van to Hat Yai. It was a nice evening on my own by the beach.
NET EXPENSE FOR 1 PERSON (IN THB)
Let us have a look at the expenses of 1 day in Thailand – Hat Yai.
- Minivan round-trip of Songkhla from Hat Yai: 70
- Getting around: 50
- Food: 100
Total expense (roughly): 220 THB
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It’s always useful when you end up somewhere that’s not on the usual tourist track like Hat Yai to have something to do with your time. I love that mermaid statue!
Hat Yai acts as an important connecting town in the south of Thailand.
That is definitely a great way to spend a layover. Beach and delicious Thai food is definitely a winning combination.
Could not agree more.
I am curious to know more about the ice dome, sounds interesting! I love the sunset at Samila beach. Food looks yummy but that’s kind of obvious about Thailand 😉
Yes, food is definitely delicious. The ice dome is a small entertainment area, not that great though.
Looks like a good place for a layover. I don’t mind having layovers, always try to take time, see the city and get some local food.
If you have to head to Malaysia from Thailand by land, Hat Yai is a great place for layover.
This isn’t a bad way to spend a layover! I didn’t visit Hat Yai when I was last there, but that beach looks pretty dreamy to me. And the local food looks spicy but tasty I’m sure!
Oh yes, Thai food is the best.
Good to know. Great tips. We are planning a trip in south east Asia, all around. Will be great to know some good tips to spend layover and time in cities. I will find out more on your blog, you are great on tips. Thank you.
Feel free to contact me.
Samila Beach looks really beautiful. I would be happy to go there in the evening and watch the sunset.
Yes, watching sunset is a great idea from Samila Beach.
Sounds like the perfect place to stop when we travel from Malaysia to Thailand. My daughter will definitely want to see the mermaid. Does Songhkla mean mermaid? Or is the mermaid just a symbol of the area? I would love to know more information so I can tell my daughter about it when we visit. Thanks!
Mermaid is the symbol of the area.
I just love finding one day itineraries for places you may not have a lot of time for. One day in Hat Yai downtown and Samila Beach is perfect for a stop over!
Yes, it is.
We’ve never visited Thailand and have never heard of Hat Yai. But when we go to Thailand one day, we’ll certainly consider to spend some time on this island and enjoy the sunset at Samila Beach!
That would be nice.
Lots of great ideas here so as not to waste your time while doing a stop over.
Exactly!
I’ve been to Malaysia but not Thailand yet. Looks like a lovely beach here and the Tom Yum Soup looks like a winner! Not a bad place for a short visit.
It makes a good stopover too.
I never got a layover in Hat Yai on my two trips to Malaysia. But reading your blogs makes me book my ticket to this destination specially. The beach and the market seem lovely.
You would love it here.
I haven’t heard of Hat Yai or Samila beach before this . Seems like really quaint places to visit especially and I would like it because of the less crowd.As a beach lover l would love to catch a sunset on a such a peaceful beach. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, not many people know of these places.
It seems to be a nice, quiet place…or is that a certain time of the year? I love TomYum soup and this one looks quite spicy. Yum! Sunsets are beaches are mandatory, right?
Totally!
Ha, you can’t escape KFC anywhere in the world. I’d definitely opt for that delicious soup instead. And then spend the rest of my time on the beach if the weather is good!
That sounds nice.