Hat Yai ranks among Asia’s top 3 best-value cities for the second consecutive year
Hat Yai has secured a place among Asia’s top 3 best-value cities for the second consecutive year, highlighting its cultural richness and affordability. This recognition emphasises the rise in tourism growth in Thailand’s secondary cities.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has announced encouraging news for Thailand’s tourism sector, following the release of Agoda’s mid-year 2025 travel report. Among the report’s highlights, Hat Yai, located in Songkhla province, has been ranked among Asia’s top 3 best-value cities for the second consecutive year.
This recognition underscores the growing potential of Thailand’s emerging secondary cities as competitive travel destinations.
From transit point to tourist destination
Hat Yai has long been seen primarily as a stopover for travellers heading to Thailand’s southern border or nearby islands. However, Hat Yai has steadily transformed into a destination in its own right.
As the largest city in southern Thailand, Hat Yai offers a dynamic blend of Thai, Chinese, and Muslim cultures, making it increasingly popular among travellers for its cultural richness, affordable cuisine, and well-connected transport infrastructure, including road, rail, and airport links.
A hidden gem for Malaysian and Singaporean tourists
According to Agoda, Hat Yai has experienced a notable increase in international arrivals, particularly from Malaysia and Singapore. The city has become a favoured destination for short-haul, budget-friendly trips, particularly those focusing on local culinary experiences and shopping opportunities.
With average hotel prices at just US$36 per night (approximately 1,300–1,400 baht), Hat Yai offers the most affordable accommodation among Thailand’s major tourist cities and ranks among the most cost-effective destinations in Asia.
Culinary diversity and cultural heritage
Hat Yai is renowned as a culinary haven, offering a rich variety of food, from morning dim sum and southern-style spicy curries to traditional Muslim biryani. Popular markets such as Kim Yong Market, Greenway Market, and the weekend walking streets provide vibrant, authentic experiences.
The city also showcases its multicultural identity through several important religious and cultural landmarks, including the Central Mosque of Songkhla, Wat Hat Yai Nai, and the Shrine of the Goddess Tubtim, attracting tourists with an interest in heritage, local traditions, and the arts.
Sustainable tourism through secondary cities
Hat Yai’s consistent recognition as one of Asia’s best-value travel destinations emphasises its emergence as a regional tourism hub.
This achievement also aligns with the Thai government’s broader policy to promote secondary cities as a strategy to decentralise tourism income, foster regional economic development, and ensure the long-term sustainability of Thailand’s tourism industry.
