Whether coming from Malaysia or continuing your travels in that direction, Hat Yai is an ideal stopover. Hat Yai, is in effect the south's major city, its commercial, shopping and entertainment center. Located in Songkhla province, 947km from Bangkok and about 50km north of the Malaysian border, Hat Yai is also the region's communication hub and is well served by road, rail and air access.

Best known as a fun city, it has ample opportunities for sporting activities and entertainment abound. Children will enjoy the Bhasawang Big Splash, a 15m slide in the middle of a lagoon-like swimming pool, while a different type of recreation is to be enjoyed at the city's two shooting ranges. For a spectator sport, there is bull fighting, a traditional southern entertainment in which two beast lock horn in a trial of strength.

Shopping is another big attraction and Hat Yai offers many good buys in Thai handicrafts - especially local cotton products and cut-out leather shadow puppets - leisure and sportswear, and a large variety of preserved Thai fruits, dried seafood and other culinary delicacies. Such is the fun of shopping among both Thai and foreign visitors that browsing and people-watching can be as much fun as bargain hunting.

Being somewhat of a cultural crossroads, Hat Yai affords ample opportunity for dining on a variety of cuisine. In additions to spicy Thai cooking and seafood for which the South is famed, Chinese and Muslim specialties are to be enjoyed at a number of excellent restaurants. To further enhance your trip here, Hat Yai has an excellent nightlife in the form of its numerous nightclubs.

Wat Hat Yai Nai (Reclining Buddha Image)

The third largest reclining Buddha image of the world reposes at Wat Hat Yai Nai on Phetkhasem Road near Ou-Tapao Bridge. The statue, named Phra Buddha hatmongkhol, is 35 meters long, 15 meters high and 10 meters wide. This is considered one of the most revered statues in the region.

Tone Nga Chang Waterfalls (Elephant Tusk Falls)

Located 24km west of the city, this picturesque falls cascades spectacularly over seven tiers and splits into two streams, resembling elephant tusks, thus its given name. Best seen after the rainy season from October through December when the water is most abundant, this is a particularly scenic spot, ideal for picnics.