Khlong Hae Floating Market @ Hat Yai, Thailand

If it’s suggested that there is only one place you can visit in Hat Yai, Thailand, choose Khlong Hae Floating Market. Located at Khlong Hae, Hat Yai, the famous waterside market is about 30 minutes’ drive from Hat Yai city centre.

If you don’t have private transport, charter a tuk-tuk – going rate is about ฿500 return trip. Driver will wait at designated area, within the compound of Wat Khlong Hae. Pay the driver only when you are back in town.

One thing to note during your visit is that most sellers are environmentally conscious. They use clay pots, bamboo tubes, coconut shells to pack their food and drinks, instead of plastic bags or foam boxes.

Khlong Hae Floating Market only opens on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm to 9pm (local time). Be there latest by 8pm or your trip won’t be worthwhile.

Despite its name, the attraction is beyond food, snacks and drinks vendors on boats. There is a larger area on both sides of the canal, where more street fare, souvenirs and “pasar malam” type of wares are sold.

In my opinion, the best time to visit Khlong Hae Floating Market should be around 6pm – 7pm, when the sun sets. That’s the time when some of the most enchanting photographs can be captured, during fine weather.

Do take note that if it rains, there won’t be any boats, and food is only sold on land. Too bad then, it is only half the experience of Khlong Hae Floating Market.

An alternative to Khlong Hae Floating Market is Ban Pru Floating Market, approximately 10km from Hat Yai city. This market opens on Fridays and Saturdays.

This trip was made possible by Dexma Express, Malindo Air, and 尚游 Premium Travel. Malindo Air Malaysia flies direct from Subang SkyPark Terminal (SZB) and Penang International Airport (PEN) to Hat Yai International Airport (HDY) every Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday.

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