In Hat Yai, one of the places one should visit is Khong Hae Floating Market, located 20 minutes away from the city centre. You can get there via taxi or rent a tuk tuk with a group of people – I opted for the latter since we were travelling with a group of friends.
To be honest, I expected an actual floating market; not one with a lineup of stationary sampans. That said, it was still an experience. It gets pretty crowded during the evening, so be prepared to brave a sea of people at the market. Rubbish bins are provided for visitors to dispose of their rubbish. Remember to make use of them.
The food is mostly halal and suitable for Muslims. To be sure, you can enquire further but I spotted a lot of Muslim families tucking into the food without a worry. I spotted Thai salads, quail eggs, noodles, luk chup, fried items and refreshing drinks in clay cups. Food and drinks were priced at no more than 50 baht each.
Up the hill, you will find more stalls selling clothes, knick knacks and some light nibbles. If you’re looking for t-shirts casual tops, this place offers a decent variety.
Khong Hae Floating Market is open from Fridays to Sundays, 3-9pm. Prices are pretty reasonable and you can score good buys if you bargain hard enough.
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To get to Khong Hae Floating Market, take a taxi (approximately RM25 per person) or rent a tuk tuk with a group of people (500 Thai baht – for 8 pax).
12 comments
ooo, it’d be cool if we have a major floating market like this in KL. though i’m not sure what part of what river we’d use 😀
Hahahaha Klang river. 😛
This floating market at Hat Yai look not bad in terms of varieties. Kinda look better than the commercialized floating market in Bangkok. :-p
That’s what my friends told me as well. I’ve never been to the one in Bangkok. Maybe I’ll go check next time. 🙂
Whats wrong with Klang River 🙂 Klang rocks … heh heh!!
Angry Bird sushi – I am OK, but …
Brrrr … Larvae!? Insects!?!!! NO WAY 🙂
How big or shall I say how long was this Floating Market? and by paying 500Bth…did the tuk tuk wait for you while you shopped?
Did you also go to songkla??? If you did, how much was the cost for per person?
Hi Pat,
The floating market isn’t very big. I would say about 150 stalls including food and drinks? I paid 500 baht for 8 people so that’s fairly reasonable. Yes, the tuk tuk will wait for you until you’re done.
Thank you for the valuable information. I have only ‘Friday’ evening for this place, as I am leaving the next day. How many hours is enough if I need to cover everything here ? By the way, is it easy to hail a tuk-tuk, or any type of transport back to Hatyai City ?
Hi Mike,
The floating market isn’t very big. It took me about 2 hours to cover everything. 3 hours if you plan to shop for items. We hired a tuk tuk to take us there, and the package includes the trip back to the city.
I suggest you negotiate a deal with your tuk tuk driver and make sure you only pay him once he drops you back in the city. Have fun in Hat Yai!
Thank you. I am contemplating in staying, either at Golden Crown Plaza Hotel, or Regency Hotel Hatyai …. which would be convenient for makan, as well as shopping. I prefer shopping/eating at the roadside type (outside). Had enough of big supermarkets. Somehow, I hope Hatyai is safe at this time.
I hope Hatyai is safe too. I was supposed to be there over the Raya break but I canceled it due to the Betong bombing. 🙁
Safe trip!
Hai, since saw your sharing, izit i can asking u about Tune hotel is far away from flaoting market? Need to rent tuk tuk or just go one way by tuk tuk?