Songkhla - colours of difference

      Colourful lighting from modern entertainment complex lure tourists who are fond of the nocturnal lifestyle. Meanwhile, in another  corner there are small lights from boats in a busy market on the canal. The large market at the town centre is active since late   morning, appropriate for its name, Hat Yai, an economic hub, in  contrast with the almost 100 years old quarter not far away. The  life of fishermen living by the large lake is simple. These are the  colours of Songkhla, the province of diversity. This diversity, however, is harmonious. It is an agreeable contrast, a charm   unmatched anywhere.

                Khlong Hae Floating Market Khlong Hae floating market is the first and the only floating market in Southern Thailand. It is located at Wat Khlong Hae wharf, Tambon Khlong Hae, only a short distance from Hat Yai town. Local food, Thai and Muslim, and local products are sold at this market.
Activity>>>>Ride a boat and shop as you wish. There are also shops on the banks of the canal for convenient shopping. A great number of boats for hire can be found at Wat Khlong Hae wharf every Friday - Sunday. It is open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. This is a night floating market worth visiting.
         How to get there>>The floating market is located at the north end of Hat Yai town. From Hat Yai, the market is reachable via two routes. The first is via Niphat Songkhro 5 Road. The other route is via Lopburi Ramet Road (Highway 414) bound for Songkhla, when the sign pointing to the market comes up, make a u-turn to get into the market.
       Additional information>>>The floating market is promoting the use of recyclable food containers such as coconut shells, bamboo cups and terra cotta pots which only lightly impact the environment.

    Kim Yong Market is an old institution of Hat Yai. There are several products sold food, clothing, jewellery, electrical appliances, etc. Early morning is when fresh produce, fish and other meats are sold. It turns into a marketplace for general goods later in the morning. Most visitors go there to buy dried fruits, cashew nuts, snacks, especially duty-free imported snacks. Goods sold here are cheap and of good quality and are therefore popular with Thai and foreign tourists. This is truly the eco-nomic hub of Hat Yai.

Santisuk Quarter/Santisuk Market
This quarter is on Niphat Uthit 3 Road, known as Sai 3 by people of Hat Yai. Goods sold here are similar to those at Kim Yong Market. Electrical appliances and music CDs are notably cheap.
How to get there>>>>Kim Yong Market is on Supphasan Rangsan Road, in the middle of Hat Yai town. Parking is available