Book cheap flights to Hat Yai

Hat Yai experiences plenty of rain throughout the year. February (the cool season – from November to February), is the driest month, with November being the wettest. The cool season is a popular time to visit, with events such as New Year, bullfighting, Children’s Day and the Chinese New Year. With all that happens over this period, this is the peak tourist season, meaning you will have to book accommodation months in advance and be prepared to pay higher hotel rates and mingle with large crowds. For cheaper hotel rates and fewer tourists, visit Hat Yai from April to June (during the hot season) and from September to October (during the wet season). April and May are the hottest months of the year, so make sure to bring plenty of sunblock and light clothing. From September to October, you can enjoy cooler weather, but will have to endure heavy rain; you’d better pack some waterproof clothing if this is the time you choose to go.

South African passport holders will not need a Visa to enter Thailand. All you will need is your passport, which must be valid for at least six months left before expiring.

South African Embassy in Thailand

Address: Floor 12 A, M Thai Tower, All Seasons Place, 87 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Pratumwan, Bangkok, 10330

Phone: 66 659 2900 Fax: 66 250 1064

Visit your doctor to learn what routine vaccinations you need to get before travelling to Thailand. Diseases that may pose a threat include hepatitis A and hepatitis B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, malaria and dengue. Avoid contaminated water, which will cause diarrhoea. Take an antibiotic with you in case you fail to properly guard against this disease.

Watch out for pickpockets and bag snatchers. Beware of walking along busy streets (where criminals may snatch your bag from a motorcycle). If you travel with open transport, make sure all your valuables are secure and out of sight. Avoid going for walks alone at night.

Since 2006, there have been irregular periods of political unrest. Avoid all the demonstrations and pay attention to the news and social media outlets.

A large number of credible hotels are available throughout Hat Yai, some with restaurants, live music, pools, spas, gyms, free breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi. The price range for staying at one of these establishments ranges from around ฿ 267 to nearly ฿ 1607. The most popular establishments are Hatyai Merridian Hotel, The Rings Hotel, Get Guesthouse, and La Pause Hatyai.

There are plenty of taxis (tuk-tuks and motorbikes) around Hat Yai and they are available at any hotel. A ride with them around the city costs anywhere from under ฿ 26 to over ฿ 53. Make sure to get an address from where you are staying to show to the driver. Rides to areas outside the city are negotiable.

You could also rent a motorbike from the various bike rental companies around Hat Yai. The cost for renting ranges from around ฿ 267. Be cautious, however, as some of them may ask you to leave your passport as returnable deposit for renting a motorbike, which you will have to buy back. Some establishments simply require a photocopy of your passport.

Car rental agencies are available at the airport.