Central Festival Hat Yai

"Visited Central Hatyai during my trip, and it turned out to be one of the more comfortable shopping destinations in the city. The mall is spacious, modern, and very clean, which immediately makes shopping here a pleasant experience compared to the more crowded street markets. The environment feels welcoming, with wide walkways and a bright, organized layout that makes browsing different sections of the mall easy and enjoyable.

While I didn’t have much direct interaction with the staff, the mall itself is well-maintained, and everything seemed smooth and orderly. The facilities are in good condition, and the overall atmosphere feels safe and relaxing, which is always a plus when traveling.

One of the highlights of Central Hatyai is the ground floor area, where they bring in a street food concept inside the mall. This is a smart and convenient feature because visitors get to enjoy local flavors in a cleaner and more comfortable setting. Instead of squeezing through crowded night markets or outdoor stalls, you can sample a wide variety of food options in an air-conditioned environment. This mix of local culture with the convenience of a shopping mall makes it unique compared to other malls.

Apart from the food section, the mall also offers a good variety of retail outlets, lifestyle stores, and entertainment spots, so you can easily spend a few hours here without feeling bored. It’s also a great spot to take a break from the heat outside while still experiencing some of Hatyai’s local charm through the food and products offered inside.

Overall, I would rate Central Hatyai 4 out of 5. It’s a comfortable, spacious, and well-thought-out mall that blends modern shopping with local street food culture. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in Hatyai and want a clean, convenient, and enjoyable shopping experience."

Zen Yong

"As a first time visitor to this shopping mall and a first time visitor to Hat Yai, I was very impressed by how huge it was, and how great the tenant mix was. As someone who resides in Singapore, it was as big, if not bigger than Vivocity, and I am sure it could rival any other shopping mall in a much bigger city anywhere. I could spend days here checking out its local, regional and international branded stores, its huge food court on level four, its great mix of food outlets on its basement level - not to mention, its other many food outlets dispersed at all of its other levels, its huge anchor Central department store and associated Tops supermarket, its fun zones and the Cineplex. And I was amused by its decorations for Halloween and coincidentally, when I was here today, I managed to catch a dancing durian mascot promoting one of its tenant stores. Walking around the shopping mall and seeing the crowd therein, I could sense that it is very popular with tourists and mostly locals. So, I would highly recommend this place, especially if you are visiting Hat Yai."

edtayjb

"Central Festival Hatyai — A Welcoming Landmark for Families and Travelers Alike

Central Festival Hatyai stands proudly as one of the city’s key landmarks, especially for visitors making their way through southern Thailand. It’s the kind of mall that draws you in not just for shopping, but for the comfort, convenience, and thoughtful touches that make wandering its halls surprisingly pleasant.

Family-friendliness is where this mall truly shines. Parents can easily borrow kiddie cars or strollers for free from the information counter on the first floor, a gesture that instantly lightens the load of traveling with little ones. Diaper-changing rooms are properly equipped with running water, and the layout includes plenty of benches, mini play areas, and priority toilets designed for families and people with disabilities. The entire space feels intentionally built for ease and inclusivity.

It’s also refreshingly halal-friendly. The ground floor hosts many halal food stalls, and several halal restaurants can be found on the upper levels. Muslim visitors will especially appreciate the comfortably designed prayer room on the second floor — clean, peaceful, and thoughtfully arranged.

On the practical side, the amenities are what you would expect from a modern, mid-upscale mall: clean, adequate, and reliable. Vending machines tucked around the mall offer quick, no-fuss drinks without the need to queue, a small convenience that surprisingly goes a long way. Events pop up every now and then, such as mini zoos or seasonal showcases, adding a layer of delight for families. And the holiday decorations — whether Christmas, Halloween, or other festivities — are done with impressive care, often turning the mall into a photo-worthy destination.

That said, there’s one detail worth noting: the toilets do not have water sprayers. For many — especially Muslim visitors — this can be a challenge. Bringing a small water bottle or portable bidet is highly recommended.

All in all, Central Festival Hatyai offers a warm and well-rounded experience, balancing practicality with charm. Whether you’re shopping, snacking, resting, or simply avoiding the heat, it’s a dependable and welcoming stop that continues to earn its place as a Hat Yai favorite."

Gamal Kevin