Khlong Hae Floating Market Hat Yai Thailand
A vibrant waterside market where vendors sell Thai street food, drinks, and souvenirs from traditional boats.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy sunset magic
Khlong Hae Floating Market Hat Yai Thailand
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy sunset magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant waterside market where vendors sell Thai street food, drinks, and souvenirs from traditional boats.
"It feels like stepping into a postcard scene, and it’s a great spot for photography."
🎯 Arrive Early for Seats
Come by 3 PM on Fridays to secure a table before the 4 PM crowd hits. :seat:
✨ Embrace the Evening Glow
Stay past sunset for a magical experience as market lights reflect on the water. :sparkles:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Culinary Cruise
Boats along the canal
Savor authentic Thai street food, from Pad Thai to seafood and sweet desserts, all served directly from traditional boats.
Sunset Spectacle
Market perimeter
Witness the market transform as the sun sets, with enchanting lights reflecting on the water, creating a magical atmosphere.
Local Crafts & Souvenirs
Stalls around the market
Discover unique Thai handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs, often at better prices than other tourist spots.
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Planning Your Visit
Weekend Wonders: Plan Your Visit
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Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Seats
Come by 3 PM on Fridays to secure a table before the 4 PM crowd hits. :seat:
✨ Embrace the Evening Glow
Stay past sunset for a magical experience as market lights reflect on the water. :sparkles:
💰 Bargain for Souvenirs
Find great deals on traditional Thai skirts and clothing here. :moneybag:
🍜 Try Diverse Local Eats
Each boat offers different specialties, from Pad Thai to coconut ice cream. :foodie:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Seats
Come by 3 PM on Fridays to secure a table before the 4 PM crowd hits. :seat:
✨ Embrace the Evening Glow
Stay past sunset for a magical experience as market lights reflect on the water. :sparkles:
💰 Bargain for Souvenirs
Find great deals on traditional Thai skirts and clothing here. :moneybag:
🍜 Try Diverse Local Eats
Each boat offers different specialties, from Pad Thai to coconut ice cream. :foodie:
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
The riverside setting and boat vendors create a picturesque scene, especially at dusk. :camera:
🎶 Enjoy Live Performances
Catch entertaining performers on the bridge adding to the lively atmosphere. :musical_note:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Enjoy refreshing Thai teas and drinks, often served in unique bamboo containers. :tropical_drink:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Khlong Hae Floating Market is a highly recommended weekend destination in Hat Yai, praised for its unique riverside setting, diverse and delicious food offerings, and magical evening ambiance. While prices are slightly higher than typical markets, the authentic experience, friendly vendors, and vibrant atmosphere make it a worthwhile visit for most.
"A nice place to visit, offering excellent local food, clothing, and souvenirs. Sellers come and sell food from floating boats tied along the riverbank. Halal food options are widely available. I tried sticky rice with mango, and it was good.
Overall, it’s a nice place to visit."
A S M Golam Tareq
"Visited Khlong Hae Floating Market during my recent trip to Hatyai, and it was such a unique and memorable experience. This is one of the few floating markets in Southern Thailand and is definitely a must-visit if you are looking for something different from the usual night markets.
The environment is what makes this place so special. The market is set along the river, and the highlight is the vendors selling food directly from their boats. It feels like stepping into a postcard scene, and it’s a great spot for photography. Even though there are fewer than 50 boats now, it still has a very charming and authentic vibe. The view becomes even more beautiful as the evening approaches, especially around sunset. If you have the time, I highly recommend staying until it gets darker, because the market looks even more magical with the lights reflecting on the water at night.
The staff and vendors were friendly and welcoming, which made the visit pleasant. Prices are slightly on the higher side compared to regular night markets, but this is expected since it’s a popular tourist attraction. Food portions are normal, and the taste is quite good. There are many choices of local snacks, drinks, and desserts, so you can try a little bit of everything while walking around.
One thing to note is that the market is only open on Saturdays and Sundays, so plan your trip accordingly. We visited around 5pm, which was a good timing as it wasn’t too crowded yet, and we could enjoy the atmosphere comfortably.
Overall, I would rate Khlong Hae Floating Market 4 out of 5. It’s a special experience that combines culture, food, and beautiful scenery. Definitely worth visiting if you are in Hatyai, especially if you’ve never been to a floating market before."
Zen Yong
"We visited on a Sunday and wow, it was packed! Since the market only opens on weekends, it’s no surprise that the crowd was huge, with people coming from everywhere.
There are tons of food options — it’s honestly overwhelming but in a good way! You can find all sorts of Thai street food served from boats and plenty of local snacks to try.
Clothing stalls are also everywhere and the prices here are way cheaper compared to other shops we’ve been to. For example, pants that cost 170 baht elsewhere were only around 80–100 baht here. Definitely a great place to shop and experience the lively local atmosphere!"
Haura Liew
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Khlong Hae Floating Market by taking a taxi or a Grab car from Hat Yai city center. The journey is relatively short, usually around 15-20 minutes. Some visitors also mention using local songthaews, but taxis offer more convenience.
Yes, there is parking available near the market, though it can get busy, especially on weekends. Arriving early can help secure a spot more easily.
It depends on your starting point in Hat Yai. If you are staying nearby, walking might be an option, but for most visitors coming from the city center, transportation like a taxi or Grab is recommended.
The market is typically open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from around 1 PM to 9 PM. It's crucial to check the exact hours as they can sometimes vary. 
While direct public transport routes might be limited, local songthaews (shared taxis) can be an option. However, for ease and directness, ride-sharing apps or taxis are more commonly used by tourists.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to visit Khlong Hae Floating Market. You can freely wander around and soak in the atmosphere.
Since there's no entrance fee, you don't need to buy tickets in advance. Just show up during operating hours.
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim to visit around 3 PM on Fridays. The market gets significantly busier from 4 PM onwards and especially on Saturday evenings.
While some vendors might accept Malaysian Ringgit, it's best to have Thai Baht for most transactions. Having local currency ensures smoother transactions.
Yes, Khlong Hae Floating Market is primarily a weekend market and is usually closed on weekdays (Monday to Thursday).
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find a wide array of Thai street food, including Pad Thai, Kanom Jeen (rice noodles with curry), seafood, grilled items, local snacks, desserts, and refreshing drinks like Thai tea.
Many visitors report that Khlong Hae Floating Market is one of the few floating markets in Thailand where the food is predominantly halal, making it accessible for Muslim travelers.
Prices are generally reasonable, with food items ranging from 40-50 Baht per portion and drinks around 25-30 Baht. While slightly higher than regular night markets, it's considered good value for the experience.
While specific vegetarian/vegan stalls might be limited, many Thai dishes can be adapted. It's advisable to ask vendors about ingredients if you have dietary restrictions. Pad Thai, for example, can often be made without meat.
Must-tries include Pad Thai, various seafood dishes, coconut ice cream, and unique drinks served in bamboo. Don't miss the chance to try a variety of local snacks.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire market offers great photo opportunities. Focus on the boats selling food, the reflections on the water, and the vibrant atmosphere, especially during sunset and after dark.
Both offer unique perspectives. Daytime provides clear views of the market activities, while nighttime offers a magical ambiance with lights reflecting on the water. Sunset is a popular time to capture both.
A versatile camera with good low-light performance is ideal. A wide-angle lens can capture the bustling market scene, while a telephoto lens can focus on details. A smartphone with a good camera is also sufficient for most visitors.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on photography for personal use. However, always be respectful of vendors and other visitors when taking pictures.
Yes, you can take photos of the performers, but it's polite to ask for permission if you plan to get very close or use flash. Their energy adds a lot to the market's visual appeal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider trying some of the sweeter treats or milder dishes for picky eaters. The vibrant sights and sounds are a sensory delight for children. While there aren't specific play areas, the entire market serves as an engaging environment for exploration.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for deals on souvenirs, as some visitors found traditional clothing at good prices here compared to other shopping areas. To maximize your budget, focus on trying a few different items from various boats rather than ordering large portions. Sharing dishes with travel companions is also a great way to sample more without overspending.
couples
Sharing dishes is a great way to bond, and the lively yet intimate setting provides a memorable backdrop for conversation. Consider arriving before sunset to enjoy the views and then stay to experience the market's enchanting transformation after dark.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Floating Market Experience
The market is particularly known for its diverse food offerings, ranging from classic Pad Thai and fresh seafood to local desserts and refreshing beverages. The ambiance is a significant draw. While it can get crowded, especially on weekend evenings, the market transforms into a magical spectacle after sunset. The lights from the boats and surrounding stalls reflect on the water, creating a captivating scene that many visitors rave about.
It's important to note that the market operates primarily on weekends (Friday to Sunday). Arriving around 3 PM allows you to explore before the peak crowds descend at 4 PM, offering a more relaxed experience and better chances to secure a good spot to enjoy your meal.
Culinary Delights from the Water
Seafood lovers can indulge in freshly grilled prawns, squid, and fish, prepared right before your eyes. Beyond savory dishes, the market is a paradise for those with a sweet tooth. You can find traditional Thai desserts, refreshing coconut ice cream, and unique beverages like Thai tea and green tea, often served in charming, eco-friendly containers such as bamboo.
The variety ensures there's something to satisfy every palate, and the communal dining experience, with people eating from boats or nearby stalls, adds to the charm. Many visitors highlight the halal nature of the food available, making it a welcoming spot for Muslim travelers.
While prices might be a tad higher than street food stalls elsewhere, the quality, variety, and the sheer novelty of dining from a boat make it a worthwhile culinary adventure. Photography Opportunities
The interplay of light on the water, especially during the golden hour and after dark, provides a magical backdrop for stunning photographs. Consider visiting during sunset to capture the transition from day to night, where the market's lights begin to twinkle and reflect beautifully on the canal.
The lively atmosphere, with people mingling, performers entertaining, and food being prepared, offers endless candid moments to document. While a smartphone camera can capture the essence, a camera with good low-light capabilities will excel during the evening hours.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit