Things to Do at Central Festival Hat Yai

Complete Guide to Central Festival Hat Yai in Hatyai

About Central Festival Hat Yai

Central Festival Hat Yai stands as the largest shopping mall in Southern Thailand and one of the premier retail destinations in the region. This massive complex spans over 300,000 square meters and serves as a modern shopping great destination that attracts visitors from across Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. The mall has transformed Hat Yai's retail landscape since its opening, becoming a symbol of the city's growing economic importance as a regional hub. The mall features an impressive array of international and local brands, dining options, entertainment facilities, and services all under one roof. With its contemporary design, air-conditioned comfort, and diverse offerings, Central Festival Hat Yai provides a welcome respite from the tropical heat while offering everything from luxury shopping to family entertainment. The complex also serves as a cultural meeting point where Thai and Malaysian influences blend, reflecting Hat Yai's position as a border city with strong cross-cultural connections.

What to See & Do

Department Store and Fashion Outlets

Browse through hundreds of international and Thai fashion brands, from luxury boutiques to affordable local designers, spread across multiple floors

Food Court and Restaurants

Experience diverse culinary offerings including authentic Southern Thai cuisine, international chains, and fusion restaurants catering to regional tastes

SF Cinema City

Enjoy the latest movies in state-of-the-art theaters with comfortable seating and advanced sound systems, featuring both Thai and international films

Supermarket and Gourmet Market

Shop for local specialties, imported goods, and fresh produce in the expansive supermarket section with products from Thailand and neighboring countries

Entertainment Zone

Visit the arcade, bowling alley, and children's play areas that provide fun activities for families and young visitors

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Daily 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (restaurants and entertainment areas may stay open later)

Tickets & Pricing

Free entry to the mall; individual charges apply for cinema, bowling, arcade games, and dining

Best Time to Visit

Weekdays for less crowded shopping; evenings for dining and entertainment; avoid major Thai and Malaysian holidays for smaller crowds

Suggested Duration

2-4 hours for shopping and dining; full day if including entertainment activities

Getting There

Central Festival Hat Yai is conveniently located in the heart of Hat Yai city center and easily accessible by various transportation methods. From Hat Yai Railway Station, take a tuk-tuk or taxi for a 10-minute ride, or walk for about 20 minutes. Local songthaews (shared taxis) run regular routes to the mall from different parts of the city. For those driving from Malaysia, the mall is approximately 30 minutes from the Padang Besar border crossing. The mall provides ample parking spaces for cars and motorcycles. Many hotels in Hat Yai are within walking distance or offer shuttle services to the mall.

Things to Do Nearby

this destination
Large hilltop park featuring a cable car, standing Buddha statue, and panoramic city views, perfect for nature lovers and photography
this destination
Traditional wet market offering fresh local produce, street food, and authentic Southern Thai ingredients and snacks
this destination
Unique ice sculpture attraction maintaining sub-zero temperatures, featuring ice carvings and a winter wonderland experience in tropical Thailand
Wat Hat Yai Nai
Buddhist temple famous for housing one of the world's largest reclining Buddha statues, measuring 35 meters in length
Asean Night Bazaar
busy evening market offering local handicrafts, clothing, street food, and souvenirs popular with both locals and tourists

Tips & Advice

Bring a light jacket as the air conditioning can be quite strong throughout the mall
Download the Central Festival app for store directories, promotions, and special offers
Visit during weekday afternoons for the best shopping experience with fewer crowds
Try the local Southern Thai specialties in the food court, including khao mok gai and gaeng som
Keep your receipts for tax refund if you're an international visitor making qualifying purchases
The mall offers free WiFi throughout the complex - useful for navigation and translation apps
Currency exchange services are available, and most stores accept both Thai Baht and Malaysian Ringgit

Tours & Activities at Central Festival Hat Yai