Things to Do at Kim Yong Market

Complete Guide to Kim Yong Market in Hat Yai

About Kim Yong Market

Kim Yong Market is one of Hat Yai's most vibrant and authentic local markets, offering visitors a genuine taste of southern Thai culture and commerce. This bustling traditional market has been serving the local community for decades, providing everything from fresh produce and seafood to clothing, household items, and delicious street food. The market represents the heart of Hat Yai's local life, where residents come daily to shop for ingredients and socialize. What sets Kim Yong Market apart is its authentic atmosphere and the incredible variety of southern Thai specialties available. Unlike tourist-oriented markets, this is where locals actually shop, making it an excellent place to experience genuine Thai market culture. The market is particularly famous for its fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional southern Thai dishes that are hard to find elsewhere. The friendly vendors and reasonable prices make it a favorite among both locals and savvy travelers looking for an authentic cultural experience.

What to See & Do

Fresh Seafood Section

Explore the impressive array of fresh fish, prawns, crabs, and other seafood caught from the nearby Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand

Tropical Fruit Stalls

Sample exotic southern Thai fruits like rambutan, mangosteen, durian, and dragon fruit, many at prices much lower than tourist areas

Street Food Vendors

Try authentic southern Thai dishes like gaeng som (sour curry), khao yam (rice salad), and various grilled seafood preparations

Traditional Medicine Section

Discover traditional Thai herbs, remedies, and health products used in southern Thai folk medicine

Local Clothing and Textiles

Browse affordable clothing, fabrics, and traditional Thai textiles popular among local residents

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Daily 5:00 AM - 6:00 PM (busiest in early morning and late afternoon)

Tickets & Pricing

Free entry, cash payments only for purchases

Best Time to Visit

Early morning (6:00-9:00 AM) for freshest produce and most active atmosphere

Suggested Duration

1-2 hours for browsing and sampling food

Getting There

Kim Yong Market is located in central Hat Yai and easily accessible by various transportation methods. From Hat Yai Railway Station, take a tuk-tuk or songthaew (shared taxi) for about 10-15 minutes. If staying in the city center, the market is within walking distance of most hotels. Local buses also serve the area regularly. For those coming from the airport, take a taxi or airport shuttle to the city center first. The market is well-known locally, so any taxi or tuk-tuk driver will know the location.

Things to Do Nearby

Hat Yai Municipal Park
Large hilltop park with cable car, giant Buddha statue, and panoramic city views, 10 minutes by car
Central Festival Hat Yai
Modern shopping mall with international brands, restaurants, and entertainment, walking distance from the market
Hat Yai Railway Station
Historic railway station connecting to Malaysia and other Thai cities, architectural interest and transportation hub
Wat Hat Yai Nai
Buddhist temple famous for housing one of the world's largest reclining Buddha statues, 15 minutes by car
Lee Garden Plaza
Popular shopping and dining complex in the heart of Hat Yai's commercial district, 5 minutes walk

Tips & Advice

Bring cash in small denominations as most vendors don't accept cards or large bills
Visit early morning for the freshest seafood and produce, and to experience the market at its most vibrant
Learn a few basic Thai phrases or use translation apps to communicate with vendors who may not speak English
Be adventurous with street food but choose stalls with high turnover and hot, freshly cooked items for food safety

Tours & Activities at Kim Yong Market