Kim Yong Market — Attraction in Songkhla Province

I went with my friends to Hatyai during the first week of July this year. I was looking forward to this trip n feeling very excited cos since Covid , I have not gone out of my country, Malaysia. We took the ETS train to Padang Besar n then crossed over to the Thai border. When we reached Hatyai, we stayed at a 4 star hotel there for 2 nights n 3 days. The first place our tour guide took us in Hatyai was the Kim Yong Market in the morning. It was a huge market - some areas were with a roof whilst other traders were selling their stuff along both sides of the road. It was an extremely busy place- full of tourists eager for a bargain n also locals doing their daily marketing for vegetables n meat. In the sheltered part of this huge market were located many stalls selling dried seafood such as dried shrimps, dried ikan bilis, dried cuttlefish n dried cashew nuts , dried fruits such as dried jack fruit n dried chempedak. Competition is great amongst all these stalls cos they sell almost the same stuff situated just next to one another. So the sellers try to attract customers who walk by. It’s quite noisy as they keep calling out to any potential customer who is walking past their stalls. There are also stalls selling freshly slaughtered chicken n pork n beef n fish as well. So you can get all kinds of smell from dried seafood to raw uncooked meat. The place is quite wet n slippery . Worse still the passage way between the stalls is so narrow that only 2 people can pass through at one time. It’s really crowded. They see all kinds of foodstuff n clothings , bags n shoes as well. You can get everything from this place. All along both sides of the road are also small stalls selling the same stuff . Along the pavements are stalls selling all kinds of fresh riots such as the seasonal Thai lychee n Thai longan n Thai mangoes n Thai tangerines n of course the Thai thorny durian. The Thai pomelo with reddish flesh is also sold here. Then you can also get very small chestnuts which are already roasted on sale as well. I bought some of these roasted chestnuts, some fresh longan n some fresh lychee. Many stalls were also selling various fried Thai snacks all sealed up in different sized packets. All these foodstuffs - we have to bargain as the prices are not fixed but are varied from...

Kim Yong Market is one of the most famous markets in Hatyai, so I decided to check it out during my trip. It’s definitely a place full of energy, but I have to admit my experience here was quite mixed.

The market itself is very busy, with narrow lanes packed with stalls selling everything from local snacks, dried fruits, nuts, clothes, accessories, and more. The environment feels a bit cramped, especially when it gets crowded, so be prepared to squeeze through the lanes and move along with the flow of people.

The prices here are reasonable, but not necessarily the cheapest. If you enjoy bargaining, this is the place to practice your negotiation skills — you can usually get a better deal if you ask politely.

One thing that stood out to me was the attitude of the stall owners and staff. Many of them are very aggressive in trying to get your attention. Some will call out to you repeatedly, encourage you to taste their nuts or snacks, and push for a sale. While I appreciated the friendliness of a few stall owners who stayed cheerful even when I didn’t buy anything, there were also some who showed a “black face” or looked unhappy when I didn’t purchase after trying. This made the experience a little uncomfortable at times.

Overall, I would say Kim Yong Market is worth a quick visit if you are nearby and want to see what a busy local market feels like, but it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. The experience is moderate — interesting to walk through once, but I wouldn’t call it a must-visit. If you go, just be prepared for the crowds, the pushy sales tactics, and take your time to explore and bargain politely for the...

Kim Yong Market is one of Hat Yai’s most famous landmarks and a must-visit for anyone exploring the city. Located in the heart of town, the market is always buzzing with energy, offering a lively glimpse into the local lifestyle and culture. It is especially well-known for its wide variety of goods, affordable prices, and vibrant street atmosphere.

Walking through the narrow alleys, visitors will find stalls packed with dried fruits, nuts, cashews, and preserved snacks that make perfect souvenirs. One of the highlights here is the huge selection of imported chocolates and tidbits from Malaysia and Singapore, which are often sold at very competitive prices. Many tourists also come to stock up on bird’s nest, tea, and health supplements, which are popular items at Kim Yong.

Beyond snacks and goods, the market also offers plenty of fresh local fruits, including seasonal favorites like durian, mangosteen, and rambutan. The street food around the area is another highlight—ranging from Thai desserts to savory dim sum, fried snacks, and drinks, all adding to the authentic experience.

What makes Kim Yong Market special is not only the shopping but also the lively interactions with local vendors, who are friendly and welcoming. Bargaining is common and adds to the fun of shopping.

Overall, Kim Yong Market is an essential stop in Hat Yai—perfect for foodies, bargain hunters, and travelers wanting to take home a taste of...