Songthaew

If you visit Hat Yai, one of the most common and affordable ways to get around the city is by songthaew — a shared, modified pickup truck with two rows of seating in the back. The word "songthaew" literally means "two rows" in Thai.

Songthaews in Hat Yai operate on fixed routes, kind of like a bus system. You can hop on and off at any point along the route. The fare is usually cheap — often around 10 to 20 baht, depending on the distance.

There are different colors of songthaews in Hat Yai, and each color usually represents a different route. For example, the blue ones may go to Hat Yai University, while the red ones might head to the central market. If you're not sure where it's going, you can ask the driver or a local — most people are happy to help.

Songthaews are a great way to experience local life and get a feel for the city in an authentic, budget-friendly way.