Hat Yai: Asia's most affordable travel destination, ranked by Agoda

The Hat Yai district in Songkhla, Thailand has been recognized as the most affordable travel destination in Asia by Agoda, one of the world's leading online travel platforms.

Agoda's ranking highlights cities that offer affordable accommodation options for travelers. The list was based on the cost of an average night's stay between June 15 and July 7 this year. Hat Yai, a popular city in southern Thailand, topped the list with an average accommodation cost of 1,250 baht per night. The platform noted that Hat Yai is perfect for travelers who want to stay connected to nature while still staying in the city center, thanks to attractions like Hat Yai City Municipal Park.

Agoda also recommends that visitors enjoy local street food at Kimyong Market and experience the unique culture of Hat Yai, which serves as an important connection point between Thailand and Malaysia. The city's accessibility is enhanced by Hat Yai International Airport, making it convenient for tourists.

This is not the first time Hat Yai has topped the list in terms of affordability. The city was also ranked as the most affordable destination in Asia in 2023. In an interview with Than Settakij news agency in January, Nongyao Jirandon, director of the Hat Yai Tourism Authority Office, mentioned that Malaysian tourists are the main target market for Hat Yai. The province is also aiming to attract visitors from Singapore and Indonesia thanks to direct flights launched by Air Asia. Additionally, visitors from Malaysia can easily reach Hat Yai by train from KL Sentral in Kuala Lumpur, with services running two to five times daily.