While Hat Yai is not usually synonymous with the culture of cafe hopping, Thailand’s southern gateway does offer some fine cafes and coffee houses for the hipsters and foodies to enjoy an afternoon of cakes, pastries, desserts, coffee and tea. This guide aims to highlight some of the best cafes and coffee houses Hat Yai and Songkhla has to offer.
1. Butterfly Hat Yai Cafe
Butterfly Cafe is the place to be in Hat Yai for delicious coffee and most importantly, halal cuisine. You’ll definitely be satisfied with the menu, which offers everything from appetizing breakfasts to mouth-watering local Thai dishes to scrumptious pastries and more. Featuring indoor and outdoor seating, it’s not surprising to meet familiar faces here as it’s a popular hangout amongst Malaysian tourists.
2. Double 3 Craft Cafe Hat Yai
One of the trendier cafes on the list, Double 3 Craft Cafe boasts a strong reputation among its customers not just for the quality of main dishes, pastries and coffee, but also the atmosphere of its stylishly decorated interiors. Refurbished from an old bungalow, it’s given a makeover with a striking white paint job with touches of geometric embellishments.
3. The Bay Cafe Songkhla
The Bay Cafe & Eatery is a refreshing respite from the congested and often chaotic city of Hat Yai. Only steps away from Samila beach in Songkhla, its spacious open setting is lively with plenty of natural sunlight and filled with thriving foliage. Flipping through the menu reveals a satisfying selection of coffees and contemporary fare. Dine comfortably in their interior space, or slink back onto a beach chair (or bean bag if you prefer) and enjoy the cool sea breeze and unwind with a cup of coffee.
4. Lagom House Cafe
Well-placed in Hat Yai, just minutes away from the train station and Lee Gardens, Lagom House is designed to give you insta-worthy shots from every angle. Formerly an old shophouse, it’s been refurbished to modernize its interior, and yet still retain its old charms. Featuring an appetizing brunch menu, their food here is equally visually appealing, cooked and seasoned to perfection!
5. Ban Khrua Cafe Hat Yai
Ban Khrua is another halal cafe in Hat Yai that’s definitely worthy of your attention. Reasonably priced, your hunger pangs will definitely be satisfied with amazing selections on their menu, featuring lip-smacking Thai classics, pastries and coffee. Also worth mentioning is the atmosphere here, it’s stylish yet inviting, making it perfect to relax and unwind with a cup of coffee.
6. Avenue Hat Yai Cafe
Another great place to get impeccable coffee on this list, Avenue Hat Yai is a very popular hangout for cafe hoppers. Contrasting with their minimalist interior, they get crafty with their coffees, offering experimental brews like Blackpinkk (coffee & strawberry sauce), Noom Utitt (coffee & lemon yuzu) and many more. Pair that cup of coffee with their freshly baked pastries and you’ll be over the moon!
7. Cheevit Cheeva Hat Yai Cafe
Those craving for sweet decadent desserts may wish to make a beeline for Cheevit Cheeva Hat Yai. Creating buzz since it first came about, crowds flock to this bustling cafe to try out their bestsellers like bingsu, dango, okinawa kokuto and lots more. Find comfort in its vintage interior of glass block windows, earthen walls & stylish furniture, whilst indulging on your favourite dessert. They have amazing coffee too.
8. Fast Slow Cafe Songkhla
FastSlow Cafe may not be easy to find, but this quaint little cafe is definitely worth your time hunting it down! One of the few halal cafes in Hat Yai, Muslim travellers will certainly be delighted with the menu choices here, with local classics, burgers, sandwiches and coffee on offer. The service is excellent too, the owners are really attentive and make sure you’re having a good time while you’re there
9. Take A Bus Hat Yai Cafe
Very instaworthy, you’d immediately recognize Take A Bus Hat Yai’s facade, a small but intimate cafe that takes the shape of a bus. Stepping inside this vibrant cafe, you’ll be overwhelmed by the sweet aromas of freshly baked pastries, that pair well with their fantastic milk teas. Enjoy a refreshing sip as you meander around looking for the perfect angles for photos
10. Sa-Biang Cafe Hat Yai
Go on a gastronomical ride by paying a visit to Sa-Biang Cafe. Draped in modern yet simplistic decor, this homely cafe in Hat Yai prides itself in serving delicious coffee & Thai cuisine, and best of all, it’s halal. If you need a break from the usual local fare, there are also steaks, pizzas and spaghetti available on the menu.
11. SeaVerse Cafe & Restaurant Hat Yai
Joining a growing list of trendy cafes in Hat Yai is the recently opened SeaVerse Cafe & Restaurant. It’s a floating village, mini theme park, restaurant and cafe, all rolled into one. There’s plenty to do here, you can roam around and take pictures of its expansive outdoor area, or scale the watch tower and soak in the views from above. Once you’re done exploring, relax and unwind at its cosy, eclectic cafe for some simple yet delish meal
12. Cafe Amazon Songkhla
No trip to Thailand would ever be complete without a visit to Cafe Amazon, arguably the country’s largest coffeehouse chain. With over 2,600 branches (and growing) nationwide, you’ll be spoilt for choice! But if you had to pick just one to go to, look no further than Cafe Amazon Songkhla. Regarded as one of Thailand’s most beautiful cafes, this rustic chic cafe is surrounded by a man-made tropical jungle, complete with its own waterfall and streams! Relax with a cup of freshly brewed coffee whilst being immersed in nature here.
