Hat Yai is southern Thailand’s practical city hub: railway, airport, markets and a dense food scene. Songkhla’s old town and coast are nearby but form a different day.
Kim Yong and Santisuk markets sit near the central city and railway area, with southern Thai, Chinese and Malay influences visible in food and trade. Night markets and restaurant districts make Hat Yai worth an overnight stay rather than only a connection.
Malaysian holiday weekends can increase demand. Check accommodation and transport dates when crossing a public-holiday period, and verify border requirements separately if continuing to Malaysia.
Songkhla is the provincial capital on the lake and sea, not another name for Hat Yai. Its old-town streets, museums, Tang Kuan hill and Samila waterfront work together as a day trip, but road travel between the two cities must be allowed for.
Keep city and border plans separate. A train or van connection south does not replace passport, visa and current-entry checks.