Central Festival Hat Yai
A modern, spacious mall in Hat Yai, famous for its indoor street food court and unique budget-friendly shopping finds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Central Festival Hat Yai
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modern, spacious mall in Hat Yai, famous for its indoor street food court and unique budget-friendly shopping finds.
"A comfortable, spacious, and well-thought-out mall that blends modern shopping with local street food culture."
🎯 Food Voucher System
Purchase a voucher first at the machine for food court orders. Unused balance is refundable. :moneybag:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the shops and food stalls! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Indoor Street Food Court
Ground floor and Level 4
Savor diverse Thai street food in a clean, air-conditioned setting. A must-visit for culinary adventurers!
Strawberry Club
3rd Floor
Discover a unique shop offering a wide variety of items, with many priced at just 10 Thai Baht (approx. $1.30 USD).
Modern Retail Therapy
Multiple Floors
Explore a wide range of fashion, cosmetics, and household goods from popular brands in a spacious, modern mall.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Foodie Paradise Inside
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Food Voucher System
Purchase a voucher first at the machine for food court orders. Unused balance is refundable. :moneybag:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the shops and food stalls! :athletic_shoe:
🛍️ 10 Baht Shop Finds
Don't miss the Strawberry Club on the 3rd floor for incredibly affordable souvenirs and trinkets. :gift:
📸 Great for Photos
The mall's modern design and vibrant food court offer plenty of photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Food Voucher System
Purchase a voucher first at the machine for food court orders. Unused balance is refundable. :moneybag:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the shops and food stalls! :athletic_shoe:
🛍️ 10 Baht Shop Finds
Don't miss the Strawberry Club on the 3rd floor for incredibly affordable souvenirs and trinkets. :gift:
📸 Great for Photos
The mall's modern design and vibrant food court offer plenty of photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
🏨 Convenient Location
Many hotels are located nearby, making it easy to access for food hunting and shopping. :hotel:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Central Festival Hat Yai is praised for its spacious, modern, and clean environment, offering a comfortable shopping experience. Its standout feature is the indoor street food court, providing a convenient and hygienic way to sample local flavors. While prices can be higher than street bazaars, the mall offers a good mix of retail, dining, and unique budget-friendly finds.
"Visited Central Hatyai during my trip, and it turned out to be one of the more comfortable shopping destinations in the city. The mall is spacious, modern, and very clean, which immediately makes shopping here a pleasant experience compared to the more crowded street markets. The environment feels welcoming, with wide walkways and a bright, organized layout that makes browsing different sections of the mall easy and enjoyable.
While I didn’t have much direct interaction with the staff, the mall itself is well-maintained, and everything seemed smooth and orderly. The facilities are in good condition, and the overall atmosphere feels safe and relaxing, which is always a plus when traveling.
One of the highlights of Central Hatyai is the ground floor area, where they bring in a street food concept inside the mall. This is a smart and convenient feature because visitors get to enjoy local flavors in a cleaner and more comfortable setting. Instead of squeezing through crowded night markets or outdoor stalls, you can sample a wide variety of food options in an air-conditioned environment. This mix of local culture with the convenience of a shopping mall makes it unique compared to other malls.
Apart from the food section, the mall also offers a good variety of retail outlets, lifestyle stores, and entertainment spots, so you can easily spend a few hours here without feeling bored. It’s also a great spot to take a break from the heat outside while still experiencing some of Hatyai’s local charm through the food and products offered inside.
Overall, I would rate Central Hatyai 4 out of 5. It’s a comfortable, spacious, and well-thought-out mall that blends modern shopping with local street food culture. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in Hatyai and want a clean, convenient, and enjoyable shopping experience."
Zen Yong
"There are plenty of delicious food options here. The system requires you to purchase a voucher at the machine first, and any remaining balance can be refunded. The place is spacious with plenty of seating. And on the lowest floor, there are plenty of tempting snacks to choose from. It’s a great spot for grabbing a quick bite or sampling various local and international foods."
IWA SOBARA
"I could come to Hat Yai and just go to this shopping complex without going to the street bazaars. The choices of street food on the basement floor is also not too bad. But of course, being in a shopping mall, the price is on the high side as compared to the street bazaars. The complex itself is big and spacious, well air-conditioned, beautifully decorated, and branded items can mostly be found here. There are ATM machines on the 3rd or 4th floor, for those who need its service. ☺️
Good experience to be here."
Rahmah Ramli
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Central Festival Hat Yai is easily accessible by taxi or songthaew (local shared taxi) from most parts of the city. Many hotels are located within walking distance or a short ride away, making it a convenient destination. +2
Yes, it's strategically located near other popular spots like Lee Garden Plaza and various hotels, making it a central hub for exploration. 
Taxis are readily available outside the mall. You can also use ride-hailing apps if available in the area. :taxi:
Yes, the mall offers ample parking facilities for visitors arriving by car. :car:
Songthaews are a popular and affordable way to get around Hat Yai. Taxis are also readily available. :bus:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to enter Central Festival Hat Yai. It's a public shopping mall. :ticket:
The mall typically opens around 10:00 AM and closes around 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM daily. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours. :clock:
Generally, no. The mall itself is free to enter. However, individual shops, restaurants, or any special events held within the mall might have their own pricing. :moneywithwings:
Yes, the mall frequently hosts festivals and bazaars, especially for food. Keep an eye on local listings or their social media for upcoming events.
Information desks are usually available within the mall where you can get a directory or map to help you navigate. :map:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find a wide variety of options, including a popular indoor street food court with Thai dishes, international cuisine, snacks, and desserts.
You need to purchase a voucher from a machine before ordering food. Any remaining balance on the voucher can be refunded.
Yes, many visitors mention a good selection of halal food options available, making it a great spot for Muslim travelers.
Taro fries, avocado shark, Logan drinks, and various Thai desserts are highly recommended. Don't miss the diverse offerings in the food court!
While there are some seating areas, it's often recommended to take away your food or find a designated eating spot, as space can be limited.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping
The mall features a wide range of shops including fashion, cosmetics, electronics, home goods, and souvenirs.
Yes, the 'Strawberry Club' on the 3rd floor is famous for its items priced at just 10 Thai Baht (around $1.30 USD), offering great value.
Yes, the mall houses many branded international and local stores, offering a typical mall shopping experience.
Besides the mall's souvenir shops, Central Festival Hat Yai itself is a good place to find various items, especially from the Strawberry Club.
Based on traveler tips, you might find camera stores like Big Camera, Zoom Camera, or World Camera within the mall.
📸 📸 Photography
The modern architecture, the vibrant indoor street food court, and the unique 'Strawberry Club' shop offer great photo opportunities.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas of the mall. However, always be mindful of store policies and avoid intrusive photography. :camerawithflash:
Keep an eye out for any festivals or bazaars held at the mall, as these often provide colorful and dynamic scenes for photography.
A versatile lens for general shots and a wider lens for capturing the scale of the mall and food stalls would be beneficial. :camera:
Explore the diverse food stalls for visually appealing dishes and the 'Strawberry Club' for its quirky and colorful merchandise.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While specific play areas aren't heavily highlighted, the sheer variety of shops, from clothing to novelty items, can keep children engaged. The 'Strawberry Club' with its incredibly cheap items is also a fun stop for kids to pick out small souvenirs.
+1 It's a practical choice for families seeking a relaxed day of shopping, dining, and a break from the elements.💰 Budget Travelers
+1 The food court also provides a cost-effective way to sample a variety of local dishes without the higher prices often found in standalone restaurants. While branded goods in the mall can be standard mall prices, focusing on the food court and the unique 10 Baht shop can significantly stretch your budget. Utilizing songthaews for transportation to and from the mall also keeps travel costs low.
🍜 Food Enthusiasts
+2 You can explore a culinary journey from savory to sweet, with popular recommendations like taro fries and unique drinks. The convenience of having so many food options under one roof, coupled with the ability to try local specialties without the hassle of crowded outdoor markets, makes it a top destination for food hunting. Remember the voucher system for ordering, and be prepared for potentially long queues on weekends.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Foodie's Haven: Exploring the Culinary Delights
+2The payment system here is unique: you'll need to purchase a voucher from a machine before ordering your food. This system helps manage queues and streamline the ordering process. Any remaining balance on your voucher can be refunded, ensuring you only pay for what you consume. This setup, while requiring a slight adjustment, contributes to the overall efficiency of the food court.
Popular recommendations include the 'Taro fries,' 'avocado shark,' and refreshing 'Logan drinks.' The variety ensures there's something for every palate, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience authentic local flavors in a comfortable setting.
+1Shopping Beyond the Ordinary: The 10 Baht Wonders
+1The merchandise ranges from cosmetics and stationery to household goods, accessories, and seasonal items. The sheer affordability and variety make it a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking for souvenirs or small gifts. It's easy to get carried away and leave with a bag full of goodies without breaking the bank.
This concept of extremely affordable yet appealing items is a significant draw for shoppers. It offers a fun and exciting shopping experience, proving that you don't need to spend a lot to find interesting items. It's a testament to the mall's ability to cater to diverse shopping needs and preferences.
Strategic Location and Accessibility
The mall is well-connected to other parts of Hat Yai via local transport. Songthaews, the ubiquitous shared taxis, are a common and affordable way to reach the mall, and they also serve as a primary mode of transport for exploring other attractions from the mall. Taxis are also readily available, providing another convenient option for getting around.
Its central position means that after a day of exploring Hat Yai's markets or parks, Central Festival offers a comfortable and modern environment to relax, dine, and shop. This accessibility is a key factor in its popularity among tourists looking for a blend of modern amenities and local experiences.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit