A charming yet relatively unexplored city in southern Thailand, Hat Yai has so much to offer that you can't get enough of it in a single trip.

If you're planning a trip to Thailand and intend to explore it beyond the famous cities like Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai etc., then do include Hat Yai in your bucket list.Having its own charm, Hat Yai is a perfect blend of Thai, Malaysian and Singaporean cultures. This city in the Songkhla Province may not attract the western tourists, but it has something which cannot be found in anywhere else of the country. So, read on to find out five activities which you should definitely do in this city.

Shop at the Asean Trade Bazaar: A paradise for the shopaholics, Asean Trade Bazaar is a night market which always remains filled with lights, colours and sound. The market has two levels; the ground floor is for shopping and the above floor is packed with food stalls. It's home to more than 100 stalls selling variety of things including clothes, souvenirs, decors, bags, paintings etc.

Walk around Songkhla old town: Songkhla Old Town is an amazing place to explore the southern Thai-Chinese culture and architecture. This 200-year-old town leaves its visitors mesmerized with the street art, charming narrow lanes and colonial-style buildings. It has a number of cafes, restaurants and temples where you should definitely pay a visit.

Visit the Hat Yai Municipal Park: Hat Yai Municipal Park is a gorgeous yet peaceful place that offers its visitors an escape from the concrete jungle of the city. As it's located outside the main city, you need to rent a car to visit there. The park is home to a number of statues, temples and shrines which look absolutely stunning on bright days. Also, the magnificent views of the town from there will literally leave you awestruck.

Get unforgettable memories at Magic Eye 3D Museum: Magic Eye 3D Museum is a fun place where you should definitely spend multiple hours with family or friends. Here, you can explore galleries themed in various styles and enjoy the beautiful 3D walls and floors. Also, it offers an excellent opportunity to learn about different art, culture and magic shows. And don't forget to take funny photographs with the artworks.

Witness the giant Buddha statue at Wat Hat Yai Nai: Built in 1917, Wat Hat Yai Nai is a significant Buddhist temple filled with peace and spirituality. While the beautiful pavilions and Thai-style roof enhance the charm of this temple, its major highlight is the 36-metre-long, 15-metre-tall and 10-metre-wide reclining Buddha statue which also happens to be the 3rd largest reclining Buddha in the world.

So, visit Hat Yai in your next trip to Thailand and enjoy the holiday to the extreme.