Hat Yai, a city in southern Thailand, has been gaining recognition for its walkability and authentic urban charm, standing in contrast to Malaysia’s George Town, where pedestrian access remains a persistent challenge.
Over a recent three-day visit marked by frequent rain, Hat Yai’s covered walkways allowed for comfortable exploration without the need to rely on umbrellas. The city center, stretching from the railway station through key areas including Lee Gardens, Kim Yong Market, and local bazaars, offers continuous sheltered paths, encouraging walking as a primary mode of moving around. Despite a relaxed itinerary with stops at cafes and meals, visitors can easily accumulate more than 20,000 steps daily, thanks to the city’s pedestrian-friendly design.
Many of Hat Yai’s old town streets feature five-foot ways—covered sidewalks typical in the region—that, although aged and sometimes encroached upon by shop displays, remain generally clear and passable. The atmosphere is characterized by weathered shopfronts and tile flooring, but residents maintain their spaces with plants and decorations, lending a sense of care and community. Road safety measures include zebra crossings at every intersection, with drivers reportedly slowing down to allow pedestrians to cross without incident.
The city’s infrastructure, dating from the early 20th century and built around the railway, is described as “rough but proper,” with paved roads featuring clear markings, despite some wear and visible overhead wiring. This unpolished, lived-in quality provides an older-world ambiance that appeals to those seeking an authentic experience rather than a heavily commercialized or overly polished environment. Local vendors, such as third-generation bakers selling traditionally wrapped mooncakes, contribute to the city’s genuine neighborhood feel.
In comparison, George Town, founded in 1786 and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, faces ongoing difficulties in maintaining accessible pedestrian pathways. Five-foot ways in the city are often incomplete or obstructed by objects such as chairs, merchandise, motorcycles, and planters, forcing pedestrians onto roadways and creating safety concerns. Efforts to improve walkability have included the construction of new pathways and infrastructure upgrades. The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has initiated projects totaling millions of ringgit aimed at enhancing walkways and introducing greenery, including a climate-adaptation initiative covering a 1.76-kilometer loop around Lebuh Pantai.
Completed pedestrian zones, such as the space at Gat Lebuh China outside the UAB Building, have shown promise as areas where visitors can congregate and enjoy the city on foot. However, concerns have been raised that George Town’s drive to enhance its image through new paving, street furniture, and tourist-centric photo spots risks overshadowing the very heritage it seeks to preserve. Observers emphasize that the city’s appeal lies not in pristine appearances but in maintaining functional, passable walkways and preserving the authentic elements of its streetscapes—old shops, hawker stalls, worn tiles, and vibrant local activity.
Ultimately, the pedestrian experience is central to the cultural and touristic vitality of both cities. While Hat Yai demonstrates the benefits of integrating walkability into urban life without sacrificing authenticity, George Town continues to grapple with balancing heritage conservation, pedestrian access, and visitor expectations.