Thailand mesmerizes me in every way: its food of spicy and appetizing, its people of extra friendliness, its culture with spectacular temples….but most important of all, it is near and affordable to us Malaysian. Ever since my first trip to Thailand (Chiang Mai), I keep returning, hoping to explore its different districts. So for this time around, Hat Yai it is.
Despite its very near distance to Malaysia north border of Kedah state with approximately 6 hours driving distance from KL, I took up the offer from Airasia which only cost me RM150 for to and fro flights of 1 hour and 15 minutes each.
Much contrary to my previous trips, other than flight booking, I did nothing for this trip as in not planning for itinerary, not searching high and low for the right accommodation in terms of price and proximity to the attractions. It is the beauty of travelling with friends where each of us gets the respective tasks and none of us gets too weary in planning everything.
We checked in at New Season Hotel, an accommodation relatively near to the city center where it is on the same street (Prachathipat Alley) as Lee Garden Hotel with only 5-10 minutes walking distance. The room was spaciously equipped with 2 individual chairs, one double bed, a CRT TV and bath tub.
As usual we had mini bar of bird’s nest, Coke, Singha Beer, Heineken, Kit Kat, Tong Garden nuts, Lay’s, Durex condoms and 2 bottles of complimentary water.
Not a picturesque view but it was nice to see the city from a higher perspective.
Thai massage is definitely not my thing for I’m the ticklish person. Well, for those who seek relaxation after a long day of walking; feel free to call for their Thai massage room service.
On our way to Lee Garden Plaza, we dropped by this 7-Eleven which happened to be on the same street. In fact, I make sure I drop by everyday during my stay there for this hotdog smoky wrapped with bacon heavenly bites and happily paid 20 baht for it. Be sure to make a special request if you can’t see it on the roller machine as they keep it separately.
I have to shamelessly admit that I like to explore these convenient stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, Family Mart as they each carry different products and it varies according to countries. This One Piece drinks here set as a good example that would not appear on Malaysia 7-Eleven racks.
These collagen drinks too.
Bird’s Nest on the hand and as I can conclude after making several trips to other states of Thailand, only appeared in Hat Yai 7-Eleven. 99 baht for a bottle of bird’s nest is a steal. As a matter of fact, there are a few shops at Hat Yai selling bird’s nest at an affordable price and some restaurants even offer bird’s nest in a bowl.
Ah yes, the Lay’s from Thailand that comes in many varieties: Lobster Hot Plate, Seaweed, Original, Salmon, Cheese, Crab….costing 200-350 baht for a small pack if I remember correctly. A must-buy whenever I’m in Thailand.
Another 5 minutes by foot and we have reached Lee Garden Plaza, the very famous shopping center located between Prachathipat Alley and Saneha Nusorn Road.
(From left to right) Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries
(From left to right) Gemini, Taurus, Cancer, Leo
(From left to right)Virgo, Libra, Sagittarius, Scorpio
One interesting thing about Saneha Nusorn Road was these street lamps with statue of 12 horoscopes interlaying at both sides of the road. I treat this as my very own scavenger hunt by taking photos of these 12 horoscopes. It was indeed a fun thing to do by paying attention to details.
New Season Hotel(Website)
Ranked #5 out of 63 hotels in Hat Yai at Tripadvisor and cost approximately 1500 baht for each night.