I was stressful at work and in need of weekend escape badly. Budget was tight and i only have few days to spend. Since i work and live in Penang at the moment, i am considering Langkawi & Hatyai. I've been to Langkawi for at least 3 times now and never been to Hatyai. I prefer to go to beaches but wanting to explore new places too. After spending few days doing my research i decided to go to Hatyai since its cheaper and i never been there.
My trip start on Saturday morning with van from Prangin Mall Penang. Ticket was bought for RM60 (2 ways) with Five Star bus agent. Ticket can be easily bought with any bus operator . Van came a bit late since they need to pick up people from different places, my van supposed to come at 0830 but only arrived at 0900. The journey took approximately 4 hours with 10 people in one van.
Our driver is a thai who speak very little english. Its frustrating when he stop at Bukit kayu hitam to get our immigration card and didn't tell us much what we doing there. We are as good as wasting 30min and not exactly sure how long the process going to take or do we have enough time to eat. Toilet, food, money changer and duty free shop available here so its convenient for you to do your final arrangement before entering Thailand. Theres no hassle at Malaysia immigration but its another story at Thailand. After Malaysia immigration your driver will ask for RM1 which they need to pay for some fee at Thailand immigration. Thai immigration which is in Danok has at least 6 - 8 lane and it can be a long queue during busy weekend. The place is crowded with people, both thai and malaysian, heavy vehicle is everywhere and lot of people walk across over to Danok for shopping.
Journey to Hatyai took another one hour and van driver is nice enough to drop you anywhere you want. Just make sure you print your hotel name in thai to avoid confusion. For those who bought return ticket, you will first go to their office to change the ticket, confirm time and pick-up point. Here you also can buy ticket to Krabi, Koh Samui, Phuket, Bangkok etc in case you didn't plan to stay in Hatyai for long.
I reached Golden Crown Hotel Hatyai at about 1300 thai time. (Thailand is one hour earlier than Malaysia). The hotel is 10 minutes away from hatyai famous Market, Kim Yong. This Market open from 0800 - 1900 everyday and sell clothes, food, grocery, electronic, toys and almost anything. Everything is cheap and to get cheaper its good if you know how to bargain. Next to the market is a small road (niphat uthit 3rd, see map) which i have my lunch almost everyday during my 3 days stay. For muslim traveler, this is a tip for you who looking for halal food. If you not sure they sell halal food or not, look at the stall and search for green color star and moon. Its indicate that they selling halal food. Most of the seller wearing scarf so theres nothing much to worry except the selection is small. Chicken rice at this street cost THB350 = RM3.50, the nice thing is they also provide plain water for free. Besides food you also can find flower bouquet, fruits and vegetables here.
Besides Kim Yong market, Suntisuk market is also famous. If you lost and found a street with lots of pink umbrella its mean you there. And here you also will find everything. Handbags, shoes, clothes, pirated cd's and so much more. Cd's cost THB60, clothes mostly start from THB250, panties 5 for THB100,snack 3 for THB100, massage for THB300 and internet for THB15 for one hour. If you looking for money changer, theres one that i always go which is at Yong Dee hotel at Santisuk Market. To see hatyai you also can hire motorbike. Just look for any guy who wear uniform with number attach to their vest and they will happily took you anywhere you want.
This is shopping trip to me and i didn't manage to go sightseeing around hatyai. Theres no monument, beaches, temple or park involve in this trip. I hope these information will help other first timer or solo traveller to hatyai. Ops, btw...its good if you can speak chinese cos no one speak english here.
Five Star Express Tour & Travel Penang:
04-261 7011 (Prangin Mall)
04-6602 2100 (Sg Nibong)
Where i booked my hotel :
Hatyai Map :
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