Day 1: SAWADIKAP! After checked in to the hotel, without any hesitate we off to hunt down the town!! (yes, I can't wait any seconds more cause it was long long time ago since my last visit to Hatyai, extremely excited to see if there is any changes or new stuff, plus there are lots of nice food and stuffs with pretty cheap price)
Finally I'm stepping in to the town again, well...nothing much have changed, same street, people, culture...but one thing I've discoverd was that they have a very good division of road, a sign board to guide you, which i think is a comfortable way of leading people the right way.
Can anyone tell me where on earth you would find an LCD screen on a taxi?? You will NEVER!! And you will be happier when you take a ride with this and it only cost you 20baht (RM2)!!!
We continue to walk down the street, Mr.T was tired due to a long hour drive so we take a short break at Mc'D at Lee Garden Plaza. Not much different from Mc'D in KL, the only difference was they sell pork burger! (yes!! finally some thing new to eat...I'm sick of chicken burgers) It's just a light snack so we only ordered one set of prok burger meal, it taste good. Later on we went on to those shopping near the street, and end it with a must-do-activity, Traditional Thai massage!! PERFECT!! And I had Oil Body Massage *----*
After massage, and it's dinner time. This restaurant was operated by a lady from Alor Setar. (FYI, many Malaysian, those from Penang and Alor Setar doing business in Hatyai, especially in food sector) We happened to know this by asking the local for any recommendation for nice food. We did not know what to order and so we asked for their most popular dishes. After all, it was a wonderful meal, those dishes were fantastic especially tomyam soup!! It's hard to forget the taste... even Mr.T loves it! (bear in mind, he's not a spicy food lover)
The restaurant wasn't too far away from where we were so we took a walk there, and by the time we finished we walked back to the same street again, this time with more fun and excitement because all the road side shops, and stalls were opened, the whole street was now colourful and happening. I must say the crowd at the street is crazily HUGE! As we walked down the path we saw lots of people standing in front of the stall bargaining.
Day 2: I knew one reason why many people loves to travel to Hatyai. Went we stepped out of the hotel, there are numbers of tuk tuk, parking outside the lobby waiting for passengers. It's very convenient especially for older age travellers. I'm pretty much like a tourguide to Mr.T since it was his first visit and thanks for the memory I had on my previous travel, I managed to recall back what I've done and ate during my last visit. We grabbed a tuk tuk and off to the very famous local dim sum restaurant. Again, nice food and I'm surprised they sell bak kut teh too, very Malaysian style breakfast.
After savouring the breakfast, we took another ride to the local famous shopping market, which I known it as "Big Pasar". Here is where you can enjoy shopping and bargaining experience with the shop owners. You will find varieties of product like, apparels, bags, foods, thai famous duck instant noodle,( many people purchased in bulk) and many more. Without wasting any time, Mr.T and I begin our shopping spree, starting with the first shop near the market entrance. This market is build up in a huge white building located at the side of a big street, with carparks in it...it's a traditional indoor shopping.
After spending a few hours at Big Pasar, Mr.T couldn't take it anymore because we have been walking non stop from shop to shop, buying non stop from shop to shop too ;-)
We couldn't spent much time at a place, as according to our plan, it's a bit tight schedule for the day. Together with our shopping loots, we took tuk tuk back to the hotel for some refreshment. Spotted this cow-boy-dressed local man walking up and down the road, holding hand-made toys on both hands, promoting his product!! Apparently, it's a fake colourful running rats :)
After settled down our stuffs, this time we decided to go out of the town. Apart from shopping, there are things which you can do in Hatyai, visiting temple! There are many many big and small temples in Hatyai (most thai people are buddhist) We approached the hotel reception for a city map because Mr.T wanted to drive! Yes!! After few rides of tuk tuk he decided that is better to drive...and maybe because of the cost of tuk tuk fare they charged for the day tour which cost up to 600baht (RM60)..it's not worth for ride.
Here you are, the city map. With the help of GPS, we finally made our way to the Hatyai Municipal Park. It's around 15mins far from the hotel in town.
Little S leave a foot step at the municipal park. The weather was nice during our visit, a little bit of raining but still we manage to continue our journey. Next, we went little bit up to the park hill to our next destination- Bodhisattva Kuan Im. There is a winding road from the park that leads up to three separate shrines. Unfortunately, we only managed to visit two.
The huge golden statue of King Rama V, facing the great view of whole Hatyai city. The place was beautifully constructed. It's very windy up there and the area was surrounded with peace.
From there you will also see the back view of jade statue of Kuan Im. There's our next destination- Kuan Im chinese temple.
As we made our way to the car, there was this cute little thing lying on the floor, playing alone. Guess it's owner might be someone looking after the temple.
Leaving the municipal park in the evening, we were on time for the next destination- Klong Hae Floating market!! This is a BIG HIT in the city since year 2008, a must-go place for visitors! Little S is the only KL car among the row, woots :-)
All the locals are doing business in a small sampan, selling all sorts of thai local foods.
As I reached the place, spotted one local woman getting prepare, set up stall and ready to sail to the river shore to start on her business.
Those foods were amazing! Not to mention, it all only cost 20baht(RM2)!! TOTAL VALUE FOR MONEY!!!
Moving on, there was a land market just right beside the floating market. Again, varieties of product offering to the customers.
TADA!!! This totally freak me out!! I wonder why on earth they are selling this kind of weird thing or is this meant for eating?? They can move!!
Never see this in my entire life! Although this is nothing special and you may probably make this by yourself. It is very nicely crafted, they have all kinds of cartoon characters. Can't get my eyes off it and begging Mr.T to buy for me...love it so much :p
In the end, we bought 2; teddy bear for me, and Goku for himself, HAHA!!
find this unique in the market, thai-style sushi- as big as the size of one's mouth, topping with all different appetizers.
BANG!!! This is disgusting!!! This is completely insane!! Whoever dare to try on, let me know, I'll reward you with great surprise ^.~
Bamboo drink. This is mainly drinks, serve in a bamboo stick, you can take it back home if you want too.
Do you spot something flying on top of the drinks? YES!! BEES!! I wonder the amount of sugar they put in to the drink is VERY SPOONFUL!!
As I mentioned earlier, everything is selling at 20baht (RM2). This lady is selling dessert- thai-style jelly with green bean fillings.
Mr.T's favourite- Fried Squid. He even went back for second stick.
As we lingerring around the market, we heard a sweet voice keep coming out from this girl, promoting all the foods and activities to the visitors.
YUMMYYYY!!!
The night view of floating market taken from the bridge. The crowd hasn't been stopped coming since 3pm. (business hour: 3pm-9pm)
As we about to leave the market, we saw a group of youngster dress up in uniform carry with all sorts of music instrument. They were setting up and ready to perform. Apparently, they were a group of student performing to raise fund for their school.
Another group of young kids dancing on stage. As we reached the hotel, both of us were all tired and exhausted...thats not the end yet...we called for a thai massage and the hotel send 2 girls to our room...yea, room massage :)
Day 3: In conjunction with the long hour of driving, we had to leave early the next day. It's Sunday and they have rules for parking along the road side. Even days=Mon-Sun.