Spent our post Christmas holidays at north of the border at Hatyai, Thailand. We drove to Bukit Kayu Hitam in the morning at about 8.30 am from Taiping, reaching the border slightly more than 3 hours later.
We passed Malaysian Immigration and drove to the Duty Free Shopping Centre to park the car. It cost RM15 for overnight parking and the total sum amounted to RM45.00 for three nights.
Since there were five of us, we had to hire a van to take us to Hatyai about an hour's drive away. We have to cross Thai Immigration by foot. Apparently you need to include RM1 each in your respective passports. The same rule of thumb applies for the return journey.
We stayed at Hotel Centara (formally known as Novotel Hotel) which is strategically located at the main tourist area in Hat Yai. Located opposite the hotel is Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel. The hotel lobby is at 6th floor and below that is a shopping centre, supermarket and fast food restaurants. How convenient. Over at Lee Gardens Plaza is McD, Svensens, etc. Within walking distances are street food and street vendors frequented by the many tourists.
Visited the popular tourist attractions like the Municipal Park, Cable Car (Nice view of Hat Yai town from there) and Ice Dome. The Ice Dome is recommended for families. The ice sculptures are supposed to be done by the famous sculptors from Harbin, China. The current theme is the landmarks from South East Asia e.g. Twin Tower, Marina Sands, etc. Not to be missed. RM20 per entry and it comes with winter jacket and gloves. For the ladies suggest you bring along a pair of socks should you be wearing exposed sandals. Entrance for senior citizens above 80 years of age is free!
The rest of the trip was spent on food, shopping, foot reflexology and manicure and pedicure for the girls.
Destination : Hat Yai, Thailand.
Date : 26 to 29 December 2012
Accomodation : Centara Hotel, 3.5 Stars, RM180 per night, Superior Room w/o b'fast.
Mum's Rating : 6/10
Conclusion : Worth the trip if you have not been to Hat Yai. Good quality knock offs of EPL club football jerseys.
Van to Hat Yai - RM80. Return trip RM70.
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| Before |
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| After |
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| All onboard the tuk-tuk |
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| Just outside the hotel |
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| Street food galore |
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| Hotel Lobby |
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| Sotong bakar, yum yum |
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| Different varieties of dim sum, RM1.60 per basket |
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| Cable car station at the top of Municipal Park |
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| View of Hat Yai from atop |
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| Ready for the freezer |
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| Literally freezing yr butt |
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| Cool bar |
