Thailand Borders 01: Hatyai

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart..." - Helen Keller

(Sunset view from the Hatyai Golden Crown Hotel)

Day 01: Sunday, 10 Nov 2024

Route: Kuala Lumpur - Hat Yai
Distance: 527 km (6:17)
Hotel: Golden Crown Hotel, Hat Yai

By 8.00 am we started from Bidara house then to Restoran D'maju for breakfast. We drove with care as there was intermittent light showers along PLUS highway north bound. We did not stop at Petronas Simpang Pulai as it was undergoing major renovation. Normally we would stop here for refueling but this morning we drove further north and refueled at Petronas Sg. Perak.

(Heavy breakfast to start the journey)

(Less traffic in the morning on PLUS Highway)

We had Nasi Goreng and Mee Goreng Udang for lunch at Ida Mee Udang Sg Dua. There were already a bus load of ladies having lunch there even though we were quite early. Around 2.30 pm we stopped for prayers and toilet break at Hentian Tol Hutan Kampung.

(One of our favorite stops)

(Nasi goreng udang, quite tasty)

(The mee goreng udang is also a must try)

(Prayer break at Hentian Toll Hutan Kampung)

(A light shower in Jitra)

(A full tank at Changlun before entering Thailand)

By 4.45 pm we completed immigration and custom checks at Bukit Kayu Hitam/Sadao border. It was less crowded than usual but the queue was a little sluggish. We paid B30 fee for two for immigration overtime charges.

(Malaysian Border Check-point at Bukit Kayu Hitam)

(Malaysian vehicles queue at Thailand Border Check-point)

(Entering Thailand on a bright day)

(After office traffic jam in Central Hatyai)

Checked in at Hatyai Golden Crown Hotel at Rm103/night which we earlier booked online. Walked to Lee Garden Night Market to change some Aud to Baht then had an hour of relaxing foot massage at Sawasdee.

(Nasi lemak and teh tarik for dinner at Lee Gardens night market)

(More than sufficient for the road trip)

Had nasi lemak dinner at the night market. There was quite a crowd of Malaysian tourists around the Lee Garden Night Market even though it was not even the weekend. Bought one AIS Thailand prepaid sim card to be used during our trip.

(Hatyai Golden Crown Hotel)

(Our usual room in this hotel)