We arrived in Hat Yai at about noontime. After a quick lunch, we checked into the New Season Hotel.
Hat Yai this year was somewhat different from last year. There were much less people while festive decorations and activities were also less visible. This could possibly be due to the economic recession and the earlier timing of our trip (CNY eve).
Regardless, we were still going to do what Hat Yai is good for… shopping! On our 1st day there, a must do activity for us would be to go to the Old Market to buy some bags, shoes and clothing.
That evening, we went to the hilltop Bon Khao Restaurant. The view was spectacular and the food comprised of very authentic Thai dishes. Our photos here were too dark to be seen clearly but we had a really nice and enjoyable dinner.
After dinner, we dropped by the Lantern Festival at the Hat Yai Municipality Park at the foot of the hill. The lanterns were amazingly beautiful and very well done.
Another 27 photos of just the Lantern Festival alone can be viewed in our Photo Gallery.
On the 2nd day of our trip, we went to the Old Market again, followed by lunch and more shopping at the Odean department store. I also had a foot massage not far away from our hotel.
After a Chinese dinner that evening, we went to do some prayers at a Buddhist temple.
We then walked along a night market next to the temple where there was a Ferris wheel, a Chinese opera and a music concert.
The next morning, Sze and I were up earliest as everyone else overslept. We had a late breakfast and guess what? We went to the Old Market AGAIN! Ha ha…
We left Hat Yai after our shopping trip and stopped by some shops just before the Sadao Boundary Post for lunch and to buy more household goods. I also bought a garland of Jasmine flowers to hang in Sze’s car and some Pulut Ayam goreng (fried Glutinous Rice Chicken), which was very tasty.
May this Year of the Ox bring you lots of happiness, prosperity and good health.
More pictures of our recent Hat Yai trip can be viewed in our Photo Gallery.
More stories and pictures from last year’s Hat Yai trip can be viewed in our Blog and Photo Gallery.
