3 January 2025 – A Day Full of Journeys, Surprises, and Colourful Corners
Today’s adventure kicked off on a high note with a hearty sit-down breakfast at the elegant Centara Hotel. We savored every bite, enjoying the cozy ambiance and the promise of a day filled with exploration and delightful surprises. There’s something comforting about starting the day with great food and even greater company!
The First Border Crossing: Padang Besar
Our first leg of the journey took us to the Malaysian-Thailand border at Padang Besar. Although this crossing wasn’t brimming with sights, it set the stage for what was to come.
With our spirits high, we quickly moved on to immerse ourselves in a bit of local culture at Wat Santi Worakhun.
Even a brief visit to this serene spot left us feeling refreshed and culturally enriched.
A Bustling Adventure at Sadao Checkpoint
Next up was the lively Sadao Checkpoint—a crossing point where energy buzzes all around. Unlike Padang Besar, Sadao was a hive of activity, featuring busy hotels, a constant flow of people, and heavily loaded trucks rattling by.
The border guards here were a cut above, cheerful and accommodating, even letting us cross over to snap a photo with the iconic “Welcome to Thailand” sign.
Moments like these, filled with friendly gestures and spontaneous snapshots, add unique layers to our travel memories!
Colourful Streets and Quirky Finds
Once on the Thai side of the border, we took a leisurely stroll through streets dotted with vibrant, eclectic shops.
The area was a feast for the senses! We discovered massage parlors promising relaxation, quirky herbal shops offering local remedies, and even cafes that served up refreshing drinks.
Everywhere we turned, there was something new to see—cars with Malaysian license plates paired with Thai stickers, a subtle yet fascinating detail that spoke to the region’s intertwined cultures.
Beachside Luncheon and a Mysterious Tower
Our journey then led us toward the coastal town of Chana.
We paused for a leisurely lunch on the beach, where the relaxed atmosphere and the sound of gentle waves made us forget the rush of earlier adventures.
Between bites, our eyes caught a glimpse of a huge construction site further south—a mysterious tower rising in the distance that piqued our curiosity. After lunch, we couldn’t resist the urge to investigate further.
Driving along the coast, we slowly approached what turned out to be an enormous tower, seemingly reaching for the sky. Our excitement was tempered by later revelations: just six weeks prior, two exploding grenades had rocked the workers’ village at this construction site, injuring three people. On the very same day, roadside bombs had also detonated along the road we were on. The area is earmarked for a 136-meter-high Guanyin Statue—an ambitious project that has stirred considerable controversy, particularly among the local Muslim community. It was a sobering reminder that even in paradise, complexities and challenges exist.
Evening Escapades: Murals, Massages, and More
With the day’s adventures behind us, we headed back to our hotel to freshen up before an evening of discovery.
The city came alive after sunset, boasting an incredible array of mural artwork that transforms every corner into a vibrant gallery. As we wandered the streets soaking in the urban art, we couldn’t help but notice the sheer number of massage and herbal shops lining the boulevards, each one exuding its own unique charm and promise of relaxation.
Reflections on the Day
Today was a mixed bag of calm mornings, bustling cross-border encounters, and even a touch of tension near the coast.
Yet it was all part of the grand tapestry of our journey—a delightful blend of fun, curiosity, and unexpected moments. Every twist and turn added to the story of our travels, and we’re already excited for what tomorrow might bring.
4 January 2025 – A Day of Cultural Wonders and Gleaming Marvels
Today, we delved even closer into the vibrant tapestry of Hat Yai, and truly, what would a visit here be without experiencing one of its most iconic gems?
Our adventures began at the stunning Songkhla Central Mosque. This grand structure, with its intricate architecture and tranquil aura, immediately captivated us—even more so as we managed to capture incredible photos between bursts of rhythmic rain showers. There’s something magical about seeing such a splendid structure framed by nature’s gentle drizzle.
From there, we journeyed to Wat Phra Non Laem Pho. Nestled in a serene corner of the city, this temple boasts a magnificent large reclining Buddha that exudes quiet wisdom and peace.
The atmosphere was filled with festive cheer too—pony rides and groups of locals and visitors alike brought an air of playfulness to the day. It was hard not to smile as we watched children and families delight in the simple joys of the moment.
Our next adventure took us on a longer drive towards Khao Khon Hong.
As we ascended, the views unfolded before our eyes like a living postcard—rolling landscapes bathed in the glow of the afternoon sun. And there, at the pinnacle of our journey, stood the Stainless Steel Temple, also known as Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol.
Constructed entirely from stainless steel, this modern marvel glistened brilliantly, its futuristic design a stark yet harmonious contrast to the natural and cultural surroundings. Standing there, we couldn’t help but marvel at how contemporary artistry and ancient traditions can come together to create such an awe-inspiring landmark.
To round out our day, we stopped for a leisurely late lunch at the Diana Shopping Centre. Here, the vibrant buzz of shoppers and the aroma of local delicacies provided the perfect counterpoint to our earlier cultural explorations.
After filling up on a delicious meal and soaking in the lively atmosphere, we returned to our hotel to recharge before heading back into the bustling CBD for a delightful dinner that promised even more local flavor and urban charm.
Every stop today added a unique chapter to our Hat Yai story
5 January 2025 – Fuel, Folly & Fascination in Southern Satun
Our day kicked off with an unexpected twist at PTT Hat Yai. We pulled in for some much-needed fuel, only to experience a language mix-up that led us to a fill-up of premium diesel instead of what we’d planned.
In a gesture as surprising as it was delightful, the PTT team presented us with signature PTT hats as an apology. It’s these small moments that add a personal touch to our travel tales!
Refueled and smiling, we set our course for the southern reaches of Satun—a region where swamplands and lush mangroves create a serene yet striking natural tapestry. As we meandered along the waterways, we passed by a series of charming fishing villages that seemed to hang effortlessly over reflective water. Every turn in Satun revealed new vistas, each one more captivating than the last.
An unexpected detour soon added an extra spark to our journey.
At Tha Ruea, we discovered an unassuming border crossing and ferry departure terminal—with service to Langkawi Island, Malaysia! This hidden gateway beckoned with promises of island adventures, reminding us that sometimes the best discoveries are the ones you never planned for.
Our path then led us to Phiman, where local street art brought the area to life. Wandering past vibrant murals, we couldn’t help but stop and appreciate the creativity splashed along the walls.
The lively artistic spirit added a playful pause to our day’s itinerary before we continued on to cross the brand-new Tammalang Bridge. Offering panoramic views along the river, the bridge itself was a feat of modern design juxtaposed against the natural, flowing scenery below.
Lunch came next at BigC, where a friendly employee not only helped us grab a bite but also took the time to set up our BigC app. It was a small but warmly memorable encounter that made our meal all the more satisfying—thank you for the added digital know-how!
Our final stop of the day was another Malaysian-Thailand crossing at Wangprachan—a reminder of the region’s ever-changing cultural ties and logistical dynamism.
With our minds buzzing from a day full of unexpected adventures and captivating landscapes, we turned our car around and made our way back to our hotel in Hat Yai, carrying with us newfound stories and a heart full of gratitude.
