Thailand | Hat Yai Food Adventure

I finally got to enjoy my long weekends after working over the Chinese New Year festival. I've decided to spend my long break in Hat Yai, Thailand with my friend, Kairo. Just a brief introduction, Hat Yai is a city located at the South of Thailand which is very near the Malaysian border. To get to Hat Yai, we've booked a coach ride which took us almost 9 hours! At first, I thought it was going to be a hell of a ride but to my surprise, the journey was comfortable and not forgetting economically cheap! Tips: There are few coach rides departing from Kuala Lumpur. The price varies and booking can be done online. The ticket only cost us MYR125/perpax/return. However, for those frequent flyers, Airasia has direct flight once a day from Kuala Lumpur and the price can vary from just MYR50 to maybe MYR400 (return).

We chose to go on Alisan Golden Coach. 

Kairo and I in the very comfortable coach on our way to Hat Yai.

At the Thailand immigration counter before crossing over.

For our stay in Hat Yai, we have pre-booked our stay at Diamond Plaza Hatyai Hotel via Agoda. The location of this hotel was very strategic as it was located in the middle of the city. Our two nights stay was only MYR252.26. However, Kairo highlighted that walking in will be cheaper as the hotel price varies from THB400 -THB1000/per night for the budget ones. But bear in mind to always plan ahead. Judging from the blog’s title this write up will be dominantly about FOOD!!! So, let’s get those taste buds activated!

The room at our hotel. Simple layout nothing fancy. 

The view overlooking Hat Yai.

Day 1 – Eat, eat and eat!

We arrived Hat Yai around 0700H local time and we were starving! We decided to have a heavy breakfast which costed us THB440! The menu consisted of seafood tom yam, omelette, stir-fried beef and two plates of rice. Was it delicious? Moderate. Was it expensive? Super! After the expensive brunch, we headed to the hotel and checked in before going out to explore this amazing southern city of Thailand.

The THB440 brunch.

First off we headed to Lees Garden. Lees Garden is one of the famous building in Hat Yai which consist of a hotel (the upper part) and a mall (the lower ground). Because it was super-hot (like 32 degrees) we went to Swensen’s to cool down with a refreshing sundae. What makes this sundae special is it has glutinous rice with mango cuts served with mango ice-cream. Apparently, this menu is only found in Swensen’s Thailand and you can get it only for THB89!

Lees Garden is the blue building.

The amazing sundae with a twist of Thai's flavour.

One thing I’ve realized during my whole entire stay here in Hat Yai is that most of their street foods were deep-fried (which is not really healthy but amazingly tasty). We've spent the whole afternoon walking around tasting and trying all the local street food. Apart from eating, we've managed to do a little shopping here and there. However, that whole afternoon of food tasting made me bloated!

Everything is deep-fried. Fattening and unhealthy but I got to admit it tasted awesome!

Kao mok khai - Thai version of chicken briyani. 

Foi tong, thong yip, thong yok - snacks and desserts.

Ka nom toi - sticky rice dessert. 

Later that evening, we headed to Greenway Market which is a 10 minutes ride by a rot songthaew from our hotel. A rot songthaew is a passenger vehicle in Thailand and Laos adapted from a pick-up or a larger truck and used as a shared taxi or bus. Tips: Moving around Hat Yai using the rot songthaew is a very cheap alternative compared to hiring a cab. A trip like this usually cost you THB20/per way. Greenway market is a night market that sells primarily clothing and food. Initially, we wanted to visit the Magic Eye 3D Museum but due to a limited budget, we've decided to skip that excursion from our itinerary and rather spent the money on food indulgence.

Kairo and I on the rot songthaew.

Dinner that night was divine! We’ve tried a few local cuisines such as kha-nom tuiy, guay jab, keluy tab and also some fusion sushi-es (Thai version). We ended the night with some light shopping!

Cute and edible fusion-ised sushi-es (Thai style).

Koi chap - Flat noodle chicken soup.

Kloi tap - BBQ banana with sweet sauce.

Kenom berang - pancake with cream and foi tong.

Day 2 – Breakfast, lunch and dinner!

We woke up pretty early and before even brushing our teeth we headed down to Kim Yong Street for breakfast! Kim Yong Street is a must visit whenever you are in Hat Yai. In the morning this street is like a continental breakfast buffet and the best part is you eat like the local. Check out the food for day 2 below!

Kim Yong Street early in the morning

Pa Tong Ko - cakoi (Thai version)

It's essential to have a healthy drink first thing in the morning - nam tauhu. 

Kao niao mun - Sticky rice everywhere! 

Nothing much done in day 2. We did a few light shopping and met up with Kairo’s friend. Our night ended with a late night supper at this hype place with lovely sheep (dummies) surrounding us called Dek Liang Kek which translate a young shepherd. 

Shopping at Lees Garden.

Another chicken briyani for lunch.

Cha Yen - Thai version of teh tarik.

Supper at Dek Liang Kek. Kenom pang cokelate - Bread and chocolate. 

This is recommendable. Kenom pang ping noi - Soft steamed bread with coconut jam dip!

Day 3 – Eating and reuniting

Kairo’s friend brought us for an early roti canai breakfast at a coffee shop. The people who are living at this community area were predominantly Thai Muslim. Tips: For Muslims, Hat Yai is an easy place to get hold of halal food as majority of the people in Hat Yai are Muslims. After checking out from the hotel we headed off to Central Festival Mall – the newest mall in Hat Yai. To be honest, nothing impresses me as it’s just a typical mall you can find in Kuala Lumpur. We were there to get some dermatologic prescription for Kairo’s friend. For lunch, Baksit (Kairo’s friend) brought us to a restaurant called Rushdee located in a rubber plantation – unique place for dinning! Trust me the food were amazing!

Central Festival Mall

Kenom cib - The chicken dim sums were to die for! 

The signature dish at Rushdee's - Kueh tiaw boran.

Nam kheng sai - Dessert!

After the awesome lunch, we headed off to meet Kairo’s old friend Niheng at his hotel (coincidentally Niheng was having a conference in Hat Yai). We’ve spend the whole afternoon chilling and relaxing at the hotel before catching our coach back to Kuala Lumpur. Overall, it was an awesome and I would say a bloating trip. The food were amazing, shopping were cheap and new friends were made. Lucky enough Kairo was born and raised in Thailand so I get to experience Hat Yai like a local!

New friends made. I'll be back Hat Yai for more food!

Cambodia | Day 3 & 4 Siem Reap – Ancient City Adventure

Downtown Siem Reap

After a simple breakfast at the hotel, we hired Hong for USD15 where we visited:

1. Angkor National Museum – highly recommendable. I would advise to go to the museum first before making a visit to the Angkor Complex. It will give you an idea on what you are going to expect and see. Entry fee is USD12/pax.
2. Killing Fields – this place is where large numbers of people were killed during the Khmer Rouge. Entry fee: FOC.
3. War Museums – this is a museum that showcased tanks, anti-aircraft and handheld weapons for war. Tips: Tour guides are free and normally these guides are war veteran. Entry fee: USD5/pax.
4. Wat Damnak – this is the biggest pagoda in Siem Reap. Nothing much actually. Entry fee: FOC.
5. Old Market – locals called it Psah Chas and it is located in the city of Siem Reap. There are lots of pork sausages, dried food, souvenirs, stores serving Cambodian cuisine and a wet market. The best shop goes to the row of hair salon! Entry fee: FOC but items sold needs $$.

Tips: Purchase your tickets at a tour agency to skip the line. This downtown tour is around 3-4 hours.

We had lunch at the same restaurant in Day 2 before spending the whole afternoon in the room resting – sounds dull ya if I did not get myself into a high fever. Both my mates when out to finish up their shopping. I, on the other hand, was left sick in the room – BOO ME!

In front of the Angkor National Museum

In the museum

Killing Fields 

RIP to the victims 

Warplanes and choppers 

Handheld guns

Landmines 

Wat Damnak

Pork sausage sold at the Old Market

The Old Market 

Goodbye Siem Reap

On the last day, we hired Hong to the airport for USD5 and headed home to KUL on the 0835H AK543 flight. Siem Reap was really amazing for me and my mates. Hope to visit this lovely city someday!

For Hong services please contact: (855) 889072802

For travel itineraries, click here.

With Hong our remork driver 

Cambodia | Day 2 Siem Reap – Ancient City Adventure

Angkor Complex

Hong arrived as early as 0515H to pick us up for the sunrise at Angkor Wat. We had a packed breakfast by the hotel but it was a bit of a disappointment. We opted for a day pass into Angkor where it was only USD20/pax. However, for those who have extra time, a three days pass is only USD40/pax. At the counter, your picture will be taken to be printed on your pass. For those fashionistas make sure you put some touch up after waking up if you want to enter Angkor with an awesome picture on your pass! Tips: I highly recommend bringing a pass holder which you could hang it around your neck. Trust me even to the toilet you need to flash your pass. If you fail to provide your pass it will be 500 riel per entry!

As we entered the temple, there were already so many tourists reserving their sit in front of the lake opposite the temple. The main reason is because when the sun rises behind Angkor Wat, there will be a reflection in the lake and this apparently completes your sunrise experience at Angkor Wat. We found ourselves a nice spot and we waited for almost two hours to catch the sunrise. Tips: Unless you just want to enjoy and embrace the sunrise view – not a photographer, Instagrammer or etc, reaching Angkor Wat at 0700H will be just in time to catch Mr Sunshine.

Say cheese! 

My one day pass

The disappointing breakfast

We spend our whole day exploring the Angkor Complex where we started off from:

1. Angkor Wat – sunrise and A MUST!
2. Angkor Thom – BAYON
3. Baphuon – really high steps
4. Ta Phrom – Tom Raider shooting location
5. Ta Nei – a very quiet temple
6. Phnom Bakheng – hill climbing to enjoy the sunset

*Temples highlighted in bold is a must.

Tips: There are many locals around selling you books, postcards, fridge magnets and other souvenir items. If you do not want to purchase anything DO NOT ASK, I repeat DO NOT ASK or you will risk yourself being scolded and cursed by them. Make sure you wear a cap as it is really HOT and you might get sick and drink lots of water. However, for those having a small bladder, WC is quite a distance! So, brace yourself! Comfortable walking shoes (preferably dark colours) will be great and HEELS are a big NO-NO!

Tourist securing their seats for the best sunrise view

Angkor Wat

Sunrise!! 

The view from Angkor Wat 

One of the temple in Angkor Wat 

Pictures above are around the Angkor Complex. One has to visit the place to really appreciate the history!

Sunset

The view from Phnom Bakheng at dawn

After the breathtaking sunset, we headed back to the hotel. For dinner, we dined in Cambodian Muslim Restaurant at Steng Thmey Village where most of their dishes are really cheap, cheaper than the one in Day 1.
Total remork charge USD21 (sunrise USD3, Angkor complex USD18, sunset USD3).

Address:

Cambodian Muslim Restaurant

#068 Steng Thmey Village, Svay Dangkum Commune, Siem Reap City, Cambodia

Tel: (855)12682361 & (855)15526188

Email: hjnaseat.ismael@gmail.com

Our traditional halal Cambodian dinner at Cambodian Muslim Restaurant 

We spend our entire night doing some light shopping and of course getting a Cambodian foot massage for USD3/pax. Tips: Try the fruit juice along the way! Super yummy especially the avocado one! USD1 per drink!

Cambodian food massage 

Refreshing and cheap fruit juices!