ITINERARY:
Day 1: Singapore - Hatyai
Day 2: Hatyai - Yala
Day 3: Yala - Hatyai
Day 4: Hat Yai - Singapore
DAY 1 (06 August 2011, Saturday)
Michael, Novi and I met up at the Budget Terminal at 1030hrs for breakfast at Mac Donalds prior to boarding Tiger Airways TR2132 on a 1.5hrs flight to Hatyai.
By the time we stepped out of the airport, Momo and Mod were there to pick us up to send us to the hotel. The newly renovated Wungnoy Hotel is centrally located in Hatyai, less than 5mins walk to the Lee Gardens Plaza. The decor is newly furnished, with LCD tv, minibar, and the rooms come with a street view balcony.
Shortly after check in, we gathered and went out for lunch at my favourite stall opposite Lee Gardens Plaza.
Seafood Fried Rice
Tom Yum Seafoood
Calamari
Stir Fried Vegetables
Hatyai has'nt changed much over the year. Buildings and shops are still pretty much like it was 20yrs ago.
At the Lee Garden Plaza, where there are franchise chains like Mac Donalds, KFC, Swensens, Sizzler, etc.
There's a mini weekend bazaar inside Lee Gardens Plaza, a small scale version of the weekend market near the Hatyai Bus Station.
Yummy creamy Gelato with plenty of flavours!!
We had a session of manicure/pedicure for just 200Baht, foot spa for $200baht and a bone-cracking 2hrs traditional Thai massage at Oliver before heading for dinner.
BBQ Steamboat Buffet for 139Baht!!
DAY 2 (07 August 2011, Sunday)
Having breakfast at the Kway Teow Soup at the stall opposite WungNoy Hotel
Thai style Tim Sum
While some of Momo's friends ride their bikes to Yala, Michael, Novi and I rented a Honda Civic 1.4L through Momo's contact for 1400Baht per day. The car arrived at 1100hrs, and we prepare ourselves to set off to Yala!
We checked out of WungNoi, and proceed with a 2hr journey drive from Hatyai to Yala. The road was pretty smooth except that there were dozens of road blocks by military personnels. Cellphone networks were also cut off by Telcos for the fear of terrorist activities in Southern Thailand.
Arriving in Yala province
Bikers arriving
Checking in at Yala Rama Hotel - the best hotel in Yala!
The view of the vibrant town from my hotel!!
The group photo in Yala
Had the best meal of the trip at this corner restaurant, offering BBQ seafood at super great value!
BBQ flower crabs
Seafood fried rice
Grill jumbo prawns - SUPER FRESH and TASTY!!
Blood shelled clams
Grilled squid
Stir fried vegetables
Walkabout in the quiet Yala town.
Love Yala - Land of the Bombs!!
Beautiful VW!!
The only hairdressing saloon in Yala still opens after 5pm!
A short drive away is the Coliseum Mall... the only cineplex and mall in Yala!!
Not bad.... still got Swensens here!!
DAY 3 (08 August 2011, Monday)
We gathered at 5am at the hotel lobby to meet up with Mod's brother, who drove her to the nearby make-up saloon to prepare herself for the day.
Getting the bride pretty for the big day!
The bridal car
Commencing the wedding ceremony with dance and music on the way to fetch the bride
Momo and his parents, with the dowry and gifts
Arriving at Mod's house to gatecrash and get the bride!
Negotiating hard to get pass the bride's family members and friends....
There were a total of about 8 stages where Momo has to 'buy' his way pass.
Can tell that Momo is really enjoying himself.... no stress at all.... :p
Offering prayers to ancestors
Walking out with the bride
Putting the ring on Mod's elder sister. This is to ensure that she finds her husband soon.
Wearing the ring and accessories for Mod
Parents of the bride and groom exchanging dowry.... look at that stack of dollar notes and baht notes!!
A very delighted and satisfying groom!!
Bride and groom going through a prayer ceremony with the Thai monks.
Photo taking session followed
And the curious ones on the big bikes
Even the non-curious ones get together for some fun
After the morning gatecrash and photo-taking session, we had kway chup for breakfast.
Shortly later, it was the lunch ceremony at the hotel for about 200+ guests.
The grand march in by the bride and groom
Lighting the candles on stage
The 200+ guests at the wedding lunch reception
Speech by the emcee, invited speaker, and the couple's parents
Other candid shots
Pork trotter and popiah
Offering wedding favours during the walkabout
After the wedding, it was again a 2hrs drive back to Hatyai. This time, we stayed at the New Seasons Hotel.
View of Hatyai from the hotel
Dinner at the famous stall opposite "Be My Guest". They had limited variety to choose from but they offer some very delicious pork hor-fun!
Sharksfin soup
We also ordered a packet of oyster omelette back to our hotel, coupled with some barcardi breezers, mango rice, and tidbits to spend the night with
DAY 4 (09 August 2011, Tuesday)
Kway Teow Soup for breakfast at the same stall again!
Soon, it was check out time. We hopped on a minivan to take us to the airport, where we had some coffee and eggs prior to our flight back home.
MORE PHOTOS
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FAST FACTS
Travel Insurance: $33
Flight (SIN-HDY-SIN): $300
Accomodation: $46
Car rental & petrol: $32
Food & beverage: $69
Massage, Mani, Pedi & Spa: $25
Shopping: $12
Miscellaneous: $25
TOTAL EXPENDITURE: S$542
EXCHANGE RATE
S$1.00 = THB24.61
TRAVEL GUIDES / NEWS / MAGAZINES
Hatyai - Thailand for Visitors
http://thailandforvisitors.com/south/songkhla/hatyai.html
Sawadee
http://thailand.sawadee.com/yala/
Lost in Thailand
http://www.lostinthailand.com/thailand/Yala.html
MAPS
Hatyai
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