Phuket to Penang via Hat Yai
From Phuket back to Malaysia we decided to go overland, a throwback to our backpacker days, which were really more like flashbacker days to be honest. Multi bed dormitories were never our style but cheap travel most definitely was.
So a bus it was. Not a fancy bus, no VIP bus for us. Just a plain old Thai bus that would have been luxurious in its day. About 20 years ago. It did the job.
We pulled in at Hat Yai after 9 hours of lumpy, bumpy roads, 60km from the Thai/Malay border, and our overnight stop. We chose a hotel a short walk from the bus depot at a very reasonable price, with no complaints about the cleanliness and comfort of the hotel. We even had Netflix available to us on the big screen TV provided. Perfect for falling asleep later.
But first, the big Asean night markets and some local food for dinner. We took the long way around, in the rain, just because. Because I wasn't reading the map right. Because I had the volume turned off so couldn't hear the instructions. Because I'm blonde. Take your pick. I just told Hubby that we needed a good walk after a day on a bus and left it at that.😉
Talk about spoilt for choice at the markets. So much delicious looking and smelling food. Once I discovered the banana pancakes I knew I needed a small dinner, because I was definitely having dessert. Simple Pad Thai noodles hot from the wok was an easy choice, followed by freshly made banana pancakes complete with sweet condensed milk drizzled over the top. Yum!
delicious pad thai
banana pancakes in the making
We wandered up and down the many aisles of clothes, shoes, bags and souvenirs without actually buying anything. That was very hard to do as the prices were ridiculously cheap. But I live on a boat with minimal space. No big walk-in wardrobe for me. I can certainly see why Thais and Malays flock to Hat Yai for their shopping. Back to the hotel for half a movie and a decent night sleep.
In the morning we headed back to the bus station to find ourselves 2 seats for Penang in Malaysia. Apparently, there are no big buses going to Penang. Apparently 🤔. We were directed to a ticket office to book seats on a mini bus instead. At quite an inflated price, I might add. We could spend time searching for alternatives and try not to feel ripped off or pay the price asked and be on our way in an hour. We paid. Sometimes you have to pick your battles.
We did have time for a coffee and quick breakfast at a local warung. Nothing like fried rice with egg and a generous dose of chilli to ramp up the energy levels.
I liked Hat Yai. I think it would be fun to explore more and to shop alot. I need to either ditch my whole 2 shelves of clothes or buy a bigger boat for that though. We may have felt we paid too much for our trip onward to Penang but the cost and quality of food and accommodation at Hat Yai more than made up for that.
Until next time, Watusi Woman - lover of markets, out
actually 9 hours, but who's counting