HATYAI HOLIDAYS: A FLOATING FEAST

A floating market in Hatyai? Most people have heard about Bangkok's famous floating market but not the market here in Hatyai. It a place a little outside the city limits on the way to the Big C Hypermarket. You can drive here like I did or take a tuk-tuk from the city center but be sure to negotiate the price first.

The market itself can be divided into to unique areas, by the river and riverside jetty. While the riverside area feels like a flea market with makeshift stalls and tents, the jetty, on the other hand is a virtual buffet table by the river.

(by river with stalls in the background)

To get to the "floating buffet", you must go down a flight of makeshift stairs to get down to the riverside jetty. Be careful, some of the boards on thwwere loose.

(riverside jetty)

Once down there, you are spolied for choice with boats selling many Thai treats from Mango Rice, Satay, Noodle Soup to Pancakes, Local delicacies and more.


It was really hard to choose from the many variety of food that were on sale from these "sampans" or small boats. Unlike in Bangkok where the small boats go from place to place to ply their trade, these small boats are permenantly moored and just a place to do business from. One of the "hot" sellers was the drinks in special clay containers.

The drink conatiners was particularly a hit among the children visitng and your teacher, of course. You can watch me in action buying the drink from the lady in the sampan. All in all, it was an interesting outinng to the market. An experience to cherish and I would certainly come visiting again the next time I am in Hatyai.

Hope you enjoyed the news about the market.

HATYAI HOLIDAYS: SNAPPING AWAY HAPPILY

I always think of Hatyai during the Chinese New Year and this year is no different. It's like a tradition for my family to spend our CNY holidays here. In contrast to Penang during the festive season, Hatyai is a picture of calm despite the chinese influence on its local Thai culture, it's buisness as usual. That is until the 2nd or 3rd day of CNY rolls around. It's time for the traders gear up to meet the tourist swarm head on.

Lo and behold, busses, vans and an assortment of cars of all shape and sizes descend onto this quiet town. Malaysians and Singaporeans alike cameras a snapping and people a buzzing, buying, eating and taking pictures of everything in sight. I even saw a girl posing with a traffic light! No kidding, it was outside Rama Hotel opposite a 7-Eleven.

I must confess that I am no better, I have picutres of me outside 7-11... with coffee in my hand. :P In my defence, don't you think taking a picture with a traffic-light is kind of .... weird? If not, my bad. Hopefully you see the humour in it as I do. Here are some strange shots from my camera, hope you like them.

a trio of terrific trees (near Changlun)

a "sweet" picture (in a 7-11)a drink with a difference (from the floating market)

Well, that's it for this posting. Do lookout for more. To my international readers, a warm welcome to my blog and thank you for taking the time to read. I hope it puts a smile on your face. Please do add me or send me your links to your blog. I am interested in meeting people from around the world too.

Cheers.

HATYAI HOLIDAYS : I DON'T LIKE COFFEE BUT .....

Hi guys and gals,

You know your teacher likes drinking tea mostly but here in Hatyai, you have to pardon me for wanting to drink coffee! Why? Why? Check this out. The price of coffee here is mind-blowingly cheap.


Starting from B$23 or RM2.50 for a regular , B$28 (RM3) for iced coffee and B$33 (RM3.50) for a Frappe!!!! As far as I can tell the coffee tastes exactly like those in higher priced cafes like Starbucks or Coffeebean. If you are a coffee lover or coffee addict, Hatyai is the place to come. Not convinced? Here have a taste of my Mocha.

Hope you all had a good Chinese New Year, collecting angpows and stuff! Lookout for more stories from my trip to Hatyai.


NOTE: To know more about Hatyai, please drop me a comment or send me an email.