The truth is I hadn’t planned my trip to Thailand to coincide with the Songkran Water Festival, but travel fate plunged me smack in the middle of it. My own mind was on Malaysia’s Ramadan month and the travel complexities associated with the fasting month; changes in land transportation schedules and hotels booking up. But […]
Satun Ferry to Langkawi in 3 Easy-ish Steps (2025 Edition)
Catching the Satun Ferry to Langkawi may sound like a no-brainer, and for the most part it is, however, there are a few things first timers might want to take note of. As of this initial writing, in December 2022, there is just one ferry a day from Satun to Langkawi and it’s at 11:30am […]
Shop ‘Til You Drop in Hat Yai, Thailand
Shopping in Hat Yai is incredible. Especially for bargain hunters. Hat Yai is the largest city in Thailand’s Songkhla Province, yet despite the numerous things to do in Hat Yai it doesn’t see nearly the western tourist traffic that its sibling cities see. But ask any Malaysian why they go to Hat Yai and the […]
Hat Yai to Padang Besar by Train, What You May Need to Know Before You Go
Padang Besar, Malaysia has been a mystery to me for nearly 10 years. Yet, seeing so many recent social media posts about fun train rides from Hat Yai to Padang Besar and beyond kept gnawing at me, because they look fun and adventurous. To be totally honest, my own experience of traveling through Padang Besar […]
Sri Pakpra Boutique Resort Phatthalung, Coolest Resort in Phatthalung, Thailand
Despite the vastness of the Thai province, finding a hotel in Phatthalung is not difficult; there are many great options. But the Phatthalung accommodation that ticks all the boxes for me is Sri Pakpra Boutique Resort. The family-owned Sri Pakpra Boutique Resort is a charmingly tucked away on the marshy banks of Thale Luang (Upper […]
Should You Visit Hat Yai, Thailand? Yes!
Should You Visit Hat Yai, Thailand? Yes! Well at least I think so. I’m always surprised to see so few western faces when I’m there. Hat Yai is a transient city that I’ve grown rather fond of over the years. I’ll admit it took me a few visits to get into the Hat Yai groove, […]
Duen Chay Restaurant, Songkhla’s Culinary Masterpiece
It’s not often that I am completely impressed by a restaurant, but Ban Duen Chay is the exception. Duen Chay Restaurant is absolutely amazing. Not only is the historic family home turned restaurant decorated with antiques and family heirlooms, the Thai-fusion food created at Duen Chay is stunningly beautiful. Delicious too! Tucked quietly on a […]