Onward to Hatyai

 Hatyai - Traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Hatyai is an adventure in itself, but doing it aboard Malaysia’s Electric Train Service (ETS) adds an extra layer of comfort and excitement. With speeds reaching 140 km/h, the ETS offers a smooth, efficient, and scenic journey, making it one of the best ways to reach Thailand’s southern city from Malaysia.  A journey of 5hrs and 30 minutes in first class.

Donny and me in first class seats

Our trip began at Kuala Lumpur Sentral, Malaysia’s main transportation hub. Boarding the ETS was a breeze, with its modern, well-maintained coaches and comfortable seating. As the train sped northward, we enjoyed panoramic views of lush greenery, small towns, and distant mountains—a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Donny arranged for a Thai driver to pick us up from Padang Besar, our journey to Hatyai became even more seamless.  

Welcome to Hatyai: A Vibrant Thai City

Hatyai is a bustling city in southern Thailand, known for its lively markets, vibrant street food culture, and welcoming locals. The city offers a blend of modern shopping malls, traditional temples, and unique cultural experiences.

For lunch, we had burger at this Thai burger chain and the beef patty was so juicy and delicious.

Truffle burger

For dinner, we indulged in a seafood feast at one of Hatyai’s most renowned seafood restaurants. The spread was impressive—fresh prawns, crabs, squid, and fish, all prepared with signature Thai spices and sauces. The aroma of grilled seafood filled the air, and each dish was a delightful explosion of flavors, from the spicy tang of Tom Yum Goong to the savory richness of stir-fried clams with basil.

This seafood buffet restaurant is huge with so many fresh fish, crabs and seafood to choose from.   

Salted baked fish

Sotong in curry

So many different types of fishes

Horseshoe crabs, not true crabs but ancient arthropods, have bright blue blood due to a copper-based respiratory pigment called hemocyanin, which is used to transport oxygen. This unique blood is also used in medical testing to ensure the safety of vaccines and other medical products. 

Salted baked fish

steamed red snapper