Off to Hat Yai!
It was day three of my AKPK Alor Setar relief stint when the northern urge finally won — I took half‑day leave, wrapped up my morning advisory work, and returned to Grand Alora with Hat Yai firmly in my sights. After a quick refresh, Cat and I slipped into BiBi and headed south toward Changlun, only to be met by a punishing curtain of torrential rain that turned the highway into a blur of spray, lorries, and overworked wipers. Despite the chaos, our excitement never wavered; with Thai insurance and immigration documents waiting at the agency, nothing — not even a storm — was going to stop our first‑ever border crossing.
Ghanimi Agency & Malaysian Exit
We reached Ghanimi Agency at 2:30pm, still damp from the drive. For RM114 (≈ USD28/EUR24) they prepared all our cross border documents quickly and clearly. Fifteen minutes later, we exited Malaysia at Bukit Kayu Hitam without leaving BiBi — passports scanned, stamped, and waved through.
Sadao Immigration & Customs
Across the short stretch into Thailand, the Sadao Border Checkpoint was its usual bottleneck. Cat had to alight while I stayed in BiBi inching forward. Twenty odd minutes later, I got stamped in by a stern officer — quick glance, hard stamp, no smiles.
At Customs, I stepped out with our folder — Thai insurance, third party coverage, BiBi’s registration, and all agency paperwork. Checks done, signatures made, and we were cleared.
Forms & TIP
We received the essential forms:
- TM2 — BiBi’s vehicle details.
- TM3 — passenger list. A friendly officer issued BiBi’s Temporary Import Permit (TIP) — her official pass to roam Thai roads.
Cool Afternoon Drive to Hat Yai
We rolled out of Sadao into a cool, post rain afternoon. Countryside stretched wide: rubber trees, green fields, buffalo grazing, kids cycling along village roads. Small towns drifted by with shophouses, motorbikes, and the scent of street food. The muted sky made the drive calm and cinematic.
A little over an hour later, we reached Hat Yai and checked into our Airbnb at almost 4pm Thailand time.
Our Stay at Lee Mansion
Our home for two nights was a quaint apartment in Lee Mansion, Rayjindee Soi 3. At RM233.36 (≈ USD57/EUR49) a night, it was great value — clean, quiet, comfortable bed, strong air conditioning, friendly staff, quick check in, a small balcony, and free parking. Close to everywhere via short Grab rides, yet peaceful at night.
Late Lunch: Pad Kra Pow
We walked out for a very late lunch at a humble Pad Kra Pow stall. Two plates plus iced water came to THB120 (≈ MYR15/USD4/EUR3) — simple, hearty, perfect.
Evening at Lee Gardens Plaza
At 7:30pm, we Grabbed to Lee Gardens Plaza for THB93 (≈ MYR12/USD3/EUR2) — nostalgic territory, as we stayed here on our first Hat Yai trip nearly twenty years ago.
Night Market & Foot Massage
Dropped off at Centara Hotel, we wandered through the night market and down Saneha Nusorn Road, noticeably busier than before. Penangites were everywhere — their Hokkien unmistakable.
Across Thumnoonvithi Road, we entered Yerboh Aoratai for a foot massage. The massage was excellent at THB200 (≈ MYR25/USD6/EUR5) each — but the con ruined it. They demanded payment in Ringgit and charged RM60 (≈ THB488/USD15/EUR13) instead of THB400. Avoid this dishonest establishment.
Odean Shopping Spree
At 9pm, we found Robinson closed, so we doubled back to Odean and picked up bodywash, Vitamilk, and munchies. Total: THB319 (≈ MYR40/USD10/EUR8).
Final Stop: Logan Café
Before heading back, we grabbed an Iced Milk Tea at Logan Café for THB60 (≈ MYR8/USD2/EUR2), then took a Grab home for THB77 (≈ MYR10/USD2/EUR2).
Tomorrow: The Dream Continues
Driving BiBi into Thailand has been a dream years in the making — and today, we finally made it real. Tomorrow comes Part Two: filling her up with provisions from a Thai hypermarket.
Catch our next video as we wake early for our long awaited date with Makro!
(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)
📍 Location:
Grand Alora Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/qGrn4YxvbCC5C1U28
Bukit Kayu Hitam ICQS - https://maps.app.goo.gl/dh68woS15JTVwccj6
Sadao Border Checkpoint - https://maps.app.goo.gl/hA46wpkAqFwEwTwP7
Lee Mansion - https://maps.app.goo.gl/YwERzVnV7sSpQmid7
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