[tom]

Originally Posted by penetrator

This is mostly aimed at our resident southern expert Tom I'm guessing. I'm thinking about a trip down south with the bird 1st week of July, good price on Air Asia flights to Hat Yai at the mo. I want to go to either or both Langkawi and Penang, but either before or after I'd like to see Hat Yai and Songkla. I'm thinking maybe to stay in Hat Yai and see Songkla as a day trip, would I be able to rent a motosai in Hat Yai and do you think staying in Hat Yai would be the best option or would staying in Songkla be better for what will only be 1-2 max days ?

btw, I know it's probably not the best time of year to visit the south but I can only go at this time for the foreseeable future.

Staying in Had Yai would be the way to go - either the Centara (around 1,400 Baht) or New Season (860 Baht for a decent room) would be the best bet for hotels (both are around the main Lee Gardens Plaza in the centre of town). They have tours to Songkhla, best booked through Konsortium Bus Ekspress which is located between the two hotels mentioned. The same agency can book most hotels in Had Yai at around 10% below their lowest rates. Ferry tickets to Langkawi (and van tickets to Tammalang Pier in Satun) can be booked at the large travel agent opposite the railway station, or else take the train or bus to Butterworth for Penang. If your plans allow, it's best to stay in Had Yai during the period Sun-Wed night inclusive. Thu-Sat night can be jam-packed with Malaysian/Singaporean tourists.

I've never looked at hiring a bike in Had Yai, but I assume you must be able to. I'll find out over the next week or two.

A good site for decent info on Had Yai is:

http://phil.uk.net/hatyai/accom.html

Any detailed questions, let me know.