We flew into Hat Yai from Bangkok, a change from our previous visit here, where we were coming overland from Songkla and heading onto Penang (in Malaysia). 
 
The flight wasn't as straightforward as we had anticipated, although it didn't help that I'd forgotten to pack my penknife in my hold luggage, and had had this confiscated for collection when I landed.
 
We arrived to rain and grey sky, and the Muslim presence had increased to the point of making us feel like we were back in Malaysia again; but we did find a can of 100 plus!
 
Phill wasn't entirely comfortable about coming here, given the ongoing warnings in the area regarding the insurgency in the deep south. However, I was keen to experience some of the sights in the area as best we could, before heading across to Satun province and the beaches on Koh Lipe for Christmas.
 
See more on what we got up to during our visit here: http://www.tiggerbird.com/2014/04/southern-thailand-offers-more-than.html
  
Other sights
 
- Ton Nga Chang Waterfall - it's located about 25 km from Hat Yai and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Songkhla province. Visiting just after the rainy season you will find the falls at their most spectacular. It's made up of seven cascades with one of these breaks into two, creating a stunning visual effect.
 
- Songkhla - this is a cute place to visit, and just a short trip from Hat Yai - see more in my post: Holiday makers but no western tourists: http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tiggerbird/17/1371937856/tpod.html

- Khlong Hae floating market - this isn’t far from Hat Yai and opens Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 4pm.

 



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