Thailand Golf Tour - Hatyai by Train, 2019 Feb

Our member  Liaw has been traveling by train to Hatyai a couple of times, according to him the journey is quite comfortable and takes about 6 hours from KL Central. So when it was suggested that we could tried the same for our 4d3n golf tour by train, without much hesitation 7 of our regular members quickly signed up. The 8th slot was also filled up by David’s friend; Allan Wong.

Wednesday, 20th Feb.

The ETS departed from KL Central at 10.05am and arrived at Padang Besar station at about 4.00pm. The journey was quite pleasant considering that we were all seated next to each other, separated with tables for four each. This was very much thanks to David who has done the booking with much consideration to seating arrangement as well. He even brought along promo coupons for burgers for our lunch on board! We just chat and jokes along the way, so time passed quickly before we realized we had arrived at our destination. 

While waiting for our van just outside the Padang Besar train station, the sky opened suddenly with heavy downpours. Fortunately it soon faded out just while we board the van. The journey took about an hour to our hotel in Hatyai. Going through the Malaysian  and Thai Immigration counters were smooth as there were only a handful of people then.

We had dinner at the corner Thai tai chow stall just a short walk from the left side of the hotel. Fortunately we were there early, as we can see many dinners were slowly taken up all the available tables while waiting for our dishes. The rest of the night were taken up on massages and early rest to prepare for a big game tomorrow.

Thursday, 21th Feb.

We left hotel at 7am and arrived at our usual breakfast stall, located just before the turning to Southern Hill GC. Those Thai noodles and kuey chap, plus the variety of glutinous rice cakes all made up to a very satisfying breakfast. Not forgetting the young and cheerful lady boss, who speaks Hokkian though she is bit on the slim side!

Today, we played Thongthai Banrai GC. A relatively flat course but demands very accurate tee off. We enjoyed playing here previously , but this time the green was very slow and most part of the fairways were covered with grass scotched by the hot sun. As a result, the grounds were dry and hard. But for 470bht (gf270,cdy 200) per person, just blame the weather la!
Friday, 22nd Feb.

Since Kim Sun had not played Southern Hills GC before, we had decided to come here today. Thanks also very much to the convincing skill of David, he managed to book through his agent, Ah Moy for a discounted green fees at 700bht.

The course condition is much better than Banrai, most likely due to constant watering from the sprinkler system. SHGC always is a very challenging course especially the index 1 & 2 holes and the 180m par 3 island hole, where wind also comes into play most of the time. Water are in play at a lot of the holes; either during tee off or the approach shots. Always be satisfied if you have played to your game!

at West Side

Since this will be our last night in Hatyai, how can we go home without going to our favorite pub, West Side? Without doubt the band is still the best, especially after adding a new sexy saxophonist lady probably 3 years ago. They have added a number of hot Chinese hits and Cantonese songs by Beyond. 

It's obvious the crowd love every pieces they played, especially our David. He was definitely on “high” mood after a few drinks, grooving and enjoying all by himself with the receptionist, the saxophonist and the patrons nearby. Got to cut down on his drink in future, though!








Saturday, 23rd Feb.

Since our train departs at about 2.20pm, it’s free and easy day. Most will go to the market to shop cashew nuts, Thai bak chang or anything to please the wife, that’s the truth my friends!

Some considerations if going to Hatyai by train.

1. Rent a Thai van, which can come next to the Padang Besar train station to pick up.
2. Make sure the Thai driver has a passport to pass through the Malaysian Immigration, otherwise the van will not be able to drive close to the train station.
3. Confirm the price from hotel pick up till drop off next to the train station.

Approximate costs per pax....

Train return ticket:  RM 97
Rooms (single x 3 N): 870 x 3 bht= 2610 bht
Golf package( 2 rounds) incl tips    1800  bht                                
Transport (station/hotel)                    500  bht
Others (food & drinks)                      1500 bht

ThongThai Banrai GC

Southern Hills GC