Songkhla

KL → Padang Besar train → van to Hat Yai. Total ~5 hours, smooth. Kerabu maggi 80 baht, shabu buffet 299 baht — both cheaper than home. Grab works perfectly, no haggling stress. This city is built for Malaysian weekenders.

Khlong Hae floating market — Fri/Sat/Sun only, go before 10am. Vendors on boats, halal options everywhere. Different vibe from ASEAN bazaar. Grab from central 60 baht. Combine with Kim Yong morning market same day if you wake early.

ASEAN Night Bazaar — open nightly, food court upstairs mostly halal. Kai Tod Decha for fried chicken queue, Hamid Restaurant for nasi kerabu if you want Malaysian-Thai fusion. Lee Gardens night market weekends for clothes.

Songkhla old town day trip from Hat Yai — 30 min bus, beach + mural walk + salt museum if you're nerdy. Much sleepier than Hat Yai. Samila Beach famous cat statue. Good half-day if you have 3+ nights in the area.

Central Festival for AC escape + VAT refund shopping. Keep receipts and passport for tourist refund counter. Night market for atmosphere, mall for brands. City centre walkable — Kim Yong to Lee Gardens in 15 min on foot.