Hat Yai is the largest city in the South of Thailand, it is quite similar to Bangkok in a way that it has lots of High Street shops and shopping Malls, but it is not as hectic as Bangkok! (a relief!) It has quite a big chinese influence and also muslim.

It was quite bizarre to see a couple of elephants walking up the city streets at night (forgot the camera that night!! d'oh)...

The first morning we were woken up at 8am by a marching band and parade... it was very comical, not what you expect that early in the morning! it went right past our balcony and went on for quite a time. We are not sure what it was for but took photos anyway!

We went to the night bazar and managed to pick up a couple of bargains... i am now the proud owner of a genuine copy of an england football shirt (with hologram and labels... looks real enough) not bad for just over 4 pounds! and Paul got the latest Arsenal shirt for the same price... I couldnt find Bristol Rovers or City... obviously not good enough... heh heh...

This morning we went to the train station to catch the train to the Thai border (about 200km and about 70p)... its quite strange, but at the station there is a gallery of pictures (on the way in) of Thai train accidents and crashes at road crossings!! Im not sure if they were warning us about their safety record?

After crossing the border on foot we took a bus to Kota Bharu, where we are now. Staying in a very grubby guesthouse that only cost 1 pound 60 each!! this travelling is a real eye opener, im never going to let anyone say im a messy person ever again... cos Thais and Malaysians win the prize hands down!