What is Songkran Festival?
Songkran Festival, Thailand’s most famous festival, is a splashing good time that marks the Thai New Year. Held annually from April 13-15, this vibrant festival is all about washing away the old year and welcoming the new one with water fights, cultural rituals, and endless smiles.
Join me on an exciting journey as we dive into the heart of the Songkran in Hatyai, Thailand. Over the course of three days, we will immerse ourselves in the lively festivities, experience the local customs, and create unforgettable memories.
Additionally, we will embark on a comfortable and convenient bus from Hatyai to Kuala Lumpur, sharing insights and guides about bus travel. Let’s get started!
What to Pack for Songkran?
- Waterproof Bags & Phone Case
- Quick-Dry Clothes
- Flip Flops or Water Shoes
- Sunscreen
Keep your essentials dry with a trusty waterproof bag or pouch. Trust me, MUST-HAVE!
Think lightweight and fast-drying. You’ll get wet—very wet. Opt for breathable fabrics and maybe a fun Hawaiian shirt to blend in with the festive vibes!
You’ll be walking through a lot of water, so skip the sneakers and go for something waterproof and comfy.
Protect your skin with a good layer of SPF.
How to go Hatyai from KL?
Here are some ways to travel from Malaysia to Hatyai, tailored to your schedule, budget, and convenience. Let’s explore!
| Travel | Budget | Duration | Location / Route |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Flight |
$$ Moderate |
~ 1 hour |
|
|
Bus |
$ Budget-Friendly |
~ 8 – 9 hours |
|
|
Train |
$ Budget-Friendly |
~ 8 – 9 hours |
|
More information about train and bus trip details can be found in BusOnlineTicket.com »
3D2N Itinerary in Hatyai, Thailand
Day 1: Arriving in Hatyai
After a smooth journey from Kuala Lumpur to Hatyai, we checked into Siam Oriental Hotel in Songkhla Hatyai. We planned to stay there for 2 nights as it is just 15 minutes away from Lee Garden Hatyai, which is known for hosting one of the most happening Songkran events in the city.
Our Day 1 was on the day before the Songkran Festival. Hatyai was already bustling with activity as people were busy arranging water stations, filling up buckets and water guns, and preparing for the upcoming festivities.
The anticipation was contagious, and even though Songkran had not officially begun, playful water fights had already started among friends and families.
Helpful Tips
Find a hotel near Lee Garden. You’ll have more opportunities to fully immerse yourself in the vibrant celebrations and enjoy the atmosphere of the Songkran Festival if staying close to the center of the festivities.
Consider choosing a hotel slightly away from the main event areas. While staying near the action can be exciting, keep in mind that the festivities often continue until midnight, accompanied by lively music and exuberant celebrations.
Day 2: Embracing Songkran Tradition and Water Fun
To experience the local customs, we visited a nearby temple- Wat Khlong Rian in the morning. Locals will clean up their homes and public places, such as temples and schools to get rid of bad luck from the previous year and get ready for the new year. The religious locals, dressed in traditional attire, engaged in religious rituals and paid their respects to the monks.
As the day progressed, the celebrations were heating up! The streets were transformed into a water playground, with people armed with water guns, buckets, and hoses, playfully dousing each other.
During Songkran, it is common to see people around you applying powder to one another’s faces as a gesture of friendship and well wishes for the Thai New Year. The colors used in the powder also hold symbolic meanings. For instance, white powder signifies purity, while black powder is believed to offer protection from evil spirits.
We discovered a huge food bazaar near Lee Garden. It is definitely a great destination for Muslim travelers as it offers a wide variety of halal food options. One of the highlights of the food bazaar was its affordability with prices averaging around 40 Thai Baht (MYR 5) or lower.
Day 3: Returning to Kuala Lumpur by Suasana Tony Coach bus
As my incredible Hatyai adventure drew to a close, it was time to head back to Kuala Lumpur by bus. Opting for the Suasana Tony Coach, we embarked on a comfortable and reliable bus journey. We took the bus in front of the Suasana Tony Coach office at Chee Uthit Road. Their staff were very friendly and helpful, they can speak different languages, such as Malay and Chinese, that ease our boarding process. After we boarded the bus, we were very satisfied with the spacious seating and the amenities, including charging port, WiFi, blanket and mineral water.
After 9 hours of bus ride, the bus driver dropped us at Hentian Duta Bus Terminal, which is a popular bus terminal located in Kuala Lumpur. You can check and book your bus ticket online on BusOnlineTicket.com to find buses heading to your next destination. Check bus trip here »
Helpful Tips for your Bus Journey from KL to Hatyai
- Book your bus tickets online in advance. BusOnlineTicket.com with a range of available options, allowing you to choose the most suitable bus schedule and seating arrangement for your journey and avoid any last-minute availability issues.
- Reach the pick-up points at least 30 minutes before the scheduled bus departure time. Arriving early allows you to complete any necessary boarding process. When traveling from Hatyai to Kuala Lumpur by bus, it’s important to note that the departure time is typically based on Thailand time rather than Malaysia time. Bus operators usually adhere to the local time zone.
- Sit back and relax. It takes approximately 9-hour from Hatyai to Kuala Lumpur. However, it’s important to note that during Songkran, the travel time may be extended due to increased traffic and higher passenger volume, especially with many Malaysians visiting Thailand during this festive period.
- The bus driver will make stops at designated locations to allow passengers to have meals and use restroom facilities. These stops are essential for ensuring passenger comfort and providing an opportunity to stretch your legs and refresh yourself. One of the stops is Batu Kayu Hitam, Kedah, which is situated near the Malaysia–Thailand border.
The 3D2N Songkran Festival in Hatyai was an unforgettable experience, filled with water battles, cultural immersion, and joyous celebrations. Additionally, the Suasana Tony Coach bus provides a smooth and enjoyable journey back from Hatyai to Kuala Lumpur, leaving me with positive impressions of bus travel. So, gather your water guns, embrace the festive atmosphere when Songkran in Hatyai, Thailand—truly a destination that will immerse you!
Book your bus tickets online via BusOnlineTicket.com »
