The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Golden Century Tour and Travel Sdn Bhd, one of Malaysia’s leading tour operators, organised the “Special Charter Sawasdee Train” package tour on the Kuala Lumpur – Hat Yai route, from 26 to 29 July 2024.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said “Hat Yai in Songkhla is one of the most popular Thai destinations for Malaysians who can conveniently take a trip from Kuala Lumpur by air, road and rail. TAT, together with local partners, has organised this package tour boost rail tourism from Malaysia to Thailand, in line with the government’s vision to promote Thailand as a tourism hub.”
The “Special Charter Sawasdee Train” departed from Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station (KL Sentral) on 26 July and arrived at Thailand’s Hat Yai Junction on the same day.
Upon arrival at Hat Yai, some 400 tourists joining the package tour, mostly Malaysians, were welcomed with flower garlands and traditional Thai performances, as well as lion dances, which reflect the popularity of Hat Yai as a hub for the Thai – Chinese community in southern Thailand.
Songkhla Province also presented a welcome gift set, while Makro Hat Yai offered a 400-Baht cash coupon each for shopping at its store. In addition, Ek-Chai Distribution System staged the “Lotus’s Amazing Fruits Buffet Fest” from 26-28 July 2024, offering tourists the opportunity to savour the freshest and best of Thai fruits.
The tourists experienced must-do activities in Hat Yai and returned to Kuala Lumpur on 29 July on the Special Charter Sawasdee Train.
Excluding the Special Charter Sawasdee Train, KTM Berhad, Malaya Railway State enterprise, is scheduled eight special train trips called “MY Sawasdee” between Kuala Lumpur and Hat Yai this year. Operated during Malaysia’s public holidays and school holidays, the one-way train trip takes about 11 hours. Bookings can be made in advance via www.ktmb.com.my.
Located near the border of Malaysia, Hat Yai is Songkhla’s commercial and business hub and the largest city in southern Thailand. Famed attractions include Songkhla Lake – the largest in Thailand, Hat Yai Cable Car to observe 360-degree view of Songkhla City, the mermaid statue at Samila Beach, numerous markets and malls, as well as a wide choice of restaurants serving various styles of cuisine thanks to its diverse population of Chinese, Malays, and Thais. (TAT)
