How the Toyota Cross Hybrid Made Our Road Trip Awesome: From Kuala Lumpur to Hatyai and Back

How Our Road Trip to Hat Yai Became an Unforgettable Adventure

 

We had always wanted to visit Hat Yai, the largest city in southern Thailand, known for its lively markets, delicious street food, and cultural attractions. So when we got the chance to test drive the new Toyota Cross Hybrid, we decided to make it our road trip vehicle and see what it could do.

 

We started our journey from Kuala Lumpur on a Thursday night, eager to hit the road and escape the city. The Toyota Cross Hybrid was a smooth and comfortable ride, with plenty of space for our luggage and snacks. We loved the hybrid system that switched between electric and petrol power, saving us fuel and reducing emissions. The car also had a smart safety system that alerted us of potential hazards and helped us stay in lane.

 

We drove through the night, enjoying the starry sky and the quiet roads. We reached Perlis in the morning, where we stopped for breakfast at a beautiful scenic place called Warung Tepi Sawah. We savoured the local dishes of nasi lemak, roti canai, and teh tarik, while admiring the view of the green rice fields and the mountains. We felt refreshed and ready to continue our journey.

 

We entered the border at noon, after a quick passport check and customs clearance. We were welcomed by a sign that said "Sawasdee Hat Yai". We felt a surge of excitement as we entered a new country and culture. We drove for another hour or so, passing by palm plantations, rubber estates, and small villages. We finally arrived at Hat Yai in the evening, where we checked in at Laguna Grand Hotel, a modern and cozy place near the city center.

 

We spent most of our time in Hat Yai eating and shopping, as there was so much to see and taste. We explored the famous  Asean Night Bazaar, where we bought souvenirs, clothes and snacks. We tried some of the local delicacies, such as dim sum, Thai Briyani, roti sai mai (cotton candy wrapped in thin crepes), and coconut ice cream.

 

The highlight of our trip was on Saturday, when we went to a shooting range in Hat Yai. We had never fired a gun before, so we were nervous but curious. We paid a reasonable fee and got to choose from a variety of weapons, such as pistols, rifles, shotguns, and even machine guns. The staff were friendly and professional, giving us instructions and safety tips. We put on our ear muffs and goggles, and took turns shooting at targets. It was an exhilarating experience that made us feel powerful and adventurous.

 

On Sunday night, we went to watch a local concert at Samila Beach, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. We joined the crowd in singing along to some of their hits. We also took pictures with the famous mermaid statues.

 

We travelled back on Monday noon, feeling sad to leave but happy to have had such an amazing trip. The Toyota Cross Hybrid was a reliable and efficient companion that made our road trip more enjoyable and memorable. We encountered some bad traffic on Plus Highway, but we didn't mind too much as we had each other's company and stories to share. We reached home at 12 am, tired but satisfied.

 

Our road trip to Hat Yai was an unforgettable adventure that gave us a taste of a different country and culture. We learned new things, met new people, tried new foods, and had new experiences. We are grateful for the opportunity to test drive the Toyota Cross Hybrid, which made our trip possible and fun. We can't wait for our next road trip with this amazing car.

 

Source: Conversation with Bing, 25/04/2023

(1) Things to do in Hat Yai | Places to Visit in Hat Yai : TripHobo. https://www.triphobo.com/places/hat-yai-songkhla-thailand/things-to-do.

(2) . https://bing.com/search?q=hatyai+attractions.

(3) Suan Nai Dum. http://www.suannaidum.in.th/.

(4) THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Hat Yai - Tripadvisor. https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Attractions-g297921-Activities-Hat_Yai_Songkhla_Province.html.

(5) THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Hat Yai - Tripadvisor. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g297921-Activities-Hat_Yai_Songkhla_Province.html.