[Travel/ Food Guide] Itinerary to Hatyai & Songkhla, Thailand (合艾，泰国) 2025

Just a short three-hour drive from Penang, Hatyai has long been a favorite getaway for Malaysians. The city’s food scene continues to evolve— beyond the familiar Thai staples, you’ll now find a growing number of international eateries and a lively café culture. On this trip, we explored both Hatyai and neighbouring Songkhla, tasting our way through local favourites while checking out a few newer spots. In this post, I’m sharing some of the places we enjoyed for food as well as the hotels we stayed in—simply to document and hopefully help anyone planning a visit. 

1) The Second Hatyai

Address: 200, 13 Nipatuthit 2 Rd, Tambon Hat Yai, Amphoe Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand

Business Hours: 11 am to 10 pm. Opens Daily.

The Second Hatyai Facebook Page

Happō @ Arena Curve, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

A new spot in the neighborhood, Happo brings a Japanese-inspired menu with a special focus on Chicken Ramen. While the menu isn’t extensive, the dishes are thoughtfully prepared, highlighting quality over quantity.  The cozy dining atmosphere makes it an inviting place for a casual meal, and the comforting flavors of the ramen definitely make Happo worth checking out if you’re in the area.

Ban Bu Dian (半步颠) @ Gurney Paragon Mall, Penang.

Ban Bu Dian has made its way to Gurney Paragon, bringing a taste of Sichuan cuisine to Penang. While prices here lean toward the higher side, the quality makes up for it. The dishes are well-executed with bold, multi-dimensional flavors that go beyond just being spicy— there’s depth and balance in the seasoning that makes the food stand out. For those who enjoy Sichuan cuisine with character and refinement, Ban Bu Dian is definitely a spot to check out. 

Kim Han Coffee House 金汉餐室 @ Simpang Ampat, Penang.

Kim Han Coffee House 金汉餐室 — A nostalgic local café lands in Simpang Ampat With over six decades of history rooted in Jawi, Kim Han Coffee House finally brings its neighbourhood charm to Simpang Ampat. Known as a quick-fix go-to for locals, the new café effortlessly blends tradition with convenience—expect familiar kopitiam staples, quick bites, and comforting drinks in a no-fuss, welcoming space. It’s a slice of old-school Penang that both long-time fans and new visitors can appreciate. 

5 Senses Noodle Bar @ Beach Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Situated in a comfortable, fully air-conditioned space, 5 Senses Noodle Bar (Sharing Plates) offers a thoughtfully spaced layout that makes for relaxed dining. There’s free parking available at the back (via Victoria Street), with additional spots right in front—so access is convenient too. The menu brings together Chinese-style dishes with a Western twist, and their handmade noodle selection truly shines. Just a heads-up—most dishes are pork-based, so it may not be the best fit if you're avoiding pork. Still, if you enjoy hearty noodles with an interesting fusion flair, it’s definitely worth a look. 

Kafe Dapor Rumah @ Bishop Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Occupying the former AIA Training Academy space at Bishop Street, Kafe Dapor Rumah dishes out a comforting kopitiam-style menu in a cozy, air-conditioned setting. Alongside the usual staples, highlights include Curry Laksa, Nasi Ayam Penyet, and Mee Udang. Prices are reasonable, making it a great spot for a quick and satisfying local fix in town.

[Travel/ Food Guide] Itinerary to Dalat, Vietnam (大叻，越南) 2025

Dalat is a charming mountainous city in Vietnam, well-loved for its cool breeze and mild climate with an average temperature of around 20°C. The city is accessible by direct flights from Kuala Lumpur via AirAsia, or by land from other parts of Vietnam, making it a fairly easy getaway spot. Known for its natural beauty and slower pace of life, Dalat is an ideal destination for travelers who appreciate scenic landscapes, flower gardens, and tranquil surroundings. Unlike the bustling coastal cities, Dalat offers a quieter escape—perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the crowds. 

1) Com Lam- Ga Nuong Tay Nguyen

Address: 77 Đoàn Thị Điểm, Phường 4, Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam

Business Hours: 9 am to 9 pm. Opens Daily.

Chias @ Dato Keramat, Georgetown, Penang.

Located in the bustling area of Dato Keramat, Chias offers a creative mix of local Malaysian classics and Middle Eastern-inspired dishes. Expect penang-style favourites like Teluk Kumbar Mee Udang, alongside items with a Middle Eastern twist such as Shawarma Wraps and Fattah Rice. The menu strikes a practical balance—not overly extensive, but varied enough to satisfy. Everything is reasonably priced, and the dining space is fully air‑conditioned, making it a comfortable spot to indulge in this eclectic mash-up. 

Mee Tarik China Muslim @ Ivory Plaza, Gelugor, Penang.

Another spot to get your fix of hand-pulled noodles—Mee Tarik China Muslim has opened a branch at Ivory Plaza, Bukit Gambir. Like other Mee Tarik establishments in Penang, the menu centers around Lanzhou-style beef noodles, alongside a selection of Muslim-friendly Chinese dishes. The place is fairly small with limited indoor seating (air-conditioned) for about four tables, and a few more outdoor tables without air-conditioning. A decent halal option in the neighborhood, especially for those craving something warm and filling. 

[Travel/ Food Guide] Itinerary to Nha Trang, Vietnam (芽庄，越南) 2025

Nha Trang, located along Vietnam’s south-central coast, is a vibrant seaside city known for its sandy beaches, fresh seafood, and relaxed atmosphere. Beyond its natural beauty, the city offers a variety of experiences — from water activities to wellness retreats — making it a well-rounded destination for travelers.

Our own journey there began with a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Dalat, followed by a bus ride that took us through scenic landscapes before reaching Nha Trang. Once in the city, the abundance of seafood quickly stood out, with countless eateries serving the day’s freshest catch.

[No Photos Available] One experience we particularly enjoyed was the Mud Spa, a must-try activity in Nha Trang. We booked our package via KLOOK, which included a two-hour massage, making the visit even more relaxing. Soaking in mineral-rich mud pools was both refreshing and fun — a unique way to unwind and recharge.

How to go to Nha Trang from Dalat (vice versa)?

Nha Trang is not far from Dalat, probably around 4 hour drive. On our trip- we made a return trip to Nha Trang from Dalat via Goro Trip. Goro Trip specializes in offering limousine buses and premium shuttles from Nha Trang to Dalat (vice versa). Based on our experiences, the buses departed right on time as per schedule and the whole journey was more than comfortable. The assistance speaks basic English so communication is not going to be an issue. The customer service even contacted me via email as they were rescheduling one of the trips (to 40 mins earlier). We thought the whole process was very smooth and the customer experience was good. 

Dalat to Nha Trang: we had to wait at a dedicated stop (10 min drive from Dalat city) and the bus departed on time. For your benchmark- we paid VND 230,000 per pax per way.

Nha Trang to Dalat: the driver offered to pick us up from our hotel in Nha Trang city. For your benchmark- we paid VND 250,000 per pax per way.

1) Banh Can 97

Address: 160 Bạch Đằng, Tân Tiến, Nha Trang, Khánh Hòa 650000, Vietnam.

Business Hours: 6 am to 9 pm. Opens Daily.

Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine 湘香湖南菜 @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

Originating from Singapore and known for its award-winning Hunan fare, Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine has landed in Penang with its first outlet on the 6th floor of Gurney Plaza. The menu isn’t large but focuses on bold, classic flavors—think Suan Cai Fish, Dual Pepper Spicy Chicken with Antler Mushroom, and Stir-Fried Pork. Prices lean a little higher, but business is brisk, with a queue expected on weekends. Bonus: free snacks and soft serve are offered while you wait. 

Taipei 10 十号台北 @ E-Gate, Gelugor, Penang.

Located at E-Gate, Taipei 10 is a new addition offering an extensive Taiwanese-Chinese menu—from rice and noodles to stir-fried dishes. While the variety is impressive, we found the food quality rather average. Air-conditioned seats are limited, though there’s additional al-fresco seating available. Might work if you're after convenience and a quick fix, but don’t expect anything exceptional. 

Kopi Pasta Club @ Teluk Kumbar, Penang.

Nestled deep in a Malay fishing village at Teluk Kumbar, Kopi Pasta Club is a hidden seaside gem that might give drivers pause— those narrow alleys are not for SUVs or D-segment cars. But once you arrive, the relaxed village vibe meets ocean views in a charming waterside café atmosphere. The menu leans Western, specializing in pasta and homemade pizza alongside decent coffee offerings. Despite its tucked‑away location, it delivers good food at fair prices in a rustic, no‑fuss setting—perfect for unwinding after beach strolls or catching the sunset by the shore. 

Wok and Whisk @ Moulmein Road, Pulau Tikus, Penang.

Tucked away in Pulau Tikus, Wok & Whisk is a fresh new Thai eatery offering a thoughtfully curated, pork‑free menu in a charmingly cozy setting. With a streamlined yet satisfying selection—think classic favourites like Som Tum, Tom Yum, Green Curry, and Pad Kra Pow—you’ll find just enough variety without feeling overwhelmed. The warm interior vibe, paired with approachable prices, makes this a great spot for relaxed weekday meals or casual get‑togethers with friends. 

Ayam Bakar China 938 窑鸡大王938 @ Vanda Business Park, Sungai Dua, Penang.

Tucked away on the 1st floor of Vanda Business Park, Sungai Dua, Ayam Bakar China is a low-key gem specializing in 窑鸡 (claypot-roasted chicken) and a small selection of Chinese-style noodles. Their seasonings hit the mark — flavourful without being overly greasy or salty, and portions come at affordable prices. While the location isn’t the most visible from the main road, it’s definitely worth the find if you’re in the area and craving a comforting, China-inspired meal.