Fortune Dragon Express 3.0: A Tropical Feast in Southern Thailand
Following Golden Century Tour & Travel’s successful inaugural Fortune Dragon Express 1.0, which coincided with the company’s 18th-anniversary celebration and the heartfelt Mother’s Day 2.0 excursion, Fortune Dragon Express 3.0 direct chartered train from KL Sentral/Ipoh to Hat Yai felt like catching up with an old friend, one still brimming with new stories to share.
All Aboard: KL Sentral to Ipoh, then Hat Yai
The trip began under the warm KL Sentral’s night lights. Passengers from Singapore, Brunei, the Philippines, and across Malaysia boarded with the easy chatter of people about to share an adventure.
By 2am, the train paused in Ipoh to welcome more travellers, before the gentle sway carried us towards Padang Besar. Border formalities passed efficiently, and in 50 minutes, we rolled into Hat Yai Junction Railway Station, where the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and their partners met us with a festive welcome: bright smiles, performances, and small keepsakes.
First Taste of Nakhon Si Thammarat
After arriving by train in Hat Yai, we were divided into several buses, each bound for a different route. Some travellers headed to Songkhla, others to Phatthalung, while my group continued deeper into the province of Nakhon Si Thammarat, a land with wats (temples) older than some nations and flavours said to be the spiciest in all of Thailand.
Once we reached Nakhon, our first mission was obvious: to satisfy our travel-worn, rumbling tummies. That quest led us to ครัวถิ่นนคร (Dhin Nakhon Restaurant), a modern Southern Thai dining haven tucked within a beautifully landscaped garden. With its airy, spotless interiors, attentive staff, and serene outdoor seating shaded by greenery, it struck the perfect balance between elegance and authenticity.
The dishes were as striking as the setting. It was a celebration of Southern Thai cuisine at its boldest. Every plate carried layers of flavour: the fragrant punch of herbs, the lingering heat of local chillies, and the richness of time-honoured recipes brought to life with fresh, local ingredients.
ครัวถิ่นนคร (Dhin Nakhon Restaurant) Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cxfXjMFTUy1VTFVP9
Wat Yang Yai – The Pink Temple of Fortune
With lunch behind us and the Southern Thai spice still tingling on our tongues, we boarded the bus for our first cultural stop: Wat Yang Yai. Located in Tha Sala District, the wat rises in joyful shades of pink and lavender, its vivid colours glowing against the green palms and blue sky.
Ta Phran Boon is the legendary guardian spirit of Wat Yang Yai, revered throughout Southern Thailand. Locals and travellers alike come here to seek good luck, financial security, personal safety, and the blessing of abundance.
The temple’s distinctive pink is steeped in folklore, said to honour the Naga King Thao Chompoo Chit, who once received protection from Ta Phran Boon and, in gratitude, bestowed him with a gift of great power.
Devotees begin their visit by bowing before the main Buddha image, then lighting incense or candles for Ta Phran Boon. Offerings often include floral garlands, candles, and lengths of folded red cloth, a colour symbolic of the spirit’s protective power.
Whether visitors arrive with a prayer or simply an open heart, the Pink Temple leaves with a lingering sense of calm and quiet optimism.
Wat Yang Yai Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BcZpDRHqgProsqEs7
Wat Chedi Ai Khai – The Boy Guardian Spirit
Ai Khai, often referred to as “the egg boy” or “golden boy,” is a beloved spirit in Thai folklore. Many people believe Ai Khai to be the spirit of a young boy who lived during the reign of King Rama V. According to locals, he was a follower and assistant to the revered monk Luang Phor Thuad, helping to guard sacred treasures. Tragically, Ai Khai is said to have died at a young age, and his spirit remained to protect the temple grounds.
Over time, stories of Ai Khai’s supernatural powers spread, with locals claiming that he could grant wishes, particularly in matters of luck, business success, and lottery wins. Devotees often visit Wat Chedi to pray for his blessings, bringing offerings such as boiled eggs, toys, and rooster figurines. The sound of firecrackers at the temple has become a familiar sign that someone’s request to Ai Khai has been answered.
Wat Chedi itself has grown into a major pilgrimage site because of Ai Khai’s reputation. The temple houses a statue of the boy spirit dressed in camouflage clothing, a symbol of his vigilant and protective nature. This enduring belief in Ai Khai reflects the blending of Buddhist devotion with folk spirituality in Southern Thailand, keeping his legend alive for generations.
Wat Chedi Ai Khai Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oLxbyakSrT1aMc298
A Restful Retreat
That evening, we stepped into The Twin Lotus Hotel, welcomed by the soft glow of the lobby lights and the air-conditioner’s cool embrace.
Dinner unfolded at the hotel’s Phatummard Restaurant, where the mellow lighting and quiet clink of cutlery created an unhurried, almost intimate atmosphere. The dishes arrived in a steady rhythm, each bite was a soft reward, the flavours carrying both the spice of the south and the comfort of the familiar. Around the table, conversation flowed easily, laughter rising now and then like the steam from our plates.
But the night wasn’t quite ready to close. Drawn by the simple charm of the everyday, we crossed to Lotus’s supermarket across the street. We browsed like explorers in a different kind of market, one where treasures came in the form of bright snack packets, neatly wrapped sweets, and bottles of drinks unavailable in Malaysia. A few souvenirs made their way into our baskets.
Soon we were sinking into the comfort of our rooms: fresh linen sheets and pillows that seemed to mould perfectly to tired shoulders. It was a quietly perfect ending to the day.
The Twin Lotus Hotel Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/G5zp6JAdiPxgdKwB7
Day 2 – A Fresh Start in Nakhon Si Thammarat
The second morning of our journey began after an early check-out and a hearty breakfast that fuelled both body and spirit. With our bags packed, cameras ready, and curiosity renewed for the adventures ahead, we were ready to set out once more.
Our first destination was San Lak Mueang, the City Pillar Shrine of Nakhon Si Thammarat. In the gentle morning light, its white spire gleamed as though freshly polished by the sun itself. Built from sacred Ta Kien Thong wood, the shrine is more than an architectural treasure. It is the city’s spiritual heart.
Here, devotees offer incense, flowers, and whispered prayers, seeking blessings for prosperity, safety, and harmony. The air felt hushed, almost reverent, as if the very walls carried centuries of devotion. Coincidentally, a festival was taking place, which drew visitors from across the region.
San Lak Mueang Nakhon Si Thammarat Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rWJ1o2z17QriY9yHA
Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan
Just a short distance from San Lak Mueang is one of the most important and revered temples in Southern Thailand. Known for its striking white pagoda, Phra Borommathat Chedi, the temple is believed to enshrine a relic of the Buddha, attracting pilgrims and visitors from across the country. Its origins date back over a thousand years, reflecting the region’s deep-rooted connection to Theravada Buddhism.
The temple complex features a harmonious blend of ancient architecture and later restorations, with elaborate stupas, prayer halls, and exquisite sculptures. The main stupa, soaring 55 metres in height and topped with pure gold, is a sight to behold, gleaming brilliantly under the sun. Visitors can also admire intricate murals and artefacts that narrate centuries of Buddhist heritage.
Serving as the spiritual heart of Nakhon Si Thammarat, Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan continues to be a place of worship, cultural preservation, and historical pride, making it a must-visit landmark for anyone exploring the city.
Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qrLgwnVqNEZPt4YJA
A Tapestry of Flavour and Comfort
After a morning of reverence, we headed back towards Hat Yai, stopping midway in Phatthalung for lunch at Baebthai Cafe Restaurant Massage & Spa, a charming restaurant where the comfort of good food meets the gentle calm of a spa setting.
Conveniently located along Phetkasem Road in Phatthalung, Baebthai Cafe Restaurant Massage & Spa is a place where the scent of home-style Southern Thai fare greets you before you even step inside. The atmosphere blends modern comfort with rustic charm; polished wooden tables, warm lighting, and subtle Thai décor make you feel both welcomed and unhurried.
The menu was a celebration of Southern Thailand’s culinary heritage: dishes bursting with colour, richness, and the bold, fiery spice the region is famous for. From fragrant coconut-based curries to zesty, chilli-packed stir-fries, each plate seemed to carry a story of local tradition and pride.
For some of us, this wasn’t our first visit. Those who travelled on the Fortune Dragon Express 2.0 with Phatthalung as a side tour may remember Baebthai well. It was here that one of our dinners was hosted. Returning this time felt almost like revisiting an old friend; the familiar flavours, warm hospitality, and laid-back charm instantly brought back fond memories of that earlier tour.
Baebthai Cafe Restaurant Massage & Spa Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4Ss4cbZja8hCvgMV7
Makro Hat Yai’s Fruit Buffet
Back in Hat Yai, shopping took centre stage. At Ranu Kohyo, the air was thick with the aroma of dried squid and tangy mango sweets, mingling with the irresistible lure of bulk snacks begging to be packed into our bags.
Just a short ride away, Nora Plaza displayed rows upon rows of leather goods: belts, handbags, and wallets in every possible shade, from soft tans to deep mahogany.
Then came the undisputed crown jewel for fruit lovers: Makro Hat Yai’s epic Fruit Buffet. This wasn’t just a casual fruit tasting session. It was a full-on, all-you-can-eat fruit extravaganza where one hour was ours to conquer the tropical harvest.
At the centre of attention was durian, not just one variety, but a royal line-up: Monthong, creamy and mild; Chanee, with its deeper, more complex bite; Kanyao, famed for its small seed and rich flesh; and even the rustic Kampung durian, with its more old-school flavour.
Surrounding these kings of fruit were plates piled high with rambutans, their red spiky shells hiding sweet translucent flesh; plump longans that popped in the mouth; fragrant mangoes in yellow hues; and juicy pineapples sliced into neat golden triangles. Other seasonal treasures at their peak ripeness added to the spread. Makro staff moved swiftly to replenish the plates before they were empty, ensuring no guest had to wait for their favourite fruits.
By the time we emerged, our fruit cravings were entirely satisfied. Dinner plans were quietly shelved; there simply wasn’t room in our tummies anymore. But as night fell, nostalgia called. We wandered to a familiar corner opposite the Golden Crown Grand, where a humble street stall sold silky-smooth tau fu fah. It was the very same stall we had discovered and patronised multiple times during our stay here on the Fortune Dragon Express 2.0 trip.
Our base for the night, the newly renovated New Season Hotel, stood just a short stroll from Lee Gardens Walking Street. The modernised rooms were a welcome retreat. By the way, non-smokers should request a smoke-free floor.
New Season Hotel Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4J4a4mhigqsw2H8Q6
Alms Offering: Mahasanghadanaa 2025
Our day started bright and early at 6am as we witnessed the Hat Yai International Alms Offering for 10,000 Monks – MAHASANGHADANAA 2025. A sea of saffron robes stretched seemingly endless as ten thousand monks moved gracefully to receive offerings. Participants came from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and, of course, Thailand, the host.
The ceremony took place near the junction of Yannaty and Sakura Hotels. Walking from our hotel felt like a long trek of 30 minutes or more, though Google Maps later revealed it was just a 12-minute stroll. The slow pace was likely due to the throngs of devotees, monks, volunteers and curious visitors like ourselves.
A Short Visit to Songkhla Old Town
After the alms offering, we headed to the Hat Yai Clock Tower, a 20-minute walk away, to catch the public shuttle van to Songkhla Old Town. Sienny and I had already done our research during our May trip (Fortune Dragon Express 2.0), so we knew what to expect.
At 9.30am, we boarded a 13-seater van for THB35 per person. The ride took roughly 40 minutes, and soon, we arrived in Songkhla, just a short walk from the Old Town.
Before starting our exploration, we grabbed breakfast at ร้านอาหารสามพี่น้อง. The place had an old-school charm, though prices were a bit steep – almost RM8 for an egg with toppings and a slice of toast.
We spent about three hours strolling through Songkhla Old Town, soaking in its sights and atmosphere. The day was ours to enjoy, but by 1pm, dark clouds were gathering. Unfortunately, we didn’t reach the shuttle van pickup point before the rain hit, and we ended up seeking shelter by the five-foot way for 1.5 hours. Tuk-tuks wouldn’t stop, and Grab wasn’t available.
Eventually, the rain eased. Once the rain slowed, we made our way to the main road and barely waited a minute before a public van showed up. This trip cost THB40 per person; perhaps it was because we asked to be dropped off at Lee Gardens, which was closer to our hotel, New Season. With the drizzle still lingering, we skipped further exploration and returned to the hotel for a rest.
Dinner was just a stone’s throw from our hotel at P”Yen, famed as the first original late-night noodle stall in the neighbourhood. Its odd hours, from 6pm until 3.30am, make it a go-to spot for night owls. The aroma of simmering broths and sizzling meats welcomed us as we stepped inside.
I opted for the char siew and siew yoke rice, a satisfying combination of tender, sweet BBQ pork and crispy roasted pork served over steaming rice. Each bite of the meat was a perfect balance of textures and flavours, showcasing why this stall has remained a favourite in the area for so many years. The rice came with a complimentary bowl of soup.
Homeward Bound
Our final morning in Thailand unfolded leisurely, with no morning calls or pressing schedules. After checking out, we made our way to Hat Yai Junction, less than a 5-minute drive away. On board the train, we settled into our seats and watched Hat Yai fade gently behind us. The journey south was calm and uneventful, just the steady rhythm of wheels on the track, the soft sway of the carriage, and the chatter of fellow travellers around us.
Five days had slipped by in a blur of vibrant colours, tantalising flavours, and the warm hospitality of the Thai people. From bustling markets to lively street scenes, from hearty meals to the overindulgence in tropical fruits, every moment was etched in our memory.
Above all, Thailand was best enjoyed slowly, in the company of friends, over shared meals, and with time to soak in the simple pleasures that make travel unforgettable.
This was especially true for two sets of loyal travellers who had joined all three “Fortune Dragon Express” journeys: 1.0, 2.0, and now 3.0.
Mr Loo, a 58-year-old vegetable farmer from Cameron Highlands, Pahang, and his wife, Mei Ling, preferred the comfort of the train to Hat Yai over driving.
Then there was Mr Chong from Ipoh Garden, Ipoh, travelling with his wife and their son. At 81, Mr Chong remained spirited; his 76-year-old wife used a wheelchair for easier mobility after a fall, and their filial 50-year-old son, currently on a career sabbatical, had accompanied them on all three excursions.
Their participation was grounded in a friendship spanning four decades. Mr Chong first met Golden Century boss Mr Jimmy Goh during Jimmy’s very first job as a tour guide, and had been an unwavering supporter of his tours ever since.
Event: Fortune Dragon Express 3.0 Chartered Train to Hat Yai
Venue: KL Sentral – Ipoh – Hat Yai – Nakhon Si Thammarat – Malaysia
Date: 8th – 11th August 2025
