Last year I spent a couple of days at the Kings Hotel in Hatyai in the south Thailand. I had limited funds so this budget style hotel was fine for me. The walls were thin and the beds were uncomfortable, but the blurring effect of the local mekong (rice whiskey) dulled my sences to the poor room condition. The manager's name I'm sure could only be recalled under hypnosis "Boss" I think was a tribute to the warm and welcoming nature of the beautifull Thai people. In less than an hour of checking in I had more "thai stick bud" in my pocession than I had seen in my entire life all for about 10 bucks ($5 usd) there was no way I was going to be able to smoke that amount in a couple of days. On top of this he personally drives me to the nearest brothel , introduces me to the madam. With a clap of the madam hands about 30 or forty of the most devine creatures file out and sit down opposite. The Boss informs me " 1 girl for 1 day+night 700 baht". I nearly blew my beans checking these sheilas out , like a kid in a candy shop , I couldn't make up my mind. Anyway the next couple of days was a blur I cant remember if I had 2 or 3 different girls (mekong + thai buddha fux u) .

Ian,

Thank you for such an informative report.

McDIJJ

Had Yai is easily forgotten as most people head off to the fleshpots of Pattaya or Phuket. Many long term residents here have to hit Had Yai or similar places on Visa runs, the border is 20 minutes away. Most stop in Had Yai center which is well catered for in terms of bars with chicks, most depend on the Pink Lady. However, if you really wanna see the wild side, you need to go back to the border at night. That's right THE BORDER. This area is called sadao and most of you don't even give a thought as you are just nipping in and out of Had Yai to get a stamp but WOW, at night this place is hopping with about 30+ Go Go Bars, the place is lit up like Las Vegas and guess what? It's full of Malaysians, not know for their generosity.
As a western man there you will be treated very well indeed and be meeting girls who are not so jaded about western men. Most will do a short time for B500 long time up to 1,500 and they are fun fun fun. There are many Hotels to stay in the area from B350 a night and drinks prices are very reasonable. There are quite a few Malay/Indian looking chicks there too.
If you must stay in Had Yai itself then I recommend the Had Yai Palace Hotel or the Daichi (all taxi drivers know them). The rooms are OK, not great, but by the time you are in the lift the bellboy will offer you chicks for the day/night. He will then bring a selection to your door for you to choose from. Don't feel bad about rejecting any, he will always bring more. It's pot luck but I have had a few crackers, again not used to westerners. The hotels all have porno channels, the girl will stay all day and night for B1,500 - B2,000. Forget the Pink Lady, it's sad these days.

I am staying now in Hat Yai at the Pink Lady Hotel complex. was here long time ago and it was a lot better. still, you have all you need is here; coffe shop w/show nightly, ancient thai massage, Turkish/bath massage, karaoke, restaurant in the cafe/show area premises, room service, etc... this is not Pattaya or Bangkok and the local thai authorities have been cleaning town in the last few years to make it more wholesome to Malaysians/Singaporeans coming NOT for the nightlife but the shopping. in that respect, if you want to shop, here is a shopper's paradise!!!!
Will write some reports later concerning where to stay and what to do. anyways, having a good time and in a few days will head up north to Bangkok via train express w/slepping cabin. ///