"Night Safari" Top 5 Page for this destination Hat Yai Travelogue by phil_uk_net

Hat Yai Travel Guide: 403 reviews and 518 photos

We all know about the famous Night Safari in Singapore, a world class attraction featuring fascinating nocturnal creatures. But it's fairly expensive and you need to get to Singapore, which may not be convenient.

Throughout Thailand it is possible to experience a similar type of thing and what's more, it's totally free.

The best place to find such an attraction is where there is a street market or anywhere that food can be found during the day. Let me take you on a Thailand Night Safari.

Starting off with my personal favourites, the stray cats. They are totally unpredictable - some love you and let you make a fuss of them while others are extremely shy and run away if you approach them. Just like women actually.

Cuteness factor: Oh yes, they'd only need a bath, delousing and a course of worm tablets before I'd let one sleep on the bed.

Chances of seeing one: Almost impossible not to.

Stray Dog

Stray dogs are a regular feature in Thailand, except in Bangkok during Apec summits when that nice Mr Thaksin rounds them all up and sends them on a doggie holiday. After all, a lot of stray dogs running around the capital doesn't look good when foreign leaders come to visit.

Cuteness factor: Some look quite cute even if they are mangy. Don't get too close though and make sure your rabies jabs are up to date.

Chances of seeing one: Almost impossible not to.

Stray Dog

Cuteness factor: They don't look quite so cute when they lick and scratch themselves.

Chances of seeing one: Almost impossible not to.

Moth

These giant moths look almost unreal. This picture doesn't show how huge they are because there is no source of reference but the next picture might.

Cuteness factor: They look quite cute when stationary but are a bit scary when they start fluttering around your head.

Chances of seeing one: Low to medium. During many visits to Thailand I haven't seen very many.

Moth

The same moth shown up against an average size hand. These things are huge.

Cockroach

Now we're getting on to the good stuff. While walking along the pavement you will notice loads of these things running around. They look like they should be easy to tread on but try doing so and see how fast they move.

Cuteness factor: I don't think so.

Chances of seeing one: Almost impossible not to.

Rat

This is the ultimate Thai Night Safari animal. It's like being in Africa on safari and seeing one of the Big Five.

There are rats everywhere - and they're big. In fact, they're huge. Not to be confused with the cats (which are about the same size), the rats are left alone by cats and dogs alike.

They are fairly shy and will disappear down a convenient hole if they see a human. They appear from drains, grab some food, and then disappear.

Cuteness factor: The one in the photo does have a fairly cute face but these animals really make me shudder. A few times when I've been walking along and one has run out in front of me it has really made me jump. For some reason certain animals seem to instill a fear in humans. Snakes, sharks and rats are a few I can think of.

Chances of seeing one: Very high. In the daytime just look down any storm drain. At night they run around freely.

House Lizard

Along with the cats, another one of my favourites. I love it if I see a few of these in the room I am staying in. The one thing I detest is mosquitoes and these little fellows roam round eating mosquitoes and other insects.
Can you believe therefore that I've heard of some people hitting them with shoes? Unbelievable.

They are completely harmless to humans and actually very shy. If you get too close they disappear quickly.

Cuteness factor: Very high.

Chances of seeing one: Pretty high. In the evening they can be found near electric lights which attract insects, their food source.

Page Updated Jan 19, 2004
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Comments (23)

hatyai Jan 11, 2011 at 1:16 AM Report Abuse

I think so, the price is quite high if they do business in that crowded place. I also open foot massage shop in Hatyai but it's outside that place. It's on Nipat Utit2 Rd., in front of Kosit Hotel. Our price is only200 Baht and can't be lower anymore.
musaphir Sep 15, 2010 at 10:31 PM Report Abuse

it is equally applicable to the transportation sector - tuk tuks or the moto taxis.i feel they are losing out a lot of business this way as clients use these services when absolutely necessary. moderate prices and more business will keep everyone happier.
limseisei Jan 13, 2010 at 4:16 AM Report Abuse

Why people buy fake thing?you should know the reason.Fake things have low cost, of course these buyers know what they buy in what kind of quality. your barely 100USD meant a lot for them.But, i agree that buy original products.Thanks
mthl79 Feb 17, 2009 at 5:49 PM Report Abuse

well you may be right to a certain extend however I have been to pattaya and Bangkok, this is the price for foot massage, some even offer 300 - 400bath, so this quite normal
AHYING Jan 5, 2009 at 7:17 PM Report Abuse

Hi Phil! I really appreaciate if u could provide me the address or location of the snake restaurant. It a very usefull link to me. Thank Regards Clarissa Chang
makando Oct 30, 2008 at 9:37 PM Report Abuse

Hi Phil Appreciate if you can provide the location. How much will be the tuk tuk fare. Thks
alantan1982 Jun 29, 2008 at 9:12 AM Report Abuse

i just came back from hat yai... i visited the pubb and they are great... by the way.. i created posted a blog on them... feel free to visit http://www.photoblog.com/alantan1982/2008/06/30/hat-yai-thailand---the-pubb.html
rogaya Feb 10, 2008 at 8:20 PM Report Abuse

Just arrived back from hadyai trip. Paid US$35.00 for a room at Indra Hotel. Its was chinese new break. Hotel was in a bad shape. They did not vacuum the room and the toilets are in the bad shape. The reciptionist was not friendly at all.
iris2002 Apr 15, 2006 at 1:11 PM Report Abuse

"Waiter - get me another snake-blood cocktail with an olive please, schhaken not schhhtirrred" :D
Tattugran Nov 14, 2005 at 3:02 AM Report Abuse

Love your night Safari in Hat Yai