As I said on the list below, we will only spend few hours in Hat Yai. Personally I don't have any problem if we pop in those Southern part of Thailand. First, because we looks Thai, two because we looks Malaysia and 'cakap Melayu'. And third, about chances. You might end up die anywhere though, but learnt the hard lesson in Laos nothing can compare with the experiences. In history dated to the Muslim conflict in the border, that link between Thai muslim separatist and Malaysia was quite obvious. The only problem might the security with Thai immigration. They will scrutiny for any 'malay' wandering around Hat Yai. Anyway no problem then.
On seat61.com it's quite updating about the route but did not mention about several problems relating current political affair. Seat61 also more prone to the people do traveling by organized or big group. I have been in China and felt that traveling there was quite challenging because of the language barrier. But that will not put me off. I am also tend to believe many sources : books, forums, travelogue, even photos. The more we get information the more we understand the possibilities and difficulties ahead the journey. I am not recommended people to have hard seat because the safety concern. As a women traveller I put safety on the top list because that the only way I can continue the journey. Hard seat is great when we had partner (or male partner) and willing to have conversation with locals. Mostly I ended up that way as I do like gather information from local. But again I always make a plan to have compartment first. If situation changing (ie no tickets left for compartment) then ok to have hard seat. I am prefer hard bedt (with compartment to sleep for). It will tough route and takes several days and may be in cool weather. Even we're just sit there but hope this not put you in misery. I had taste of the hard seat in Vietnam. It was really really hard because made from wood and no place to sleep. If any of you experienced with economy class of KA jogja-surabaya, that would even worst. So be prepare and don't expect to much for the journey. Things to learn about backpacking is enjoy wherever you are. Thanks Sophie. Salam, Ambar http://ambarbriastuti.blogspot.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/ambarbriastuti/ Adventures. Backpacking. Photography. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
