TH – Hat Yai

17.02.2025 – Singapore to Sisaket day 6

Hat Yai: A Day of Bike Maintenance, Massage, and Unexpected Temptations

After days of relentless riding, covering hundreds of kilometers in the scorching heat, Hat Yai became more than just a stopover—it was a much-needed pit stop for both us and our motorbike, „Heng Heng“.

Today’s plan was simple but essential:

 1. Take care of the bike – An oil change and oil filter replacement at BMW Motorrad Hat Yai

 2. Take care of ourselves – A relaxing massage at our favorite spot

But, as is often the case on the road, things never go exactly as planned.

The Morning at BMW Motorrad Hat Yai

At 9:30 AM, we rolled up to BMW Motorrad, expecting a smooth and quick service. We were wrong.

The workshop was already packed with riders, many from Malaysia and even Singapore, waiting for their bikes to be serviced. The yard was full of high-end BMW GS models, adventure bikes, and touring machines.

It was clear that Hat Yai had become a maintenance hub for Malaysian and Singaporean bikers. The reason? Lower costs compared to back home.

In Malaysia and Singapore, BMW service centers charge a premium for even basic maintenance. Here in Thailand, it’s significantly cheaper. Why pay more if you can get the same expert service at a fraction of the cost?

While the mechanics got to work on Heng Heng, we decided to kill time the best way possible—by indulging in some well-earned self-care.

A Massage to Reset the Body

Riding for days in intense heat, navigating through dusty roads, construction sites, and endless traffic, takes a toll on the body. Back pain, stiff shoulders, aching legs—every part of us needed a reset.

So, we headed straight to our preferred massage shop.

The moment we stepped inside, the scent of essential oils, the dim lighting, and the calming Thai music instantly started to work its magic. We knew we were in the right place.

After choosing a traditional Thai massage, we spent the next two hours being stretched, twisted, and kneaded back to life.

By the time we walked out, our bodies felt light, our minds refreshed, and we were ready for whatever the day threw at us next.

Harleys, Cars, and Almost Buying a 220i Coupe

Feeling relaxed but still with hours to kill before Heng Heng would be ready, we wandered around Hat Yai with no particular plan.

That’s when we found ourselves at a Harley-Davidson dealership.

There’s something about a Harley that always draws bikers in. The deep rumble of the engine, the chrome details, the sheer presence of the machine—even if you’re an adventure bike rider, you can’t help but admire them.

We spent some time checking out the lineup, sitting on different models, imagining what it would be like to cruise down the highways on one of these beasts. But in the end, logic prevailed—our adventure bike was still the best fit for our riding style.

Then, out of nowhere, temptation struck again.

We walked past a dealership showcasing a blue BMW 220i coupe—a demo car with just 5,400 km on the clock and a huge discount.

For a moment, we were seriously considering buying it.

Everything about it screamed, “Take me home!”

But by the time we made our decision, it was too late—someone else had already secured the financing.

Looking back, it was probably for the best. After all, we’re bikers at heart. If we were going to spend money, it would be on a new motorbike, not a car.

The Long Wait for the Bike

Meanwhile, back at BMW Motorrad, what was supposed to be a straightforward oil and filter change turned into an all-day process.

Between the high volume of bikes in the queue, the detailed service, and a complimentary bike wash, we found ourselves waiting longer than expected.

But patience is part of the journey. If you want your bike to perform at its best, you have to let the experts do their work.

By late afternoon, Heng Heng was finally ready—fresh oil, a clean filter, and looking spotless after a thorough wash.

Now, we were officially road-ready again.

A Well-Deserved Evening Feast

After a long day of waiting, walking, and almost making an expensive impulse purchase, it was time to reward ourselves with a great dinner.

Hat Yai is known for its delicious local seafood, and tonight, we went all in:

 • Fresh seafood straight from the local markets

 • Grilled bread barbecue—a simple but perfect side

 • Ice-cold drinks to cool down from the long, hot day

Sitting there, eating, reflecting on the day, and just enjoying the moment, we couldn’t help but appreciate how days like this make the journey special.

Not every day on the road is about pushing limits and covering extreme distances. Some days are about slowing down, taking care of what matters, and enjoying the little things.

Final Thoughts: A Day Well Spent

Today, we didn’t ride hundreds of kilometers.

We didn’t cross borders, climb mountains, or take on extreme conditions.

But we took care of our bike, took care of ourselves, and almost bought a car.

Hat Yai gave us exactly what we needed—a chance to reset.

Tomorrow, we hit the road again, refreshed, recharged, and ready for the 1,700 km journey back home.

Because in the end, every day on the road—whether spent riding or simply taking a break—is part of the adventure.

Stay tuned and and enjoy yourself!!

#dustysocks