Doris Lim was surprised to find so many things to do in Dannok during a recent FAM Trip hosted by TAT.
Most visitors looking for fun-filled attractions make a beeline for Thailand’s border towns with Hatyai as the top pick over the long weekends and holidays.
There are several other border towns between Malaysia and Thailand when you can visit for a short 2D1N trip!
Other Border towns like Padang Besar, Betong, and Sungai Golok are well known for their nightlife.
Little do they know that Dannok in Songkhla Province has so many activties and things to do and explore!
Why Visit Dannok?
For many years, Dannok remained a quiet town that visitors merely passed through after clearing the Sadao Customs and Immigration checkpoint.
However, in recent years, it has boomed into a tourist-friendly hub with exciting attractions, lively nightlife, and authentic Thai experiences.
So if you’re planning a day trip from Malaysia or a weekend getaway, there are plenty of things to do in Dannok to make your visit memorable.
Contents
Raid Thai Convenience Stores for Snacks & Essentials
While Dannok doesn’t have large shopping malls, its numerous 7-Eleven outlets and local convenience stores are treasure troves of Thai snacks and beauty products.
Must-buy items include:
- Tao Kae Noi Seaweed
- Pocky Sticks
- Thai Instant Noodles
- Medicated Balms and Ointments
Pro tip: Bring a large suitcase to stock up on your favorite Thai goodies!
Everybody loves 7-Eleven in Thailand.
Street Foods and Seafood
One of the top things to do in Dannok is to enjoy its amazing street food scene. As the sun sets, vendors set up along the main road, offering a variety of delicious treats, such as:
- Pad Thai (Thai Stir-Fried Noodles)
- Ba Mee (Thai Wonton Mee)
- Deep-Fried Som Tum (Papaya Salad Tempura)
- Grilled Moo Ping (Thai Pork Skewers)
- Roti Pisang & Roti Milo
- Khao Neeo Mamuang (Mango Sticky Rice)
From grilled meats to crispy snacks, Dannok’s street food scene is a must-try for any food lover.
Thai Wanton Noodles has great pork wanton, char siew and lovely turnip and mushroom soup.
Deep Fried Papaya Salad is so tasty!
Enjoy a Full-Body Thai Massage
No trip to Thailand is complete without a traditional Thai massage.
In Dannok, you can choose from numerous massage parlors offering affordable treatments.
The Gaya Thai Spa, located opposite the Olive Hotel, is a great spot for relaxation. Options include:
- Full-Body Oil Thai Massage
- Foot Reflexology
- Private Sauna and Jacuzzi Sessions
Massages start at 400-600 THB per hour, providing a perfect way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.
Foot Massages are great to relax after walking!
Visit the Asian Cultural Village
For a fun family-friendly experience, the Asian Cultural Village offers more than 20 attractions. Highlights include:
- Dinosaur Park – A must-visit for kids and dinosaur lovers.
- Wu Lin Chinese Village – A scenic replica of traditional Chinese wooden shophouses.
- Kayan Longneck Village – Home to Myanmar’s famous long-necked women selling handmade crafts.
At night, the village transforms into a dazzling spectacle of neon lights, creating a magical atmosphere.
Chinese Theme Village
Savor Authentic Thai-Chinese Cuisine
Dannok is home to numerous Thai-Chinese seafood restaurants serving up delicious dishes like:
- Tom Yam Kung (Spicy Thai Prawn Soup)
- Fresh Seafood Stir-Fries
- Steamed Fish with Lime and Chili
Popular dining spots include Olive Hotel Restaurant and VJ Restaurant, where you can enjoy an authentic Thai dining experience.
Check out the Chinese Restaurants!
Dannok’s Nightlife & Clubs
For those looking for exciting nightlife, Dannok has numerous bars, karaoke lounges, and nightclubs. Popular venues include:
Winner Club, Scorpion Club, and Spider Club for live performances.
Kiss Club and Hello Bangkok for DJ sets and dance music.
Club 7 Karaoke for private singing rooms with high-end sound systems.
With a laid-back dress code and affordable drinks, Dannok’s nightlife is perfect for party-goers looking to have a good time.
Getting to Dannok
Dannok is easily accessible from Malaysia and Thailand:
Self Drive by Car: Park at the Bukit Kayu Hitam Duty-Free Complex and walk across the border.
By Air: Fly into Hat Yai Airport, then take a minivan (50-60 mins) to Dannok.
By Train: Take the Express Train 36 from Bangkok to Hat Yai, followed by a minivan to Dannok.
Safety in Dannok
Contrary to misconceptions about Southern Thailand’s safety, Dannok is a safe and welcoming town.
Tourists frequently walk around at night without issues, and the area is well-patrolled.
Final Thoughts
From shopping and street food to nightlife and cultural attractions, there are endless things to do in Dannok.
Whether you’re visiting for a short trip or a weekend getaway, Dannok offers a unique blend of Thai hospitality, entertainment, and delicious food.
Plan your trip today and explore all that Dannok has to offer!
Blog Disclosure:
This is a sponsored blog post, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. All opinions expressed are my own. Thank you, Tourism Authority of Thailand, for the wonderful travel blog invitation!
