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Malaysia & Singapore


 International Border Crossings

Currently there are at least seven overland border crossings open between Thailand and Malaysia: Padang Besar, Sadao-Bukit Kayu Hitam and Ban Prakob-Durian Burung in Songkhla Province, on the west coast; Su-ngai Kolok-Rantau Panjang, Ban Ta Ba-Pengkalan Kulor and Ban Buketa-Bukit Bunga in Narathiwat Province, on Thailand's east cost; Betong-Pengkalan Hulu the only border in Yala Province; Wang Prachan-Wang Kelian, a land border less used in Satun Province. The border crossings in Sadao and Padang Besar are open 24 hours a day, the others are open only during daylight hours.

 Dinamic Map


 Cross the border

Sadao - Bukit Kayu Hitam is the overland border most used by tourists to reach Kuala Lumpur and Singapore from Thailand, and vice versa, by bus or car. The Thai Customs is located in Dannok, a small border town in Songkhla Province. The checkpoint has been moved there only recently from Sadao, of which is a municipality, but maintained the precedent name "Sadao Immigration Checkpoint". On the Malaysian side of the border is Bukit Kayu Hitam, a small municipality of Changlun in Kedah Province. Dannok is located only 10 km from Sadao and 60 km from Hat Yai, which is the largest city in Songkhla province and has the largest bus hub in Southern Thailand.


Located on Chot Witthayakhol Road, the Hat Yai Bus Station 1 is the starting point, or transit, of all international buses that connect Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. The terminal is also used as Minivan Terminal for the minibuses that running towards some southern destinations, like Songkhla, Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, as well as towards the Thai borders in Sadao, Padang Besar or Betong, and also until Penang, the famous Malaysian seaside resort. Get to the border in Dannok from Hat Yai is very simple. The departures of the minivans are frequently throughout the day, from early in the morning up to 18.00 in the evening. The journey takes about an hour, and it costs approximately 180 THB per passenger till the border and 280 THB up to Penang, 30 Malaysian Ringgit in the opposite direction. Even song-thaews depart from the Bus Terminal, but only when they are full of passengers, the cost is still cheaper normally around 60-70 THB per person. Foreign citizens once completed the formalities at border crossing are authorized to move freely and continue their overland journey in Malaysia. The nearest tourist resorts are Kuala Perlis, located 45 km away following the Malaysian Highway 194, and Butterworth at about 140 km from the border along the Asian Highway AH2. From the Kuala Perlis's piers depart the speedboats to the beautiful Langkawi Island. Butterworth is on the coast opposite to the famous Penang Island, which is connected to the mainland by a road bridge. Despite the proximity, there aren't bus services toward these two destinations from the border, accordingly to reach them should be used the local taxis. This border is mainly used by those traveling through and then continue the journey by own car, or by the many minivans that reach directly Penang. Even the buses that pass through Dannok directly reach Kuala Lumpur or Singapore without stop in Butterworth.

Path Bangkok - Sadao: from Bangkok follow southbound the Asian Highway AH2, this long International Highway leads directly to the border between Thailand and Malaysia in Sadao, passing through or closed to Nakhon Pathom, Ratcha Buri, Phetcha Buri, Hau Hin, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Phatthalung and Hat Yai, the total distance from Bangkok is 1,020 km.


  Bus Schedules from Sai Tai Mai Southern Terminal Bangkok

RouteBus ClassDepartureRate THBDistanceTime Hr
To Hat YaiVip 32 Seats17:00 - 18:30 - 20:001,10995412.30
From Hat YaiVip 32 Seats16:00 - 17:30 - 18:001,10995412.30
To Hat Yai2° Class 55 Seats16:30 - 18:50 - 21:1565495414.00
From Hat Yai2° Class 55 Seats15:30 - 16:30 - 18:3065495414.00

  Bus Schedules from Hat Yai Teminal

RouteBus ClassDepartureRateDistanceTime Hr
To Kuala LumpurAlisan Golden E.09:00 - 11:00 - 12:00 - 19:00450 Baht53007.00
From Kuala LumpurAlisan Golden E.09:00 - 09:30 - 10:30 - 11:3060 Ringgit53007.00
To Kuala LumpurK.K.K.L. Express 09:00 - 11:00 - 19:00500 Baht53007.00
From Kuala LumpurK.K.K.L. Express09:30 - 10:3065 Ringgit53007.00
To SingaporeK.K.K.L. Express12:001,300 Baht88011.30
From SingaporeK.K.K.L. Express18:0050 S$88011.30


 Cross the border

Padang Besar is a Thai border town located in the southern part of Songkhla Province, about 57 km southwest of Hat Yai and just 30 north of border in Sadao. The town is divided into two municipalities from the Thai-Malaysian border. The Thai town, also named Pekan Siam by the locals, is a municipality of Sadao, the Malaysian part is part of Perlis Province. The town is a popular destination for Malaysians and Thais due to the duty-free shopping complex located between the two border checkpoints. Padang Besar has two border crossings in downtown, a road crossings and a railway crossing, which is the only direct rail link active between Malaysia and Thailand.


At road crossing both Customs checkpoints are a few hundred meters away from the respective border, and both have drive-through lanes. The Padang Besar Railway Station in Malay territory is the interchange station between the State Railway of Thailand, SRT, and the Malay Railway, KTMB, which runs on the West Coast Line. The integrated railway allows traveling by train from Chiang Mai via Bangkok until Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. It is planned the reactivation of the Burmese Railway network, wnich would allow the connection with the Chinese and Indian rail networks. The Thai side of Padang Besar has a small railway station which only serves as a domestic station. The control of passports for rail passengers is carried out in the Malaysian railway station, which has an integrated Customs checkpoint for both countries. After a stop of about an hour to complete immigration formalities the International Express N° 35 continues its journey towards Butterworth in Malaysia, or Hat Yai if you proceed in the opposite direction with the Exp. N° 36. Note that the Malaysia is one hour ahead of Thailand. The first stops of train in Malaysian territory are at Arau and Alor Setar, whence you can easily reach by public transport, buses or taxis, respectively Kuala Perlis and Kuala Kedah. From the piers of these two small seaside towns depart the speedboats to the beautiful Langkawi Island, which is in turn connected to Koh Lipe, Thailand. The boat trip from Kuala Peris takes just over one hour, and ticket costs 18 Malaysian Ringgit; from Kuala Kedah the trip takes 45 minutes more, and the ticket is 23 Ringgit. The international train ends its route at Butterworth, on the coast opposite to Penang Island. The island is easily reached by taxi or bus, because is connected to the mainland by a road bridge. It's possible reach Langkawi even from Penang, however the sea crossing is longer and more expensive, a three-hour boat trip costs 60 Ringgit.

Path Bangkok - Padang Besar: the route from Bangkok to reach Padang Besar is practically the same to reach the border in Sadao, that is follow southbound all the Asian Highway AH2, you should just turn right 14 km before the border in Sadao on Highway 4054 that in 15 Km leads to Padang Besar.


  Train Schedules from Bangkok to Johor Bahru, checkpoint on border crossing between Malaysia and Singapore

TrainHua LamphongHat YaiPadang B.ButterworthBerth 1st A/C Up/LowBerth 2nd A/C Up/Low
SRT Exp 3514:4506:35 - 07:0008:55* - 10:25*12:16*1,844 - 1,644 Bath1,214 - 1,124 Baht
SRT Exp 41 & Exp 94922:5012.27 - 13:0515:00* - 16:15*17:58*n.a.1,214 - 1,124 Baht
TrainPadang B.ButterworthIpohKuala LumpurPremier Seat A/CSuperior Seat A/C
KTMB 9527 & 925110:25*12:16* - 12:45*14:25*17:15*107 Ringgit80 Ringgit
KTMB 920916:15*17:58*19:25*22:50*107 Ringgit80 Ringgit
TrainKuala LumpurGemasKluangJohor BahruPremier Seat A/CSuperior Seat A/C
KTMB 9221 & 4501:22*03:40* - 04:10*06:22*08:20*n.a.51 Ringgit

Note: * Malaysian time zone

  Train Schedules from Johor Bahru to Bangkok

TrainJohor BahruKluangGemasKuala LumpurPremier Seat A/CSuperior Seat A/C
KTMB 44 & 922023:40*01:22*03:40* - 04:30*06:56*n.a.51 Ringgit
TrainKuala LumpurIpohButterworthPadang B.Premier Seat A/CSuperior Seat A/C
KTMB 922007:01*09:08*|12:10*107 Ringgit80 Ringgit
KTMB 920809:30*11:44*13:38*15:15*107 Ringgit80 Ringgit
TrainButterworthPadang B.Hat YaiHua LamphongBerth 1st A/C Up/LowBerth 2nd A/C Up/Low
KTMB 9208 & SRT Exp 4213:38*15:15* - 15:40*15:35 - 16:2008:20*n.a.1,214 - 1,124 Baht
SRT Exp 3614:45*17:15* - 18:25*18:20 - 18:4510:301,844 - 1,644 Bath1,214 - 1,124 Baht

Note: * Malaysian time zone



 Cross the border

Su-ngai Kolok is a border town on the Thai-Malaysian border in Narathiwat Province, on the eastern coast of the Malay Peninsula. On the Malaysian side of border is Rantau Panjang, which is a sub district of Pasir Mas District in the Kelantan Province. The railway bridge over the Ko Lok River, also reported as Golok, was the link between the Su-ngai Kolok branch line of the Thai Railway and the East Coast Line of the Malaysian Railway. Regrettably, the useful railway border crossing is currently not in use. At present the two daily trains that reach Su-Ngai Kolok from Bangkok, via Hat Yai, stop their journey at railway station located a few hundred meters before the bridge.


So the crossing of border turns into a walk on foot over the adjacent road bridge. Thai and Malaysian border checkpoints are just few meters first of bridge. In addition to trains, Su-ngai Kolok can be reached from Bangkok by buses. Some buses departing from the Southern Terminal in Bangkok reach directly Su-ngai Kolok, many others depart towards Narathiwat and Hat Yai. The provincial capital is located just 60 km from the border, easily approachable by local bus or shared song-thaews. From Hat Yai there is a minivan service towards Su-ngai Kolok with hourly departures from 06:00 to 16:00, a four-hour trip for about 200 THB. In Rantau Panjang, on the Malaysian side of the border, there is a regular bus service up to Kota Bharu, from where you can reach the small fishing village of Kuala Besut by taxi, about 80 Ringgit. From village's piers leave the speedboats up to the Perhentian Islands. Boats depart from 09.00 to 15.00, an hour and half of sea crossing for about 80 Ringgit.

Path Bangkok - Su-ngai Kolok: from Bangkok follow southbound all the Asian Highway AH2 up in Hat Yai, 935 Km away; from Hat Yai you get onto Highway 43 and follow it for 95 Km towards Pattani, then turn on Highway 42 that in 105 Km leads to Narathiwat; from provincial capital follow the Highway 4056 leading to the border in Slungai Kolok, 66 Km away from Narathiwat.


  Train Schedules from Hua Lamphong Raylway Station Bangkok

TrainBangkokHat YaiSu-ngai KolokBerth 1st A/C Up/LowBerth 2nd A/C Up/LowBerth 2nd Fan Up/Low
Rap. 17113:0005:5210:45n.a.917 - 847 Bath677 - 627 Bath
Exp. 3715:1007:2011:201,753 - 1,533 Bath907 - 907 Bathn.a.
TrainSu-ngai KolokHat YaiBangkokFare 1° Class THB
Rap. 17211:3015:2909:15n.a.917 - 847 Bath677 - 627 Bath
Exp. 3814:2017:5910:101,753 - 1,533 Bath907 - 907 Bathn.a.

  Bus Schedules from Sai Tai Mai Terminal Bangkok

RouteBus ClassDepartureRate THBDistanceTime Hr
To Sungai KolokVip 24 Seats17:151,3651.22715.00
From Sungai KolokVip 24 Seats11:301,3651.22715.00
To Hat YaiVip 32 Seats17:00 - 18:30 - 20:001,10995412.30
From Hat YaiVip 32 Seats16:00 - 17:30 - 18:001,10995412.30
To Hat Yai2° Class 55 Seats16:30 - 18:50 - 21:1565495414.00
From Hat Yai2° Class 55 Seats15:30 - 16:30 - 18:3065495414.00
To NarathiwatVip 32 Seats17:001,2501.13215.00
From NarathiwatVip 32 Seats12:001,2501.13215.00


 Cross the border

Ban Ta Ba - Pengkalan Kulor is a little-used border crossing a few km south of Tak Bai, a small town in the far south of Narathiwat Province. It consists of a boat trip through the Bang Nara River from Ban Ta Ba to Pengkalan Kulor, the Malaysian border town on the other side of the river. Thai and Malaysian border checkpoints are along the respective departure piers. The Thai border is easily accessible by song-thaews from Tak Bai, and from the Su-ngai Kolok Railway Station, just 30 km to west, while Narathiwat is a little further, 40 km to north. If you're heading to the Perhentian Islands, this crossing is closer to Kota Bharu than Su-ngai Kolok.


In Pengkalan Kulor there are local buses that lead to Kota Bharu, from where you can reach the small fishing village of Kuala Besut by taxi, about 80 Ringgit. From village's piers leave the speedboats up to the Perhentian Islands. Boats depart from 09.00 to 15.00, an hour and half of sea crossing for about 80 Ringgit.

Path Bangkok - Baan Ta Ba: from Bangkok follow southbound all the Asian Highway AH2 up in Hat Yai, 935 Km away; from Hat Yai get onto Highway 43 and follow it for 95 Km towards Pattani, then turn on Highway 42 that in 105 Km leads to Narathiwat; from provincial capital follow the Highway 4084 until the border in Ban Ta Ba, 46 Km away from Narathiwat.


  Bus Schedules from Sai Tai Mai Southern Terminal Bangkok

RouteBus ClassDepartureRate THBDistanceTime Hr
To NarathiwatVip 32 Seats17:001,2501.13215.00
From NarathiwatVip 32 Seats12:001,2501.13215.00


 Borders in Satun Province

You can travel between Malaysia and Thailand, and vice versa, by sea. From Satun depart the boats reaching directly Langkawi Island and Kuala Perlis in Malaysia. The boats to Langkawi depart from Thammalung Pier, which is a half dozen kilometers south of Satun, and easily accessible by a shared song-thaews, about 30 THB. The beautiful Malaysian island is connected to Satun with a speedboats service operated by Langkawi Ferry. There are three daily departures; the trip takes an hour and 15 minutes and it costs 600 THB, or 30 Ringgit if you travelling in the opposite direction. Thai and Malaysian immigration checkpoints are at respective departure piers, Thammalung in Satun and Kuah Jetty in Kuah Town on Langkawi.


In high season you can reach Langkawi even from Koh Lipe, since on island is opened a seasonal Immigration Office. The Thai island is in turn connected to Bak Bara Pier, 60 Km north of Satun, throughout the whole year, and to many other islands in Southern Thailand in high season. Koh Lipe is the Thailand's southernmost island and tourists often choose to reach it with a more comfortably journey from Malaysia. The ferry companies that offer the service are different, but the price and timetables are similar. From Langkawi the speedboats depart from Kuah Jetty or Telaga Harbour Marina, while in Koh Lipe all boats dock at the floating pier in front of Pattaya Beach. For timetables and costs refer to our webpage Koh Lipe Boats & Ferries. The marine crossing between Satun and Kuala Perlis is the other possible option to reach Malaysia by sea from Thailand, or vice versa. From Thammalung Pier the typical Thai boat, longtails, perform a shuttle service to the nearby Kuala Perlis. The distance is very short, a ten nautical miles for a little less than one hour of navigation, and the cost is contained, about 300 THB. At Kuala Perlis pier there is an Immigration office for passport control, which controls also the tourists departing or arriving from Langkawi.

Wang Prachan - Wang Kelian is a land border little used between Satun and the Perlis Province in Malaysia. The border is on Higway 4184, about 35 kilometers south of Satun. Both Immigration checkpoints are closed to the border. There aren't buses services from Satun for Wang Prachan, to reach the small Thai border town you have to use the song-taews, if you no have a own a car. Once on the Malaysian side of the border the situation is the same, no regular bus services to Kuala Perlis or other destinations, so you have to use taxis.

Path Bangkok - Satun: from Bangkok follow southbound all the Asian Highway AH2 passing through or close to Nakhon Pathom, Ratcha Buri, Phetcha Buri, Hau Hin, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Phatthalung, 30 km before arriving in Hat Yai turn right and get onto Highway 406, which in 70 Km leads directly to Satun.


  Bus Schedules from Sai Tai Mai Southern Terminal Bangkok

RouteBus ClassDepartureRate THBDistanceTime Hr
To SatunVip 32 Seats13:001,15099513.00
From SatunVip 32 Seats16:001,15099513.00


 Cross the border

Betong - Pengkalan Hulu is the only border crossing in Yala Province. The border is on top of Pitch Kroh, which connected the Betong district, in the southernmost province of Yala, to Pengkalan Hulu in Malaysia, previous named Kroh or Keroh, which is part of Hulu Perak disctricy, Kedah Province. This passage is one of less used by tourists wishing to enter in Malaysia, due the political instability in the region. Both Immigration offices are close to the border, the Thai exactly on border, the Malaysian in Bukit Berapit, a few hundred meters later. To reach the border from Yala, 120 km away, you can use the minivans or song-taews that leave every hour from the railway station.


Minivan towards Betong also departs from Hat Yai. Crossed the border the first Malaysian city of some importance is Pengkalan Hulu, just 7 Km away. From its bus station there are regular bus services to Kaula Lumpur and Penang.

Path Bangkok - Betong: from Bangkok follow southbound the Asian Highway AH2 up in Hat Yai, 935 Km; from Hat Yai follow the Highway 43 that in 133 Km leads to Yala, then turn on Highway 4106 and follow it until the border in Betong, 139 Km away from Yala.


  Bus Schedules from Sai Tai Mai Southern Terminal Bangkok

RouteBus ClassDepartureRate THBDistanceTime Hr
To YalaVip 24 Seats17:301,2001.06814.00
From YalaVip 24 Seats14:001,2001.06814.00


  Visa: the movement of tourists between the three Nations is facilitated by the fact that they must not be previously requested entry Visas. The Visa on Arrival are easily released to the land border control without any bureaucratic practice or fee to pay, just a valid passport with a remaining validity of at least six months beyond the period of intended stay.

  Note: remember that tourists who return into Thailand's territory from a Myanmar's land border get Visa on Arrival, VOA, for only 15 days, unless they are already in possession of a Double Entry Visa or Re-Entry Permit.

  Currency, Exchange and Credit Card: the currency of Malaysia is Ringgit, MYR. Currently the exchange rate is 4,38 Ranggit for 1 US $, and 4,9 Ranggit for 1 Euro. The currency of Singapore is Singapore Dollar, SGD. Currently the exchange rate is 1,42 Dollar for 1 US $, and 1,59 Dollar for 1 Euro. In Malaysia and Singapore are accepted all major credit cards, VISA, MasterCard, Diners, Citibank, American Express. The withdrawals at ATMs are available anywhere.

  Driving licenses, rentals and import vehicles: for crossing between these countries by car it is necessary to have a International Driving Permit, IDP, and the Carnet de Passages, which allows the temporary importation of a vehicle. The Carnet de Passages is obtained to land border crossings by presenting valid documents of the vehicle and respecting the customs laws in force. It's important to have a international insurance, although the Malaysian border authorities often do not bother to request it. It's in fact your responsibility to protect yourself from any problems in case there should happen an accident. If you go into Thailand from Malaysia or Singapore, please note that no foreign insurance is accepted, it must therefore take a Thai temporary insurance at the border control before coming into the country. If the vehicle is not your property, in case is it of someone who is not traveling with you or rented, you need written permission authenticated by the Police authorities.

 

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