I had never taken the train to Padang Besar or crossed into Thailand via the checkpoint there, so attending a meeting in Hat Yai gave me the perfect excuse to finally experience it.I had been advised to book my train tickets to Padang Besar in advance, as seats tend to fill up quickly. Fortunately, with the commuter train now running from Ipoh to Bukit Mertajam, the journey is more flexible for travelers starting from Ipoh. The only drawback is having to change trains at Bukit Mertajam station to continue to Padang Besar. Alternatively, the ETS train from Kuala Lumpur offers a direct route, taking about 5.5 hours and costing RM108 one way. The ride itself is scenic, especially when the train crosses the stunning Bukit Merah Lake. The train driver usually announces this moment, making it a highlight—provided the windows don’t fog up, which unfortunately happened on my return trip.
I arrived in Padang Besar around 12:45 p.m. and spent some time exploring the train station before booking a van to Hat Yai. The ride cost RM30 and included the journey from the train station to the immigration checkpoint and onward to Hat Yai. After clearing both the Malaysian and Thai checkpoints, the driver waited on the Thai side to continue the trip. This second pickup can feel a bit tricky, as the area is crowded with many vans, even on weekdays. It’s important to stay alert and know which van to board. Thankfully, I was given a sticker to wear on my shirt when I bought my ticket. This made it easy for the van driver to identify me.
Helpful Tips for a Smooth Trip
To avoid disappointment, always book your return train tickets in advance and secure your hotel reservation in Hat Yai beforehand. If you’ve pre-booked a hotel, the RM30 van fare conveniently includes drop-off right at your hotel doorstep.
At the van ticket booth, you’ll also receive a scan code for your return trip.
When it’s time to head back, simply scan the code to contact the operator. The operator, who spoke excellent English, was very helpful. She asked for my train schedule, factored in travel time and immigration clearance, and arranged a suitable pickup time from the hotel. The entire process was efficient and hassle-free.
Another essential item for your trip is a SIM card, especially if you’re staying for three days or more. SIM cards are very affordable, costing about 49 baht (RM7) at Thai 7-Eleven stores. However, if you buy one at the Padang Besar train station, it can cost as much as RM28. The tourist SIM card is valid for seven days and is incredibly useful for calling cabs, navigating with Google Maps, or using Google Translate. These tools are a lifesaver, as many locals outside tourist areas don’t speak English.
For added peace of mind, leave your passport with the hotel lobby for safekeeping. The hotel will issue a receipt, which can be shown to the authorities if needed. It’s a simple precaution that ensures a worry-free experience.
Three Days of Hat Yai Bliss
I spent about three days in Hat Yai and made the most of the opportunity to indulge in local food and, of course, enjoy an authentic Thai massage. Breakfast often featured delicious dim sum, costing around 200 baht (RM26), while lunch was a budget-friendly 80 baht (RM10.40).
Instead of visiting tourist spots, I sought out eateries where locals dined. I practically walked everywhere. This choice paid off—I got to taste truly exceptional food at very reasonable prices and managed to get a good look at the city. It was a great way to experience Hat Yai’s vibrant food culture.
Final Thoughts
Taking the train to Padang Besar and crossing into Thailand turned out to be much more than a convenient way to reach Hat Yai—it was an experience in itself. From the scenic views of Bukit Merah Lake to the bustling yet manageable border crossing, the journey added a sense of adventure to what might otherwise have been a straightforward trip.
Hat Yai welcomed me with its incredible local flavors, relaxing massages, and the charm of discovering hidden spots away from tourist crowds. The efficiency of the transport system, paired with practical tips like booking tickets in advance, using SIM cards for navigation, and exploring local dining spots, made the entire trip smooth, memorable, and enjoyable.
In the end, this journey reminded me that sometimes, the process of getting there is just as rewarding as the destination itself. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or taking this route for the first time, the train to Padang Besar offers a scenic, budget-friendly, and uniquely adventurous gateway into Thailand—a perfect blend of exploration and convenience.
Safe travels and happy exploring!
#JomTravel — Submit your travel stories and stand a chance to win prizes worth up to RM8,000, including a RM500 Malaysia Airlines voucher!! Find out how you can participate here.
Chris is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
The User Content (as defined on Newswav Terms of Use) above including the views expressed and media (pictures, videos, citations etc) were submitted & posted by the author. Newswav is solely an aggregation platform that hosts the User Content. If you have any questions about the content, copyright or other issues of the work, please contact Newswav.