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snowy32
Joined: 03 Dec 2005
Location: NZ
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 Posted: Thu Nov 16, 2006 6:04 pm Post subject: Best way to travel from Malaysia to Thailand |
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Hi,
I'm wondering if there's a train system or bus system going through these two countries that might be cheaper than flying. I plan on heading from Kuala Lumpur over to Thailand. Does anyone have any suggestions? |
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ttompatz
Joined: 05 Sep 2005
Location: Kwangju, South Korea
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| Posted: Thu Nov 16, 2006 6:14 pm Post subject: Re: Best way to travel from Malaysia to Thailand |
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| snowy32 wrote: |
Hi,
I'm wondering if there's a train system or bus system going through these two countries that might be cheaper than flying. I plan on heading from Kuala Lumpur over to Thailand. Does anyone have any suggestions? |
You are aware that there is ARMED conflict in the southern border region of Thailand? Bombings, bus robberies and kidnappings are commonplace.
There are constant problems with the rebels and now with the military government taking a firmer hand it may NOT be a good idea to make the trip overland.
Flights are NOT that expensive. |
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thebomb
Joined: 13 Nov 2006
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| Posted: Thu Nov 16, 2006 7:15 pm Post subject: |
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| There are regular trains from Butterworth, a town on the mainland next to Penang, that go straight up, through the troubled region to Surat Thani. I can't remember the exact cost but it was under a 1000 Baht. It is also a sleeper train, benches by day bunks by night!! |
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soviet_man
Joined: 23 Apr 2005
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Thu Nov 16, 2006 7:24 pm Post subject: |
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Yes, much easier to fly (both Malaysia and Thailand have low-cost airlines).
But to do it by land: the Kuala Lumpur train departs 8.45pm daily, bound for Hat Yai, where it arrives 10.15am the next morning. There is a ferry crossing involved at Butterworth/Penang en-route. From Hat Yai, you can keep going on to Bangkok or change to Phuket.
I wouldn't be too worried about safety if going by land - but I would think twice about spending 14+ hours on a train (when you can do it in 1hr by plane). |
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wormholes101
Joined: 11 Mar 2003
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| Posted: Thu Nov 16, 2006 7:27 pm Post subject: Re: Best way to travel from Malaysia to Thailand |
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| snowy32 wrote: |
Hi,
I'm wondering if there's a train system or bus system going through these two countries that might be cheaper than flying. I plan on heading from Kuala Lumpur over to Thailand. Does anyone have any suggestions? |
Fly is cheap if you book in advance with Air Asia. It can be very cheaper than train or bus. Check out their website.
You can bus and train virtually all the way up to the border for sure. You might even be able to bus (not train?) right into Thailand; memory is a bit vague. It was quite a while ago. Anyhow, it should be easy enough to check one you are in KL.
Personally, I wouldn't worry about the "bombings" and "terrorists" in southern Thailand. They are few and far between and not directed towards tourists. I've made dozens of border crossing and slept many a night in Sungai Kolok. As with everything, you have more of a chance of being run over by a bus in KL. |
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Tiger Beer
Joined: 07 Feb 2003
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| Posted: Thu Nov 16, 2006 7:43 pm Post subject: Re: Best way to travel from Malaysia to Thailand |
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| snowy32 wrote: |
Hi,
I'm wondering if there's a train system or bus system going through these two countries that might be cheaper than flying. I plan on heading from Kuala Lumpur over to Thailand. Does anyone have any suggestions? |
I'd just fly. Air Asia or Tiger Airways or JetStar.. flights are like US$40 one-way.. I can't imagine taking a train or bus would save you all that much. |
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