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Planning an overland trip from Malaysia to Thailand?

The Padang Besar border crossing is one of the cheapest and easiest routes, especially if you’re traveling from Alor Setar to Hat Yai on a tight backpacker budget.

In this updated 2025 guide, you’ll get a step-by-step walkthrough of the entire crossing, from train rides and border control to minivan transfers and money-saving tips. Based on real travel experience and updated transport info.

Why Choose the Padang Besar Border Crossing?

If you’re heading north from Penang, Langkawi, or Alor Setar, Padang Besar is the most efficient land crossing into Thailand.

Advantages:

• Direct train access from both Malaysia and Thailand
• No need to book expensive tour packages
• Safe, simple, and cheap
• Ideal for independent or budget travelers heading to Hat Yai or southern Thailand

How to Travel from Alor Setar to Hat Yai via Padang Besar

Here’s your complete route guide from Malaysia to Thailand, for under RM15 / $3.10.

Step 1: Train from Alor Setar to Padang Besar (Malaysia Side)

Start your journey in Alor Setar, Kedah. From the city, book a Grab ride to Alor Setar Railway Station. You have two train options:

Train Options:

1. KTM Komuter (Recommended for Budget Travelers)

• Fare: RM5.70
• Duration: ~45 minutes
• Stops: Anak Bukit, Arau, Kodiang, etc.
• Tickets: Buy at station (no advance booking needed)

2. KTM ETS (Faster, More Comfortable)

• Fare: RM16–RM20
• Duration: ~30 minutes
• Tickets: Book online in advance (limited seats)

Step 2: Walk to the Border & Cross into Thailand

Once you arrive at Padang Besar Station (Malaysia):

1. Exit the station and follow signs toward Immigration / Border Control.
2. Ignore people offering overpriced van rides to Thailand (often RM30+).
3. Walk about 5–10 minutes to the Malaysia Immigration Checkpoint.
4. Get stamped out of Malaysia.
5. Walk across to the Thailand Immigration Checkpoint.
6. Get stamped in and continue into Padang Besar, Thailand.

Border Tips:

• Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM (verify before you travel)
• Bring a pen to fill out the Thai arrival card if needed. Fill it online to make things easier.
• Have Thai Baht ready, at least ฿100 for transport after crossing.

Step 3: Minivan from Padang Besar (Thailand Side) to Hat Yai

After Thai immigration, walk a short distance to minivan kiosks or travel counters.

Van Details:

• Route: Padang Besar → Hat Yai
• Fare: ฿70 (~RM9 / ~$1.90)
• Time: ~1 hour
• Departure: Vans leave when full
• Drop-off: Hat Yai city center or Hat Yai bus station

Pro Tip: This van is much cheaper than those offered on the Malaysian side (which often charge RM30–40).

Budget Breakdown: Alor Setar to Hat Yai (via Padang Besar)

Here’s your updated cost breakdown table with approximate conversions to US Dollars (USD) as of the latest rates (1 MYR ≈ 0.21 USD, 1 THB ≈ 0.027 USD):

Segment	Mode	Cost (Local)	Approx. Cost (USD)
Alor Setar to Padang Besar	KTM Komuter	RM5.70	~$1.20
Padang Besar Border Crossing	Walk	Free	$0.00
Padang Besar to Hat Yai	Van (Thailand side)	฿70 (~RM9)	~$1.90
Total		~RM14.70 / ฿114	~$3.10

Note: Currency rates can vary slightly day to day. This estimate is based on typical exchange rates in late 2025.

What to Watch Out For

• Ignore overpriced van drivers at Padang Besar station (RM30–RM40)
• Exchange money in advance – only one money changer ~500m after the Thai border
• Minivans wait until full – expect short delays during off-peak times
• Always check train & border hours before departure

Essential Packing Tips

• Passport (6 months validity) + Thai arrival card
• Small change in MYR and THB
• SIM card or offline map for navigation

Where to Go After Hat Yai?

From Hat Yai, you can easily connect to:

• Trang or Krabi (by minivan or train)
• Phuket (via shared van or bus)
• Bangkok (night train or domestic flight)
• Ko Lipe (via van + speedboat from Pak Bara pier)

Looking for a slower pace? Check out my full guide to Slow Living in Thailand: Koh Lanta, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai & Trang: perfect if you prefer culture, food, and nature over the typical tourist trail.

What to Eat in Hat Yai?

Hat Yai is a food lover’s paradise, especially if you’re into Thai street food, southern Malay-Thai fusion, and local markets. From crispy fried chicken to patongo, here’s the full list of must-try dishes: What to Eat in Hat Yai, Thailand: Full Food Guide (Halal & Non-Halal)

Final Thoughts: Is Padang Besar Worth It?

Yes, if you’re a budget traveler or backpacker, the Padang Besar border crossing is one of the best overland routes from Malaysia to Thailand.

It’s cheap, straightforward, and gives you more control over your trip compared to pricey tour vans or flights. For under RM15 or ฿70, you can get from Alor Setar to Hat Yai, all using public transport and your own two feet.

This route is ideal if you value independence, flexibility, and saving money. It also connects easily to other parts of southern Thailand, making it a smart entry point for longer trips.

If you’re heading north and want to avoid tourist traps, crossing at Padang Besar is absolutely worth it.

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