Travel to HatYai | by Train Kuala Lumpur to Padang Besar

After 2 years in Malaysia, I finally took the picturesque and very chilled train journey from Kuala Lumpur to Padang Besar for 3 fun-filled days in Hat Yai, Thailand.  In my (almost 20 minute) vlog, you’ll explore the train, get insider pro tips on which side of the train you should see on to have the best view of the rice paddy fields, learn how to go paperless and be 100% eco-friendly, and about food and drinks available on the train and at the stations.  

Kuala Lumpur to Hat Yai by Car & Train

• Departed on the 7:08am train at the heritage Kuala Lumpur station (not KL Sentral).  The train originates in Gemas and ends in Padang Besar.  Cost RM 76 / $18 USD
• Took a shared van from Pedang Besar train station that took me through both immigration checkpoints and dropped me at the door of my hotel.  Cost RM 20 / $4.85 USD
• Spent 3 days at Hat Yai’s best hotel and played tourist. Definitely stay at Centara HatYai Hotel when you go, it’s a lovely 4 star hotel with oodles of 5-star touches that you’ll love.
• Was dropped by a private driver to Hat Yai’s main bus terminal where I took a shared van to the Thai border.  Cost: THB 50 / $1.55 USD x 2 because they forced me to buy an extra seat for carry-on sized bag.
• From the Thai border, through the Malaysian border, and on to the Pedang Besar train station we rode with a kind stranger (see video).  I gave him RM 20 / $4.85 USD for his time.

This wonderful trip is easy and wildly cheap to take, although parts of the logistics in ground transportation left something to be desired.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, I can’t wait to go on another train journey across Malaysia again.  It was infinitely more special and beautiful than what I expected.  And there’s something about a train that adds a sense of adventure to a trip so it was simply FUN!