Changes Since My First Trip
If you’ve come here looking for the best way to get from Langkawi to Hat Yai, you’ve come to the right place. However, there have been quite a few changes to the Langkawi to Hat Yai journey since I wrote my first blog post a gazillion years ago, so I’m going to shoot for a solid 2025 update for you here in a new post.
Some will argue that Langkawi to Satun and then onto Hat Yai is the easiest, but I still disagree with that. For one thing, straight off the bat, there are more ferries available between Langkawi and Kuala Perlis than are available between Langkawi and Satun. Plus, the transportation options in Satun can sometimes be confusing and exhausting. Especially for first timers. So, I’m going to stick with my Langkawi to Kuala Perlis route.
Step 1 – Ferry from Langkawi to Kuala Perlis, Malaysia
Before you even start the ferry trip from Langkawi to Kuala Perlis, Malaysia make sure your entry paperwork is sorted. Thailand now requires all travelers to complete its Thailand Digital Arrival Card online within 72 hours before entering. This is mandatory. You won’t need the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card unless you plan to return after your Thailand trip, in which case it must also be done online within 3 days before re-entering. *Also make sure you have some Thai baht on hand before you enter Thailand.
From Kuala Perlis, you have two options: either take a GRAB/taxi straight to the Padang Besar (Malaysia) Train Station (RM70–RM90), or take a taxi to the Arau, Perlis train station (RM12–RM20) and then catch the next train to Padang Besar, Malaysia. The second option is cheaper but takes more time.
Step 2 – VIP Minivan from Padang Besar, Malaysia to Hat Yai
Once at the Padang Besar (Malaysia) Train Station, you can run upstairs and try to book in with the ‘VIP’ minivan for about RM35. If you are lucky enough to get a seat, that van will then take you to Malaysia immigration to check out of Malaysia, then will drive you a few hundred meters to Padang Besar, Thailand immigration to check into Thailand. Yes, there are TWO Padang Besars.
Confusing? You bet. But don’t feel bad, because even I didn’t realize this until just a couple of years ago. Once you are through Thailand immigration your VIP ride will take you all the way to your hotel in Hat Yai.
Step 3 – Taking a Taxi from Padang Besar, Malaysia
If you decide on jumping in a Malaysian taxi at the Padang Besar (Malaysia) Train Station… well… you will be taken to the Padang Besar, Malaysia immigration and dropped. They will not take you any farther. You might be able to get a nice chap on a motorbike to take you and your luggage those onward uphill meters to Padang Besar, Thailand immigration (aka Customs House), but oy. Just the conversations alone will leave you wiped out. It is walk-able though, but if you have a lot of luggage it’s going to be a workout.
Step 4 – Budget Minivan from Padang Besar, Thailand to Hat Yai
However, if you are a hearty soul with a sense of adventure, just walk and get it over with. From there, after you are through immigration, there is a minivan stop right across the busy four-lane highway and you can get a ride to Hat Yai for 60 Baht. If you’re lucky, the driver will even drop you at your hotel. If you have a grouchy driver, he will likely just take you to Bus Station No. 1 and drop you off. Thankfully they now have GRAB taxis in Hat Yai, so you can get a ride from Bus Station No. 1 to your hotel now rather quickly. *Avoid confusion by securing your ticket directly from the vendor (not the driver).
Step 5 – Taking the Train from Padang Besar, Malaysia to Hat Yai
But what about the train? Yes, back to the train station. There is also an immigration option (only) for train passengers inside the Padang Besar (Malaysia) Train Station, and you can completely bypass all this shuffling around by simply waiting for the next train from the Padang Besar (Malaysia) Train Station to the Hat Yai Train Station. Unfortunately, they aren’t that frequent so you might be hanging out at the station a while. But it could also be your lucky day and the next train will line up perfectly with your schedule.
The Hat Yai Train Station is centrally located and just a short walk from a slew of Hat Yai hotels. I’d, of course, recommend securing a hotel prior to arrival, especially on weekends. Several songthaew (taxi trucks) will be waiting outside, and you may or may not get a regular price. Still, it’s always a bit more festive to start a Hat Yai holiday with an open-air songthaew ride. Not in the mood? Then call a GRAB. (Yes, a smart traveler would already have their phone sorted out to make local calls in Thailand.)
Recommended Hotels in Hat Yai
Although there are tons of hotels in Hat Yai, I can now also recommend TK Thongrak Apartment which is about two blocks from Bus Station No. 1 and my present fave home away from home. It’s perfect for solo travelers and couples. Probably not a top choice for a family with loud ‘energetic’ children.
I also recently stayed at Boonchai Mansion, which I didn’t love, but they do have several beds to a room options for those traveling with friends or family. It also doubles as long term room rentals for local professionals as well as a few college kids. It’s a bit odd, but the rooms are spacious and it would be a good choice if you’re just in town for a few days.
Both accommodations are walking distance from 7-11s, cafes, laundries, etc…
My Updated Recommendation for 2025
Basically, the gist of this update is that I now highly recommend the Padang Besar Malaysia-Thailand route, whereas back in the day I used to avoid it like the plague. It can still be a bit confusing for first timers, but you can nearly always find help among other passengers so don’t be shy. Have a question? Ask someone. Don’t like (or trust) their answer? Ask someone else.
Once you get into Hat Yai, local travel is now 100% easier than it was back in the day. You may pay a little extra by using the GRAB app, but there will be zero confusion with Point A to Point B travel and no ‘special’ prices that foreigners often have to deal with.
Related Guides for Your Return Trip
Coming back to Langkawi from Hat Yai is a completely different story and much easier. So, you’ll want to read this:
Hat Yai to Padang Besar by Train: What You May Need to Know Before You Go
All Aboard! Riding the Rails from Kuala Lumpur to Perlis and Beyond
Hope this helps answer your travel queries. Safe travels!
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