About the Malaysia Thailand borders
Malaysia and Thailand share multiple overland border crossings (up to 20 in total), but only about 7 are accessible to international passport holders. As of August 1, 2022, Malaysia lifted all COVID-19 entry restrictions, though a 7-day quarantine applies if you test positive while there. Similarly, Thailand dropped all international travel restrictions in October 2022.
Thailand currently offers visa-free entry or visa exemptions to most nationalities. For example, many get a 30-day visa exemption on arrival. Always check with your nearest Thai embassy to confirm eligibility for your nationality.
Make sure you have all required documents before crossing these borders. This includes:
- Visas (if required)
- Fees (if applicable)
- Passport photographs
- Your Passport!
With good planning, an overland trip from Malaysia to Thailand can be a rewarding adventure. Factor in long travel times by car, bus, train, or ferry. Stay hydrated and well-fed. Try to exchange some Thai Baht before crossing—border exchange rates are often less favorable than in cities like Bangkok.
Malaysia / Thailand border crossings
Wang Kelian (MY) - Wang Prachan (TH)
How to cross the border: From Kaki Bukit, take a taxi to Wang Kelian. The immigration posts are about 100m apart, making it an easy walk across.
Once in Wang Prachan, songthaews (shared pickups) can take you to Satun, where buses or ferries connect to other Thai destinations.
Padang Besar (MY) - Padang Besar (TH)
This crossing has two options: one for road travel and one for rail.
How to cross the border via road: Drive-through lanes handle immigration and customs, with checkpoints about 300m apart.
How to cross the border via train: Both Malaysian and Thai immigration are housed in the Padang Besar station. Bring all luggage with you for customs clearance during the stop.
Bukit Kayu Hitam (MY) - Ban Dan Nok (TH)
How to cross the border via road: This busy route links directly to Bangkok, so expect delays. Drive-through lanes and a pedestrian path are available, with about 800m between checkpoints and a duty-free complex in between.
Pengkalan Hulu / Bukit Berapit (MY) - Betong (TH)
How to cross the border via road: A bustling crossing with Bukit Berapit as the Malaysian border point, though formalities occur 6km away in Pengkalan Hulu. Betong, Thailand, sits right on the border—simple and efficient.
Bukit Bunga (MY) - Buketa (TH)
How to cross the border via road: Opened in December 2007, this crossing uses the Bukit Bunga–Ban Buketa Bridge for a smooth transition.
Rantau Panjang (MY) - Sungai Kolok (TH)
How to cross the border via train: No direct rail crossing here. The nearest Malaysian station is Pasir Mas (reachable by bus or taxi), while Sungai Kolok offers trains north, including to Bangkok.
How to cross the border via car/bus: No international buses cross directly. Walk over the bridge from a bus drop-off, then catch a Thai bus. By car, immigration and customs are before the bridge.
Langkawi / Kuala Perlis (MY) - Satun Tammalang (TH)
How to cross the border via ferry: Ferries from Langkawi or Kuala Perlis dock at Satun Tammalang, Thailand’s gateway to the Andaman Sea islands and beyond.
Malaysia / Thailand border crossings map
Border crossing names: These crossings use their geographical names, though locals might use nicknames—worth noting when asking directions.
Southern Thailand border safety
In 2004, violent incidents rocked Yala, Narathiwat, and Pattani provinces, but none involved tourists or occurred near crossings.
In 2006, three foreigners died in Hat Yai, a major southern hub on the train route. Threats against tourists surfaced but didn’t materialize.
In 2007, a bomb killed one outside a school, and in 2014, extremists shot a teacher in the region.
Clashes between authorities and extremists have caused delays when security ramps up, though tourists remain largely unaffected.
Flooding: Monsoon rains can delay trains by up to 12 hours, but no accidents have been reported—just patience required.
Easiest border crossing from Malaysia to Thailand
All crossings are manageable with proper paperwork, but some stand out for ease and comfort.
The easiest is likely Padang Besar via train. Trains from Kuala Lumpur or Butterworth (Penang) stop at Padang Besar, where you get stamped out of Malaysia and into Thailand—all in one station.
Another simple option is the ferry from Langkawi to Satun. You’re stamped out at Langkawi and in at Satun Tammalang. Landing on Thailand’s Andaman coast is a bonus, with easy onward travel via ferry or bus.
Malaysia / Thailand overland border crossing tips
Traveling from Malaysia to Thailand is generally hassle-free. Thailand offers a 30-day visa exemption to many nationalities, though check with your Thai embassy for specifics—some may need a visa from Kuala Lumpur.
Thai immigration may ask for a fingerprint scan at land borders. It’s standard, but some travelers might find it intrusive.
Hold onto your arrival/departure cards. Overland crossings often require them—losing one isn’t a crisis, but it’s smoother if you don’t. Coming from Thailand to Malaysia overland is basically the same!
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