The recent school holidays and Malaysia Day celebrations triggered a significant surge in tourists crossing the border into Thailand. The Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration Control Centre (ICQS) was the primary entry point, highlighting the growing trend of Malaysians opting for short, cross-border vacations.
This surge in traffic prompted the Kedah Immigration Department to take proactive measures. They opened additional counters at the Bukit Kayu Hitam ICQS to minimize delays, especially during peak periods. This ensures a smoother and more efficient experience for travellers.
The Bukit Kayu Hitam checkpoint is vital in facilitating this travel surge. It sits along a key route connecting Malaysia and Thailand, making it a crucial passageway for leisure and business travellers alike.
Essential Reminders for Malaysia to Thailand Border Crossing
The Immigration Department reminds travellers to prepare well in advance. Here are some key points:
- Check Immigration Status: Ensure there are no outstanding issues, such as unpaid taxes, fines, or a criminal record, that could cause complications at the border.
- Valid Passport and Visa: Make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your trip. You must also have a valid visa for your stay (if required). Under the visa exemption program, Malaysian travellers do not need a visa. Read more about Thailand VISA for Malaysians
- Thailand Regulations: Be familiar with Thailand’s immigration regulations, including limits on consecutive border entries and the requirement to declare your length of stay.
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended for unexpected events like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or accidents.
- Prohibited Items: Familiarize yourself with the list of items banned from entering Malaysia upon your return.
- Book Buses Carefully so you can Cross the Border on Time: The border crossing is open from 05:00-23:00 Thai time and 06:00-midnight Malaysian time. When booking buses, make sure your arrival and departure are such that the border crossing is open.
Popular Bus Routes from Malaysia to Thailand
Since Hat Yai is the city closest to Thailand-Malaysia, most bus routes from Malaysia to Thailand have Hat Yai as the final destination in Thailand. You can find buses from several major cities in Hat Yai, Malaysia. Alternatively, you can book your bus tickets from Changlun in Kedah to Hat Yai if you plan to cross the border in 2 hours.
Penang to Hat Yai
| Popular Bus Operator | First Bus | Last Bus | Duration | Avg Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Nice Express | 03:00 AM | 02:00 PM | 4 hrs 33 mins | RM 40.00 |
| Poh Hai Travels & Transports Sdn Bhd | 05:00 AM | 08:45 AM | 4 hrs 33 mins | RM 60.00 |
| New Asian Travel & Transport (M) Sdn Bhd | 05:00 AM | 12:10 PM | 4 hrs 0 mins | RM 60.00 |
| JP Global Travel Tour Thailand | 05:00 AM | 03:00 PM | 3 hrs 30 mins | RM 84.50 |
You can check for minivans and executive buses on the Penang to Hat Yai bus route if you are planning to take this route for your Malaysia to Thailand trip. The buses can be boarded from different pick-ups like Chai Leng Park – Caltex, Greenlane Mc Donald’s, Jalan Pantai (Butterworth), Nibong Tebal, Penang Komtar/Prangin Mall, and Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal
Kuala Lumpur to Hat Yai
| Bus Operator | First Bus | Last Bus | Duration | Avg Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suasana Tony Coach | 08:00 AM | 11:59 PM | 9 hrs 13 mins | RM 90.00 |
| Alisan Golden Coach | 01:30 AM | 11:59 PM | 9 hrs 13 mins | RM 95.00 |
| KPB Ekspress | 10:30 PM | 10:50 PM | 8 hrs 27 mins | RM 85.00 |
| Kesatuan Express | 08:15 AM | 10:00 PM | 9 hrs 55 mins | RM 70.00 |
| Intertop Express | 08:30 AM | 10:30 PM | 8 hrs 27 mins | RM 75.00 |
Buses from KL to Hat Yai can be boarded from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan, Hentian Duta, KL Sentral or Berjaya Times Square Bus Terminal.
Johor Bahru to Hat Yai
| Popular Bus Operator | First Bus | Last Bus | Duration | Average Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KPB Ekspress | 05:00 PM | 08:00 PM | 13 hrs 0 mins | RM 125.00 |
| KKKL Express | 10:45 AM | 08:00 PM | 13 hrs 0 mins | RM 111.00 |
| Super Nice Express | 07:29 PM | 08:00 PM | 13 hrs 0 mins | RM 130.00 |
For your JB to Thailand trip, you can choose your pick-up points from JB Merlin Tower, Larkin Bus Terminal, and Tun Aminah Terminal.
Changlun to Hat Yai
The Changlun to Hat Yai route is mainly served by Super Nice Express, which operates from 5:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The bus fare is only around RM 20, and the journey takes just 2 hours.
If you also plan to visit Thailand via bus, book your bus tickets online on redBus Malaysia. Make the most of our exclusive offers – redBus promos called redDeals and save more on your Malaysia to Thailand bus booking.
Yes, you can travel from Malaysia to Thailand via bus. You can take a bus to Hat Yai from any city in Malaysia, which is a longer route, or choose to travel from Changlun (a town on the Malaysia-Thailand border) to Hat Yai, which is a shorter journey.
1. Visa Requirements:
Visa-on-Arrival: Most nationalities can obtain a visa-on-arrival at the Thai border. This is usually valid for 30 days.
Pre-Arranged Visa: If you plan to stay longer or have specific visa requirements, it’s advisable to obtain a pre-arranged visa from the Thai embassy or consulate in Malaysia.
Check Visa Exemptions: Some nationalities are exempt from visa requirements for short stays in Thailand.
2. Border Crossings:
Land Borders: The most common land border crossings between Malaysia and Thailand are at Bukit Kayu Hitam, Sadao, and Sungai Kolok.
Immigration Procedures: Upon arrival, you’ll need to present your passport, visa (if required), and completed immigration forms.
3. Customs:
Declaration: Declare any items subject to customs duties or restrictions.
Prohibited Items: Be aware of prohibited items, such as illegal drugs, firearms, and certain agricultural products.
Additional Tips:
Travel Insurance: It’s recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses and other potential issues.
Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
Currency Exchange: You can exchange Malaysian Ringgit for Thai Baht at the border crossing or in nearby towns.
Note: Immigration policies and procedures can change. It’s always advisable to check with the Thai embassy or consulate in Malaysia for the most up-to-date information before your trip.
The bus route for KL to Thailand has its drop-off point in Hat Yai. The bus from KL to Hat Yai takes approximately 8-9 hours. There are certain factors that can influence travel time, such as traffic conditions, weather, border crossing and immigration checks.
It’s recommended to check with bus operators or online travel platforms for the most accurate and up-to-date information on travel times between KL and Thailand. They can provide you with detailed schedules and estimated journey durations based on your chosen route.
