Asia Travel FAQ: How to get from Bangkok to Malaysia

Answer : Well if you're in a hurry then of course the plane but for someone with a bit more time on their hands why not treat, yes treat!, yourself to a train ride. You can take a train everyday of the week from Hualompong Station in Bangkok and it stops at both Butterworth (good if you're heading to Penang) and KL. A second class ticket gives you a very cheap, comfortable and interesting way to get to Malaysia. You can buy food from vendors at the stations most times the train stops, or if you choose, eat on board in the restaurant car. If you smoke then there's room between carriages and the toilets while not spotless are clean enough….for me, maybe not a princess. The seats are wide and soft and fold down into beds that I've had some of my top ten best sleeps in. Try and get a lower berth not upper as it's wider and remember to pack an extra jumper-with the air-con it can get a bit chilly at night(I don't believe you now have the option of 2nd class no air-con). All you need now is a good book or a few magazines, maybe some snacks and you're good to go!

As long as there's no rush I'd take it over the very quick plane every time just because I love trains, and in particular this journey with its pleasant views and Penang or KL at the other end, both great places to end a journey in.

I've gone from Bangkok to Malaysia by Bus once. NEVER AGAIN. By the way, book a couple of days ahead.

Related Links:
---Berjaya Air - From Malaysia to Southern Thailand
---State Railways of Thailand