Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GETTING TO MALAYSIA: SUNGAI KOLOK TO RANTAU PANJANG
Getting to the Border
The Thai border (open 5am to 9pm) is about 1.5km from the centre of Sungai Kolok or
the train station. Motorbike taxis charge 30B.
At the Border
This is a hassle-free, straightforward border crossing. After completing formalities, walk across
the Harmony Bridge to the Malaysian border post.
Moving On
Shared taxis and buses to Kota Bharu, the capital of Malaysia's Kelantan State, can be caught 200m
beyond the Malaysian border post. Shared taxis cost RM$8 per person (80B) or RM$40 (400B) to charter the
whole car yourself. The ride takes around 40 minutes. Buses make the hour-long journey for RM$5.10 (50B).
It's possible to continue south by the so-called 'jungle train', but the closest station is at Pasir Mas, located
along taxi/bus routes to Kota Bharu.
Tak Bai, also in Narathiwat Province, and Betong, further south in Yala, are also legal crossing points for for-
eigners, but Sungai Kolok is by far the most convenient place to cross the border.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Sungai Kolok
POP 42,776
It's not the most prepossessing place to enter or exit the 'Land of Smiles', but Sungai Ko-
lok is the main gateway between Thailand and Malaysia. As such, it's a scuzzy border
town best known for smuggling and prostitution. Far less of a target than the other major
towns in the region, the unstable situation in the Deep South has nevertheless severely di-
minished its 'sin city' reputation in recent years, with the Malaysian men who once came
here for wild weekends now favouring safer Hat Yai. But there's still a small strip of
booming bars on Th Charoenkhet, Soi 3 and behind the Marina Hotel. Fewer travellers,
too, leave Thailand here now; more come in the opposite direction and immediately hop a
train north.
Sleeping & Eating
Most hotels here are uniform in quality and price. Many of the real cheapies won't accept
foreigners.
Stand-out restaurants are in short supply, although there is some tasty Malaysian and
Chinese food around.
Tara Regent
HOTEL
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