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What Is The Safest Way To Travel From Singapore To Malaysia Then To Thailand?

globalsamaritan
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globalsamaritan Apprentice Member

globalsamaritan

Posted
Posted

Hello Friends,

We have a flight to Singapore last week of March and we plan to pass by Malaysia and then proceed to Bangkok Thailand. I would like to know what the safest way is to go to Bangkok from Singapore? We plan not to take the plane.

Are there any major security issues if we take the bus or the train from Singapore to Bangkok?

Please give us your advice and guideline? Thank you very much.

doggie888888 Gold Member

doggie888888

Posted
Posted

If budget is not an issue, then try the Eastern and Orient Express! It's a truly wonderful and unique experience. Takes 3 days Sing-BKK, so save on your accom in Sing by leaving 3days earlier :)

globalsamaritan Apprentice Member

globalsamaritan

Posted
  • Author
Posted
If budget is not an issue, then try the Eastern and Orient Express! It's a truly wonderful and unique experience. Takes 3 days Sing-BKK, so save on your accom in Sing by leaving 3days earlier :)

Budget is not really an issue. But we'd like to have an experience of seeing the countryside of Thailand.

Has there been any bomb attack on Eastern and Orient Express in recent years?

We'd love to take the bus or train but the insurgency in the Southern part of Thailand is really scary.

KhunDave Silver Member

KhunDave

Posted
Posted

Many countries' governments advise against all travel through the southern provinces. I'd take a flight to Phuket and then make overland plans from there if you want to see something of the countryside.

NADTATIDA1 Gold Member

NADTATIDA1

Posted
Posted
If budget is not an issue, then try the Eastern and Orient Express! It's a truly wonderful and unique experience. Takes 3 days Sing-BKK, so save on your accom in Sing by leaving 3days earlier :)

Do you have any good links to companys you have used when traveling on this train?

thanks

gotlost Diamond Member

gotlost

Posted
Posted
Two trains in Thailand derailed lately.

Are these the same trains that traveled to Singapore and Bangkok vice versa?

I can thank of 4 in the last 9 months on the southern routes. Yes they are the same. :)

D24 Apprentice Member

D24

Posted
Posted

Singapore to Bangkok via train or bus? Weak! I was in Singapore for a week last October, considering this trip..

I flew to Phuket instead..and after to Bangkok. Much smarter/smoother/more beneficial use of vacation time.. The island of Phuket has much to see geographic/biology-wise..and can do this while visiting beaches at the same time. Besides you would be traveling on accident prone old railroads, insurgents in the southern provinces..on top of the current political unknowing..

Air Asia is a good option..via Phuket or straight to Bangkok or fly to KL for a few days (IMO- boring)...but I recommend spending the extra time on foot at a conceived destination instead of land travel...

Jungle is jungle, not like your going to see tigers and elephants randomly from a train anyway~~

muji Apprentice Member

muji

Posted
Posted

for passing the time , take the bus. not necessarily cheaper than airasia

take the bus from singapore - here

stops in kl,

find your way to puduraya station kl - here

get your ticket to hadyai

reaches there early morning - sometimes between 7-8am.

take a connecting bus to BKK- most buses leave early morning for BKK or late night. Find out frm the tour agencies there - lots of agencies to get your ticket in hadyai.

alternatively, there are buses which run direct from Singapore to Hadyai - stopping in kl to drop off and pick up passengers.another option but then you wont get the chance to even smell kl, probably just stopping long enough for you to pee.

Another option once u reach kl, take the train to hadyai - find your way to sentral station -thats the congruence of trains for the kl train links. Find your way to the KTM - Malaysian Railway counter.

trains normally leave for the north at night - around 8 ish - 9 ish pm, u should be there alreadygeting ready to depart.u will reach the Malaysian -thai border around 7-8 ish am the next day and arriving at hadyai around 11 ish am.

then catch a connecting train to BKK or catch a connecting bus to BKK.

dont let the rumour mongerers deter you from traveling by bus and see a little bit of kl and onward to south thailand to see a little there as well. The troubles are predominantly on the eastern part of south thailand -areas like danok,sadao, hadyai are still safe -many still travel this route for sight seeing trips.

Word of advice, beware of scammers everywhere. ticket touts are a downer as well. everything else, lovely !

Enjoy!

xen Gold Member

xen

Posted
Posted

We did this trip anbout 18 months ago . Singapore for a week at the cheapest hotel we could find and then the train from Singapore to KL. Passes mainly thru Palm Oil Plantations a bit tedious scenery but i enjoyed the experience of something different. Stayed at KL for a few days but KL seemed to me to be BKK without that underlying sexual energy that BKK exudes. The Petonis twin towers are not worth the trouble - just my opinion.

Then we caught the train to Penang .We travelled first class and were the only ones in the carriage. Saw a lot of Malaysia thru the window .

Stayed in Penang for a while - great place - cheap and interesting . Will return . Then , at my ex-wifes insistance , because she watches a lot of thai tv about the problems in southern Thailand - we caught an Air Asia flight to BKK.

There is also another train line that goes up the Eastern coast of Malaysia that you may consider but it is not as easy as it more local and a few connection need to be made. It goes thru a lot more Mountians and rainforest if You are interested in natural scenery. That is my next trip.

U can buy your train tickets online for the train but it is a lot cheaper to buy the tickets in Malaysia than what it is in Singapore . (I think it is because of some scabble between the two rail networks.).

I found this site is good for info on the train

http://www.seat61.com/Thailand.htm

You should enjoy it whatever way you choose to do it.

montrii Advanced Member

montrii

Posted
Posted

I've done the train trip, loved it. At least for the Malaysian part of the trip, go first-class sleeper, the second-class sleepers are not as comfortable as on the Thai side (you change trains after the border). I'd also recommend stopping somewhere for a day--I actually stayed 2 days in Penang (you leave the train at Butterworth). If you do the whole trip straight, it's two nights on the train, which could get you feeling kinda cramped, I think. But the scenery's great. A very comfortable ride, too.

Not the bus! Bad drivers, bumpy roads, can't get up and walk around at all, etc. etc.

angiud Platinum Member

angiud

Posted
Posted

The train of the line Singapore-Thailand is via Butterworth, is far outside the insurgent area (the provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat) so is completely safe. The train pass in Hat Yai to connect the line to Surathani and BKK.

The bus service Singapore KL, KL Penang, Penang Hat Yai is good and fast but most of the bus travel overnight, and remember to bring a blanket with you!

Bedrockguesthouse Advanced Member

Bedrockguesthouse

Posted
Posted

This is the travel advisory from the aussie govt

Thailand overall This Advice is current for Wednesday, 10 March 2010. Be alert to own securityExercise cautionHigh degree of cautionReconsider your need to travelDo not travelYala, Pattani, Narathiwat and SongkhlaBe alert to own securityExercise cautionHigh degree of cautionReconsider your need to travelDo not travelThis advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and under Safety and Security: Civil Unrest/Political Tension (strong possibility of violence and civil unrest during March 2010). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/redirect.php...%3A%2F%2F%23top

Summary

  • We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution because of the high threat of terrorist attack and because of political instability in Thailand.
  • Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
  • We continue to receive reports that terrorists may be planning attacks against a range of targets, including tourist areas and other places frequented by foreigners.
  • There is a strong possibility of violence and civil unrest in Thailand, particularly in Bangkok, during March 2010. Australians should avoid any prominent buildings associated with the Thai Government, such as Government House, the Parliament Building, the Supreme Court and military installations. Grenade attacks, including against banks, have occurred in the past month and further attacks are possible over the coming weeks. In mid-February, the Thai Government announced increased security measures in light of political unrest and possible demonstrations in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand.
  • Demonstrations can develop quickly and turn violent with little warning. In the event of protest action, disruptions could occur in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand, including to transport and other infrastructure. You should avoid demonstration sites, political rallies, military deployments and concentrations of security personnel. You should also closely monitor developments and follow any instructions issued by local authorities. If you are in an area where demonstrators are gathering, you should leave the area immediately.
  • There is an ongoing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia relating to land near the Preah Vihear temple (Khao Pra Viharn in Thai). There has been fighting between Thai and Cambodian military troops in recent years, resulting in some injuries and fatalities. Some border crossings have been closed at times and landmines have been reported. Australians are urged to be particularly vigilant if travelling to this area and to monitor local media.
  • We strongly advise you not to travel at this time to the southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla or overland to and from the Malaysian border through these provinces due to high levels of ongoing violence in these regions, including terrorist attacks and bombings resulting in deaths and injuries on an almost daily basis. Since January 2004, more than 3500 people have reportedly been killed and many more injured, including a number of foreigners. If you are in these provinces, you should consider leaving.

fantuzi Senior Member

fantuzi

Posted
Posted

"We did this trip anbout 18 months ago . Singapore for a week at the cheapest hotel we could find and then the train from Singapore to KL...."

Good advice and good experience I think.This route Singapore-Bangkok is traditional tourist highway made by millions of people in years,with

plenty of attractions on the way.You can make part of it by sea ,if you like it:by cruse ship to Phuket from Singapore,with stop in Malacca,Penang and Langkawi,

or take ferries from Penang through Langkawi to Andaman.You can hop part of it on board of FireFly Air,they have slow turbo planes,which fly low,with wonderfull views of

jungle,mountains, sea and islands.

But I wonder who are those sissy members advocating against it:"dont be silly take AirAsia"!!!!,more then two of them,I cant believe my eyes!

If you dont like travel,what are you doing in Thailand,in the first place??Why dont'you sipp your beers in comfort of yours homes back in....yours mammalands?

D24,KhunDave?Phuket? what about infamous tuktuk mafia?tourists drowning in Patong Beach every week,others being beaten-up or stabbed?extremly dangerous place!

how can you promote it,very irresponsible!

angiud Platinum Member

angiud

Posted
Posted

So I didn't know I live in a so dangerous country. Please, Australian & c., stay home if everything happen in the world make you stop your trip.

Please don't be so alarmist for everything... People make visa run daily to Kota Barhu, passing thru Narathiwat and Sungai Kolok without any problem, people live in BKK without any problem related to yellow or red tshirts, people live and tour in Phuket surviving the tuk or the jetski mafia, people go every month in Koh Phangan Full Moon Party without die or being drugged or raped, etc etc etc

C'mon boys, don't go London because one of the main terrorists target....

doggie888888 Gold Member

doggie888888

Posted
Posted
Budget is not really an issue. But we'd like to have an experience of seeing the countryside of Thailand.

Has there been any bomb attack on Eastern and Orient Express in recent years?

We'd love to take the bus or train but the insurgency in the Southern part of Thailand is really scary.

I have not heard of any recent attacks on the Orient express or indeed any train services that pass through Southern Thailand. In fact, air crashes in Phuket and Samui seem to come to mind, when I think of "incidents". As far as scenery goes, parts of the journey go thru north Malaysia and South Thailand during the day...so you get to see the countrysde albeit from the window of a train, although there were some stops along the way.

On another note, I had a friend drive from Thailand to Malaysia and back....he says it is quite easy with some GPS thingy that he has. So presumably driving from Singapore back to Thailand should also be quite easy. Lots of lazy stopovers and at a leisurely pace, he reckons it's worth doing. However, I am not convinced about te safety aspect although he says one can avoid the trouble spots by just driving past these towns.

ThaiEye Advanced Member

ThaiEye

Posted
Posted

It's probably very safe indeed to take the train or bus up. However, it is still better to avoid the 3 southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala. Take the train or bus route which goes via Hat Yai/Pedang Besar instead. This way you are totally avoiding any of the troubled areas of southern Thailand.

connel707 Advanced Member

connel707

Posted
Posted
This is the travel advisory from the aussie govt

Thailand overall This Advice is current for Wednesday, 10 March 2010. Be alert to own securityExercise cautionHigh degree of cautionReconsider your need to travelDo not travelYala, Pattani, Narathiwat and SongkhlaBe alert to own securityExercise cautionHigh degree of cautionReconsider your need to travelDo not travelThis advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and under Safety and Security: Civil Unrest/Political Tension (strong possibility of violence and civil unrest during March 2010). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/redirect.php...%3A%2F%2F%23top

Summary

  • We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution because of the high threat of terrorist attack and because of political instability in Thailand.
  • Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
  • We continue to receive reports that terrorists may be planning attacks against a range of targets, including tourist areas and other places frequented by foreigners.
  • There is a strong possibility of violence and civil unrest in Thailand, particularly in Bangkok, during March 2010. Australians should avoid any prominent buildings associated with the Thai Government, such as Government House, the Parliament Building, the Supreme Court and military installations. Grenade attacks, including against banks, have occurred in the past month and further attacks are possible over the coming weeks. In mid-February, the Thai Government announced increased security measures in light of political unrest and possible demonstrations in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand.
  • Demonstrations can develop quickly and turn violent with little warning. In the event of protest action, disruptions could occur in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand, including to transport and other infrastructure. You should avoid demonstration sites, political rallies, military deployments and concentrations of security personnel. You should also closely monitor developments and follow any instructions issued by local authorities. If you are in an area where demonstrators are gathering, you should leave the area immediately.
  • There is an ongoing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia relating to land near the Preah Vihear temple (Khao Pra Viharn in Thai). There has been fighting between Thai and Cambodian military troops in recent years, resulting in some injuries and fatalities. Some border crossings have been closed at times and landmines have been reported. Australians are urged to be particularly vigilant if travelling to this area and to monitor local media.
  • We strongly advise you not to travel at this time to the southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla or overland to and from the Malaysian border through these provinces due to high levels of ongoing violence in these regions, including terrorist attacks and bombings resulting in deaths and injuries on an almost daily basis. Since January 2004, more than 3500 people have reportedly been killed and many more injured, including a number of foreigners. If you are in these provinces, you should consider leaving.

Who in their right mind believes ANYTHING the Aussie government say.... such feeble minded peoples..

Bedrockguesthouse Advanced Member

Bedrockguesthouse

Posted
Posted
This is the travel advisory from the aussie govt

Thailand overall This Advice is current for Wednesday, 10 March 2010. Be alert to own securityExercise cautionHigh degree of cautionReconsider your need to travelDo not travelYala, Pattani, Narathiwat and SongkhlaBe alert to own securityExercise cautionHigh degree of cautionReconsider your need to travelDo not travelThis advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and under Safety and Security: Civil Unrest/Political Tension (strong possibility of violence and civil unrest during March 2010). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/redirect.php...%3A%2F%2F%23top

Summary

  • We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution because of the high threat of terrorist attack and because of political instability in Thailand.
  • Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
  • We continue to receive reports that terrorists may be planning attacks against a range of targets, including tourist areas and other places frequented by foreigners.
  • There is a strong possibility of violence and civil unrest in Thailand, particularly in Bangkok, during March 2010. Australians should avoid any prominent buildings associated with the Thai Government, such as Government House, the Parliament Building, the Supreme Court and military installations. Grenade attacks, including against banks, have occurred in the past month and further attacks are possible over the coming weeks. In mid-February, the Thai Government announced increased security measures in light of political unrest and possible demonstrations in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand.
  • Demonstrations can develop quickly and turn violent with little warning. In the event of protest action, disruptions could occur in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand, including to transport and other infrastructure. You should avoid demonstration sites, political rallies, military deployments and concentrations of security personnel. You should also closely monitor developments and follow any instructions issued by local authorities. If you are in an area where demonstrators are gathering, you should leave the area immediately.
  • There is an ongoing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia relating to land near the Preah Vihear temple (Khao Pra Viharn in Thai). There has been fighting between Thai and Cambodian military troops in recent years, resulting in some injuries and fatalities. Some border crossings have been closed at times and landmines have been reported. Australians are urged to be particularly vigilant if travelling to this area and to monitor local media.
  • We strongly advise you not to travel at this time to the southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla or overland to and from the Malaysian border through these provinces due to high levels of ongoing violence in these regions, including terrorist attacks and bombings resulting in deaths and injuries on an almost daily basis. Since January 2004, more than 3500 people have reportedly been killed and many more injured, including a number of foreigners. If you are in these provinces, you should consider leaving.

Who in their right mind believes ANYTHING the Aussie government say.... such feeble minded peoples..

Thats an excellent point. I stand corrected :)

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