Im flying down to Penang to do my Imm B visa on 31st this month.. 1900 baht one way.. the return flight is 6000 baht, so I'm going for an alternative. Does anyone know of a fast, safe (ish) and easy service back to Bkk..? I was thinking van to Hat Yai and train.. any thoughts..?

That is, if the consulate isnt closed for Chinese new year..

You can get the train from Penang, just cross to Butterworth, and you are at the train station.

If i remember correctly the train goes before the consulate gives the passports back.. and it takes 26 hours to Bkk. Thats why im thinking i can 'overtake' the train and catch it at Hat Yai.

The train used to often be late enough to catch but van/share taxi to Hat Yai is likely the best option.

Perhaps a better option would be an evening flight back from Hat Yai as they seem to be priced at about 1,500 baht most days.

Only closed Feb 3 and 4.

Airasia PEN-BKK feb 1st 3330 baht

Only closed Feb 3 and 4.

Airasia PEN-BKK feb 1st 3330 baht

I'm flying back on the 2nd... at the time of my original post 6000 Baht....

Edited January 8, 201115 yr by justaphase

Correct that the fare is about 6k from Penang but from Hat Yai it is only 1,688 baht so land transport to Hat Yai and then fly would make sense to me.

Correct that the fare is about 6k from Penang but from Hat Yai it is only 1,688 baht so land transport to Hat Yai and then fly would make sense to me.

At last!! Something in Thailand makes sense!! Except technically it's in Malaysia... 5555

I might just save myself another thou by getting the train and alight at Nakhon pathom. 60 baht van and Im home in Kan. Cool.

The mini van service to HatYai is a lot quicker than the train. You also have the option of First class train from HatYai if you want it. The first class does not go through the border..

CNY is a mass migration in Malaysia as everyone goes home to their village (balik kampung) or on holiday. If you do not absolutely have to travel, it is best to avoid the madness. It will be worse this year as falling on a Thu-Fri it means a 4 day weekend. As the Chinese need to be present on the eve of CNY, they will travel on the 2^nd or in some cases the 1^st if they need to help get things ready. The other races will flood out on the evening of the second.

It is impossible to get transportation by trains or busses on these days as the tickets will be sold long ago. Your plan is feasible, but only if you have your confirmed tickets in and out of Malaysia by air BEFORE you get here.

Of course a return to BKK is expensive as the 2^nd is the prime travel day.

Busses/trains to Thailand will be full of the other races going for a holiday or will be booked up by those who will are looking for inter-Malaysian transport and will get off before the boarder.

You are leaving much to chance to try to sort it out here and may get stuck until the 5^th or so or face a other expensive options, like a private cab from Penang to the Sadao border.

Lastly, reconfirm the embassy will be full service on the days before as many of their staff may be on personal leave. CNY is a prime time for Expats to go home.

The embassy is open on the 18th I hope? Our office is however closed, hence my slight worry...

I was thinking of doing the same route as the OP...but 26h on train is just madness for my gf, airplane it is.

18th what month?

Closed on Malaysian and Thailand public holidays.

Public holidays Malaysia.

Public holidays Thailand

If February 18th, it will be closed for Makha Bucha Day.

Edited January 13, 201115 yr by PoorSucker