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Stay at Singapore's Marina Bay Sands and northwards journey to Bangkok via train ?

Sandy Freckle

By Sandy Freckle
in Thailand Travel Forum

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Sandy Freckle Explorer Member

Sandy Freckle

Posted
Posted (edited)

Planning a stay at Singapore's Marina Bay Sands Hotel..., plus trip up to Bangkok via Bus(to Malaysia), then Train through Malaysia and Thailand.
Yes, there is plenty of info around about both staying at MBS and bus/rail travel northwards to Bkk.
I'm interested to hear from people on TV, re; what their experiences are and what recommendations they can share..., regarding both staying at MBS and the journey north ?
I hope it's ok on this forum branch.......,

Edited by Sandy Freckle
SOUTHERNSTAR Senior Member

SOUTHERNSTAR

Posted
Posted

The train journey between Penang and Bangkok is basic, but okay. We did Huahin to Penang and back a few years back. If you stay in MBS and then do the train its like day and night. The train is overnight and thus you dont see much. I would do buses in Malaysia and see Cameron hill etc. Then to Penang from there with the speedboat to Langkawi. From Langkawi you do the train to Thailand. I do however believe that there is a ferry from Langkawi to Thailand but havent used it before. 

alant Gold Member

alant

Posted
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Here is a part of the trip I did from Singapore to Chiang Mai some while ago by train

 

 

my friend I Gold Member

my friend I

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There is a shuttle train from Singapore to JB but the bus is better. JB is a crowded town not very interesting.

 

Malaysia trains are all new & fast.  https://railtravelstation.com/   http://www.train36.com/

 

KL, Ipoh, Taiping & Penang [Butterworth Station on the mainland is closest] are worth visiting. Not all trains go to Butterworth.

Penang is  great place. Has a lot to offer. http://www.penangtalk.com/photos/

 

If you take the ordinary 3rd class Thai trains you can get off at any place that looks interesting

JHolmesJr Gold Member

JHolmesJr

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what is the fascination with MBS? It is an iconic design, but the inside is totally geared to gamblers from china. These are some of the more uncouth people you will see (loaded, though)….they stroll into the clubs on the top floor in their swimming pool robes etc. My advice would be to stay at a civilised place such as The Regent, its probably cheaper too. You'll be right at the lip of orchard road, close to many nice things. You can do a half day trip to MBS to satisfy your curiosity. Go to sago for a drink and to enjoy the view…its on top of mbs.

 

The mall opposite has some ok restaurants…..Mozza is a good one.

madusa Explorer Member

madusa

Posted
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The trains are new comfortable but only one thing that really put me off, it's so cold, even after i put on my jumper i still feel cold, i need a blanket, i will bring one next time round.

I was cursing all the way because i don't like cold.

stevensg Rookie Member

stevensg

Posted
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Have to see your age and what you want.

It'll be better to take a plane if you're not so young and not going other places.

From Singapore you can take buses from Queen Street to Johor Bahru or buses at tours agencies

 direct to most part of Malaysia or Hatyai of Thailand.

I used to take bus to Hatyai around 1999 to 2004.(around 10 hrs)

Took bus to bkk and back to Hatyai few  times also.(around 12 hrs)

But the road trips seem too much for me to take,so I take plane now.

If you're only going to bkk,I suggest you take a plane.

Unless you take a bus to jb,from there to melaka,kl,ipoh,penang,langkawi,Hatyai, krabi,phuket,huahin

and bkk over few days by stopping over few nights at each places.

That'll be nice.

 

Edited by stevensg
Sandy Freckle Explorer Member

Sandy Freckle

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)
14 hours ago, khunPer said:

Singapore - Bangkok by train, this is an option that fit MBS standard-of-living...:smile:

No..., it's an option that fits with different people having..., and exercising their own free and different choices. :wai:  I actually quite enjoy a rail journey occasionally, I also appreciate architecture..., and of course..., free choice.  I wish I could still have an icy cold ale or 2 whilst on Thai trains. I'm wondering if that is indeed possible whilst on Malaysian trains ? 

Edited by Sandy Freckle
CNXBKKMAN Silver Member

CNXBKKMAN

Posted
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I have travelled overland Bangkok to Singapore and Singapore to Bangkok many times but not recently. I have never taken the train to or from Singapore because the timings were never any good. Buses to KL were leaving at all times of the day and the journey is not very long. Same story within Malaysia the buses were always more convenient. If you enjoy trains and the schedules work for you use the train wherever possible if not go to the bus station and look for best VIP type bus. 

       Places I would stop at Melaka, KL (I prefer to stay in the China Town area), Cameron Highlands, Penang (Georgetown, don't bother with the beach area go to Langkawi if you want a beach stay). Back in Thailand, Songkla by the beach rather than Hatyai, Prachuap. Lots of options when you are back in Thailand. 

schlog Silver Member

schlog

Posted
Posted (edited)

Stayed once at the MBS. Imho it is overrated and soulless mass business.

Lift waiting time can exceed 15min. Checked out after 2 nights and went to Mandarin Oriental. Now always MO.

Edited by schlog
Sandy Freckle Explorer Member

Sandy Freckle

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)

I admit to wanting to experience a stay at the Marina Bay Sands..., it's undoubtably a piece of 'iconic' architecture that I can afford to experience. However, now I'm swinging away from staying as long as I previously was going to stay. Mid week stay is my choice..., not keen on casino's - their atmosphere and a specific group of clients :wai:

I rather like some kind of personality and soul when I stay anywhere(the staff and their attitude)..., it can make a world of difference, and I doubt that this hotel could ever have a friendly, welcoming personality..., and therefor soul. Too deep to consider a hotel in such a way..., ? Well to balance that out, I really enjoy roof top dining and infinity swimming pools !
Thanks all..., some good info there.

Edited by Sandy Freckle
sandyf Diamond Member

sandyf

Posted
Posted
On 4/19/2017 at 5:17 AM, Sandy Freckle said:

No..., it's an option that fits with different people having..., and exercising their own free and different choices. :wai:  I actually quite enjoy a rail journey occasionally, I also appreciate architecture..., and of course..., free choice.  I wish I could still have an icy cold ale or 2 whilst on Thai trains. I'm wondering if that is indeed possible whilst on Malaysian trains ? 

You need to be careful of posts relating to the way things were, the train journey has changed significantly in the last year. I did the BKK to  Butterworth  run a couple of years ago, but it is no longer a direct service. Since the middle of last year the Malaysian line was fully electrified so now the Thai diesel trains must stop at the border. You need to catch a Malaysian train to the border, I believe there are some ultra fast services now. Once across the border you can catch a train to Bangkok.

At the end of last year SRT introduced new rolling stock but unfortunately the the service that runs BKK to Pedang Besar(35/36?) still uses the old rolling stock. It would be better to travel from the border to Hat Yai and catch the train from there to BKK(31/32?) as that service has the new rolling stock.

I went up to Udon Thani a couple of weeks ago and can assure that the new rolling stock is a lot more comfortable and if you want to have a beer get a first class berth, out of sight, out of mind. First class is not available from the border, only from Hat Yai.

PMZ Senior Member

PMZ

Posted
Posted

I agree with several responses above, if you decide to go overland, then stay in a few places and make it a part of the tour. Straight journey from Singapore to Bangkok is best done by flight.

 

I have stayed in MBS a few times, but always at someone else's expense, I am not sure I would see value if I was paying, but I can also see the tick on the bucket-list aspect. I stayed in the standard rooms and the superior's. The superiors are a great size, but afterwards I wonder if I needed such a big room. Try to get a room facing the MerLion direction.

If it's a view and luxury you want, the Swissotel Stamford would meet your needs, for luxury and comfort the Interconn, for heritage, The Fullerton (and the best Sunday Champagne Free-Flow Brunch in Asia IMHO).

ladada Rookie Member

ladada

Posted
Posted (edited)

On the ETS from KL to Padang Beasar book two seats next to each other, tickets are cheap and guards have no problem with this. The seats are extremely narrow, legroom okay though, suspect 16" wide, so if you get a big dude sat next to you its a very uncomfortable trip. Forewarned, the buffet card on the ETS only sells sugary 2 in 1 coffee and its more sugary than thai versions, meals are reasonable - microwaved curries for 100baht - chicken tikka sandwiches for 50baht. Dont book row 4, as no window. row 1 doesnt seem to have any extra neither. 

 

You can book ticket online at ktmb https://intranet.ktmb.com.my/e-ticket/login.aspx and print your tickets.

 

VIP Bus from singapore to KL seems the best bet as need to change trains too many times. There a booking site with reviews, they all seem to have big seats. 

 

Padang Beasar to Hat Yai there a  80baht train which you buy tickets at the station for. There's only one or two a day and not all ETS trains match up with this schedule, in those scenarios immigration at the station is also closed and you have walk over the bridge and go through the main road immigration, not much fun when raining, then you can get a red bus (station just up from the police station) to hat yai for 40baht

 

If me I would fly from HatYai to BKK, thai smile probably the best airline from Hatyai with reasonable price, the novelty of thai trains fades quickly when you experience the delays, minging toilets and almost zero station facilities


 

 

 

Edited by ladada
ladada Rookie Member

ladada

Posted
Posted
On 4/19/2017 at 5:17 AM, Sandy Freckle said:

No..., it's an option that fits with different people having..., and exercising their own free and different choices. :wai:  I actually quite enjoy a rail journey occasionally, I also appreciate architecture..., and of course..., free choice.  I wish I could still have an icy cold ale or 2 whilst on Thai trains. I'm wondering if that is indeed possible whilst on Malaysian trains ? 

The buffet car on ETS does not sell alcohol, and Ive never seen it on sale at any station in Malaysia, I suspect its banned. Last time I was able to get a beer in Malaysia on a train was Pedang Beasar to Butterworth on the old thai trains that no longer run when occasionally one of the staff would have a side earner selling large changs for 120baht but even faded out last few journeys. 

 

Sandy Freckle Explorer Member

Sandy Freckle

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)

Thanks for all the information. Staying at the MBS is on a bit of a bucket list..., I'd like to relax by their infinity pool 50 odd floors up in the air(yes, I know, I've gotta get out more)...., Singapore has a bit to offer the likes of me these days, so I'm inclined to also stay at 1 or 2 of the other recommended hotels. The last time I spent any time there was back in 1980, Bugis street was still quite a thing. Also, I must admit that with regards to travelling up the Malay Peninsular I'm now leaning towards stopping off at a few places and making for a more multi faceted and interesting journey.

Edited by Sandy Freckle
Sandy Freckle Explorer Member

Sandy Freckle

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)

Re: Beer on trains..., it's not an absolute imperative, but in the tropics it would be nice to partake in an icy cold libation or 2.
I suspect if 'they' are allowed and available, 'they' possibly would not be as 'icy cold' as I'd prefer. Not the end of the world though.   

Edited by Sandy Freckle
TallGuyJohninBKK Star Member

TallGuyJohninBKK

Posted
Posted

Keep in mind, the SRT's southern train service has been disrupted at various times in the past year both by flooding and also by local terrorism.

 

Given the state of things in the South at present, just out of caution, I'd probably choose to fly over instead of ride through.

 

Quote

 

Souther train services to Sungai Golok still disrupted by bomb explosion

englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/souther-train-services-sungai-golok-still-disrupted-bomb-ex...
  1.  
Jul 4, 2016 - Southern rail services to the deep South from Bangkok to Sungai Golok ... mostly ThaiMuslims, after the first free service train from Bangkok to ... have to suspend services, pending the repair of the damaged rail line which the ...

 

 

 

Quote

 

Train services in southern Thailand suspended over bomb attack ...

www.sandiegouniontribune.com/.../sdhoy-train-services-in-southern-thailand-suspend...
  1.  
Sep 5, 2016 - Train services in southern Thailand suspended over bomb attack ... the rail tracks over the weekend, State Railway of Thailand deputy governor ... In July, a similar bomb explosion haddisrupted train services when Muslims ...

 

 
AndyOz Rookie Member

AndyOz

Posted
Posted
No..., it's an option that fits with different people having..., and exercising their own free and different choices. :wai:  I actually quite enjoy a rail journey occasionally, I also appreciate architecture..., and of course..., free choice.  I wish I could still have an icy cold ale or 2 whilst on Thai trains. I'm wondering if that is indeed possible whilst on Malaysian trains ? 

Alcohol is now banned on all Thai trains.


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