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This border town is the merging point for Thais and Malaysians. Many
Malaysians travel up to
Thailand through this point and likewise for their
Thai counterparts, on shopping, business or recreational trips.
The railway station has a long platform, manned by Malaysians on one side
and the Thais on the other. Besides the Immigration checkpoints and some
signs, it is hard to distinguish where the border actually lies because
culturally, both sides are so enmeshed.
Beyond the rail tracks is Pekan Siam, bargain-hunters' paradise. The town
is filled with textiles, clothing, handicraft, foodstuff, fruits and
souvenirs.
How to get there
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By Rail
The easiest way to get to Padang Besar is to take KTM's overnight Express
Langkawi coach from
Kuala Lumpur's Sentral Station. This coach departs
daily at about 8pm heading towards Padang Besar, a journey that takes
about 10 hours.
By Road
From the North-South (PLUS) Highway, take the exit via Changlun and take
the Changlun-Kuala Perlis highway to
Kangar. From
Kangar, continue on
route heading towards Padang Besar.
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