Singapore forum

Bangkok to Singapore...by train

ankit

newbie
Posts: 3

hey guys,

whats the best and the fastest way to travel from bangkok to Singapore by train...please someone elaborate....
also what are the visa hassles which one might have to face while taking this journey (say at Malaysia)

please do add links etc of websites for the journey..

thanks a ton in anticipation!!

#1 Posted: 20/9/2008 - 22:26
Lother

tuk tuk driver
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Seat61 is unbeatable for train info. See for example
http://www.seat61.com/Malaysia.htm

There aren't really any visa hassles for nationals of most Western countries. In fact it's a very straightforward procedure at the border and there's no need to get a visa or anything in advance.

#2 Posted: 21/9/2008 - 00:07
idreamofdur-
ian

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Don't worry about visa problems - visas on arrival are given at the Malaysian and Singapore borders.

From Thailand you would take a train destined for Hat Yai , Thailand's southern-most city. From the Hat Yai you can travel down the Western coast of Malaysia by train through Padang Besar (the border town), Alor Setar, Butterworth (launching point to Penang), Ipoh, and then on to Kuala Lumpur. From Kuala Lumpur you would switch trains for one bound to Singapore.

Tickets from Hat Yai to Singapore can be booked on the Malaysian Train Service official website: http://www.ktmb.com.my/ Prices on the website are exactly the same as you would pay at the station, and you can book in advance to get sleeper cars or first class (Malaysian trains are very nice and cheap!).

Another very scenic option is from Hat Yai to travel to a town on the south-east Thai/Malay border called Sungai Kolok. From there you can take the "Jungle Railway" train through the Malaysian interior (where you can stop at the stunning Taman Negara national park - the world's oldest primary rainforest) and eventually end up in Kuala Lumpur to transfer on to Singapore.

I've done the Jungle Railway and live in Singapore, so let me know if you have any further questions. Have fun!!

#3 Posted: 21/9/2008 - 18:52

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ankit

newbie
Posts: 3

thanks for the replies...
just one more query... how much time approx. will the entire journey take...bangkok to Singapore....knowing this from first hand sources will help me plan better.
:)

Thanks

#4 Posted: 21/9/2008 - 20:03
idreamofdur-
ian

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Do you plan to make any stops, or just stay on the train the whole time?

Bangkok to Hai Yai is 16 hours or so on an express train if there are no delays, and as long as 20 hours on a slow train. Hay Yai to KL is maybe another 12-15 hours... and then KL to Singapore is about 7 hours on the express train or 10 hours on the overnight train.

It's definitely not a fast means of travel, but it's a nice way to see the countryside and usually more comfortable than the buses.

Also, I don't know how your connections would work out... depending what time you arrive in Hat Yai or KL you might have a bit of a wait until the next train. The minimum time I think you'd need is 2 days, and that's if you can schedule the trains well.

Do you plan to make stops along the way? Otherwise flying takes about 2 hours from Bangkok to Singapore. If you book with a budget carrier like AirAsia or Tiger Air it might even cost less than by train.

If you are planning to make stops definitely spend some time in KL - it's an awesome city! I wish I lived there instead of Singapore.

#5 Posted: 21/9/2008 - 20:23

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ankit

newbie
Posts: 3

hmmm...2 days are tooo much..dont have that much time on hands..

not planning to make any stops..will visit KL for sure but on the next trip as i only have 4 days on a trot.

would love to fly but it makes the trip costly :(
will check out if its cheaper than trains ...
thanks :)

#6 Posted: 21/9/2008 - 21:32
idreamofdur-
ian

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Try:

wwww.airasia.com

www.jetstar.com

www.tigerairways.com

It should be possible to find a flight for around $100 US.

#7 Posted: 21/9/2008 - 21:40

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Destination-
Aus

newbie
Posts: 1

This is a question rather than a reply - what would your advice be to a female travelling on her own? I'll be doing Bangkok -> Butterworth -> KL -> Singapore and wondered whether to avoid sleeper trains or pay a bit more for 1st class as have a protective mum and friends (who doesn't) and wanted to get some advice from someone who knew a bit more.

Many thanks in advance for any advice given.

#8 Posted: 29/12/2010 - 22:58
idreamofdur-
ian

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Hi DestinationAus --

Sorry for the slow reply - hope I'm not too late to be of help!

Travel by train in Thailand/Malaysia is very safe. There's security guards at most stops and they regularly pass through the train. I've traveled by train in both countries (sleeper only in Thailand though) and always felt very safe. That said, it's usually a small price jump from 2nd to 1st class and a big jump in comfort. Definitely something worth considering for the long rides.

#9 Posted: 16/1/2011 - 00:31

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chicoelnino

tout
Posts: 61

I've a question regarding train travel.......are there any power points(to charge batteries etc) on these trains? Will be spending 6 months in and around Thailand in June so would like to know what to expect from the trains in terms of long distance travel and power options.

thanks

#10 Posted: 16/1/2011 - 05:33
idreamofdur-
ian

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Can't recall ever seeing a power point on a Thai train.

Some of the 1st class/VIP buses in Thailand have WiFi, so some might have power points too....

#11 Posted: 16/1/2011 - 10:10

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methefog

newbie
Posts: 1

Hi, thanks for sharing this information..!
This comes real handy for my trip in the coming week.!
I am starting from zero now and will be planning the trip in the coming days..!
By taking your advise my plan is to fly to Bangkok and take the train (Jungle Rail) for the way back.

I have two quetions.

1. In one of the replies you have mentioned not to worry about visa problems - visas on arrival are given at the Malaysian and Singapore borders.
I got to know from Internet that Visa on arrival is applicable only in the below entry points a) The Kuala Lumpur International Airport OR
b) The Sultan Abu Bakar Complexs, Tanjung Kupang.
(Note: I hold an Indian Passport)
2. I tried http://www.ktmb.com.my for ticket bookings and there are some technical problems that is not letting me book the tickets. Is there any alternatives..?

Cheers

#12 Posted: 26/1/2011 - 18:14
idreamofdur-
ian

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People really ought to specify what passport they hold when asking visa advice!

India is not one of the countries with easy entry to Malaysia. Citizens of India require a visa to enter Malaysia. You can get a visa on arrival at the Kuala Lumpur airport or the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex at the border with Singapore (you'll need to show a return air ticket, etc). To enter Malaysia anywhere else, citizens of India require a visa obtained in advance. You could try to get the visa at home or in Thailand, or fly in to Kuala Lumpur and get the visa there.

2. For the train you can also make a reservation by calling or emailing them. They'll reserve the tickets for you and you can pay when you collect them (that's what they have offered for me). The contact information is on the website. [color=rgb(87, 87, 87)]
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#13 Posted: 26/1/2011 - 18:26

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danielleand-
mike

backpacker
Posts: 19

Hey 'idreamofdurian',
You seems to know your stuff about travelling around asia..unlike me and my boyfriend! were totally new to it all and would be greatful of any helpful tips/suggestions/anything!! ha. Both uk citiziens.
so were starting travelling by arriving in Bangkok then from the getting train to laos, then train to north vietnam (hanoi) then travelling north to south vietnam again all by train. then eventually train from vietnam back to bangkok and south though thailand ending in sigapore were will get a flight to sydeny!
thing is never done anything like this before...so trains...
1.are they easy to book when at each destination for next destination?
2.can we cross borders travelling by trains or do we have to get busses?
3.vietnam visa is costing around £50, would this be cheaper sorting whilst in bangkok?
4.maleria tablet (had to throw it in there while was asking 20thousand questions) any advise on which ones as weve been told only need them for vietnam but there like £80!!!!!
Were travelling asia for 2months bugeting 1500 for travel expences and accomondation, and £70 a day for food and tours all buget is between us not each...do yu think this is enough??
Thanks and sorry for the 'question time'.
Danielle

#14 Posted: 7/4/2011 - 10:20
idreamofdur-
ian

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Hi,

1 - it's easier to book train tickets at your destination. The only time it's crucial to book ahead is for overnight trains if you want a berth and during holidays.

2 - you can cross borders by train. Singapore - Malaysia, Malaysia-Thailand, Thailand-Laos can be done by train. Vietnam has a train but it doesn't have any international crossings. No train in Cambodia either, and in Laos it only goes from Vientiane-Thailand.

3 - It's definitely cheaper than that to get a Vietnam visa in Thailand. I got mine in Cambodia and it cost $USD 25.

4 - You only need malaria tablets if you're going deep into the jungle. If your Vietnam itinerary sticks to cities and developed beach towns / Halong Bay you malaria risk is very, very low.

#15 Posted: 9/4/2011 - 20:32

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