 Padang Besar Travel Tips, Perlis
Padang Besar, Perlis (1 November, 2009)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Padang Besar is a border town between Perlis and Songkhla Province in Thailand. The town is located 35 km from Kangar and 70 km from Hat Yai. The town across the border is also known by the same name, although the spelling is shown as "Padangbesar". Among Malaysians, it is known as Pekan Siam.
Padang Besar has been a popular shopping destination among Malaysians who converge there for duty-free shopping, mainly of household items from Thailand. Until the crossing at Bukit Kayu Hitam was opened in the 1980's, Padang Besar was the main crossing from the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia into Thailand.
Hats galore in Padang Besar (1 November 2009)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Padang Besar is the location for both the road and rail crossing between Malaysia and Thailand. The Malaysian checkpoint is located 300 meters from the border, where the Thai checkpoint is located.
Getting there
By Train
The Senandung Langkawi train by the Malayan Railway (Keretapi Tanah Melayu, KTMB) passes through Padang Besar between Kuala Lumpur and Hat Yai via Butterworth. The International Express train by the State Railway of Thailand passes through Padang Besar between Bangkok and Butterworth.
By Road
Padang Besar is reached by taking Federal Route No. 7 (also called State Route R1). The route crosses Perlis from south to north, and then heads in a westerly direction to Padang Besar.
Shopping in Padang Besar (1 November 2009)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Padang Besar Location Map
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