When going to another country, taking a plane usually comes to mind foremost. And there’s someone like you (and me) who has been thinking of taking the train from Malaysia to Thailand.

Did you know why I really wanted to try this? You won’t believe me if I tell you right off the bat, but I promise it makes sense.

Whether you are in the planning stage on how you would travel to Thailand or Malaysia soon, or you have just found out that there’s actually a train from Malaysia to Thailand and are curious about what it is like.

No matter what it is, I had the same thoughts before. This made me genuinely want to try it so I decided to experience it myself.

Train from Malaysia to Thailand

My story begins…

It was in September when I just came back from my very sweet trip to Vietnam and it was a regular day in the office. Everyone is busy working on their emails and responding to queries from left to right.

You can hear the clicking sound of the keyboard warriors.

I was just sitting in front of my computer slowly figuring out how to start working again. Haha kidding aside, I was just really trying to catch up with updates at work, when a colleague asked me, “Where do you plan to go next?“

I was surprised to be asked this question when I just came back and my wallet badly needs recovery.

At that moment, I was not planning any trips very soon but the funny thing is I didn’t even hesitate to say “I think I’d go to Thailand“…

Perhaps because Thailand is one of the closest countries in Malaysia where I have never been to.

1. Planning my travel from Malaysia to Thailand

This planning started that very moment I was asked. My mind began formulating ideas and this is when I thought, “Should I try to cross the border by land?“.

I was intrigued by the idea to go to another country without flying.

I was picturing myself sitting by the window, watching the captivating views outside, looking at the wide green fields, the stunning landscape of hills and mountains, maybe with birds flying (You know the music video kind of thing… yes, oops!)

It will be my very first travel internationally via train. I couldn’t help but be so thrilled that I started inviting my friends to join me on this trip.

I always wanted to share the joy and experience when it comes to traveling. It’s very exciting to plan a trip if you’d be with people you care about and love.

You might also score deals if you’re traveling in a group, plus the fun because you’re not alone.

You’re hitting more birds with one stone (sorry birds!)

2. Preparing for my Malaysia to Thailand trip

This was a challenging part of my trip. A lot of things had to be considered to make this travel happen.

I began looking about traveling via train from Malaysia to Thailand. Since I live in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, I found that I can take the KTM ETS train from KL Sentral to Padang Besar which is where the border between Malaysia and Thailand is.

Despite knowing what route to take, it was still not as easy as a book-and-go kind of thing, especially for someone who has a full-time job like me. I had to determine when to go.

As I just came back from a short vacation leave, I need to know how much PTO (paid time off ) credits I have left and when would be the best time to file them.

*inserting* "a little get to know me" stuff here:

I'm the kind of employee who rarely files for leaves but when I do, it will be for consecutive days. Because I want to go somewhere.

I have thought of taking leave at the end of the year to use my expiring leave credits. I imagined welcoming the new year in a different country, so it could be the perfect chance to do it.

That’s when the idea to celebrate the new year 2023 in Bangkok started. (I made a TikTok about it)

@marezvirtucio My heart is ever grateful ❤️ He’s so gracious. All thanks to God! Happy New Year! #Welcome2023 ♬ original sound – Marez Virtucio

It’s very crucial to identify the dates when to take a trip to better plan the leave to file, craft the itinerary and prepare the financial needs for the trip. Knowing when the travel dates also determine if the trip will be possible.

It may seem easy but this took me a lot of time to decide. After the dates were settled, I immediately looked where I can purchase the ticket.

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It will be during the holiday season so I want to make sure I’m all set on that before I continue planning on other stuff. I booked my KL Sentral to Padang Besar ticket through Easybook.

3. Taking the train from Kuala Lumpur to Padang Besar

The wait is over! It’s finally the day I’m traveling to Thailand via train (ETS). I get up at 4:00 in the morning even when my eyes are half closed. Not the right time to still sleep more because it’s the day to travel again!

I had my breakfast, took a shower, and made sure everything is all set at home since I will be away for a few days. I’m finally ready to leave at 6:10 in the morning.

I opened the Grab app to find a ride, but I couldn’t get one so I just rushed to the LRT station near me. It was about 6:30 in the morning, still dark as the sun hasn’t risen yet.

I’m standing in the LRT station waiting for the next train to KL Sentral. Not long, the LRT train arrived.

I have to catch the first KTM trip from KL Sentral to Padang Besar which will leave at 07:08. This KTM will be arriving in Padang Besar at 12:41. That is a 5 hours and 33 minutes travel time.

It took me about 25 minutes to reach KL Sentral (KL Sentral is transportation hub – a place where train stations are connected). I immediately look for the KTM counter to find where should I go next.

I found the information board where it says train to Padang Besar, but the funny part is I still do not understand where I should be going.

Good thing there is an information counter in KL Sentral where you can easily ask for directions. There were two people at the counter and one of them immediately attended to my inquiry.

I asked where the right platform was, and they pointed me to take the escalator going up towards Jalan Stesen Sentral and then turn left to find the way to the KTM platform. After that quick interaction and thanking them, I started moving as I certainly don’t want to miss this train.

I found the platform at last!

I needed to get inside fast because this train is about to leave.

After finding the seat and settling in, I was kind of worried because my seat was facing backward.

I knew this would be a long train ride and I am not sure if I would be comfortable. This train was fully booked, so there was no chance to move to the forward-facing seat.

The train started moving at a slow speed.

My heart is full of excitement for this new experience. I’m looking outside, watching the sky with the beautiful gradient of colors.

The sun is already peeking and the day is approaching. I watch the tall buildings getting smaller as I train move further away.

It seems a normal day but it felt so special because I’m looking forward to being in another country – Thailand in just a few hours. How can’t I be excited?

4. Enjoying the experience on the train from Kuala Lumpur to Padang Besar

The travel time is long but it felt like a time to rest. It may seem ironic, but this is the time when my mind is really free from my usual hectic day.

All I think about at that time is the travel I’m doing – my present moment. I’m beyond grateful for having the chance to even have that moment.

There were days when I can only imagine how traveling feels like. But now, I’m on it.

The seat was comfortable and decent. There’s a television on board which I think is only used for advertisement, so I had to find alternative entertainment.

As talkative as I am, I chatted about many random things with my seatmate that I didn’t even realize how far I was from KL.

While looking outside, the weather is great. The wide rice fields look so green and refreshing.

It reminded me of my hometown where there are many rice fields and green hills, stunning views with some birds flying around, and houses that are distant from each other.

I even joked about it that if I post a photo of myself with that backdrop, my homies will say “Mapa-uma ka man lang gali” (Literal translation: You were just going to the farm)

The context is, why do I have to go far when the place just looks like home? Hahaha, I hope this makes sense though.

Earlier I thought it would be a long uncomfortable ride since the seat faces backward. But you know what? I didn’t even remember that concern at all.

I haven’t left my seat, and I just watched people passing by with coffee, drinks, or even meal. I thought there must be a store in the next car.

My curiosity started to kick in and my mind is asking – where are these people getting their snacks? Why did the nature called at this very moment? Oops!

I can see from my seat that people were lining up to go to the toilet. I didn’t want to get up yet because I was waiting for all of them to finish. (Which never happened! A lot of nature calls huh?)

So I decided, I should go and wait in line. When it was my turn, I had a funny encounter with the door. I didn’t know how to open it!

I was planning to record it as if I’ll be making a tour, but I can’t even open the door. Poor me!

Thanks to the kind lady next to me who taught me how to open the door. (I’m still embarrassed even just thinking about it haha)

Before coming back to my seat, I found where they were buying those drinks and snacks. I didn’t buy anything since I wasn’t hungry.

I just took a quick photo and went back to my seat. It was just a moment to wait until… finally it was Padang Besar station!

Also Read: Padang Besar | Malaysia to Thailand by foot

Oh yes! Traveling via train is uniquely fun. It’s reassuring that you’re only going to sit without worrying about traffic to deal with.

You can stand and take a walk when you’d wanted to, unlike with cars where you’ll be sitting all the time unless you stopped for a while.

You don’t have to think of getting lost and turning in the wrong direction. Isn’t it cool to just enjoy watching the beautiful landscape while listening to music as if you’re shooting for a music video or a movie?

If you’re lucky, you may be seated beside your… (hahaha I leave it up to your imagination)

This trip wasn’t specifically cheap or expensive, but it was comfortable and budget-friendly.

Taking the train itself is a travel story. It’s a sightseeing experience on its own, which is commonly the reason people go to different places.

The ETS train left and arrived on time. There were no issues when I traveled. It was a very comfortable train ride.

Are you still interested to know my silly reason why I wanted to take the train from Malaysia to Thailand?

Let me tell you now. After all, you reached this point reading my story.

It’s because I currently live in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I can’t miss this chance!

@marezvirtucio T’was a long train ride from #KualaLumpurMalaysia via #KTM to #HuahinThailand via #SRT ♬ Good Morning – Mandisa

Also Read: Overnight Train To Hua Hin From The South- Insane Experience!