The Ultimate Sadao Thailand-Malaysia Border Crossing Guide (2026 Update)
If you look at a map, Thailand and Malaysia share several land border crossings — from the busy Padang Besar gateway to the quieter Wang Kelian–Wang Prachan, Sadao–Bukit Kayu Hitam, and Rantau Panjang–Sungai Golok.
I’ve used a couple of them over the years. I crossed Sungai Golok quite a few times back when I was living in Kota Bharu, and Padang Besar became my default route whenever I was taking the train between the two countries.
But strangely enough, I had never done the Sadao crossing — not until recently, when train timings didn’t line up with my plans and I finally opted for a bus instead.
That trip taught me everything I needed to know about this major checkpoint, and I’m sharing it all here, whether you’re doing a quick visa run between Malaysia and Thailand or simply looking for the smoothest way to cross the border on your next trip.
Location
The Sadao–Bukit Kayu Hitam crossing sits on the main overland route between Malaysia and Thailand.
On the Malaysian side you have Bukit Kayu Hitam (in Kedah), and on the Thai side the checkpoint is often called Sadao Immigration Checkpoint, physically located just across the border in the small town of Danok / Sadao, in Songkhla province.
Geographically this crossing lies along the main road/highway linking both countries — part of the North–South Expressway (on the Malaysian side).
That’s why it’s widely regarded as the busiest and most convenient land border checkpoint between Malaysia and Thailand for road travelers.
Nearby major cities
Hat Yai is widely regarded as the nearest big city in Thailand for travelers crossing via Sadao, offering transport links, accommodations, and services immediately after the border. From the border to Hat Yai is about 60 km; by car the drive takes roughly 1–1.5 hours under good conditions.
On the Malaysian side, Penang (George Town / Butterworth) to the border is about 160 km; driving time normally around 2–2.5 hours (depending on traffic). So you could easily do a border-hop + onward travel (e.g. to Hat Yai) in a day.
From Kuala Lumpur to the border is roughly 480–490 km, which by car usually takes somewhere around 6–7 hours depending on speed, traffic and breaks. It’s a longer but still manageable drive. Many travelers set off early in the morning and reach the border by evening, or start just before midnight and reach the border as it opens.
Time zone / time difference
Malaysia uses MYT (UTC+8) and Thailand uses Thailand Standard Time (UTC+7), so there’s a one-hour difference. When you cross, keep that in mind, especially if you’re catching transport, buses or trains just after you cross.
Operating hours
For ordinary passenger traffic (cars, motorbikes, people) the crossing opens at 6:00 a.m. Malaysian Time (5:00 a.m. Thai Time), and closes at 12:00 midnight Malaysian Time (11:00 p.m. Thai Time).
There was a period when the checkpoint tried 24-hour operations for cargo and heavy vehicles, but as of mid-2020, it was discontinued due to low traffic, so the “normal” 6:00–24:00 schedule remains the standard.
Languages
Languages you’ll hear are Thai on the Thai side and Malay on the Malaysian side, but English is common around the border/duty-free areas.
Visa rules for entering Thailand and Malaysia
Thailand
For many nationalities including the United States, and most European and Commonwealth countries, Thailand offers a visa-exemption for tourism. Under this scheme, travelers may stay for a certain period without a visa. You can find a full list of visa-exempted nationalities here.
Some key points to remember:
- Visa-exempted foreigners who enter Thailand via land borders will be allowed to stay for 15 days each time, except Malaysian nationals who cross the borderline from Malaysia (they will be granted with a 30-day visa each time).
- Land/sea border entries under the visa-exemption scheme are generally limited to two times per calendar year for many nationalities. If you rely on frequent “border runs” to renew your stay, this is important to check and plan for. Always verify the rule for your nationality at a Thai embassy/consulate before travel.
- Foreigners entering Thailand under the Tourist Visa Exemption category must prove sufficient funds for the duration of stay in Thailand (i.e., cash of 10,000 Baht per person and 20,000 Baht per family)
Malaysia
Malaysia’s visa requirements may be a little more strict. Citizens of some countries require a visa or prior approval, while some others are exempt for short stays (social visits/tourism).
As of recent Malaysian policy: some nationalities (for example, from India and China) may be eligible for a Visa-On-Arrival (VOA) when entering through certain entry points. Click here to check your eligibility.
Read more: Do I need a visa for Malaysia? Visa requirements explained
Note that some nationalities are only allowed to enter Malaysia by air, and visitors from some countries may be required to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Paperwork & required documents
☑ General documents
Passport. Must be valid with at least 6 months validity left when you arrive.
Digital arrival card. All foreigners entering Thailand or Malaysia by land, air, or sea must complete and submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) or Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online, ideally within 3 days before arrival.
Visa or permit as required. If your nationality doesn’t qualify for visa-exemption for either country, you must have a valid visa.
- It’s not always checked, but it helps to have proof of funds, onward travel, and your accommodation booking ready. Thailand generally expects tourists to show access to 10,000 THB per person (or 20,000 THB per family) if asked. Malaysia doesn’t list a fixed amount, but having RM1,000–3,000 in available funds is a safe benchmark. A quick screenshot of your hotel and next mode of transport is usually enough.
☑ If you drive / ride a private vehicle
Crossing with a private vehicle adds a range of mandatory documents and procedures:
- Original Vehicle Registration Certificate (VOC / Grant / log-book): Photocopies are acceptable but only with verification from the police.
- Valid driving license: For foreigners, an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a license recognized under ASEAN (or home-country license with appropriate translation).
- Vehicle insurance. If you are driving your own vehicle, check if your existing insurance policy covers Malaysia / Thailand as well. If it doesn’t, you may have to buy another or pay for additional premiums. For car rentals, insurance is typically provided by the rental companies.
- Proof of valid road tax for vehicle (if applicable): Officers may check road tax validity when entering Malaysia / Thailand.
If the vehicle does not belong to you:
- You’ll need a letter of authorization from the registered owner, stamped by the “commissioner of oath” if required.
- A copy of the owner’s passport or identity card.
- If the vehicle belongs to a company, additional documentation (e.g. company registration details and an authorized letter from the company) are required.
To drive into Thailand
On top of the documents above, you’ll also need:
- TM2 Information of Conveyance Form — 2 copies (inbound and outbound). Download
- TM3 Passenger List Form — 2 copies (inbound and outbound), but only needed if there are passengers in the vehicle besides the driver. Download
- Temporary Import Permit (TIP) Form: Will be given by Thai customs after verification of your VOC, passport, license, etc. This permits you to drive in Thailand.
You must keep these forms during your stay in Thailand, and return the outbound portion when you leave; failing to return them can result in fines.
To drive into Malaysia
Apart from the documents above, you’ll also need:
- Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) — Compulsory for all foreign-registered vehicles, including private, government, embassy and commercial vehicles, as well as motorcycles. If caught without a valid VEP, you could be fined up to RM2,000 or risk jail time. Apply here.
Read more: Driving in Malaysia for Foreigners
Transport options to Sadao-Bukit Kayu Hitam border
From Malaysia
1. By car
The border is most conveniently accessed via the North–South Expressway (E1). From Kuala Lumpur, the journey takes approximately 6–7 hours, depending on traffic. Parking is available near duty-free zones, though short-term parking is more common than long-term.
2. By bus
There are long-distance buses operating between Hatyai and major Malaysian cities such as Penang, Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, and even as far south as Johor Bahru and Singapore.
Buses are generally new, spacious, and comfortable. However, they are not truly express. Many of them make multiple stops along the way, either to pick up additional passengers or for scheduled breaks, which can significantly extend the journey time.
In most cases, overnight buses tend to be faster and more efficient than daytime services.
3. By taxi or e-hailing
Taxis and Grab from Alor Setar, Jitra, or Changlun can bring you to the Malaysian immigration complex. Once you have crossed the border into Thailand, you can take a local taxi, motorcycle taxi, bus, Grab, or tuktuk to get to your next destination.
4. Tour / van transfers
If your destination is Hatyai, many travel agencies in Penang, Alor Setar, and even Kuala Lumpur offer direct van transfers that handle the entire journey, including border stops.
From Thailand
1. From Hat Yai
Hatyai is around 60 km from the border. Transport options include:
- Minivans departing from Hatyai Bus Terminal or Van Station at Lee Garden. These operate frequently throughout the day.
- Songthaews and taxis are also available, though prices vary. Travel time is approximately 1–1.5 hours.
- Long-distance buses to major Malaysian cities. You can book tickets from tour agents or using online platforms like 12Go.
2. From Sadao Town
Sadao is only 10–12 km from the crossing. Local songthaews, motorcycle taxis, or private taxis can bring you to the immigration office quickly.
3. From Danok
Danok (just beside the checkpoint) is directly walkable to the immigration gates. Many travelers stay overnight here for convenience.
Facilities near Sadao-Bukit Kayu Hitam border
There are a few duty-free shops near the Sadao-Bukit Kayu Hitam border, including:
If you’re taking a bus from Kuala Lumpur, Penang, or other destinations in Malaysia to Hat Yai, your bus will likely stop at Naluri Aman Duty Free Shop.
It’s a handy pit stop with a restaurant, toilet facilities, and a travel-agent counter offering services such as printing and photocopying, assistance with completing travel documents, currency exchange, insurance purchase, and other border-related requirements.
For those who need help sorting out paperwork or obtaining cash in advance, this stop helps ensure everything is in order before proceeding to Malaysian exit and Thai entry immigration.
At the Thai-side immigration area, you’ll often come across individual vendors selling SIM cards or offering to change money.
These can be useful if you’re in an urgent situation and need something immediately, but it’s important to be cautious. Rates offered by informal sellers can vary widely, so having a sense of the current exchange rate helps you avoid overpaying. Whenever possible, it’s safer to use official money changers, which are more consistent and transparent.
Personally, I prefer to sort out currency exchange and other essentials before even leaving Kuala Lumpur, so that I don’t have to rely on last-minute services at the border.
Note: If you’re carrying large sums of cash, carry proof of source and declare it if it exceeds the official limits. Thailand requires you to declare foreign currency exceeding USD 20,000 (or equivalent); Malaysia also has a declaration threshold (USD 10,000 equivalent) for entry/exit.
Safety
Southern Thailand has areas of unrest (parts of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat).
Sadao is in Songkhla province and the immediate border area is normally safe for travelers, but general caution and checking government travel advisories is wise before you go. If you plan to travel further into far-southern provinces, check your embassy’s travel advice.
Step-by-step guide to crossing the Sadao border
Arrive at Bukit Kayu Hitam (Malaysian side). Follow signs to the Malaysian immigration for exit stamping. If you’re taking a long-distance bus, make a quick note of the bus name and registration plate. It’s easy to lose track of which one is yours once everyone gets off for immigration.
After exit stamp, you walk / drive / get back on the bus and proceed to Sadao immigration (Thai side). You will need to bring all your luggage for inspection.
Present passport and a visa if you need one. Make sure you have submitted your digital arrival card online. If you’re entering by your own vehicle, stop at Thai customs to show vehicle documents and get a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) / declaration.
Exit to Dannok / Sadao town or continue on to Hat Yai. If you’re going the other way (Thailand → Malaysia), the same steps apply in reverse.
Where to stay near Sadao border
If you arrive outside the border’s operating hours, or just want to break up a long journey, you can easily stay overnight on either side of the crossing. Here are some recommended options:
Malaysia
- Capital O 90168 Serambi Pelangi Chalet, Changlun — Air-conditioned rooms with private bathroom, free WiFi, free on-site parking, and a small swimming pool.
- Stay 365 Hotel, Changlun — Budget hotel with air-conditioned rooms and private bathrooms.
- dChamp Retreat, Changlun — A recently renovated guest house with a sun terrace, garden, shared kitchen, and a year-round outdoor swimming pool.
- Delima Traditional House, Changlun — A traditional Malay stilted wooden house with modern amenities.
- Urban Inn, Changlun — Stylishly furnished budget hotel near the bus station.
Thailand
- Oscar Palace Hotel & Wellness Center, Ban Khlong Phruan — A mid-range hotel with a spa, wellness center, restaurant, bar, and EV charging station.
- Hollywood Dannok Hotel, Sadao — Conveniently located hotel with a fitness center, lounge, and free private parking.
- INBED, Sadao — A 4-star hotel with spacious rooms and floor-to-ceiling windows. Some rooms come with a bathtub.
- The Ring Border, Ban Khlong Phruan — Spacious rooms, some with bathtubs. A short walk to the border.
- Paramount Palace Hotel Dannok, Sadao — Comfortable rooms with city or mountain views.
Pros & cons of using the Sadao Border Crossing
(Compared to Padang Besar, Sungai Golok, and other Malaysia–Thailand land borders)
Pros
1. Best connectivity for road travel
Sadao is directly linked to major highways on both sides — the PLUS Expressway in Malaysia and Highway 4 in Thailand. This makes onward travel fast and predictable. If you’re heading to Hat Yai or anywhere in southern Thailand, this is by far the most convenient road entry.
2. Very close to Hat Yai
From Sadao, Hat Yai is only about an hour away. Padang Besar takes significantly longer because it sits further west; Sungai Golok is far from Hat Yai entirely. If you’re traveling between Kuala Lumpur and Hat Yai, the Sadao route is also much shorter than the Padang Besar one.
3. More transport options
Because it’s the busiest land crossing, you’ll find:
- Frequent buses and minivans on both sides
- Taxis, Grab, and plenty of Thai songthaews
- Easy onward connections to major cities in both Thailand and Malaysia.
In comparison, Sungai Golok and Wang Kelian crossings have very limited transport.
4. Immigration is usually efficient outside peak hours
Even though traffic can be heavy in peak periods, both Thai and Malaysian immigration counters are used to processing huge volumes daily. Off-peak, you can clear in 10–20 minutes.
5. Good facilities between the checkpoints
The duty-free zone, rest stops, food places, and shops make it easy to grab something before crossing.
Cons
1. Heavy crowds during weekends and holidays
Because Sadao is the main road crossing, expect long lines on weekends, and during Thai and Malaysian public holidays. It gets worse at the Thai side especially, where tour buses queue. Padang Besar, Sungai Golok, and Wang Kelian can be quieter depending on timing.
2. Not directly connected by train
This is the one big drawback. Unlike Padang Besar, which is literally connected to Malaysia’s ETS/Komuter and Thailand’s State Railway, Sadao requires road transport.
Short checklist for Sadao border crossing
Useful links
Malaysia
Thailand
Final thoughts
Now that I’ve actually done the Sadao crossing a few times, I understand its pros and cons, and now at least I have another route in my pocket for those times when flights between Malaysia and Thailand get too expensive for a last-minute trip, or when the train schedule just doesn’t cooperate.
If you found this helpful, feel free to check out the rest of my blog for more Malaysia travel tips, destination guides, and food recommendations. Or if you’re planning a Thailand trip next, hop over to my other blog, Ummi Goes Where?, for more guides and stories from across the border.
