A 3-Country Cross-Border Adventure: MySawasdee Train Experience from Singapore to Hat Yai

Imagine waking up in cosmopolitan Singapore, going to Malaysia for lunch and dinner, having a good sleep on a privately-chartered overnight sleeper train, and ending the next day savouring Thai cuisine in bustling Hat Yai – all made possible by the seamless MySawasdee Train Experience from Singapore to Hat Yai. Organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Singapore office, this journey is a scenic, cultural, and culinary adventure designed for the curious traveller.

From Singapore’s City Lights to Malaysia’s Rails

Our journey kicks off bright and early in Singapore, where anticipation and excitement fill the air at ibis Styles Singapore Albert. Friendly guides from Global Events Management and Travel greet us as we boarded a shuttle coach to the border before transferring to a Super VIP coach, setting the tone for a worry-free day.

Tracing the highway north, the cityscape gives way to lush Malaysian countryside, with rolling hills and palm plantations whizzing by outside your window – a gentle transition from the urban pulse of Singapore to the picturesque landscapes of Malaysia.

Along the way, we made meal stops for breakfast and lunch, followed by a city tour of Kuala Lumpur, and sumptuous dinner.

Istana Negara (National Palace)

Istana Negara, meaning “National Palace” in Malay, is the official residence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the King of Malaysia. The palace represents the administrative and ceremonial headquarters of Malaysia’s monarchy and is a prominent national landmark in Kuala Lumpur. Visitors cannot enter the palace itself but can view the exterior and witness the ceremonial guards at the main gates.

Tugu Negara (National Monument)

Tugu Negara, or the National Monument, is Malaysia’s principal war memorial located in Kuala Lumpur. It commemorates the soldiers and civilians who died in Malaysia’s struggle for freedom, particularly during the Japanese occupation in World War II and the Malayan Emergency. The monument is a tall bronze sculpture group featuring 7 soldiers symbolizing leadership, suffering, unity, vigilance, strength, courage, and sacrifice. The central figure holds the Malaysian flag.

Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square) & Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Dataran Merdeka, also known as Independence Square, is a historic and symbolic public plaza in central Kuala Lumpur. It holds immense national significance as the site where the Union Jack was lowered and the Malaysian flag was hoisted for the first time at midnight on 31 August 1957, marking the country’s independence from British colonial rule.

The Sultan Abdul Samad Building stands majestically along Jalan Raja, facing Dataran Merdeka. Built between 1894 and 1897, it is a stunning example of late 19th-century architecture combining Moorish Revival, Indo-Saracenic, and Victorian elements. The building provided the dramatic backdrop during Malaya’s independence proclamation in 1957, and remains a focus of annual Merdeka Day festivities.

PETRONAS Twin Towers

The PETRONAS Twin Towers are 2 iconic skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, rising to a height of 451.9m with 88 floors each. Completed in 1996 and officially opened in 1999, they held the title of the world’s tallest buildings from 1998 to 2004. Today, they remain the tallest twin towers globally and are a symbol of Malaysia’s modernization and aspirations.

All Aboard the MySawasdee PLUS Train: From KL Sentral to Hat Yai

Arriving at Kuala Lumpur’s main KL Sentral station, we transfer to the chartered MySawasdee PLUS train – a special rail service that turns a simple border crossing into an event. Here, camaraderie grows as fellow passengers board, ready to share stories and first impressions. The train itself is part of the experience, offering panoramic window views, comfortable beds for a good night’s rest, and a sense of anticipation as we headed north towards the Thai border at Padang Besar.

A special flag-off ceremony is held at the platform to commemorate this special train, with the trip being graced by Ms. Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, Deputy Governor for International Marketing Asia and South Pacific of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

The rhythmic click of the tracks and the multicultural energy onboard provide a unique sense of adventure, especially with many first-timers taking a sleeper train. The route weaves through Malaysia in the night, before a private immigration experience at Padang Besar exclusively for MySawasdee PLUS train passengers.

On board, the Event Coach has also been chartered for MySawasdee PLUS train passengers with karaoke facilities to sing their heart out from Malaysia to Thailand!

There are no long queues for immigration as passengers are called coach by coach, eliminating tiredness and stress. The combined Malaysia and Thailand immigration process for each batch with this coach-by-coach system took less than 10 minutes from start to finish!

Arrival in Hat Yai: Warmth, Welcomes, and Thai Hospitality

Despite the delay on departure, the train made up time and even arrived in Hat Yai early! Disembarking in Hat Yai, we were ushered straight into the heart of Thai hospitality. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and big brand sponsors of Hat Yai rolls out the welcome mat, greeting guests with traditional garlands, heartfelt smiles, a goodie bag, and cultural performances that set the tone for our stay.

Welcome Dinner: A Culinary Celebration of the South

Our first night in Hat Yai after alighting from the MySawasdee PLUS train culminates with an exclusive welcome dinner for our group, hosted by TAT Singapore office. At the Singthong Room on the 2nd floor of Sing Golden Place Hotel, we were treated to a banquet of southern Thai specialties. Speeches from TAT representatives celebrate the friendship and connection between Singapore and Thailand.

Exclusive Interview with Ms. Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, Deputy Governor for International Marketing Asia and South Pacific of the Tourism Authority of Thailand

Following the MySawasdee PLUS train ride, I had the opportunity to speak with Ms. Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, Deputy Governor for International Marketing Asia and South Pacific of the Tourism Authority of Thailand on some train developments in Thailand. Here are some of her replies:

What unique experiences can Singaporeans expect when visiting Southern Thailand by train?

By taking the train, Singaporean visitors can enjoy a slower travel experience that reveals the charm of the region in a deeper and more personal way. Some highlights include passing through charming towns, scenic coastlines, and rural landscapes, meeting local food vendors and communities at station stops, discovering Southern Thai arts, crafts, and cultural traditions firsthand, and experiencing the warmth and hospitality of Southern Thai people throughout the journey.

The train turns travel from a simple means of transport into a cultural experience, ideal for Singaporeans looking for new, meaningful adventures.

How do you see the introduction of the MySawasdee train influencing tourism development and sustainability in Southern Thailand?

The MySawasdee train is a model for developing sustainable cross-border tourism. It promotes more eco-friendly travel options, reducing carbon emissions from short flights, cconomic benefits for local communities by directing visitors to smaller towns and local businesses, and a spread of tourism that eases the pressure on major hubs while enriching lesser-known areas.

This initiative may encourage longer stays, deeper connections, and inclusive growth, which aligns with Thailand’s sustainable tourism goals.

Do you have a message to encourage Singaporeans to visit Thailand by the MySawasdee train?

To our friends in Singapore: If you’ve been to Thailand before, we invite you to see it in a new light through the windows of a train. The MySawasdee Train is more than just transportation. It is a journey into Southern Thailand’s gateway, filled with stories at every stop, from lively markets to peaceful coastal towns. You will meet new people, taste different flavours, and explore a side of Thailand that is often overlooked. Come aboard. Let the rhythm of the rails take you on an unforgettable adventure, one that’s meaningful, relaxing, and truly Thai. It is about finding joy not just in where you go, but in how you get there.

Final Thoughts

The MySawasdee Train Experience from Singapore to Hat Yai is a unique journey through landscapes, cultures, and cuisines, all woven together with the unique geography that Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand shares with ASEAN connectivity, and by the warmth of Thai hospitality. Whether you’re a train enthusiast, a foodie, or explorer at heart, this adventure with TAT Singapore is a gateway to unforgettable memories in Thailand’s vibrant south.

This MySawasdee Train Experience trip was sponsored by the Tourism Authority of Thailand Singapore Office.

Also read:

The Ultimate Hat Yai & Songkhla City Tour with TAT Singapore’s MySawasdee Charter Train