The Iron Silk Road to Paradise: Taking the MySawasdee Train from KL to Southern Thailand

Thailand has always been a top-tier destination for travellers worldwide, but the southern region offers a unique blend of cultures, flavours, and landscapes that set it apart. For those looking to experience the authentic charm of the south, Hat Yai serves as the perfect gateway. Whether you’re a foodie seeking world-class street food or an adventurer looking to explore nearby islands, your journey just got much easier and more exciting.

 

New Direct Rail Link: The “MySawasdee” Special Charter Train

Traveling from Malaysia to Southern Thailand has reached a new level of convenience. KTM (Keretapi Tanah Melayu) has introduced a special charter train service called “MySawasdee,” offering a direct route from KL Sentral (Kuala Lumpur) to Hat Yai. This service is a game-changer for travelers who want to skip the hassle of multiple transfers at the border.

Key Highlights of the Promotion:

• Affordable Travel: Fares start from just RM 95 for a one-way journey.
• Direct Route: The train runs directly between KL Sentral and Hat Yai, with strategic stops at stations like Ipoh, Taiping, and Padang Besar.
• Scheduled Departures: The service operates on specific dates (such as late January and March), making it perfect for planned holiday getaways.

Travel Schedule:

• From KL Sentral to Hat Yai (Train No. 1004): Departs at 10:30 PM and arrives in Hat Yai at 8:50 AM (Thailand Time) the next morning.
• From Hat Yai to KL Sentral (Train No. 1005): Departs at 10:20 AM (Thailand Time) and reaches Kuala Lumpur by 11:15 PM.
• Easy Booking: Tickets can be purchased through the KTM Integrated Ticketing System (KITS) app or website.

 

Why Hat Yai is the Perfect Start

Once you arrive in Hat Yai, you are perfectly positioned to explore the rest of Southern Thailand. From here, you can easily connect to:

 

1. Satun: The Pristine Escape (Koh Lipe)

If you are looking for the “picture-perfect” Thailand, Satun is the answer. Koh Lipe is the crown jewel here, located within the Tarutao National Marine Park.

The Vibe: International, laid-back, and pedestrian-friendly.

Must-do Activities:

• Beach Hopping: Sunrise Beach (best for morning views), Sunset Beach (chill vibes), and Pattaya Beach (the main hub).

• Snorkeling at Koh Hin Ngam: A unique island made entirely of polished black stones that shine when wet.

• The Walking Street: A vibrant strip filled with seafood BBQ, cozy bars, and local boutiques.

• Getting There from Hat Yai: Take a 1.5-hour minivan to Pak Bara Pier, then a 1.5-hour speedboat. Total travel time is about 3.5–4 hours.

(Source: https://thailandlife.info/koh-lipe-walking-street/)

 

2. Krabi: The Adventurer’s Playground

Krabi is world-famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs and emerald-colored lagoons. It’s the perfect spot for those who can’t choose between the beach and the mountains.

The Vibe: Energetic, adventurous, and breathtakingly scenic.

 

Must-Do Activities:

• Railay Beach: Accessible only by boat, it’s a world-class destination for rock climbing and features the hidden “Princess Lagoon.”

• The Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot): A natural crystal-clear spring in the middle of a lush forest.

• Island Hopping: Take a long-tail boat to the Phi Phi Islands or the 4-Islands tour (Koh Poda, Koh Kai, Koh Tub, and Phra Nang Cave).

• Getting There from Hat Yai: A 4 to 5-hour drive or minivan ride. It’s a scenic route that takes you through the heart of the southern countryside.

Grotto Restaurant, Railay Beach, Krabi

 

3. Phatthalung: The Hidden Gem & Cultural Soul

For travelers who want to escape the crowds and see “The Real Thailand,” Phatthalung is a magical destination often missed by the mainstream.

 

The Vibe: Peaceful, authentic, and photographer-friendly.

 

Must-Do Activities:

• Thale Noi Wetlands: Take an early morning boat tour (5:30 AM) to see a sea of pink lotus flowers and the famous “Water Buffaloes” that swim in the lake.

• Pak Pra “Yo Yak”: Witness the giant traditional bamboo fishing nets (Yor) at sunrise—one of the most iconic photo spots in Thailand.

• Krajood Weaving: Visit a local workshop to see how aquatic plants are hand-woven into beautiful, high-end bags and mats.

• Nora; a Southern Cultural Arts:

Phatthalung is widely considered the spiritual birthplace of Nora (or Manora), a breathtaking performance art that was officially inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2021.

If you are traveling from Hat Yai, witnessing a Nora performance is the best way to connect with the “soul” of the Thai South. Here is why it’s special and exactly where you can find it.

 

What is Nora?

Nora is more than just a dance; it is a high-energy mix of acrobatics, improvisational singing, and storytelling.

• The Look: Dancers wear incredibly elaborate hand-beaded costumes, bird-like wings, and distinctive tall, pointed crowns called Serd.

• The Movement: You’ll see dancers perform mesmerizing, fluid finger movements and rhythmic footwork that mimics the grace of a mythical bird.

• The Story: It often depicts the legend of Phra Suthon and Manora (a half-human, half-bird princess) or themes related to ancestral spirits.

(Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/181xZYSbfj/?mibextid=wwXIfr)

 

The place where you could watch authentic Nora experiences

Wat Tha Khae (The Spiritual Center)

This is the most sacred site for Nora descendants. It is home to the shrine of Pho Khun Sri Sattha, the legendary master of Nora.

• The Highlight: Every year in May, the temple hosts the “Nora Rong Kru” ceremony. It is a massive three-day event where hundreds of Nora troupes from all over the South gather to pay respect to their ancestors.

• Why Visit: Even outside the festival, you can visit the Tha Khae Nora School to see young students practicing this ancient art.

(Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AJsAH3fcG/?mibextid=wwXIfr)

(Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/162A8cMSsE/?mibextid=wwXIfr)

 

• Getting There from Hat Yai: Very close! Just 1.5 hours by car or a scenic 2-hour train ride.

Southern Thailand is more than just a destination; it is where the rhythmic pulse of Malaysia meets the vibrant, “Sabai-Sabai” soul of Thailand. With the MySawasdee train bridging the gap between Kuala Lumpur and Hat Yai, the gateway to paradise has never been more open. It’s time to pack your bags, passport in hand, and let the southern breeze guide you to your next great adventure.

 

Ready to plan your next getaway?

If you are looking for more travel inspiration, premium accommodation in Malaysia, or curated activities across Asia and Australia, visit us at www.myrehat.com. We help you find the perfect place to rest (rehat) so you can focus on making the most of your journey!