Singapore to Thailand by Car: A 2,300km Cross Border Road Trip
This post documents the actual experience including how we cleared the border using our company registered car which is not under either of our names. For those thinking of using a company car or Grab/PHV car yes it is possible.
Day 1 Singapore to Penang George Town
We set off from Singapore at 5:00am aiming to cover as much distance as possible before traffic built up.
By around 12:00pm we reached Penang covering roughly 700km. Since it was still too early to check in we drove straight to George Town for makan first cannot come Penang and not eat.
For the night we stayed at Crowne Plaza Penang Butterworth which worked well as a rest stop before heading north the next day.
Although driving from Singapore to Bukit Kayu Hitam is about 900km we decided not to push all the way. Afternoon border crossings can get congested so it made more sense to rest and cross early the next morning.
Why This Trip Was Different
We have been to Thailand before Hat Yai Krabi and surrounding areas but this trip had a very specific purpose.
We wanted to test drive our new company car which is not registered under either of our names to see whether it could successfully enter Thailand. The plan was simple:
Cross the Bukit Kayu Hitam / Sadao border
Drive into Thailand legally
Do some shopping and eating
Take a photo at the famous 7 Eleven in Phatthalung
Return to Penang the same day
No overnight stay in Thailand just a proper real world test.
Day 2 Penang to Bukit Kayu Hitam / Sadao to Thailand
From our hotel we drove roughly 700km north and back. Traffic was smooth and flowing.
Border Name For First Timers
Malaysia side Bukit Kayu Hitam ICQ Complex
Thailand side Sadao Immigration Checkpoint Songkhla Province
So when people say Bukit Kayu Hitam / Sadao it simply means exit Malaysia at Bukit Kayu Hitam and enter Thailand at Sadao.
Insurance and Vehicle Paperwork Very Important
Before reaching the Malaysia checkpoint there are many border shops selling Thailand vehicle insurance and assisting with paperwork. There are also shops immediately after the Thailand checkpoint.
For us the priority was time.
Instead of stopping at the shops and queueing I arranged everything in advance via WhatsApp with one of the border shops. They prepared the documents and I printed them out before reaching the border.
Cost Breakdown Malaysia Side
Thailand vehicle insurance ~RM120
TM2 and TM3 form filling ~RM4
Optional towing and breakdown coverage RM15
Total paid RM139
The towing and breakdown coverage is optional but for peace of mind.
Doing everything on site can easily take 30 minutes or more especially if:
There is a queue
Documents need printing
Forms need manual filling
Preparing in advance made the process much smoother.
Immigration and Customs Clearance
It took us about 1 hour in total to clear the border
Passport chop on Malaysia side
Passport chop on Thailand side
Thailand online arrival form must be filled in advance
Vehicle Temporary Import and Car Declaration processing
We were asked to park to complete vehicle paperwork. Once everything was settled and stamped that final chop felt good.
We were officially driving in Thailand ๐น๐ญ
Driving in Thailand
The roads condition were comfortable. Traffic was relaxed and the scenery changed quickly once we were inside.
Along the way we saw cows and animals roaming freely countryside views and much quieter roads compared to city driving not even like Malaysia although there are plenty of animal warning signs.
We did some light shopping enjoyed the drive took photos and completed our objective.
Heading Back to Penang and Beyond
We started heading back at around 4:00pm and reached the border by 7:00pm. There was a long queue at customs, and it took about 1 hour to clear passport stamping due to traffic.
We stayed overnight in Penang to enjoy more of the local food. The next day, we continued our road trip KL and then Melaka, staying overnight in Melaka before finally returning to Singapore.
Mission accomplished, and it felt amazing to complete this 2,300km adventure.
Key Takeaways For Anyone Planning This Drive
Start early from Singapore
Avoid afternoon border crossings
Prepare Thailand’s online arrival form in advance
Print all vehicle documents including:
Logcard I kiasu & kiasi got an LTA certified true copy
ACRA certificate
Authorisation letter with director ink signature and company chop
Director photocopy of IC luckily I had it, although I never hear anyone needing this
2 copies of TM2 and TM3 forms one for entry one for exit
Consider arranging insurance before reaching the border
Expect around 1 hour at customs even when smooth
Next Goal
Yes, my next goal is to drive our Singapore company registered car all the way to China ๐๐จ๐ณ
Joining a Road Trip Community
I have been part of a road trip community and it has been very inspiring. It is not just about the cars or the destinations it is about mindset.
The group is filled with generous tow kays and driven individuals who do not just talk about success they share it. They guide encourage and show others how to build income that supports a life of freedom and adventure.
For my friends who love road trips like I do you can join the community here:
https://nas.io/fiftfn?affiliateCode=CLAY_G37O
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