Hi!
I would like to know what is the best way to go from Kuala Lumpur to Koh Tao? I would like to avoid flying, so suggestions about bus or train are welcome!
Also i have another question about Koh Tao: i go there for new years festival, The Experience, should i book a room in advance? any suggestions about budget accomodation near the festival site?
Thank You!
Reply to this Hello!
You can do this journey really easily by both train and bus. I just looked on
the main in seat 61 which has a copy of the timetable (check it's up to date at the station).
If you go to Hat Yai you'll find plenty of tour/bus companies which will be able to take you on a minibus or bus to the ferry terminal for Koh Tao. Alternatvely hang around for a few more hours and another train will go there anyway!
If you're not keen on the train then buses would be an option. You could either try to do it on your own via public transport but this would probably involve a few changes. Loads of the tour agencies in and around the city will be able to sort it for you, you'll end up paying more though and buses won't necessarily be better (worse in some cases).
If I was you I'd opt for the train journey as you've got more freedom to move around during this long journey. Obviously it depends on how much time and/or money you have.
Hope this helps a bit.
Reply to this Thanks for useful tips!! i will check out about train! 😊
Reply to this Hi
If I can recomend you a party for new year that its much better on Koh phangan. Me gonna be there :D cheak this page http://fullmoonparty-thailand.com/
Reply to this Hi! Thank you! But i prefere not so crowded psychedelic party in the jungle. 😉
Reply to this A little more info. Sophie and Dale give excellent advice re. the train, it really is the best way to go. We did a similar trip two years ago to Ko Phagnan. If you want Ko Tao then I think the best station to get down at is Chumphon. From there you can get a boat to Tao.
We are going to travel to Chumphon in a month and have just booked the tickets from Nepal. It is really easy. You need to send an e-mail to these guys callcentre@ktmb.com.my detailing your travel requirements. They send you a confirmation e-mail with a booking reference, then you collect and pay for yor tickets at the station in KL.
You cannot get a direct train all the way. You must book one to Butterworth in Malaysia, then another from there to Chumphon.
The trains are super comfy, much better than Indian trains (which I love with a passion) and you will have a great rip!!
Hope this helps!
Reply to this Thank you for the tips! I already sent e-mail to ktmb and the reply was like this:
Sentral KL - Hatyai
Express Senandung Langkawi ( EL 20 )
Depart 2115hrs and arrival 1012hrs
ADNS- 2nd class sleeper
Double decker bed
Each bed are separated with curtain
MYR60.00-Lower MYR54.00-Upper
ASC- 2nd class seater / MYR48.00
That seems to go all the way to Hat Yai, i dont know if its necessery to change trains.
From Hat Yai there is another train to Chumphon or i can get a ticket bus+ferry (i guess thats more expencive).
After the NY at Koh Tao i will go to India, i have been there years ago, do u have any tips about trains in India? Should i always travel in 1. class? and how about the backbag, do they try to charge some extra for the luggage? usually happend in the buses. 😊
Reply to this India trains! Love them. I always travel 2nd class sleeper. It is cheap, fun and a little crazy. No extra charge for bags but.... bring a lock and a chain so you can secure them under your bunk, especially on overnight trains. Not that I've ever had any probs.
Trains get booked out, especially the more popular routes, many days in advance. So you should mostly try and plan a little ahead. You can now book at most stations in India for any journey at any time. However, it is a pain. I advise you to buy (from a bookshop at the station) a copy of the amazing "Indian trains at a glance" which will give you ALL the times, trains, names and stations that you need to make a reservation. Without it you'd be lost.
But, the best way to book a train is via the web. I recommend "cleartrip". It is simplicity itself to use and they accept foreign cards, unlike the confusing india rail site. Just print off your confirmation and get on the train.
If you cannot get a seat then, three days before departure, most trains have Taktal seats that are seats left in reserve for last minute bookings. They cost more but can be a lifesaver.
Anymore q's, just ask. Enjoy
Reply to this Thanks a lot! With this information i can make my plans go little smoother, but i also dont mind some extra "adventure" on the trainstation getting the tickets, its a part of travelling.. 😊
Reply to this ... one more question: tickets sold by cleartrip are they more expencive than buying direct from trainstation?
aaaahhh.. and one more: can u recommend any ok budget place to stay in Delhi? 😊
Reply to this SORRY, LONG TIME NO PC...
cLEARTRIP CHARGE A MINIMAL BOOKING FEE, SOMETHING LIKE 20inr FOR A 400inr ticket.
sorry bout caps!! In rush.
Stay in Pahar Ganj in Delhi, can't really recommend the place we atayed at recently but there is a HUGE choice there, you'll find something to your tastes easily enough.
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