What are the details for traveling from Bangkok to Wang Kelian, Malaysia for a visa run?

Trip Report: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to Wang Kelian, Malaysia via Hat Yai Airport

Many people have asked for an alternative to international flights or for the van trips to Savannakhet (Laos) or Vientiane (Laos), either to obtain a 60-day entry stamp or to activate another entry of their DTV. After checking many options, we completed our first run on 13 January, and it was successful. From now on we plan to make this trip every Wednesday and Saturday.

We decided to take flight FD4202 at 08:30 to Hat Yai and then continue to the Wang Kelian border crossing (Malaysia). For the return, you can book any flight departing Hat Yai after 17:00.

Why Hat Yai and Wang Kelian? The idea is that travelers from Pattaya or other areas can also easily join the trip. This border is easy to reach from Hat Yai and works well for a same-day border run. Other border options have certain disadvantages: Chiang Khong / Chiang Saen / Nong Khai / Mukdahan (Laos borders): most Western passport holders require a Laos visa on arrival. Ranong (Myanmar border): connections are not very convenient. Other Malaysia borders: Tak Bai: cannot be completed in one day. Sadao: often very busy with heavy traffic. Padang Besar: not suitable for a border run.

With flight FD4202, you arrive at Hat Yai Airport around 09:50 AM. Exit the airport via Exit 7 or 8, pass the taxi stands, and go to the area next to the 7-Eleven in the parking lot, approximately 70 meters from the exit. The van will be waiting there.

The trip to the border takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. At the border, the van parks in front of Immigration. The driver will assist you and guide you to the Thai Immigration booth. After stamping out, walk about 50 meters to the Malaysian side. There is a booth where you will be stamped into and out of Malaysia within a few minutes (no MDAC required). Then walk back to the Thai side to receive your re-entry stamp.

Please make sure you have completed the Thai Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) and check your stamps carefully before leaving. Once the process is completed, return to the van.

At the border, there are a few small shops selling drinks and snacks, but no duty-free shops. The entire procedure took us about 40 minutes; on weekends, it may take a bit longer.

The return trip from the border to Hat Yai Airport also takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. We will drop you at the airport to catch your return flight or continue with any other itinerary you may have.

We do not provide food, so please bring some snacks. As mentioned, there are small shops at the border but no 7-Eleven or restaurants. You can eat at the airport before your departure.

You will enjoy this trip. Expenses: Flights: depend on how early you book; roughly THB 1,200 each way if booked well in advance. Our service: THB 4,500 per person, which includes transfers and border assistance. This is organized by www.thaivisaservice.com

If you plan to do this trip on your own, expect costs of approximately THB 3,500 for taxi/van transport and around THB 2,000 at the border.