Crossing into Betong, Thailand via Pengkalan Hulu – My Fun Border Experience

Step 1: Drive to Pengkalan Hulu (it is the last town in Peninsular Malaysia)

• From Ipoh – around 3 hours’ drive.

• From Penang – roughly 4 hours.

• From Kuala Lumpur – about 5–6 hours
  All is depending on traffic and coffee stops.

We took Kuala Lumpur using PLUS highway -> exit Kuala Kangsar -> use old road of Gerik heading direct to Pengkalan Hulu.

Road condition: Generally smooth, with a few winding stretches near Gerik (cue dramatic mountain scenery. I still missing this scenic drive very much till today)

👉 Tip: Fill up your petrol tank in Malaysia. Fuel in Betong is slightly pricier.

1. Drive up to the Malaysian immigration counter.

2. Hand over your passport.

3. For Malaysians: No visa required, just a valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity. Other nationalities: Check Thai visa requirements.

4. You’ll get an exit stamp. Easy breezy.

Step 2: Immigration Check – Malaysia Exit (Pengkalan Hulu)

Step 3: Immigration Check – Thailand Entry (Betong)

Now comes the fun part – Thai immigration!

1. Park your car and head into the immigration building.

2. Hand over your passport and TM6 Arrival/Departure card (usually provided at the counter, just fill it in. But in our case, we let the lady that issued our insurance help to fill up the TM6 with small processing fees).

3. For Malaysians: No visa needed for 30 days stay if entering by land.

4. Immigration officer will stamp you in.

5. Please keep the forms as you need to hand it over to the immigration when you want to exit Thailand.
   

   Sawasdee ka/krub – you’re officially in Thailand!
   

👉 Pro tip: Sometimes the line is short, sometimes it moves slower than a snail on holiday. Patience = part of the travel experience.

If you’re bringing your Malaysian car into Thailand:

• You’ll need a Vehicle Entry Permit.

• Documents required:

1. Car registration card (Original Geran/Grant)

2. Owner’s IC/passport

3. Driving license

4. Car Insurance (can be bought at the border, usually around RM40 for mandatory insurance or RM170 for voluntary insurance. Refer to this post for the differences)

• A small fee applies, and you’ll get a temporary vehicle pass.

👉 If you don’t want the hassle, just park your car on the Malaysian side and take a local taxi into Betong.

Step 4: Vehicle Entry (If You’re Driving)

Step 5: Welcome to Betong! 🎉

Frequently asked questions

1.Do I need a visa?

Malaysians: No.
Other nationalities: Check Thai visa requirements.

2.What are differences between mandatory insurance and voluntary insurance prior entrance to Thailand?

Refer to this post.

3.Is it safe to travel to Betong?

Yes, Betong is quite safe for tourists though it's a quieter town compared to Hay Yai.

4.Can I use Ringgit Malaysia in Betong?

Some shops accept RM but better to exchange for Thai Baht for smoother shopping.