Planning a trip to Thailand from Singapore or Malaysia and thinking of crossing the border by land — but not quite sure how?
Then this blog post is for you! I recently experienced my very first overland border crossing into Thailand, thanks to a few adventurous Malaysian friends who showed me the ropes. It was a total YOLO moment — and if you’re up for a bit of adventure, I highly recommend giving it a go too!
Looking for a smooth, scenic route to enter Thailand by land? Skip the crowds at Bukit Kayu Hitam and consider the Wang Kelian–Wang Prachan border, a lesser-known crossing between Perlis, Malaysia and Satun Province, Thailand.
This up-to-date 2025 guide covers:
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Which land checkpoints are available
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What to prepare before your trip
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Step-by-step immigration process
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Important tips most tourists miss
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Common mistakes to avoid
Where is the Wang Kelian Border?
Wang Kelian is in the northern part of Perlis, Malaysia, linking directly to Wang Prachan in Satun, Thailand.
Best for travelers from:
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Perlis, Kedah, Penang
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Langkawi (via Kuala Perlis ferry)
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Singapore (on an extended road trip)
Best for entering:
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Satun Province, Trang, Krabi, Koh Lipe, and nearby southern Thai destinations
Border Options: Malaysia to Thailand
What to Prepare Before Crossing
| What You Need | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Passport (min. 6 months valid) | Standard immigration requirement |
| TDAC Arrival Card | Register at tdac.go.th |
| Car documents | Car grant, valid license, insurance if you're driving |
| Small RM notes (RM 1–2) | Locals usually tip officers at the passport counter |
| Thailand SIM card | For data, Google Maps, or fixing form issues on the go |
Step-by-Step Border Process at Wang Kelian (2025)
On the Malaysia Side:
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Foreigners (including Singaporeans) must walk down to scan fingerprints.
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Malaysian may stay inside the vehicle, but follow immigration officer instructions. (Malaysian can use Touch and Go or TDAC.
On the Thailand Side:
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Everyone walks down to:
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Register your vehicle (if applicable)
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Queue to get your passport stamped
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Pro Tip: Malaysians often prepare RM1–2 as a tip when handing over their passport for stamping. It’s not official, but widely practiced.
About TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card)
Thailand now requires travelers to fill Digital Arrival Card (TDAC):
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Can be submitted up to 3 days in advance
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Not strictly enforced, but recommended to avoid delays
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If not done in advance, you may fill it at the border, but delays are likely
Official site: https://www.tdac.go.th
Common Issues to Watch Out For
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Stamp Errors
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Always double-check your passport stamp after it’s issued.
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A wrong stamp could cause problems when exiting Thailand.
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If traveling alone, politely ask other travelers to compare stamps.
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Slow Servers
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The TDAC or immigration system may go down temporarily.
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Be patient and give yourself buffer time.
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Early Closures
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Official opening hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Malaysia Time)
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But if the crowd is light, officers may step away even before 6 PM.
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Best time to cross: 9 AM – 4 PM
Don’t Forget a Thailand SIM Card
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Essential for:
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Filling TDAC online
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Contacting hotels or transport
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Using Google Translate or Maps
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Buy ahead of time (I bought mine from Singapore, here's the Shopee link for it)
Summary Checklist
| Item | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Passport (6+ months valid) | Standard requirement |
| TDAC completed | Prevent delays at Thai immigration |
| Car documents | For vehicle entry into Thailand |
| RM 1–2 small notes | Common courtesy gesture for passport chop |
| Thai SIM card | Connectivity at the border |
| Check your stamp | Mistakes can delay or block re-entry |
| Arrive early | Avoid late-hour issues |
Why Use Wang Kelian in 2025?
-Less congested than Bukit Kayu Hitam
-Shorter queues, smoother process
-More scenic and relaxing drive
-Convenient for those heading to Satun, Trang, or island hopping to Koh Lipe
Crossing the Malaysia–Thailand border doesn’t have to be stressful. If you’re looking for a quieter, more efficient route in 2025, the Wang Kelian–Wang Prachan checkpoint is definitely worth considering.
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