Padang Besar Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do in Padang Besar, Thailand by exploring cultural attractions, natural marvels, biking routes, local cuisine, accommodations, nearby excursions, and more.


Introduction to Padang Besar

Padang Besar, an enchanting town in Southern Gulf Coast, Thailand, is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. The town provides a perfect blend of modernity and tradition, with ancient structures coexisting with contemporary infrastructure. This makes Padang Besar an ideal destination for travelers seeking to explore exotic places with a touch of history, adventure, and culture.

List of Places to Visit in Padang Besar

Here’s a list of must-visit places in Padang Besar that capture the essence of its history and natural beauty.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Padang Besar Railway Station: Built-in 1922, this railway station is known for its unique architectural style incorporating various Asian designs.
  • Riverview Point Resort: The resort gives a glimpse of Padang Besar’s unique culture, with a blend of modern luxury and traditional Thai elements.
  • Sakai Village: Explore the lifestyle and culture of the Sakai tribe – the original inhabitants of Padang Besar, at this traditional village.
  • Wat Chang Hae: This temple built in the early 20th century, boasts of unique architectural features with intricate carvings and fine detailing.

Natural Attractions of Padang Besar: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Bukit Wang: A hill rising to 1350 feet, renowned for its hiking trails and birdwatching opportunities.
  • Sadao Waterfall: Nestled in the midst of lush green forests, this waterfall draws visitors who crave tranquility and natural beauty.
  • Keluang Hill: A perfect spot for cityscape and sunset views, Keluang Hill is located about 15km away from the town center.
  • Wang Prajan National Park: This park offers a wide range of activities for nature enthusiasts, such as mountain biking, camping, and trekking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Padang Besar

Travelers can embark on various biking and hiking trails to explore the natural beauty of Padang Besar. Here are three popular hiking/biking routes:

  1. Bukit Wang Trail: A 3km trail leading to the hilltop of Bukit Wang, starting from ‘Pasar Sadao’ (Sadao market) is suitable for all fitness levels.
  2. Keluang Hill Trail: An 11km trail of moderate difficulty starts from the ‘Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge’ towards Keluang Hill.
  3. Sadao Waterfall Trail: A 2km wooded trail leading to the Sadao Waterfall starting from the Sadao Police Station, perfect for a short hike.

Best Things to Do in Padang Besar: Activities and Tours

Travelers can enjoy many activities and tours in Padang Besar. Here’s our top list:

  • Explore the Cultural and Historical Attractions: Discover the unique heritage of Padang Besar by exploring the town’s cultural and historical attractions like the Padang Besar Railway Station, Riverview Point Resort, and Wat Chang Hae.
  • Experience the Natural Wonders: Go for a trek or bike ride through the scenic trails of Bukit Wang, Keluang Hill, and Sadao Waterfall. Visitors can also go bird watching or wildlife spotting at Wang Prajan National Park.
  • Try Thai Cuisine: Savor the authentic local Thai food at the popular eateries like Roti Pak Yah, Wing Heng Lee, and Sadao Night Market.
  • Indulge in Local Shopping: Shop local handicrafts, accessories, souvenirs, and snacks at the bustling night market near the Padang Besar bus station.
  • Take Day Trips: Travelers can embark on an excursion to attractions like Danok, Haad Lek, or the Kuan Yin Temple in Malaysia, which are just a short ride away from Padang Besar.

Week-Long Itinerary for Padang Besar

Here’s a suggested 7-day itinerary to help travelers plan a perfect trip to Padang Besar:

Day Activities
1 Arrival, Check-in, Sightseeing Padang Besar Railway Station
2 Hiking at Bukit Wang or Sadao Waterfall
3 Sampling Thai food at Wing Heng Lee or Roti Pak Yah
4 Exploring Sakai Village or Wang Prajan National Park
5 Sightseeing Wat Chang Hae and Night Market
6 Day Trip to Danok or Haad Lek
7 Keluang Hill hike and Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Padang Besar

Thai food has a unique blend of flavors, textures, and spices. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages in Padang Besar:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pad Thai: This renowned dish popular amongst foreigners is a stir-fried rice noodle dish cooked with tofu, peanuts, bean sprouts, and various other ingredients.
  • Tom Yum Goong: A flavorful soup with prawn, spices, and herbs.
  • Kaeng Khiao Wan : Also known as Thai green curry, the dish includes cooked chicken or beef in coconut milk with green chili peppers, eggplant, and other ingredients.

Local Beverages

  • Thai Herbal Tea: This refreshing and flavorful drink made from local herbs like lemongrass, pandan, and chrysanthemum is a must-try.
  • Thai Iced Tea: An iced drink that is made with a blend of black tea, sweetened condensed milk, and sugar.

Where to Stay in Padang Besar: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Padang Besar has a variety of accommodations to suit different tastes and budgets. Here are some of the popular options:

  • Riverview Point Resort: A luxury resort overlooking the Sungai Golok river, providing comfortable rooms, amenities, and excellent service.
  • Deanna Hotel: A budget-friendly hotel in the center of Padang Besar.
  • Muar Guest House: A clean and comfortable guesthouse situated in the heart of Padang Besar.

What to Buy in Padang Besar: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Travelers can buy a variety of authentic Thai products in Padang Besar like traditional handicrafts, textiles, clothes, accessories, fragrant oils, and snacks. Don’t forget to check out the night market near the bus station for unique souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Padang Besar

Padang Besar is a predominantly Muslim town, and visitors are expected to respect the local customs and traditions. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites, and avoid public display of affection.

Best Time to Visit Padang Besar

The best time to visit Padang Besar is from November to March when the weather is dry and cool, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Padang Besar

Do:

  • Respect local customs and culture.
  • Carry a copy of your passport and other essential documents.
  • Drink bottled water to prevent water-borne diseases.

Don’t:

  • Engage in illegal activities such as drug trafficking.
  • Carry or use drugs as they attract severe penalties.
  • Wear revealing attire.

Safety and Health

Safety in Padang Besar

Padang Besar is a safe town; however, travelers must be cautious of petty crimes like pickpocketing and theft. Always keep your valuables in a safe place and carry necessary documents and cash with you.

Health in Padang Besar

Visitors should take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and malaria when traveling to Padang Besar. Consult a physician before traveling and carry necessary medications.

Getting to Padang Besar: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Padang Besar

The nearest international airport to Padang Besar is the Hat Yai International Airport, located about 50km away from the town center. The airport offers regular flights to various destinations in Thailand and other countries.

Bus Stations Near Padang Besar

Visitors can travel to Padang Besar via bus from various cities in Thailand, including Bangkok, Phuket, and Hat Yai. The Padang Besar Bus Station is located in the town center and offers regular services to nearby destinations.

Other Options

Visitors can also travel to Padang Besar from Malaysia via shuttle trains from the Bukit Kayu Hitam Railway Station.

How to Get Around in Padang Besar

Visitors can use various modes of transportation such as tuk-tuks, car rentals, or motorcycle taxis to get around Padang Besar. However, the town’s size means that most destinations are within walking distance.

Where to Go Next from Padang Besar: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Travelers can explore nearby destinations from Padang Besar, such as:

  • Danok: A small town in Sadao District, known for its nightlife, street food, and spas.
  • Haad Lek: A border town and famous shopping destination.
  • Kuan Yin Temple: A Chinese temple in Kangar, Perlis, just a short ride from Padang Besar.

Conclusion

Padang Besar is a charming town with an extensive range of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. With its unique blend of modernity and tradition, the town provides an unforgettable experience for visitors seeking a taste of Thai culture and adventure. Whether exploring natural wonders, savoring local Thai cuisine, or indulging in cultural experiences, Padang Besar is sure to delight any traveler.

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