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Here’s a 2-week Bangkok to Singapore itinerary (overland).
Nearly 1180 miles (1900 km) in 2 weeks. 3 countries. 6 cities. Plenty of yummy food, big cities and small towns, beaches, and lots amazing experiences. This 2 week Bangkok to Singapore overland trip may turn out to be the best trip you’ll ever take. It’s easy to do and it’s super interesting — especially if you are going to follow this step-by-step guide.
Table of Contents
Bangkok – Singapore Itinerary: Our Route
The distance between Bangkok and Singapore is about 1180 miles (1900 km).
These cities are well connected. So it is possible to travel from Bangkok to Singapore in several ways. You can fly all the way, or partly. You can travel by bus. Also you can travel by train all the way from Bangkok to Singapore (you’ll have to change trains, though). Or, you can mix all of this, like we did — taking trains, buses and ferries.
If you don’t have that much time, then, of course, it’s possible to make your trip shorter. Stop only in 2-3 places along the route and you will get to Singapore faster. But I would highly recommend to go for at least 12-14 days. Especially if you are new to Southeast Asia, and you don’t know the region as well as we do.
Our route was as follows: Bangkok – Krabi – Satun, Tammalang Port – Langkawi island – Penang island – Kuala Lumpur – Singapore.
Transportation
We’ve done Bangkok – Singapore several times, in several ways.
Here’s how we were traveling this time (and what we recommend).
1. From Bangkok to Krabi by Bus
From Bangkok to Krabi we took an overnight bus.
We chose the latest one possible. It left Bangkok at about 8 PM and arrived in Krabi at about 8 AM. Bus ticket from Bangkok to Krabi costs around 20 EUR / USD (around 700 baht).
Bus ticket price: around 700 Baht
2. From Krabi to Satun by Minivan
Initially we were planning to take a bus from Krabi to Trang, then another bus from Trang to Satun and from there a songthaew (a shared taxi) to Tammalang Port.
But then we got a very good offer from a lady, from whom we rented scooters. 850 baht (so just a bit more than 20 EUR/USD) for a package – a minivan, which picked us up from our hotel and drove us straight to the ferry port + a ferry ticket to Langkawi island. Normally, a ferry ride from Satun to Langkawi costs 350 baht. In our case, it was included in our package deal. This means we paid 500 baht each for the minivan, which is a really good deal.
It’s very easy to arrange something like this.
Just ask around or at your hotel.
Minivan ticket price: around 500 Baht
3. From Satun to Langkawi by Ferry
At the port we just needed to exchange coupons, given by our driver, for tickets.
Ferry ticket price: around 350 Baht
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4. From Langkawi to Penang by Ferry
To get from Langkawi to Penang, we took another ferry.
There are few ferries operating on this route every day, and you don’t need to book a ticket in advance. But if you want to do it, you can do it a day before your planned journey. Earlier booking isn’t possible. In May 2022, ticket for the ferry from Langkawi to Penang costs 60 Malaysian Ringgits (MYR; less than 15 EUR/USD).
For the schedule and up to date prices check out this website!
Ferry ticket price: 60 Malaysian Ringgits
5. From Penang to Kuala Lumpur by Bus
From Penang to Kuala Lumpur we traveled by bus.
Here it’s important to mention, Penang is an island very close to mainland Malaysia. And Penang bus station isn’t really in Penang. It’s in a city called Butterworth, a short (about 10-minute) FREE ferry ride away from Penang. Once you get off the ferry, you are only about 5-minute walk away from the buses. Take that into account, when planning your day. It takes some time to get to the Penang bus station.
Buses from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur are running frequently.
There are several companies to choose from. And the prices vary from company to company. When traveling by bus in Malaysia, we buy bus tickets online. One of our favorite sites for that is RedBus. A ticket cost us less than 9 EUR/USD per person.
The bus ride was about 5 hours long.
Ferry ticket price: 40 Malaysian Ringgits
6. From Kuala Lumpur to Singapore by Train (2 Trains)
To get from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, we took a train.
Actually there were 2 trains (and it’s still the case).
Because the high speed railway from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore is only partly done. The good thing is that that one part of the new railway is already being used. It didn’t make our journey any harder. Because at the train station in Kuala Lumpur (KL Sentral is the main train station) we got all the information – that we will need to change the train and when.
You can’t miss it — it’s super easy to change trains. Because it’s kind of the last station and the next train is waiting for you (or arriving after some time) on the opposite platform, a few meters away from you.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: For travelers to Southeast Asia we recommend World Nomads Explorer! You can buy it online, and it takes only a few minutes of your time.
Bangkok to Singapore: 2-Week Itinerary (Our Itinerary)
If you are flying to Bangkok from Europe, keep in mind that it’s quite a long journey.
Unless you have a direct flight, you’ll be traveling up to, or sometimes even more than, 24 hours. So, you’ll spend the first and also the last day of your 2-week backpacking trip in Asia mostly in airports and on planes.
Day 1 – Flight to Bangkok
Day 2 – Arriving in Bangkok
You have arrived in Bangkok. Stay near Khao San Road.
Spend the afternoon exploring the area.
Visit the Golden Mount (Wat Saket) – a temple short walk away from Khao San Road, which offers a really beautiful view of Bangkok from above. Have dinner at Chatuchak Weekend Market, Thailand’s largest market.
Get a massage and have a drink on Khao San Road.
Day 3 – Bangkok
Visit a temples near Khao San Road: Wat Bowonniwet Wihara and Wat Chana Songkhram. These are very beautiful temples which I would visit again.
Take a public boat to Bangkok’s one of the most iconic temples – Wat Arun.
If you are visiting Bangkok on a weekend, visit Taling Chan Floating Market. Take the bus no. 511 which leaves from a bus stop near Khao San Road. It will take you almost all the way to Taling Chan Floating Market. It will cost you around 50 cents, while a ticket for a tourist boat will set you back 20 EUR/USD. And if you are taking a bus you will have as much time as you want (tourist boats usually stop for 30 minutes or 1 hour).
Then visit Wat Pho (also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. If I would recommend only one temple in Bangkok, then it would be Wat Pho. It’s a very big temple complex with many beautiful sculptures and buildings.
After visiting Wat Pho, go on a 1-hour-long Bangkok Canal Tour from a pier near Wat Pho.
Then walk from Pak Khlong Market (Flower Market) to Phahurat Market (Little India), and Sampeng Market, and back to Khao San Road to pick up your bag which you have left at the hotel. Head to the bus station.
Take a night bus to Krabi.
Do you need more ideas?
Check out this list of interesting things you can do in Bangkok.
Or this 3-day Bangkok itinerary.
Day 4 – Krabi
Arrive in Krabi in the morning.
Rent a scooter. Book an island hopping tour for the next day.
Hop on your scooter (ideally, about 11:30 AM) and head to Namtok Ron (Hot Spring Waterfall). Visit also Emerald Pool.
Watch the sunset on Klong Muang Beach.
Have dinner at Krabi night market.
Day 5 – Krabi
Leave the hotel at 5:30 AM to go for the sunrise at Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea). The temple is set on a hilltop. It’s a 20-45 minute walk up the stairs to the top, depending on your fitness level.
Go back to Krabi. Return your scooter.
At about 8 AM, go on an island hopping tour.
Spend the afternoon on Ao Nang beach/Krabi Town.
Have dinner at Krabi night market.
Day 6 – Heading to Langkawi island
Take a minivan from Krabi to Satun.
Have a lunch at the ferry terminal.
Take a ferry from Satun to Langkawi.
You’ll arrive in Langkawi late in the afternoon.
Rent a scooter.
Day 7 – Langkawi island
Explore Langkawi on a scooter.
Visit Tanjung Rhu Beach and drive up Gunung Raya (the highest mountain in Langkawi). If the top of the mountain is in the clouds, don’t go until the very top.
Have a dinner at a night market (every day at a different location).
Day 8 – Langkawi island
Watch the sunrise from a pier near Resorts World Langkawi.
Visit 7 Wells Waterfall (Telah Tujah Waterfall), the most beautiful waterfall in Langkawi. If you’re into hiking, then trek to the top of Gunung Mat Cincang, the second highest peak of Langkawi. Do you want to have the best view of Langkawi? Just put on your running or hiking shoes, take 2-3 liters of water, some snacks and climb that hill! It’s totally worth it.
After the tiring hike, head to Pasir Tengkorak Beach to relax and swim.
Have dinner at a night market.
Day 9 – Langkawi island
Go on an island hopping tour.
Explore Kuah, the biggest town in Langkawi .
Have dinner at a night market.
Go parasailing on Pantai Tengah beach.
Day 10 – Penang
Take the first morning ferry from Langkawi to Penang.
Arrive in Penang in the afternoon. Try the famous Assam Laksa (you can get it here; it’s a very simple local food stall).
Visit Kek Lok Si Temple. There you will feel a bit like in China. From where you can get a really nice view of Penang (because this temple is on the hill). Penang Hill hike is another option for a great view of the island.
Wander around George Town, Penang. Marvel at the street art George Town is famous for. Eat dim sums and pao/bao (Chinese steamed pork buns) for dinner at some random, but popular-looking, local Chinese restaurant.
Day 11 – Kuala Lumpur
Travel from Penang to Kuala Lumpur.
Explore Kuala Lumpur in the evening.
Have dinner in the area of Bukit Bintang, shopping and entertainment district of Kuala Lumpur. Watch Lake Symphony Light and Sound Fountain Show by the Petronas Towers, in KLCC park.
Go for a late night swim in your pool.
We highly recommend you to stay at a condo with nice views of the city. Especially if you are traveling together with someone, because then it may cost you the same or even less than 2 rooms in a budget hotel. Prices for 3-4 bedroom apartments in Kuala Lumpur start at about 50 EUR/USD a day.
Day 12 – Kuala Lumpur
Visit Aquaria KLCC, one of the world’s top aquariums.
Explore KL Bird Park.
Visit the iconic Batu Caves, one of the top attractions in Kuala Lumpur.
Explore Chinatown. Have dinner there.
Day 13 – Singapore
Take a mid-day train from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore.
Arrive in Downtown Singapore late at night.
Head out for a late (midnight) dinner.
If you are up to it, wander around the area of Marina Bay Sands until early hours in the morning. At night Singapore is so peaceful and beautiful! We highly recommend to go for that walk! And if you aren’t too tired, also head to this elevated point! The view from there is the best!
Day 14 – Singapore
Get a feel (and taste) of India at Little India.
Explore Arab street.
Ride the Singapore Flyer, Asia’s largest observation wheel.
Visit the iconic Gardens by the Bay.
See our other Singapore articles for more ideas. We love Singapore.
Have dinner at Chinatown food street. Watch the evening light shows in front of Marina Bay Sands & in the Gardens by the Bay (this was WOW!). And now your Southeast Asia trip is over.
Take a flight back home in the evening or on the next day.
Traveling Overland from Bangkok to Singapore – Accommodation
We chose to stay in well-rated budget hotels and hostels.
There a double/twin room cost us between 15 – 25 EUR/USD per night. There are many cheaper and also more expensive options. The choice is really wide, with hundreds or even thousands (in Bangkok, KL, Singapore) of hotels, hostels and homestays in each city. That’s the beauty of traveling in Southeast Asia, something that attracts millions – there’s something for every budget.
This is where we stayed:
1. Bangkok, Thailand – Paragon One Residence
Perfect location, great value for money.
Located a short walk away from Khao San Road, near many of the best attractions of Bangkok. A bus stop is 5 minute walk away. We would stay there again.
2. Krabi, Thailand – Ao Nang Miti Resort
A very nice budget hotel a little bit away from the beach.
The city centre is 1 mile (1.6 kilometres) away. But it’s not a problem to get a taxi or public taxi to get to the town or beach. The hotel is near one of the main roads, where you can catch a shared taxi. We would stay there again.
You can also just walk into the town and to the beach.
3. Bed Attitude Hostel Cenang – Langkawi Island, Malaysia
A cool, modern hostel right next to the main beach.
There’s a large common area, and the hostel has a good, youthful vibe.
They have both dorms and simple rooms.
4. Penang, Malaysia – Victoria Inn
It’s a hotel with with hostel dorm room (with dorm beds).
The location is great and the overall value is great too. Both the told town and the ferry terminal are a walking distance away only.
5. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – THE FACE Suites
10-minute walk away from world famous Petronas Towers.
THE FACE Suites is a great 5-star hotel with an amazing infinity pool offering views of the Petronas towers and Menara KL tower. Next to the pool, is a gym and restaurant offering the same as awe-inspiring views.
6. Singapore – CapsulePod@Aljunied
It’s cheap. It’s very comfortable. The location is great.
The place is just a few stops away from the very city center.
Their breakfast is very good for a hostel in Singapore. Bread, peanut butter, chocolate cream, eggs, cornflakes, instant oatmeal drinks, good coffee and tea. Coffee, tea, drinking water, orange juice drink and cookies are available all day long. And it’s served from 6 am until 11 am.
Do you have some more questions about over-landing from Bangkok to Singapore? Or maybe about traveling from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur? You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube.
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