Road trip to Penang

[dennisinkamala]

Has anyone driven from Phuket to Penang and if so, is it a practical thing to do with regard to road conditions etc.
I reckoned it to be just over 200 miles so a 4-5 hour trip.

How close is that guestimate?

[landofsmiles]

More than that on my map. It's around 250miles just to get to the border at Sadao.

[LivinLOS]

Much more than 4 - 5 hours.. Roads are OK to Hat Yai, get a bit ropey at the border and then smooth sailing once onto the superb Malaysian motorway system..

Dont forget car must be in your name (or have lots of paperwork) and you need Malaysian rd insurance.

[Soupdragon]

Originally Posted by LivinLOS

Much more than 4 - 5 hours.. Roads are OK to Hat Yai, get a bit ropey at the border and then smooth sailing once onto the superb Malaysian motorway system..

Dont forget car must be in your name (or have lots of paperwork) and you need Malaysian rd insurance.

Can be 12hr + to drive, no fun. Firefly Airline fly direct HKT to Penang. Fares vary but around the 3000 Baht mark return. Firefly - Malaysia's first community airline. I used them and no dramas.

[dennisinkamala]

Thanks guys, fireflyz it is!! Bloody maps show it to be a 230 mile trip!!
Guess Ill get a new one.
Hadnt realized the Malaysian road insurance aspect either.

[Nautilus]

Better fly. Penang roads are really confusing.