QUOTE(nujikabane @ Feb 12 2012, 12:54 AM)
I plan to do the same too
And yes, since I have never been on such trip before, are also looking for advice from other forumers.
Btw, a call to the KTM staff mentioned that there is no need to change coach for the trip.
The train will go directly to Hat Yai without needing to change coach.
Actually at Padang Besar border checkpoint, everyone needs to disembark from the train & proceed for immigration/customs control..
The train will be shortened to only few coaches & everyone proceeding to Hatyai will take this train to Hatyai..
From Padang besar to Hatyai, it will be under Thai Authority's jurisdiction so ticket checking will be done by Thai officer (dont worry he can speak Malay)..
From Padang Besar to Hatyai around 45mins & once u arrive Hatyai, you can get a ticket to Bangkok, however i would suggest stopping at Surat Thani for an excursion to Koh Samui if u game..
---
If you really wanna experience a nice train trip, I would suggest Vietnam with the Northern city of Hanoi as starting point..
fly to Hanoi & take the slow train up to the mountainuous Sapa & spend few days there..
then can take a train to Hai Phong (for Halong Bay)
then back to Hanoi & take the Viet Reunification Express Train to imperial city of Hue, then proceed to Da Nang (and Hoi An) before reaching Saigon..
Check out:
http://www.seat61.com/Vietnam.htm for details on Schedule & Fares..
From Saigon, you'll have the option of travelling to Siem Reap (for Angkor) buy bus and/or speedboat.
From Siem Reap, you can take a bus/van to Poipet at Thai border & take a tuktuk to the nearest Thai Train station at Aranyaprathet..
from there u can proceed to Bangkok & southbound to Surat Thani --> Hatyai --> PadangBesar --> KL