Plan your trip

Tourists from 93 countries and territories can now enter Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days. You can check your eligibility and apply online here.

All foreign visitors are required to register for the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours prior to arrival. This digital system replaces the paper TM6 form to ensure a faster and more seamless entry process. Register here .

For those traveling via Malaysia, the Betong Immigration Checkpoint is open daily:

• Operating Hours: 05:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Thai Time)
• Important Note: Malaysia is 1 hour ahead of Thailand. Please plan your travel accordingly to arrive before the gate closes.

For entry via Malaysia

All foreign travelers (including Thai citizens) are required to register for the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within 3 days prior to arrival. Register here.

Thailand offers several international gateways within a comfortable traveling distance to the event:

• Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK): The primary international hub in Bangkok, serving over 50 international airlines.

• Don Mueang International Airport (DMK): The main hub for low-cost carriers traveling from across Asia.

• Phuket International Airport (HKT): A major international gateway in Southern Thailand. It offers direct flights from many global cities and convenient connections to Penang (PEN) or Hat Yai (HDY) for your journey to Betong.

• Penang International Airport (PEN), Malaysia: The most convenient and closest international airport to Betong, located only 120 km away.
  Tip: Consider flights via Phuket-Penang, Singapore-Penang, or Kuala Lumpur-Penang for the shortest transit.

• Hat Yai International Airport (HDY): A major domestic and regional hub with frequent daily flights from Bangkok.

1. By Plane & Connection (Recommended)

• Via Penang (PEN): The fastest international route (approx. 2.5–3 hours drive to Betong).

  • Important: All travelers must register for the MDAC (3 days before entering Malaysia) and the TDAC (72 hours before entering Thailand).
  • Shuttle: Official "Run Explore" shuttle services are available from Penang. Via Hat Yai (HDY): Flight time from Bangkok is approx. 1 hour 30 mins. From the airport, you can take a taxi or public van to Betong (approx. 5 hours). Shuttle: Official "Run Explore" shuttle services are available from Penang.

• Via Narathiwat (NAW): Served by AirAsia. Note that there is limited public transport from this airport to Betong; private car rental or pre-booked transfers are highly recommended.

2. By Train

A scenic and sustainable way to travel. While there is no direct station in Betong, you can connect via:

• Yala Station: The closest station to Betong (approx. 2.5 hours drive).
• Hat Yai Station: The most frequent stop with numerous connecting van services (approx. 5 hours drive).
• Booking: Tickets can be reserved at https://dticket.railway.co.th/

3. By Bus

Direct premium bus services operate from Bangkok to Betong (approx. 17–18 hours). Official providers include:

• Piya Rungruang Tour
• Siam Dern Rot
• Sri Siam Tour

4. By Car

Driving from Bangkok to Betong takes approximately 17 hours (1,200 km).

• Cross-border Driving: If driving from Malaysia, you must carry original vehicle ownership documents and valid insurance.

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Important Travel Notes

• Border Operating Hours: The Betong Immigration Checkpoint is open daily from 05:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Thai Time).
• Time Difference: Remember that Malaysia is 1 hour ahead of Thailand.
• Entry Requirements: Check your Visa Exemption status (up to 60 days for 93 countries) and ensure your TDAC registration is complete before arrival.

It is around 670 kilometers or 4:30 hrs. driving from Hat Yai International Airport (HDY) to Betong Monkollit Tunnel, event venue (GPS 5.770397, 101.071563)

At HDY the airport, there are several vehicle rental services, local and international brands. Well known providers include :

• Hertz

• Budget

• Sixth

• Chic Car Rent

The maps and information supplied offer essential details for navigating the race routes.

• Access Map

• Aid Stations Information