Since 1960s, Padang Besar has been a popular shopping paradise for both Malaysian and Thailand visitors. Padang Besar offers many types of products such as textiles, shoes, clothes, food, ironware and many more. The opening hours for this market is from 9am to 6pm.

Padang Besar is the only direct rail link between Malaysia and Thailand and it has road crossing between the two countries. Apart from shopping, there are other activities in Perlis that draws the crowd from abroad and within the country. There are nearby attractions like Gua Kelam (limestone cave), Chuping (largest sugar cane land), Perlis State Park and Timah-Tasoh Lake.

How to Get There

By Plane

The nearest airport to reach Padang Besar Market is in Alor Setar and you can continue journey to the market for another an hour and 30 minutes by using North-South highway.

By Car

From Kuala Lumpur city centre, it takes about 8 hours by using the North south Expressway and exit at Jitra followed by Kodiang and Kangar to Padang Besar market.

Tourist Attractions

Kota Kayang Museum

Kota Kayang Museum is located around Kayang Hill at Kuala Perlis. Spread over 4.84 hectare of land, this museum is belonged to Syed Salim, a gift from Raja Syed Alwi. At the end of 19th century, Syed Salim built his residence and stayed with his family until it was sold to the state government. After that, the building becomes the official residence of British Advisors until 1945 and followed by becoming the official residence to Chief Minister after independence. In 1991, the building was demolished and rebuilt and converted into a museum. This museum comprised of Islamic artifact, Perlis/Kedah craft and item belonging to the royal family. The main galleries are the general gallery which chronologizes the building of Fort Kayang. An archaeological gallery exhibits the Kota Kayang research results as well as other parts of Perlis whereas Kedah/Perlis gallery display the royal family tree, golden flower replica and colonialism collections. The admission is free of charge and visitors can come from 9am to 5pm daily except on Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji.

Thale Ban National Park

Thale Ban National Park is a huge lake lies in Ban Wang Prachan, Tambon Wang Prachan, around 40 kilometers from the town of Satun. It refers to a subsiding sea or a sea which is a result of the subsidence of earth between Khao (Mount) Chin and Khao (Mount) Mot Daeng It was officially declared as a national park on October 27, 1980 and covers over 49,000 acres includes the Kupang Pulot and Hua Kraming National Forest Reserves and the Pa Khuan Bo Nam Puyu Forest Area. This national park acts as a home to around 300 bird species, including eight types of hornbills, Malayan tapirs, wild boars, gibbons, civet cats and the rare glandular frog. Besides that, visitors also can have a chance to encounter a monitor lizard and hand-size centipede near tiny Panee Waterfall. There are preserved fatal poisonous snakes displayed in the visitor centre as well. Other than that, a symbol of Thale Ban which is a toad can be found here alongside various freshwater fish and shellfish. The park also provides lakeside pavilions as well as a wooden path around the lake for visitor. This national park open from 8am to 6pm and admission fee is 200 baht per adult and 100 baht per child.

Hotels

Tasoh Lake Resort and Retreat

Tasoh Lake Resort & Retreat is one of popular accommodation for business and leisure travellers to enjoy a relaxing time with family and friends. Featuring complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the resort, guests of the hotel can also have access to free car park, restaurant, coffee shop and services include laundry and housekeeping. The hotel features 41 beautifully appointed guest rooms fitted with air conditioning, desk, mini bar, television and additional features for specific rooms.

Satit Padang Hotel

Guests can also opt for Satit Padang Hotel when visiting Padang Besar Market to rest and overnight. This hotel is located in Sadao and around 25 minutes from Perlis State Park. This hotel features 52 rooms furnished with free Wi-Fi, television, desks, and free toiletries. For comfort and convenience of guests, there are facilities and services offered such as dry cleaning, laundry, a 24-hour front desk and free parking are available at this hotel.