russellsimpson

I've talked to quite a few folks down south who report that Kota Baru is an excellent choice for the visa run, not nearly as hectic as Penang. Never heard of any hassles.

Haven't done that run myself, but if I had to, that's where I would go.

Had the name of a couple of guest houses but not with me. If I find them I'll post.

Good luck.

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aging one

I will always prefer the atmosphere of Penang. Seems much more civilized and British than Kota Baru.

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LeedsLeedsLeeds

KB is a bit of shit-hole really, head off to the Perhentian islands for a couple of days if you have the time.

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Bubba

Kota Bharu.

Last time I did my visa here was 3 years ago and it was like it always was ... 1 day turnaround, no queues, no hassles.

The consulate is within walking distance of the town centre. Walk up the main drag away from the bus station and when you come to the big purple hotel walk up the left hand road that runs adjacent to it.

I changed my money in Sungkhai Kolok, but you might be able to find somwhere better if you have a look araound. Unfortunately the Marina Hotel in SK no longer has the Ukrainian go-go dancers.

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AJ

The highlight in Kota Bharu used to be the night-market with a variety of good food. Unfortunately they built a bank(?) on this spot, so now entertainment there is down to frequenting the malls. Also, it sucks if you want to go for some lunch as most eateries are closed from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for 'prayer'. But plenty of hotels and guesthouses for all budgets, use 'Google'.

Money changers in the Fuji shop etc., close to the bus station. Funnily enough they seem to be all Indian, even though the Indians are a tiny minority in K.B.

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Cyrille

I spent two days in kota bahru, nearly 20 years ago.

Go to Penang.

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reinvented

KB's not bad
there used to be anj agency out of naratiwat that turned you round in a day
you just had to camp out in a chinese restraunt and get pissed

foods not as good as penang though

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Bangkok Phil

Kota Bahru was the destination for my last visa run almost 10 years ago. Man, what a shit-hole it was back then. All activity seemed to center around the only place in town with flourescent lights - a branch of A&W Root Beer. In front of that was the sprawling mess of a night market. The consulate was nice and sleepy though and I remember the hotel being perfectly adequate. Thankfully Johor Bahru were playing Singapore in the Malaysian League on my only evening there so that helped kill a few hours. Had there been no game I'd have been scoffing endless waffles and ice-cream with the rest of them.

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Bubba

Yes ... KB is boring: its only adavantage is that they get the visas done quick, no queues, no hassles.

If you have time go to the islands, or ... check out Hat Yai.

Question to upagumtree ... last tiem I was in Hat Yai, before the southern troubles, the nigtlife there spanked that of bangkok in terms of how wild it was ... what's it like now ?

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kempos

Seems like a perfect place if all you want is to have your visa done quickly and hassle free.

upagumtree

Hatters is not the same since the bombings. Still plenty to do tho, like a mini Bangkok.

Would much prefer Penang but it's not on: the Consulate there are a bunch of tight-arses and won't give me the visa I want. It's gotta be KB.
Thanks all for your help. Will report back.

grasshopper

just spotted this, o fellow Songklite - me I like KB maak maak on the visa run front, done it a few times as I tink you know - on the main drag is the Sabrina Hotel, was 500 baht/night 2-3 years back, ok, tv, ensuite, windows, nice wee rezzie - there's gotta be some posher ones but that one's ok (that's where your old brick phone packed up on me now I think of it)


Thai Consulate - few people, not long in and out, long as you have everything and you're nice to them you're ok

Penang is backpackery - not my cha ron as you also know but activerer on the nightlife front - couple of KB bars you can drink beer


I just like it cuz it's sorta laid back, wouldn't have a problem living there - lovely people

taxi will take you from border at Sungai (other side) about 300 baht, there in less than an hour, straight to consulate door

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upagumtree

Cheers, mate, really helpful. Looking forward to it in a twisted sort of way - no one really likes visa runs so anything that smooths it out has gotta be good.

grasshopper

yeah KB's cool if you like laid back for a day or two

very nice people, most kinds of nosh
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o yeah I think they're open Sun.-Thu. and closed Fri.-Sat. - best check on that (consul I mean)

Vans will go to S.Kolok border from da Hat, as will trains but they get bombed slightly more often than the vans get shot at - not often but slightly - nice ride

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