Attraction in Kodiang, Kedah

Bukit Kayu Hitam

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Bukit Kayu Hitam check point

Bukit Kayu Hitam is Kedah's main border town on the Malaysia-Thailand Border. It marks the end of the North-South Expressway and Malaysia Federal Route 1, the longest Malaysian road which runs from Johor Bahru, Johor in the south till the border at Bukit Kayu Hitam pass. The checkpoint and duty free shopping complex is located near the border. Across the border to the north is the town of Ban Dan Nok in the district of Sadao, Songkhla province in Southern Thailand. To its south in Malaysia is the town of Changlun.

Border crossing

The Bukit Kayu Hitam is the main road crossing between Malaysia and Thailand and lies at the northern end of the North-South Expressway. The expressway connects directly to Phetkasem Road (Thailand Route 4). Just 20 Minute from KODIANG, Kedah.
The Bukit Kayu Hitam customs, immigration and quarantine checkpoint lies about 800m south of the actual border. The checkpoint consists of drive-through immigration and customs lanes. The Thai checkpoint is called the Sadao immigration checkpoint and is located immediately after the Malaysian-Thai border in the town of Danok. The checkpoint also handles drive-through immigration and custom facilities, although some of the lanes are converted to handle pedestrian traffic.
Midway between the Malaysia and Thai checkpoint is the duty free shopping complex owned by Quintmas Sdn Bhd [1]. People from Malaysia to pass through the checkpoint to get to the duty free shopping complex without going through immigration formalities. One is however not allowed any duty free items and any items found will be subjected to tax. There is also a golf course located behind the duty free shopping centre.
There is an army post between the duty free shopping complex and actual border where passports and other travel documents may be checked.

Danok

Danok is a Thai border town with Malaysia. 25 Minute From KODIANG , Kedah (Bukit Kayu Hitam is on the Malaysian side). It's convenient to cross here if you're arriving from Hat Yai. Minibuses leave about every 40 minutes between the 2 towns and cost about 50 baht one way. If you're heading to Penang, Malaysia, it makes sense to get a direct minibus from Hat Yai to Penang (about 300 baht), rather than just get to the border, as you may have to wait a while on the Malaysia side to get a bus/minibus - There's nothing much on the Malaysian side, - try to do the crossing into Malaysia during the day if you do decide to break up the journey so you can make sure you get onto a bus. It's about a 700 meter walk between the 2 countries - motorbike taxis offer their services in both directions.
Danok could be called, 'seedy' and if you're arriving to Thailand for the first time, try not to get the impression that this is what the rest of Thailand is like. It's absolutely full of massage parlors and karaoke bars, many attached to the plentiful number of hotels here. Danok isn't big - there are only a few streets - most of these streets are jam-packed with bars and parlors.
You may want to stay the night here, especially if you arrive late (the minibus drivers told me they finish around 8pm for journeys to/from Hat Yai).
I visited 4 hotels and have details below the map:
1) River Grand Palace - Very good security here (which might be a concern in Danok) with video cameras. Rooms were quite nice for 650 baht per night. Air-con, attached bathroom, TV.
Tel: +66 074 557318 / +66 074 557318 / +66 (0)74 557319
Address: 4/3 Moo 7, Soi 4 Thai-Changlone Road.
2) Queen Park Hotel - Rooms for 550 baht / 650 baht / 750 baht per night. The room for 650 baht a night had a nice sofa in it. Air-con, attached bathroom, TV.
Tel: +66 (0)74 301277 / +66 (0)74 301278
Address: 6/99 Kanchanawanich Rd, Soi 6 Thai-Changlone.
3) Marina Inn - OK rooms for 400 baht per night.
Tel: +66 (0)74 434031 / +66 (0)74 434032
Address: 10 Soi 6 Thai-Changlone Road.
4) S.P Palace Hotel - Ok rooms for 420 baht per night.
Tel: +66 (0)74 301051 / +66 (0)74 301052
Address: 88 Moo 7, Soi 4 Thai-Changlone.