Travelling is not just about finding the right time but also making sure you have the budget planned to avoid any financial disappointment when you’re at the destination.
A Malaysian man, Muhammad Syauqi recently shared how he travelled from the country to China using the train, and it cost him less than RM600, according to his viral Facebook post.
Syauqi started his journey from Arau, Perlis, and he had a lot of stops in between before his final destination – Kunming, China. So, here’s the breakdown of Syauqi’s journey and stops, and let’s just say, that the man experienced and saw a lot during his entire journey.
- Arau-Padang Besar (15 minutes with commuter): RM3.20
- Padang Besar-Hatyai (1-hour train journey) : RM8
- Hatyai-Bangkok (16-hour 3rd class train journey): RM45
- Bangkok-Nong Khai (10-hour sleeper train journey): RM 124
- Nong Khai-Thanaleng (15-minute train) : RM3
- Thanaleng-Vientiane (Minivan) : RM50
- Vientiane-Luang Prabang (2-hour train ride): RM76
- Luang Prabang-Boten (2-hour 30 minutes train ride): RM38
- Boten-Immigration (Minivan): RM11
- Immigration-Mohan (Bus): RM3
- Mohan-Kunming (6-hour train ride): RM175
If you do the simple math, Syaufiq’s transportation cost him only RM536! Considering that you’re travelling from Malaysia to China, that price is reasonably low, despite taking a longer time than usual.
According to Syauqi, all tickets were bought physically at the respective train stations.
“The ticket from Bangkok to Nongkhai was bought online. The prices were also paid in respective currencies but I converted the amount to MYR for the convenience of the readers.”
Of course, if you prefer hassle-free and quicker travel, a straight to China will solve all your problems. But if you’re feeling adventurous and want to witness the majestic stops in between, going to China by train is one good way to start.
“I’m not the 1st one to do this. A lot of people had done this before me,” Syauqi said.
Syauqi also said he was moved to share his experience and who knew, avid travellers might be inspired to try this out. You can view his full album here.
To those who are looking to travel to China, what do you think of having multiple stops in between?
Also read: Taiwanese Tourist Gets Lost in Penang, Kind M’sian Couple Take the Bus With Her & Pay Her Fares
