The actual border is located at '''Dannok''' town 10km south of Sadao town and about 60km from Hat Yai. Thai immigration formalities (which is officially called the Sadao Immigration Checkpoint) used to be conducted at Sadao town but has since moved to Dannok just before the border gate into Malaysia. The town on the Malaysian side is Bukit Kayu Hitam.
This road crossing is the busiest between Thailand and Malaysia as both Thailand's National Highway 4 which runs all the way to Bangkok via Hat Yai and Malaysia's North-South Expressway which spans the length of the peninsular to Johor Bahru via Kuala Lumpur start from this crossing. Most long distance buses between Malaysia and Thailand use this crossing.
Sadao town is the capital of Sadao district. It is basically a junction town where people heading to Padang Besar turn off National Highway 4.
Dannok, which used to be just a few shops clinging on to both sides of the highway just before the border gate, has grown tremendously over the last few years, mostly fed by people crossing the border in search of sleaze and shopping. On both sides of the highway many little lanes lined with karaoke bars and nightclubs, with scantily-dressed bargirls sitting outside.
For details on visa requirements for Thailand, please see the Thailand | Get in section.
In Dannok, vans leave from in front of 7-Eleven to Hat Yai via Sadao town when full. Takes one hour and you can ask to be dropped off anywhere in Hat Yai. The fare is 50 baht, after 11pm you probably won't get a ride for less than 100 baht. In Hat Yai, the van leaves from The Plaza, just across from the TOT offices.
A taxi to Hat Yai is about 300baht.
Sadao and Dannok are on National Highway 4. Dannok is about 60km or one hour south of Hat Yai. You can drive right up to the immigration checkpoint.
Motorcycle taxis are plentiful and charge RM2 or 20 Bahts in Danok.
A growing nightlife is developing due to Malaysian border crossers looking for a good time. There are lots of hostess and go-go bars to be found.