'''Sadao''' (Thai: ?????) is the name of a small town and district in Songkhla Province in Southern Thailand, on the border with Malaysia.

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.

Get in

Visa

For details on visa requirements for Thailand, please see the Thailand | Get in section.

By minibus

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.

By taxi

A taxi to Hat Yai is about 300baht.

By road

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.

From Malaysia

You can drive, walk or catch a regular taxi or motorcycle taxi travel between the Bukit Kayu Hitam checkpoint and Dannok. There is a distance of about 1km between the two checkpoints and walking in the heat can be a little uncomfortable. In between the two checkpoints is the huge Duty Free shopping complex, located in Malaysian territory. See the Bukit Kayu Hitam page for connections from or to Malaysian cities.

Get around

Motorcycle taxis are plentiful and charge RM2 or 20 Bahts in Danok.

See

Danok has nothing much to see or do in the day time! More of a night life town!

Do

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.

Buy

  • The shops in Dannok are interesting enough to look around and many Malaysians come here to stock up with things from mangoes to bras. The variety is certainly more interesting than in Malaysia and prices are much cheaper.
  • Many also shop at the Duty Free Shopping Complex which is actually located in Malaysian territory between the Thai and Malaysian immigration checkpoints. See the Bukit Kayu Hitam for details.
  • Eat

    Danok has 2 nice restaurants both with man made lakes. One has a fishing pond and the other has a beautiful view! Ask the hotels or motorcycle taxis for location as it is out of the main town area but the meal at the lake view restaurant is worth the travel!

    Drink

    This small town is a heaven in terms of drinking places, from pubs, clubs & even a Disco called Paragon. Turn into any lane and inroad & you're bound to find a place to get a drink! Be careful though as this town is virtually a cowboy town with very little presence of police, therefore try to stay out of trouble!

    Sleep

  • '''Oscar hotel''', main street of Danok, about 200 metres away from Malaysia-Thai custom border. Walk in rate is RM90 (Nov 2007). Very strategic location in Danok.
  • Get out