KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian man has opted for an unconventional travel route to China that ended up costing him less than RM600.
In a Facebook post, Muhammad Syauqi shared how he travelled to China from Arau, Perlis crossing borders of different countries before reaching Kunming, China via railway.
Here is a breakdown of his route:
* Arau to Padang Besar (15 minutes with commuter): RM3.20
* Padang Besar to Hatyai (one-hour train journey): RM8
* Hatyai to Bangkok (16-hour 3rd class train journey): RM45
* Bangkok to Nong Khai (10-hour sleeper train journey): RM 124
* Nong Khai to Thanaleng (15-minute train): RM3
* Thanaleng to Vientiane (minivan) : RM50
* Vientiane to Luang Prabang (two-hour train ride): RM76
* Luang Prabang to Boten (two-hour 30 minutes train ride): RM38
* Boten to China Immigration (minivan): RM11
* China Immigration to Mohan (bus ride): RM3
* Mohan to Kunming (six-hour train ride): RM175
Syauqi's trip ended up costing him just RM536, despite taking a longer time than traveling by flight.
He said all tickets were bought physically at the respective train stations, with the exception of one ticket.
"The ticket from Bangkok to Nong Khai was bought online via the State Railways Thailand website.
"The tickets were also paid for in Baht (Thailand), Lao Kip (Laos), and Renminbi (China). But I converted it to ringgit for the convenience of the readers," he said.
Syauqi said those interested in adventure should consider taking the land route to China.
"I'm not the first person to travel by train to China. Many others have done it before. I'm just sharing my experience for anyone who may be inspired to explore using the same route," he said.