Kickstart a fun adventure: A three-day cross-border adventure from Thailand to Malaysia

The Nissan Kicks e-POWER takes on 650 kilometers of fun, freedom, and adventure—all on a single tank of fuel

The beauty of a road trip lies in the journey itself, making unexpected detours, discovering new places, and moving at a pace that feels right. While air travel gets there faster, a road trip offers something richer: the chance to pause for local flavors, take in the scenery, and be present in every moment.

One such adventure awaits on a cross-border drive from Southern Thailand to Malaysia. Covering over 650 kilometers, this three-day journey has something for everyone—whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, culture enthusiast, or simply seeking the thrill of the open road. And with a travel companion like the Nissan Kicks e-POWER, the drive becomes even more rewarding, combining smooth performance, exceptional comfort and impressive fuel efficiency with moments that turn into unforgettable memories.

Day 1: Hat Yai to Betong – 260 km drive

Songkhla Old Town: A nostalgic start

The journey begins in Hat Yai, the vibrant commercial hub of southern Thailand. While its bustling markets and lively streets provide an energetic kickoff, a short one-hour drive leads to the charming Songkhla Old Town—where time slows down, and nostalgia takes over.

At the heart of the old town is Nang Ngam Road, a historic street lined with Chinese-style wooden shophouses, Sino-Portuguese buildings, and Hokkien tenement structures, each showcasing intricate stucco details and elegant columns. Lantern-lit alleyways and funky street murals add to its charm, making it a picturesque first stop of this three-day adventure. A leisurely stroll here calls for a cup of bold local kopi (black coffee) alongside Hat Yai’s famous crispy fried chicken. Street stalls come alive with the aroma of freshly baked Chinese buns, and the rich flavors of local favorites like Hokkien Mee—a stir-fried noodle dish in a fragrant broth—and the famous “jar ice cream” topped with egg yolk. From roadside vendors to family-run eateries, every dish tells a story of Songkhla’s multicultural influences.

For a detour, the Central Mosque of Songkhla—often dubbed “Thailand’s Taj Mahal”—impresses with its grand white facade, golden dome, and towering minarets. Its symmetrical design and expansive reflecting pool create a striking visual landmark, making it another fascinating stop.

Tok Ku Chae: A scenic gateway to Betong

Leaving Songkhla behind, the route veers inland towards Betong via Pattani province, passing rubber plantations, villages, and patches of dense greenery. A noteworthy stop along the way is Tok Ku Chae Bridge, which offers panoramic views of the Hala-Bala Lake. The expanse reservoir, framed by rolling hills and dense rainforest, creates a striking contrast against the surrounding highlands. More than just a scenic stop, the Tok Ku Chae Bridge is a vital link connecting the center of Yala to Betong, guiding travelers deeper into Thailand’s southernmost region.

As the journey nears Betong, the final 30 kilometers brings winding S-curves and steep inclines, making it the perfect test for the Nissan Kicks e-POWER. Its 100% electric motor drive delivers smooth, powerful acceleration, delivering an EV-like experience with no external charging required. When switched to EV mode, the car runs purely on battery power, offering a quiet, relaxed drive—ideal for town roads and scenic routes.

The misty charms of Betong

When the famous “OK Betong” sign comes into view, you know you have arrived at Thailand’s southernmost town. Visitors are welcomed by a well-organized city layout and iconic landmarks, including the central clock tower and the world’s largest mailbox, a towering red structure that has become a symbol of the town. Nestled in the misty mountains near the Malaysia border, Betong is a cultural crossroads shaped by Thai, Malay, and Chinese influences. Its name is derived from the Malay word Betung, meaning “bamboo”, a nod to the dense bamboo forests that once covered the area.

The journey continues through the Betong Mongkhonrit Tunnel, Thailand’s first road tunnel, officially opened to the public in 2001. Spanning 268 meters, the curved tunnel provides a more direct and efficient route between the town center and its southeastern area. As evening sets in, Betong’s lively night markets offer a vibrant culinary scene where visitors can enjoy a mix of Southern Thai Muslim cuisine and traditional Chinese flavors. Among the must-try dishes is Betong chicken, a local breed prized for its tenderness and distinct flavor.

Day 2: Betong to Ipoh – 190 km drive

Crossing into Malaysia

The next morning, after a hearty local breakfast and a strong cup of kopi, the road continues toward the Betong Border Checkpoint, located just 8 kilometers from town. Once across, travelers enter the Malaysian state of Perak, greeted by lush forests and winding mountain roads, setting the stage for a scenic drive ahead.

Weaving through hilly terrain and S-curves, Nissan Kicks e-POWER’s e-Pedal Step enables smoother acceleration and deceleration using just one pedal. This reduces the need for constant braking and helps minimize fatigue during long drives, delivering a more fun and sporty driving experience. The e-Pedal step also enhances regenerative braking, capturing energy generated during deceleration and converting it into electricity to recharge the battery.

Tasik Raban: A lakeside retreat

Located 112 kilometers from the border, Dataran Tasik Raban is a serene lakeside retreat in Perak and part of Lenggong Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds evidence of human habitation dating back nearly two million years. At the lake, locals can be seen kayaking and fishing, while visitors can take a moment to stretch, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before continuing toward Ipoh.

Ipoh: A city of colonial charm

The journey continues for about an hour toward the center of Ipoh, Malaysia’s fourth-largest city, where rural landscapes gradually give way to modern highways. Along the route, towering limestone karsts emerge from the landscape, their sheet cliffs a striking reminder of the region’s geological history.

When the journey nears Ipoh, the road transitions to trunk roads and open highways, where traffic begins to build. With Nissan Safety Shield 360, drivers can stay confident and protected even at higher speeds. Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (IFCW) detects vehicle up to two cars ahead and alerts the driver to potential risks. Working seamlessly together, Intelligent Emergency Braking (IEB) automatically applies the brakes if a collision is imminent, offering peace of mind and an extra layer of safety on the road.

As you arrive in Ipoh Old Town, the drive gives way to a more leisurely pace best enjoyed on foot. The Old Town stretches along the Kinta River, inviting exploration at a slower rhythm to fully appreciate its blend of colonial charm with vibrant café culture. Heritage cafés, boutique hotels, and historic architecture tell the story of its tin-mining past. A stroll through the famous Concubine Lane reveals colonial-era shophouses and hidden alleyways painted with colorful murals. It’s also a perfect spot to pick up unique souvenirs and handcrafted goods. But no visit to Ipoh is complete without sampling its signature white coffee, a rich aromatic brew made from coffee beans roasted in margarine and served with condensed milk.

When evening descends, Ipoh’s culinary scene comes to life, filling the air with the enticing aroma of wok-fried noodles and fragrant broths. Among the must-try dishes are Bean Sprout Chicken, tender poached chicken served with crunchy bean sprouts and soy sauce, and Lala Pot, a dish featuring fresh clams simmered in ginger, chili peppers, and a flavorful broth.

With Ipoh’s narrow streets and tight alleyways, the Nissan Kicks e-POWER’s Intelligent Around View Monitor (IAVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD)—part of the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite—provide a 360-degree view, making parking and low-speed maneuvers effortless, even in the most confined spaces.

Day 3: Ipoh to Kuala Lumpur – 200 km drive

The road to the capital

The final leg of the journey covers 200 km along the North-South Expressway, a smooth two-and-a-half hour drive southward. As Kuala Lumpur draws near, traffic grows denser and the city’s skyline begins to take shape. The unmistakable twin spires of the Petronas Twin Towers—once the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004—come into view.

A taste of KL

No visit to Kuala Lumpur is complete without indulging in its diverse food culture. From nasi lemak—Malaysia’s national dish of fragrant coconut rice, spicy sambal, and crispy anchovies—to kaya toast, toasted bread with coconut jam best enjoyed with a frothy teh tarik (pulled milk tea), every meal is a culinary adventure.

A visit to Chinatown’s Petaling Street offers a taste of KL’s multicultural character, where Hindu temples, Buddhist shrines, and bustling markets coexist in one lively enclave. Here, visitors can sip on air mata kucing, a refreshing longan herbal drink, while browsing for souvenirs. Just a short walk away, Central Market (Pasar Seni)—a striking 1930s Art Deco building—serves as a hub for Malaysian arts, crafts, and culture, making it a great stop for unique local finds.

For food lovers, KL’s vibrant dining scene offers an endless array of flavors. Char Kway Teow, smoky stir-fried noodles with prawns and egg, is a must-try, while late-night eateries and hawker stalls serve everything from spicy laksa and sizzling satay to fragrant nasi goreng.

The journey ends, but the fun lives on

On this final stretch, the Nissan Kicks e-POWER continues to deliver a fun and fuel-efficient drive, completing the 650-km journey on a single tank. Inside, the ergonomic cabin and premium interior ensure long-distance comfort, while NissanConnect provides seamless access to navigation, music, and hands-free communication—making the last miles of this adventure as smooth as the first.

As the trip comes to a close, the thrill of this cross-border drive lingers, leaving behind unforgettable moments powered by innovation at every turn. And with the Nissan Kicks e-POWER, the fun of driving never ends—wherever the road leads next.