Global · Malaysia

Penang Travel Guide

Flights, places to stay, and the best things to do in Penang for travelers flying from Vietnam.

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Penang Travel Guide
Currency
Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
Language
Malay, English, Hokkien, Mandarin, Tamil
Timezone
UTC+8 (1 hour ahead of Vietnam)
Flight Time
2 hours from Ho Chi Minh City

Overview

Penang, the 'Pearl of the Orient' on Malaysia's northwest coast, is Southeast Asia's undisputed street food capital and a UNESCO World Heritage treasure. George Town's historic center is celebrated for whimsical street art murals, ornate Chinese clan jetties, British colonial monuments, and hawker stalls serving legendary char kway teow and assam laksa.

Where to stay

Budget$15–35/night

George Town Core

UNESCO heritage core lined with restored pre-war shophouses, famous street art, Clan Jetties, and vibrant hawker food stalls.

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Mid-range$40–80/night

Gurney Drive

Modern coastal promenade featuring seaside high-rise hotels, upscale shopping centers, and the famous Gurney Drive food hub.

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Luxury$80–250/night

Batu Ferringhi

Northern beach resort strip featuring 5-star oceanfront hotels, water sports centers, and an active evening night market.

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Things to do

George Town Street Art Hunt

Follow the trail of Ernest Zacharevic's interactive murals and iron-rod caricatures depicting everyday local life.

Kek Lok Si Temple & Penang Hill

Visit Malaysia's largest Buddhist temple complex with its monumental bronze Guanyin statue, then ride the funicular railway up Penang Hill.

Hawker Food Trail

Feast on Penang culinary masterworks: Char Kway Teow with duck egg, Penang Assam Laksa, Hokkien Prawn Mee, and Cendol on Lebuh Keng Kwee.

Best time to visit

November – February

Cooler, pleasant tropical dry season with minimal rainfall, ideal for street art walking and heritage photography.

December – January

Festive holiday celebrations with dazzling Christmas and Chinese New Year lights illuminating Kek Lok Si Temple.

Travel tips

  • 1

    Rent a bicycle or use the free CAT shuttle bus to easily explore the narrow lanes of George Town's UNESCO zone.

  • 2

    Download Grab for fast and affordable rides between George Town, Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si, and Batu Ferringhi beach.

  • 3

    Join the queue at Famous TeoChew Chendul on Lebuh Keng Kwee for a refreshing bowl of shaved ice, coconut milk, and palm sugar.

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