MY · Kedah · 6.10°N 100.30°E

kuala kedah

Old riverside fort, then laksa Kuala Kedah where the river meets the sea.

Best time
Any time of year. Late afternoon is pleasant by the river mouth once the heat drops.
How long
Half a day
Getting there
About 20 minutes' drive from Alor Setar, or about 5 hours from KL on the North–South Expressway. Ferries from here to Kuah in Langkawi take about 1 hour 45 minutes.
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MY · Kedahkuala kedah6.10°N 100.30°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Old riverside fort, then laksa Kuala Kedah where the river meets the sea.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingKuala KedahMY, Kedah
KLkuala kedah
≈ 363 km from KL, as the crow flies
The Kacapuri Gate, Kota Kuala Kedah

Photo: The Bangsawan · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

A fishing town at the mouth of the Kedah River, known for its old fort, its laksa and its ferries to Langkawi. It's a short hop from Alor Setar and an easy half day if you're passing through.

Makan

  1. Laksa Kuala KedahThe tangy fish-broth laksa named after the town. Stalls all over town serve it.Map ↗
  2. SeafoodFresh fish and prawns straight off the boats, grilled or cooked Kedah style.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Kota Kuala KedahThe old fort guarding the river mouth, with thick walls and cannons facing the sea.Map ↗
  2. The fishing jettyWatch the boats come in along the river, where the town's catch is landed.Map ↗
  3. Langkawi ferryFerries leave from here for Langkawi, so many people pair a morning in town with the crossing.Map ↗

Good to know

  • If you're taking the ferry to Langkawi, there are paid car parks near the jetty where you can leave your car.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.