It is situated on the border with Songkhla province, Thailand, 35 kilometers northeast of Kangar and about 57 km southwest of Hat Yai.

The town attracts several thousand visitors from Peninsular Malaysia and southern Thailand every weekend and during public holidays.

Tourism, international trading and the logistics sector are the most important profit source to local citizens if compared to agriculture.

Padang Besar is a popular shopping paradise since 1960, this town is frequently visited by citizens from both Malaysia and Thailand for travel and business purpose.

Nowadays, this town still attracts several thousands of visitors from Peninsular Malaysia and Southern Thailand every weekend and during public holidays.