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Getting Around By Air
Thai Airways International (TG) (website: www.thaiairways.com) runs services to all major towns, using a total of 15 airports including Phuket and Chiang Mai. Bangkok Airways (PG) (website: www.bangkokair.com) flies several additional routes including Ko Samui. Discounts are available during off-peak seasons and during special promotional periods. One-Two-Go Airlines (website: www.fly12go.com) and Nok Air (website: www.nokair.co.th) offer domestic flights.
Getting Around by Water
Thailand has, depending on the season, up to 1,600km (1,000 miles) of navigable inland waterway. Services operate along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok between Rajburana and Pakkred by taxi-boat ferries operated by the Chao Phraya Express Boat (tel: (02) 623 6143; website: www.chaophrayaboat.co.th). In addition, long-tailed motorboats ply the river.
Ferry services operate between the mainland and several islands including Surat Thani to Ko Samui, Phuket to Phi Phi, Pattaya to Ko Samet and Trat to Ko Chang, and can be booked in person at the dock. Strong competition on all of the major routes ensures that fares are kept low. Reduced services operate during the monsoon season from May through to October along the east coast and Andaman coast, and from November until January on the Gulf coast. The more remote spots become inaccessible in these periods. Getting Around by Rail
The excellent railway network extends over 4,600km (2,860 miles), linking all major towns with the exception of Phuket. It is run by State Railways of Thailand (tel: (02) 222 0175; website: www.railway.co.th). There are four main routes to the northern, eastern, southern and northeastern regions, and also a line serving Thon Buri, River Kwai Bridge and Nam Tok.
There are several daily services on each route, with air-conditioned sleeping and restaurant cars on the principal trains. The journeys are leisurely and comfortable, and travelling by train is certainly one of the best ways to get around the country. The Southern Line Express stops at Surat Thani for those who wish to continue by bus and ferry to the islands off the east coast. Most railway timetables are published in English. Rail Passes
Thailand Rail Pass: available for 20 days travel in second or third class.
Getting Around by Road
There is a reasonable road network comprising many highways, which are designated by numbers, and 52,000km (32,300 miles) of national and provincial roads. All major roads are paved. Traffic drives on the left.
Coach: There are inter-urban routes to all provinces. Fares are very cheap and buses very crowded. Privately owned air-conditioned buses (seats bookable) are comfortable and moderately priced. Coaches can be booked in person at the bus stations. Car hire: Available in all main towns and cities from both international and local companies. Regulations: The minimum age for driving in Thailand is 21 years and the wearing of seat belts is compulsory. The speed limit is 60kph (35mph) in towns and cities and 90 to 100kph (52 to 60mph) on expressways and country roads. Documentation: A national licence and International Driving Permit (IDP) are required. IDPs are valid for three months, after which a Thai driving licence is required. Getting Around Towns and Cities
Conventional bus services in Bangkok are operated by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, but there are also extensive private minibus operations. Premium fares are charged for air-conditioned (cream and blue buses) and express buses. The ordinary buses are cream and red or white and blue and charge a flat rate regardless of distance travelled. Fares are generally low and are collected by conductors.
In Bangkok, taxis displaying the TAXI-METER sign are metered. Samlors or tuk-tuks are three-wheeled taxis without a meter; the fare must be negotiated before the journey commences. These are cheaper than taxis but are only suitable for short distances. There are express, rapid and ordinary motorboat services operated by the Chao Phraya Express Boat on the Chao Phraya River between Nonthaburi pier to the north of Bangkok to Rajburana pier in southern Bangkok. The express boats, marked with yellow, blue or green and yellow flags, are more expensive than the rapid orange-flag-flying boats. The ordinary flagless boats are the cheapest. The Skytrain (BTS), an elevated mass transit system in Bangkok, runs from 0600-2400. The Metro runs from Hualamphong to Bang Sue. Trains leave every five to nine minutes between 0600 and 2400. Chiang Mai public transport was limited to red minibuses (songtaews), tuk-tuks, rickshaws and taxis with meters but now there is a limited bus service in operation. Journey Times
The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Bangkok to other major cities/destinations in Thailand.
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