Travel Tips: Don't get caught out in the rain, know before you go.

Getting Around Thailand

Once you make it to Thailand getting around in the country is pretty easy. In recent years low budget airlines have made flying around the country easy, generally safe and affordable. But if you have the time or are heading to more remote or areas Thailand also has extensive train and bus networks that are also safe and efficient.

But before you travel take a look at our overviews so that you can pick the mode of transportation best for you.

Air

In the past 5 years budget carriers have made flying around Thailand a lot easier and a lot more affordable. Air Asia has become the leader in budget air travel in Southeast Asia and with 9 destinations in Thailand and numerous destinations in surrounding countries they are often a good place to start to look for cheap fairs. Other budget carriers include Bangkok Air, and Nok Air, which operate at some smaller airports that Air Asia doesn’t fly to. Most flights can be found on budget carriers for under $100 dollars and it’s a great way to save time if you are not in Thailand for a long time.

Train

One of the best ways to get around Thailand is on the extensive rail system. Trains are often the slowest mode of transportation, but are for the most part very safe, offer a chance to see some beautiful countryside and most long distance trains are over night so you can get a bed in a sleeper car and wake up at your destination. A 1st class train ticket, generally around 1,000 baht ($25.00), gets you a a bed in a two bed, air-conditioned compartment.

Bus

The bus is the cheapest way to get around Thailand. Most trips cost around 500 baht or less. It is also the way that most Thai people travel. It is not uncommon for people to work or go to school in Bangkok and then take the bus home for the weekend. The government runs the public bus service out of 3 main stations in Bangkok. The Southern Bus Station “Sai Tai Mai” is where buses generally leave for the beaches and some destinations west of Bangkok. The Eastern Bus Station “Ekamai” is where buses leave for beaches southeast of Bangkok and destinations east of the city. And the Northern Bus Station “Mor Chit” is where buses leave for the north and northeast regions. VIP busses are air-conditioned, comfortable and come with the Thai bus equivalent of an in-flight snack or meal. The only possible irritation may come from the movies that are played which sometimes make sleeping a challenge.

Private Buses are also available from Khao San Rd. These buses are often comfortable but lack the service that public buses have and are often a good deal slower, a 12 hr bus trip to the south on public buses has been known to take over 18 hrs on a private bus.

No matter what bus you are on it is important to keep your valuables in a safe place at all times. While it is not a common experience, especially on private buses people having money or electronics stolen does happen.

Also at Siam