Thailand Transport & Getting Around

Transport & Getting Around

Thailand is a large country and if you are planning on doing exploring while you are there, travel options abound. The main international airport is Bangkok, which is Southeast Asia's busiest airport. Thailand's west coast is served by the country’s second largest airport located, on the island of Phuket, and the smaller airport of Krabi, whilst on the east coast there is the Bangkok Airways owned Ko Samui airport, situated on an island about 700 km south of Bangkok in the Gulf of Thailand. Chiang Mai to the north has a busy international airport, whilst the airport in Udon Thani in Thailand’s northeast, serves as a gateway to nearby Laos. Most airports have regular domestic services especially Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, and although expensive by Thai standards, fares can be relatively inexpensive as well as getting you to your destination quickly and in comfort.

There are many airports in Thailand which cater for domestic flights and chances are that there will be an airport either at, or at least close to where you want to go. The national carrier is the well respected Thai Airways which offers regular flights to many destinations and is considered to be the most reliable, but not the cheapest. There are also a number of budget priced airlines including Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai AirAsia, an PB Air. Booking well in advance will usually result in cheaper prices, with the price rising as the flight fills up. In many cases the advertised price of a ticket will not include “hidden” surcharges, and taxes, so it’s always best to check the final cost before purchasing a ticket.

Travelling by train is a good option if you don’t mind taking your time and experiencing more of the Thai way of life. The State Railway of Thailand has a 4000 Km network of tracks covering much of the country, and a fleet of trains with varying speeds and levels of comfort. Tickets can be purchased on a three tier system (1st, 2nd and 3rd class) with prices usually reflecting the level of comfort, facilities and the speed of the train. Sleeper compartments are also available on many trains and routes, and pre-booking is recommended.

Travelling by bus in Thailand can be a bit hit and miss. Levels of comfort and the reliability of the service is often grossly exaggerated by some of the more unscrupulous operators and reports from travellers strongly recommend sticking with the government run BKS bus service, which has reasonable prices and a terminal in most provinces.

Taxis with a meter are plentiful in Bangkok, common in Chiang Mai but rare in other areas. Taxis are one of the best and most reliable ways to get around the city, but unmetered taxis should be avoided where possible. The Tuk-tuk is a small three wheeled vehicle based on a motorbike, and are very common in Bangkok and used (mainly by tourists) as an alternative to taxis or buses). These vehicles are not usually metered and a price should always be negotiated before you enter the vehicle. Tuk-tuk drivers are notoriously pushy and will often put your bags in the vehicle before a price has been agreed.

Cars can be rented in all of the cities and tourist areas, and most of the larger international rental companies are represented in addition to many locally run operations. If the thought of driving in Thailand seems a little traumatic, some rental companies offer a driver for a reasonable fee. Visitors are required to hold an International Drivers License or a Thai license. By sticking to the more reputable rental companies, you may pay a little more, but there should be less likelihood of problems or scams.

Transport scams are rampant in Thailand. Travellers and especially backpackers in Bangkok should beware of the illegal bus services often called “VIP” buses. These vehicles often turn out to be a cramped minivan. Theft of belongings (especially on overnight trips) is becoming common. Shopping and restaurant scams often coincide with a timely “breakdown” with the driver taking commissions from store and restaurant owners while passengers wait for the vehicle to be “repaired” .

Some of the smaller and less reputable vehicle rental companies refuse to refund deposits because of supposed damage to the vehicle. Another scam is have someone follow the car with a spare set of keys and then steal it. Always report any theft by contacting the tourist police (dial 1155). Some visitors manage to rent a vehicle without having a valid license, please take take note that that would invalidate any insurance in the event of an accident.

Many tuk-tuk and taxi drivers are involved in Restaurant, gem and shopping scams and prowl around looking for tourists. Most appear very friendly but persuasive and claim to have a brother, cousin or uncle who owns some kind of shop and will give extra special prices... etc. These places are usually off the beaten track and nowhere near where you wanted to go in the first place. If you feel this is happening to you, be firm but polite and walk away.