Transports in Thailand
One of the things that makes Thailand so popular with tourists is its accessibility. Once you are in the country, it is relatively affordable and simple to get around, whether you wish to travel long distances between cities or just explore the area you live in. Almost every mode of transport is available, from trains, planes, boats, and taxis to more unique means of songthaews, motorbikes, and tuk-tuks.
Boats in Thailand
The easiest way to reach the surrounding islands when you are in the south of Thailand is by boat. These depart frequently and come in various shapes and sizes. Speedboats, ferries, and even longtail boats are available, and many operate day and night. A journey can easily be booked by a travel agency or boat operator. Price, duration, and overall comfort vary depending on the boat, so it will just be a question of your priorities.
Trains in Thailand
National trains are a great way to cover long stretches of the country in relative comfort, although they do tend to be quite slow and do not always arrive or depart on time. Comfort varies depending on the price and class, and you can travel overnight on a sleeper train to save on accommodation as well as money and wake up refreshed in a different city.
The BTS Sky train offers a modern, fast, and reliable connection across the main parts of the capital. There are two lines: the Silom line and the Sukhumvit line, and you can buy your ticket with coins at the machines. If you don't have coins, there is always a counter where you can exchange your notes. You can also connect at Phaya Thai to a line that goes to Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
MRT Trains, also known as ród-fai-dtâi-din, is Bangkok's underground metro system. Tokens or chips are used and can be bought in their automated machines and ticket counters. MRT Trains run every five minutes in peak times (07:00 - 09:00, 16:00 - 19:00) and every seven minutes at other times.
Airplanes in Thailand
Traveling by plane can be very efficient and affordable, especially if you fly on a low-cost airline, such as AirAsia or NokAir. If you want to experience a high-end service, then you may opt to fly with Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways. Most of the main cities in Thailand have their own regional airport, so you can travel quickly to places across the country and avoid long road or rail journeys.
VIP buses in Thailand
You can travel almost everywhere in Thailand by bus or minivan. Rates are quite cheap, and the comfort level varies, but most buses and minivans are in good condition and have air conditioning. A VIP bus offers more comfortable and spacious seats, as well as water or a blanket if you are traveling overnight. You can buy tickets at bus terminals or from travel agencies.
Taxis in Thailand
Alternatively, taxis are a convenient option if you are traveling alone or in a small group for a short distance. They will take you directly from A to B but will obviously cost more for this luxury. If possible, ask them to turn on the meter or negotiate a fixed price beforehand to spare yourself from any disagreements.
Songtaews in Thailand
A songtaew is a passenger vehicle that is available in less busy places like Chiang Mai. It looks like an adapted pick-up truck and is used as a sort of collective taxi or open bus. You can flag one down, then climb in the back and sit on benches that line the sides before alighting at your chosen destination.
Tuktuks in Thailand
A tuk-tuk is a unique means of transport in the region. It is a three-wheeled vehicle that is essentially a motorized rickshaw. Depending on the driver, these can be a quick way to whizz around a city, although they have become somewhat of a tourist attraction, so prices can be high.
Motorbikes in Thailand
Motorbikes are also notorious for their ability to weave through traffic. In Bangkok, there are usually many parked around BTS stations that will take you to destinations that aren't connected by sky train. These tend to be much cheaper for short trips than tuk-tuks.
The downside to any means of road transport is traffic, and congestion can be intense in Bangkok. Be prepared to sit in traffic for a long time during rush hour and to pay accordingly if taking a taxi. If possible, it is best to avoid taking any road transport in Bangkok during peak periods and to rather take the BTS instead, or if it is quite near, then take a motorbike.
Useful links:
