Getting Around Thailand

Domestic Flights

Flying is the fastest and often cheapest way to cover long distances in Thailand. Budget airlines have made domestic flights incredibly affordable — Bangkok to Chiang Mai can cost as little as ฿800 (US$24) if booked in advance.

Airlines

AirAsia — Thailand's largest low-cost carrier, based at Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Flies to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai, Udon Thani, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and more. Cheapest fares but no frills — pay extra for luggage, food, and seat selection. Book at airasia.com.

Nok Air — another low-cost carrier at Don Mueang. Similar routes and prices to AirAsia. Colorful bird-painted planes. Offers "Nok Air + ferry" combo tickets to islands like Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan (fly to Surat Thani, then ferry). Book at nokair.com.

Thai Lion Air — the newest budget option, also at Don Mueang. Competitive prices and a modern fleet. Routes cover most major domestic destinations. Book at lionairthai.com.

Bangkok Airways — the premium domestic airline, based at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKT). More expensive but includes checked luggage, meals, and lounge access at their own airports. The only airline flying to Koh Samui (they built and own the airport) and Sukhothai. Also flies Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Lampang, and Trat (for Koh Chang). Book at bangkokair.com.

Thai Smile / Thai Airways — the national carrier and its subsidiary fly domestic routes from Suvarnabhumi. Higher fares but full service. Book at thaiairways.com.

Booking Tips

• Book 2-4 weeks ahead for the best prices. Last-minute flights can be 3-5x more expensive.
• Bangkok has two airports: Suvarnabhumi (BKK) — Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, international flights — and Don Mueang (DMK) — AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air. They are 30 kilometers apart with a free shuttle bus (1 hour) between them. Do not mix them up when booking connections.
• Use 12Go Asia (12go.asia) or Skyscanner to compare all airlines at once.
• Domestic flights typically range from 1 to 1.5 hours.

Sample Flight Times & Prices (from Bangkok)

Trains

Thailand's railway network, operated by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), covers over 4,000 kilometers across four main lines: Northern (to Chiang Mai), Northeastern (to Nong Khai / Ubon Ratchathani), Eastern (to Aranyaprathet near Cambodia), and Southern (to Hat Yai and the Malaysian border).

Bangkok to Chiang Mai

The most popular train route in Thailand. The overnight sleeper takes 11-13 hours, departing Bangkok's Bang Sue Grand Station in the evening and arriving Chiang Mai around 7:00-8:00 AM. Second-class sleeper berths (air-conditioned) cost ฿800-1,000 (US$24-30) — one of the great budget travel experiences in Southeast Asia. The upper berth is slightly cheaper but has less headroom. First-class private cabins (two berths per cabin) cost around ฿1,300-1,500 (US$39-45). Book at least a week ahead, especially in peak season (November-February).

Train Classes

• First class — private two-berth cabins with air conditioning, a sink, and lockable door. Available on limited overnight routes.
• Second class (sleeper) — open-plan carriage with fold-down berths, curtains for privacy, and air conditioning. The best value for overnight journeys.
• Second class (seat) — reclining seats with air conditioning. Comfortable for day journeys.
• Third class — hard wooden or padded benches, fans (no air con), and open windows. Cheap (฿15-100) and full of local atmosphere. Best for short journeys only.

Booking Trains

Book online at dticket.railway.co.th (official SRT website, English available) up to 90 days in advance. You can also book through 12Go Asia (12go.asia) for a small markup but easier English interface and customer support. Tickets can be bought at any SRT station. Popular sleeper routes sell out during holidays — book early.

The Eastern & Oriental Express

For a luxury experience, the Eastern & Oriental Express by Belmond runs a multi-day journey from Singapore through Malaysia to Bangkok (and reverse). It is one of the world's great luxury train journeys — think Orient Express in tropical Southeast Asia. Prices start around US$3,000 per person for a 2-night journey. A once-in-a-lifetime experience if budget allows.

Buses & Minivans

Buses are the backbone of Thai intercity transport, reaching destinations that trains and planes cannot. Thailand's bus network covers virtually every town in the country.

Bus Classes

VIP (999 or First Class) — the best way to travel by bus. 24 reclining seats (3 across instead of 4), individual entertainment screens, blankets, snacks, and toilets. Bangkok to Chiang Mai VIP costs ฿500-700 (US$15-21) and takes about 10 hours overnight. Second class (air-con) — 40+ seats, air conditioning, less legroom. Cheaper but less comfortable. ฿300-500 for long routes. Local/fan buses — no air conditioning, frequent stops, very cheap (฿50-150 for medium distances). Fine for short trips but exhausting for long journeys.

Bangkok Bus Terminals

• Mo Chit (Northern Terminal / Chatuchak) — buses to the north (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Sukhothai) and northeast (Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani). Near BTS Mo Chit and MRT Chatuchak Park.
• Ekkamai (Eastern Terminal) — buses to the east (Pattaya, Koh Chang/Trat, Aranyaprathet/Cambodia border). Right at BTS Ekkamai station.
• Sai Tai Mai (Southern Terminal) — buses to the south (Hua Hin, Surat Thani, Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai) and west (Kanchanaburi). In Taling Chan, about 30 minutes by taxi from central Bangkok.

Minivans

Minivans (12-15 seats) are faster than buses for medium distances (2-5 hours) because they take fewer stops and use smaller roads. They run frequently and depart when full or near-full. Popular routes: Bangkok to Hua Hin (3 hours, ฿200/US$6), Bangkok to Kanchanaburi (2.5 hours, ฿150/US$4.50), Krabi to Koh Lanta (2 hours, ฿350/US$11). The downside: drivers can be aggressive and space is tight with luggage.

Boats & Ferries

Getting to Thailand's islands requires boats. Two main ferry companies dominate the Gulf of Thailand routes.

Lomprayah

High-speed catamarans connecting Chumphon, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui. The fastest ferries, with modern vessels and a good safety record. Chumphon to Koh Tao: 1.5 hours, ฿600 (US$18). Koh Samui to Koh Tao: 1.5 hours, ฿600 (US$18). Also offers combined bus-ferry tickets from Bangkok. Book at lomprayah.com.

Seatran Discovery

The main competitor to Lomprayah on the Gulf routes. Similar vessels and routes, sometimes slightly cheaper. Also runs a car ferry between Donsak (mainland) and Koh Samui. Book at seatrandiscovery.com.

Andaman Coast Ferries

Ferries connect Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Ao Nang (Krabi), and Koh Lipe during the dry season (November-April). Tigerline Travel and Andaman Wave Master are the main operators. Phuket to Koh Phi Phi: 1.5-2 hours by speedboat (฿700-1,000 / US$21-30) or 2.5 hours by ferry (฿350-450 / US$11-14). During monsoon season (May-October), some routes are reduced or cancelled.

Longtail Boats

The iconic wooden longtail boats with their long propeller shafts are the water taxis of Thailand. Used for beach-to-beach transport, island hopping, and short river crossings. Always agree on a price before boarding. A short trip (e.g., Ao Nang to Railay) costs ฿100-200 (US$3-6) per person. Chartering a longtail for a half-day tour costs ฿1,500-3,000 (US$45-91).

Bangkok River Transport

The Chao Phraya Express Boat is one of the best ways to get around Bangkok, especially for visiting riverside temples and avoiding traffic. Orange flag boats run frequently and cost ฿15 (US$0.45) per trip. The tourist boat (blue flag) costs ฿60 (US$1.80) for a hop-on hop-off day pass. Canal boats (Khlong Saen Saep) run east-west through the city — cheap (฿10-20) and fast but can be chaotic at busy piers.

Local Transport

Tuk-tuks

The three-wheeled, open-sided motorized rickshaws are a Thai icon. They are fun for short trips but always negotiate the price before getting in — there are no meters. In Bangkok, tuk-tuks are often more expensive than taxis for the same distance (tourists are routinely overcharged). A reasonable fare for a short Bangkok trip is ฿60-100 (US$1.80-3). Be wary of drivers who offer suspiciously cheap "tours" — they will take you to gem shops or suit shops where they earn commissions. In smaller cities (Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai), tuk-tuks are more reasonably priced and useful.

Songthaews

Red pickup trucks with two bench seats in the back (songthaew means "two rows"). These are shared taxis that run fixed or semi-fixed routes. In Chiang Mai, red songthaews circle the old city and cost ฿30-40 (US$0.90-1.20) per person for trips within the central area. In beach towns, songthaews run between beaches and town centers. Flag one down, tell the driver your destination, and pay when you get off. If there are no other passengers, you may need to negotiate a charter price.

Motorbike Taxis

Riders in orange or colored vests congregate at intersections and soi (alley) entrances throughout Thai cities. They are the fastest way to travel short distances, weaving through traffic that cars cannot navigate. Short trips cost ฿10-30 (US$0.30-0.90). Longer trips can be negotiated. Helmets are required by law but not always provided — insist on one. Motorbike taxis are essential for navigating Bangkok's long soi (some are 2+ kilometers long).

Grab (Ride-Hailing)

Grab is Southeast Asia's equivalent of Uber and is widely used across Thailand. Download the Grab app before your trip. It works in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Hat Yai, and most major cities. Services include: GrabCar (private car, metered), GrabBike (motorbike taxi), GrabTaxi (metered taxi, called through app). Advantages: fixed prices quoted upfront, GPS tracking, no language barrier (you enter the destination in the app), and cashless payment option. In Bangkok, a Grab from the airport to Sukhumvit costs around ฿300-500 (US$9-15), similar to a metered taxi.

Bangkok Mass Transit

BTS Skytrain — elevated train covering Sukhumvit and Silom areas. Clean, fast, air-conditioned. Fares ฿16-62 (US$0.50-1.90) per trip. Runs 5:30 AM to midnight. Buy a Rabbit card for convenience. MRT — underground metro connecting Hua Lamphong (near Chinatown) to northern suburbs, plus a newer extension. Fares ฿16-42 (US$0.50-1.30). The BTS and MRT interchange at several stations but use different payment systems. Airport Rail Link — connects Suvarnabhumi Airport to the city center (Phaya Thai BTS station) in 30 minutes. ฿15-45 (US$0.45-1.35). Runs 5:30 AM to midnight.

Renting a Scooter

Renting a scooter or motorbike is one of the most popular ways to explore Thailand's islands and smaller cities. It offers freedom and flexibility that no other transport can match.

Costs & Logistics

A 125cc automatic scooter (Honda Click, Yamaha Fino) costs ฿150-300 (US$4.50-9) per day. Weekly and monthly rentals are cheaper per day. You will need to leave your passport or a cash deposit (฿2,000-5,000 / US$60-150) with the rental shop. Tip: Leave a photocopy of your passport instead if the shop agrees — never leave your original passport if you can avoid it.

License & Insurance

Technically, you need a valid motorbike license from your home country and an International Driving Permit (IDP) to legally ride in Thailand. In practice, many tourists ride without either. However, if you are in an accident without a valid license, your travel insurance will almost certainly not cover you — this is the single most important reason to get your IDP before traveling. Police checkpoints in tourist areas (especially Koh Samui, Phuket, Pai, Chiang Mai) regularly stop foreigners and fine ฿500 (US$15) for riding without a license.

Safety

• Thailand has one of the highest road fatality rates in the world. Take this seriously.
• Always wear a helmet. It is the law and it saves lives. Most rental shops provide one — if it is damaged or flimsy, buy a better one (฿300-600 / US$9-18).
• Drive on the left side of the road. Thailand drives on the left (like the UK).
• Photo the bike before renting. Document all existing scratches and damage. Agree on liability terms before handing over your deposit.
• Avoid riding at night — unlit roads, stray dogs, and drunk drivers make nighttime riding significantly more dangerous.
• Start slow. If you have never ridden a scooter, an island with light traffic (Koh Lanta, Koh Chang) is safer to learn than busy Phuket or Chiang Mai.
• Watch for sand on the road — especially on island roads near beaches, sand accumulates on curves and causes wipeouts.

Booking Transport

12Go Asia (12go.asia) is the most useful transport booking platform for Thailand. It compares and sells tickets for trains, buses, ferries, minivans, and private transfers across the country. You can book combined tickets (e.g., bus + ferry to Koh Tao from Bangkok) in one transaction. Payment by credit card, and e-tickets are sent to your email.

Other useful platforms: Grab (ride-hailing app), Google Maps (real-time BTS/MRT routing in Bangkok), Rome2Rio (route planning), and the official SRT website (dticket.railway.co.th) for train bookings.