Transport in Thailand

Local Transportation in Thailand
There is a broad range of transport in Thailand, some good and some not so good. The type of transport a traveller should use depends largely on where he/she is and where he/she would like to go. Airplanes, trains, sky train, buses, baht buses, limos, taxis, motorcycle taxis, tuk tuks, samlors, ferry boats and long tail boats are the main choices. Below there is a brief description of all of these. One must remember that what works in one location may not be so good in another. For example, tuk tuks in Bangkok are not good choices because the traffice is bad and so is the air. When riding in a tuk tuk, one will suffer from the pollution and heat. However, in Chaing Mai or Hua Hin useing a tuk tuk may be a much more enjoyable experience.

Airplanes
Domestic flights in Thailand are reasonably priced, reliable, safe and great for getting around the counrty quickly. Almost every aiport in Thailand is within an hours flight of Bangkok. Travelling to Phuket from Bangkok takes less than an hour by airplane and up to 12 hours by bus.

Trains
Train travel is good in Thailand is cheap, reliable and comfortable. One can take an over night train to the more distant cities. There are various classes of travel: First Class, Second Class, Second Class with sleeper and Third Class. Prices vary and tickets should be booked in advance especially around holiday when trains are used extensively.

Buses
There two types of bus travel, one is traveling in the city and the other is travelling between cities. Useing a bus within Bagnkok can be an effective way around the city. There are air-conditioned buses, non-air-conditiones buses, Mini buses and Airport bus. The non-air-conditioned buses cost 3.5 Baht per trip with out regard to the distance. The air-conditioned bus cost 8 baht for a trip which is no more than 6 kilometers, after that the charge increases in 2 baht increments based on distance. The Mini buses are smaller and more spacious. They cost 25 baht with no regard to distance and will not pick up more passengers than they have seats. The airport bus costs 100 baht and is available to and from the airport in Bangkok. There is space for a limited amount of luggage which one must load by ones self. This is a cheap, reliable way to get to and from the airport. Top

Sky Train
The Sky Train (air-conditioned elevated train) in Bangkok is an excellent way to get around the city. There are two lines. The Sukhumvit Line and the Silom Line. the Sukhumvit Line runs from On Nut Station, which is at Soi 62 Sukhumvit Road, to Mo Chit Station, which is near Chatuchak Market (Weekend Market). The Silom Line runs from National Stadium Station (beside MBK shopping area) to the Chao Phraya River on Sathon Road. They meet at Siam Square Station where transfers are made. If your distination is on one of these line, you will find travelling cheap and easy. The ticket price ranges from 10 baht to 40 baht depending on the number of stations you are travelling past. Top

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The other type of bus travel is from city to city. This system is extensive and inexpensive in Thailand. Again, there are air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses. When available, it is better to take the air-conditioned buses. They are not expensive and are more comfortable. There are two types of bus travel, express and local. Local buses stop frequently to pick up or let out passengers. They take longer to arrive at their destination. The express buses stop less frequently and take less time. They are the best value for the money. Top

Baht Buses ( SongTaw )
These are really pick-up truck with bench seats in the back on both sides. In small places, such as Pattaya, they are a cheap form of transport. Costs vary from city to city but may be as cheap as 5 baht or 10 baht per trip. Longer distances call for negotiated fares which should be done before boarding.

Limos (Hotel Taxis)
These include the luxury taxis at the airport which have fixed charges to the city. They cost 500 baht and up, depending on the destination and what the market will bear. Hotel taxis are more expensive than metered taxis. They often only operate on a 1/2 or full day basis. On a short visit, they can be useful as they know the city and don't depend on a meter for there fare. This can save the traveller valuable time. Always negotiate the fare before the trip to prevent misunderstandings. Top

Taxis
Taxis are of two types metered and unmetered taxis. This depends on where you are. In Bangkok, taxis are almost always metered. In some smaller cities, they are not and fares must be negotiated prior to a trip. Metered taxis from the airport in Bangkok will often try to get a traveller to agree to a set price rather than useing the meter. This price will generally be higher than what the meter price would be. Don't do it. When you first meet the driver insist that he use the meter before you load in your luggage. The fare in Bangkok starts at 35 baht.

Motor Cycle Taxis
Just as the name says, they are motor cycles. They can be a quick way to travel around any city. However, they are usually driven by young men who enjoy speed. This creates an element of danger. Use your own judgement, it is your body. They usually charge a minimum of 10 baht to go anywhere. A longer trip will cost what ever they think a traveller will pay. Top

Tuk Tuks
(Three wheeled motor cycles with tops)
This form of transport is unique Thailand. Everyone should ride in one once. But, as a regular mode of transport, they are lacking, lacking air-conditioning for starters. They also expose one to the polluted air when they are used in Bangkok. In other areas, they are more practical. There fare is negotiated as they have not meters. Again, often it is what ever the market will bear so bargin well. Beware of the tuk tuk driver, who does not charge enough. He will likely offer a site seeing trip around the city for a very cheap price. Then, he will take the customer to as many shops as can be tolerated. You see, he receives a commission on any purchases which are made. Top

Samlor
These are bicycles with a passenger cart behind them. They are human powered and usually found in smaller cities and villages. They can be a pleasant way to see a quiet city. Price is negotiated before the trip but is usually not expensive. A traveller should ride in one of these at least once. Top

Ferry Boats
These boats are use to travel to island off the coast of Thailand. They are reasonably priced and generally, comfortable and safe. The small ones are a bit less comfortable. Often they are the best way to get to an island quickly and cheaply. Top

Long Tailed Boats
Unique to Thailand, these unusual boats with propers which are extended from the rear of the boat are used mostly in rivers. However, they are sometimes used for short distance trips to islands. Prices are negotiable and they are more expensive than ferry boats, as a rule. They are another form of transport that should be used, at least once. Top

Note
As you can see there are a number of way to travel around this beautiful country. The cost of this travel is up to the traveller, his/her budget and the amount of time he/she has for the trip. Good judgement will take you a long ways, safely and cheaply or luxuriously. Top

Last update September 22, 2006