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Thailand Transport
There are certainly
a large number of ways of getting around Thailand. From the highly
efficient internal / domestic air network, to the cycle powered
rickshaws of the north. How you get to your destination will depend
on how much time, comfort and scenery you desire. And also, unfortunately,
security and safety!
On the negative
side, be advised that city to city tourist coaches tend to have
less experienced drivers who are pushed, frequently beyond safety
limits, to get to where they are going as fast as possible. That
thieves often target these buses (standard ploy is to be a friendly
Thai offering you some snack for free, including sleeping dope,
and then rob you as you sleep). Also, motor bike and "tuk tuk"
taxis mostly like to drive fast. Although, they have little or no
passenger safety systems / protection in the event of an accident.
Also understand that taxi drivers will almost certainly take you
to expensive / poor value shops & hotels where they get a commission
from, if you do not specify a destination (even then, they often
still will, telling you the shop / hotel you asked for is now closed
when it is not). So be careful and insistent!
Thai web site owners, have you checked out our Featured
Sites Page?
"Siamfiles" - Don't be shy to suggest extra text, links
or other information.
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Fortunately, the pluses far, far outweigh the minuses. Even to the extent
we whole heartily recommend you try a "tuk tuk" at least once
- but maybe outside of Bangkok. On the subject of Bangkok, you will find
all the useful transport links for that city on Our
Bangkok Page.
Flying
For this, you should visit our Flights
Page. But it is worth pointing out the internal airlines to look out
for are Thai Airways, Bangkok Air and Andaman Air. If you need a limousine
company from Bangkok Airport, try the 
Image Limousine Company.
For a different type of flying, why not try the
Chiang Mai Flying
Club - a wonderful and very friendly site! Also, the Thai
Flying Club.
Trains
The Thais
have an extensive train network (visit
the Thai State Railway site here). They have 3 basic classes of seats
/ fares (plus a premium for "speed" / limited stop express trains);
3rd Class (non aircon - wooden slat seats not recommended for long journeys
without a pillow), 2nd Class (air conditioned, sometimes with berth option
where the seats convert to beds), and 1st Class (private 2-person aircon
compartment). The express trains have dining cars, but order your food
from the Thai (sandscript written) menu or else you will pay more!
Inter Town Coaches
The government run "Baw Kaw Saw" bus company, have an extensive bus network.
You can find out more about this on their website
here (although the page is in Thai, click the links and you will be
taken to route / schedules which are partly in English). Other, private
companies such as Nakhonchai
Air Bus Company also run tourist class coaches.
Local Buses
("Songthaews")
Many larger towns have local bus services, where you can travel 10 miles
or so for just 20 to 30 baht. These buses are normally blue with open
sides (clear polythene blinds are lowered when it rains), and you can
stop them anywhere on the road where they pass. In fact, if you are coming
to the end of the route and want to be dropped off closer to your destination,
the drivers will normally do this for an extra 10 baht. In less population
dense areas, these buses tend to be the size of a small van, often a rusty
red. All of these buses have one thing in common though. The passengers
sit on wooden benches running the length of the bus. On the larger buses,
there are 3 benches (with one in the middle). If the benches are full,
you will be expected to hang onto the back!
Ferries
Ferry services
generally are for the islands (Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi, etc.), plus trips
to Burma. You can find many Thai
ferry schedules here.
Self Drive Hire
Driving
is comparatively easy, even a pleasure once you are outside Bangkok. And
there are many self drive hire companies including the likes of Budget
Rent-a-Car. Although, it is generally much cheaper to rent while you
are in Thailand and from a local company (the going rate for a small jeep
like vehicle is around 700 baht a day including insurance during the low
season, 1000 baht during high season, with discounts for weekly rentals).
Driving is on the left hand side of the road in Thailand and most road
signs are in both Thai Sandscript and English.
Petrol / Gas / Benzine
costs around 18 baht a liter / litre. Driving under the influence of alcohol
is not allowed (although the police will not generally check someone unless
there is an accident). There are frequent police road checks for correct
documentation, wearing of safety belts etc. Though, interestingly / ironically,
police will not fine you for not wearing your seat belt if it is "check
paperwork roadblock day"! You will require an International driving
permit. And you should be aware, if you have an accident with a Thai,
the presumption will be that it is your fault.
The average speed
on Thai roads is very slow, due to the number of slow moving vehicles
such as bikes with side cars. Ancient / overloaded trucks and "tuk
tuks" kerb crawling for business. Give way to the left at roundabouts
/ traffic circles. But everyone seems to have "I have right of way,
not you", "The law / rules apply to you, not me", and "I
want to get in front of you, because I am going slower than you"
mentality in towns. So drive with a cool heart, and take it easy. Be very
careful of motor bikes using the motor bike lanes but driving the wrong
way (because they do not have far to go, or if they are turning right
at a junction as they will not have to wait so long).
Motor bikes are also
readily available. But the number of accidents with "Farangs"
(foreigners) is high
due to a) Inexperience, b) Renting too fast a bike, c) Hitting a stretch
of road that has just had its first rain in 5 months (thus causing the
oil on the road to rise and create a virtual ice rink). So, if you are
not a competent motorcyclist. Do not rent a bike in Thailand. You can
always rent a bicycle and use the local buses to get to the place you
want to use it (local buses will allow you to tie your bike to the roof
rack).
Taxis
Apart from
Bangkok and airport taxis, "Taxis" in Thailand means a "tuk
tuk" or samalor (rickshaw). In the north, a tuk tuk will cost you
around 30 to 50 baht for a cross town journey. In tourist Phuket, 200
baht! One of the very best ways to see Chiang Mai, is to use a bicycle
rickshaw. In Bangkok, often you have no choice but to use overcrowded
public buses or a tuk tuk. A tuk tuk is like a small songthaew, but often
with only three wheels (but with padded seats if you are lucky).
LongTail Boats
These predominate around the rivers / canals of central Thailand, and
also around islands. They are not suitable for choppy seas and you should
always make sure they have life vests (also, if you rent one, make sure
you qualify it is a private rental, or you may find yourself cramped in
a boat only just above water level). Prices will vary enormously depending
on where you rent it.
All opinions stated
here are the opinions only of travelforum.org and, although made in good
faith, should not be relied upon without proper prior verification (don't
sue us if our advise makes your trip go "pear-shaped"!).
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