Getting Around Thailand
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use BTS Skytrain and MRT for Bangkok. Rural: Rent a car or scooter for northern regions. Islands: Ferries and speedboats. For convenience, book airport transfers from Bangkok to your destination.
Train Travel
State Railway of Thailand (SRT)
Efficient network connecting Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Surat Thani, and borders with frequent services.
Cost: Bangkok to Chiang Mai 800-1500 THB, journeys 10-15 hours for long distances.
Tickets: Buy via SRT app, website, or station counters. Mobile tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid weekends and holidays for better prices and availability.
Sleeper Trains
Overnight options from Bangkok to north and south, 2nd class AC from 500-1200 THB including berth.
Best For: Long-distance travel saving on accommodation, comfortable for multi-stop trips.
Where to Buy: Stations, SRT website, or app with advance booking up to 60 days.
International Options
Trains connect to Laos (Nong Khai), Cambodia (Aranyaprathet), and Malaysia (Padang Besar).
Booking: Reserve in advance for cross-border, fares 200-800 THB with visa checks.
Main Stations: Hua Lamphong in Bangkok, with connections to Krung Thep Aphiwat.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Ideal for rural north and islands like Phuket. Compare rental prices from 1000-2000 THB/day at airports and cities.
Requirements: International license, credit card, minimum age 21-23 with deposit.
Insurance: Full coverage advised, includes collision waiver for 300-500 THB extra.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, 120 km/h highways.
Tolls: Expressways like Bangkok-Chonburi require cash or Easy Pass (50-200 THB).
Priority: Yield to traffic on right at uncontrolled junctions, motorbikes common.
Parking: Free in rural areas, metered 10-20 THB/hour in cities with apps.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations widespread at 30-40 THB/liter for petrol, 28-35 THB for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for navigation, download offline maps.
Traffic: Heavy congestion in Bangkok, lighter in provinces but watch for floods.
Urban Transport
Bangkok BTS & MRT
Extensive Skytrain and subway covering the city, single ticket 15-60 THB, day pass 140 THB.
Validation: Tap card or ticket at gates, no inspections but fines for evasion.
Apps: BTS Skytrain app for routes, real-time updates, and Rabbit card reload.
Bike & Scooter Rentals
Sharing services like Grab Bike or local rentals 100-300 THB/day in cities and islands.
Routes: Bike lanes in parks and some cities, popular for short Chiang Mai tours.
Tours: Guided e-bike tours in Bangkok and Phuket for sightseeing and ease.
Buses & Local Services
Bangkok Mass Transit and provincial buses operate wide networks with AC options.
Tickets: 8-20 THB per ride, buy from driver or use contactless via app.
Songthaews: Shared trucks in Chiang Mai and islands, 20-50 THB depending on route.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near BTS stations in Bangkok for easy access, old towns in Chiang Mai for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for peak (Nov-Feb) and festivals like Songkran.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for monsoon season travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, air conditioning, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 5G in cities and tourist areas, 4G covers most of Thailand including islands.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from 150 THB for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
AIS, TrueMove, and DTAC offer prepaid SIMs from 300-500 THB with nationwide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, 7-Eleven stores, or provider shops with passport required.
Data Plans: 15GB for 300 THB, 30GB for 500 THB, unlimited for 600 THB/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, cafes, guesthouses, and tourist hotspots.
Public Hotspots: Airports, malls, and train stations offer free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (20-100 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Indochina Time (ICT), UTC+7, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Suvarnabhumi Airport 30km from Bangkok center, Airport Rail Link 45 THB (30 min), taxi 300-400 THB, or book private transfer for 800-1500 THB.
- Luggage Storage: Available at airports and train stations (50-100 THB/day) and services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Modern BTS/MRT accessible, many temples and islands have steps limiting access.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on trains in carriers (100 THB), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Scooters/motorbikes on ferries for 50-100 THB, trains allow folding bikes free.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Thailand
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK): Primary international gateway, 30km east of Bangkok with rail links.
Don Mueang (DMK): Budget hub 22km north, bus to city 50 THB (1 hour).
Phuket (HKT): Key southern airport with flights to islands, convenient for beaches.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for peak travel (Nov-Feb) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Kuala Lumpur or Singapore and taking bus/train to Thailand for savings.
Budget Airlines
AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Lion Air serve domestic and regional routes affordably.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee 220 THB, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in cities, less common in rural spots.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay growing, Apple Pay and Google Pay in urban areas.
- Cash: Essential for markets, street food, and islands, keep 1000-2000 THB in small notes.
- Tipping: Not customary but 50-100 THB appreciated for good service in tourist areas.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport bureaus with poor rates.