Thailand

Road transport

Thailand has many transport options connecting cities and villages: buses, tuk-tuks, taxis, and songthaews. Roads are generally good, making travel between cities quick and easy.

• Buses are comfortable and well equipped—but often overuse air conditioning, so bring a sweater.

• Tuk-tuks and songthaews (shared taxis) are popular and inexpensive for short distances in cities and islands.

• Taxis offer the best compromise between price and comfort.

Railway transport

Trains are a comfortable way to travel long distances and help avoid back pain during long journeys such as Bangkok–Chiang Mai.
However, they are slower than buses (40–45 km/h) and not always punctual.

There are three classes:

• 1st and 2nd class: ventilated and air-conditioned cabins

• 3rd class: non-air-conditioned

Some railway lines offer beautiful scenery, such as the line from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi.

River transport

In Bangkok, people use water taxis as commonly as buses. The river network is practical and inexpensive.

To reach the islands, many ferry companies offer affordable routes. Boats are comfortable and often have a small shop onboard.

Air travel

Travelling by plane within Thailand is very easy. Many low-cost airlines operate affordable domestic flights. Air travel is ideal for long routes such as Bangkok–Chiang Mai, Bangkok–Surat Thani, or Chiang Mai–Phuket.