Transportation

Local Transport: Moving around Thailand’s mountainous north, northeast plateau, central plains and southern beaches tends to be trouble-free. Air, rail, road and water transportation are used for medium and long-haul travel, while a mishmash of domestic vehicles provide local transport including taxis, tuk tuks, sawng taews (pickups with benches) and motorcycles.

The nation is connected via assorted air routes operated by a number of domestic airlines including the national carrier Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways and a handful of low-cost airlines. Service runs from Bangkok, mostly from Don Muang Airport, to over 25 provincial destinations, with inter-province flights also available. Koh Samui flights have an airport tax.

The 4,000-plus kilometres of railway lines offer inexpensive, safe and timely travel, though most of the cars are somewhat outdated. Trains to the north, south and northeast leave from Bangkok’s Hua Lampong’s terminal, while the short rail link west departs from Thonburi. The rail network connects to Chiang Mai, Nong Khai, Ubon Ratchathani and Hat Yai with various stops along the way. Phuket, Pattaya and Chiang Rai lack direct rail service, but are within a short bus ride of nearby junctions.

Thailand’s extensive, modern 65,000-km highway network is seeing more rental car use, as English signs, excellent pavement and plenty of stops make driving as convenient as in the West. A definitive bus system leaves Bangkok for almost every village in the country, though VIP service to popular destinations offers a more comfortable trip. Buses to the north and northeast depart Bangkok’s Morchit Terminal, Thonburi’s Southern Bus Terminal handles traffic to the south, while buses to the east leave from the Ekamai Station on Sukhumvit Road.

Ferries to island destinations vary from luxury speedboats to large, crowded vessels. Long tail boats are often used for short commutes, whether from beach to beach or to cross rivers. Overnight voyages sail up the Chao Phraya, but most river traffic today are short commutes.

International Air Access: Most international flights enter Thailand through Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, though Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui are receiving more foreign air traffic. Direct flights now connect the kingdom to many major cities worldwide including New York and London, though most long-haul traffic requires a brief transfer. Regional flights depart daily to scores of nearby destinations including other Greater Mekong Sub-region gateways.