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| Transportation
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 Flying is the most convenient mode of transportation for most visitors
traveling to Thailand. Domestic flights are also easy and convenient, cutting down on
journey time. A
number of domestic carriers service a majority of large provincial cities dotting
generously across the country. Travel to neighboring countries is cheaper when booked
within Thailand. Train services connect Bangkok to all regions of the country at
reasonable prices. A regular rail service also runs between Bangkok and Singapore via
Malaysia. Long distance coaches, both air-conditioned and open-aired, connect all major
cities.
At the local level,
diverse forms of transportation are provided: provincial buses, city buses, songthaews,
tuk-tuks, rickshaws, boats, and even rental cars.
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| International &
DomesticTravel |
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| Air
: With Bangkok serving as the international travel hub of SE Asia, the capital
serves as the landing port for numerous international airlines, most with direct flights
from their destinations. Some chartered and regional flights may land at one of the other
international airports within Thailand, consisting of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai,
Phuket, and Ubon Ratchatani. The country's national airline is Thai Airways. Airport
departure taxes for international departures costs 500 baht/person. The check-in counters
open 2 hours and close half an hour prior departure time. International flights
information
(662) 535-1254 (departures)
(662) 535-1301 (arrivals)
Those traveling from
neighboring countries may enter Thailand via road, rail, ships, or ferries.
Domestic
Travel
Domestic travel during public holidays and on weekends, particularly to popular
destinations, should be booked well in advance for all modes of transportation. Booking is
particularly difficult during the Songkran Holiday and New Year's Holiday.
Air :
Local carriers Thai Airways(TG) and Bangkok Airways (PG) fly to most major provincial
airports beyond 250 km distance from Bangkok. Thai Airways' 2 most popular routes are
Chiang Mai and Phuket. Services to Koh Samui and Sukhothai are only provided by Bangkok
Airways. Other smaller local carriers include Angel Air (mainly servicing Phuket) and PB
Air which flies to fewer destinations. Air Andaman services is limited to the Southern
cities only.
The domestic
terminal is located at the southern end of the Bangkok International Airport. Normally,
check-ins for domestic flight is one hour prior to departure time and closes half an hour
before flight time. Departure tax has already been added to your ticket fare.
Domestic
flights Information
(662) 535-1192 (departures)
(662) 535-1253 (arrivals)
Reservation
/ Ticket |
| Airline |
Telephone |
| Angel Air |
(662) 937-8908 |
| Bangkok
Airways |
(662) 265-5555 |
| PB Air |
(662) 261-0220-5 |
| Thai
Airways |
(662)
628-2000 |
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| Tickets
can be purchased through travel agencies (cheaper for international flights, same for
domestic flights) or by booking with the airlines themselves, either via phone, internet,
or e-ticketing kiosks (Thai Airways only). Buses : Inter-city bus
services offer a fast means of transport to all corners of the country. Air-conditioned
buses service many provincial areas and bookings for both regular and tour coaches
(private companies) can be made through major hotels and travel agents, or at the
following bus terminals:
Northern Bus
Terminal :
Kampaengphet 2 Rd, Bangkok Tel: 0-2936-2852-66 ext. 614
0-2936-3670
Eastern Bus
Terminal :
Sukhumvit Rd, Bangkok. Tel: 0-2391-6846, 0-2391-2504
 Northeastern Bus Terminal :
Kampaengphet 2 Rd, Bangkok Tel: 0-2936-2852-66 ext.605
0-2936-0657
Southern Bus
Terminal :
Boromratchchonnani Rd, Bangkok Tel: 0-2435-1200, 0-2435-1199
Central Bus
Terminal :
Kampaengphet 2 Rd, Bangkok Tel: 0-2936-2841-8 ext.311
0-2537-8055
The government
bus company, called Bor Kor Sor (BKS), provides the cheapest mode for getting around
Thailand. Being frequent and reliable, no advance booking is necessary. Both
air-conditioned ones and open-aired ones stop almost everywhere along their route, with
the latter being the cheapest and slowest.
 Trains : The State
Railway of Thailand runs an efficient rail service linking Bangkok (Hua Lam Phong is the
central train station) to the rest of the country at very reasonable prices for express,
fast and ordinary trains. Limited western and southern routes out of Bangkok also operate
from the Thon Buri Station, traveling to destinations as far as Kanchanaburi province in
the west and Chumporn province in southern Thailand.
On express trains,
sleepers are available in three classes: first and second class (air-conditioned), and
second class (non air-conditioned, but with fans).
Advance tickets are
available at all principal stations or the Bangkok Railway Advance Booking Office at Tel :
0-2220-4444
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| Getting Around Provincial Towns |
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Taxis : Only
the towns of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Hat Yai have metered taxis. For taxis in other
towns, the fare must be negotiated BEFORE getting in. Fares in towns other than Bangkok
should never exceed 200 Baht, unless going to remote villages beyond the town's
perimeters. |
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Songthaews :
These are vans with 2 rows of seats in the back, thus the literal translation of "2
rows". In towns outside of Bangkok, these are equivalent to city buses, running along
popular routes at fixed fare prices, normally in the range of 20-40 Baht. If you're
traveling in a large group, it might be worthwhile to hire the songthaews as taxis. |
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Tuk-tuks :
The motorized version of the samlors were introduced here by the Japanese during WWII.
These are always popular with tourists, though they are uncomfortable in heavy traffic
(carbon monoxide indulgence) and the rainy season, and are extremely noisy. Prices should
be negotiated BEFORE getting in. Roughly 30-60 Baht is reasonably for those few
kilometers. |
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| Getting Around Bangkok |
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Taxis : Metered
taxis are available 24 hours in Bangkok. The metered fare is standardized, with the flag
down rate being 35 Baht for the first 2 km and around 5 Baht for each km thereafter.
Passengers must pay tolls if using the expressways. Make sure the driver turns on the
meter once you get in. Make sure you have change, as taxi drivers often don't! Drivers
change shifts at about 3:30-4:00 p.m., and may not accept you unless your destination is
convenient.If taxis do not have meters, fares must be agreed upon before starting. The
amount will vary depending on the distance, traffic, weather (if it is raining the fare
will rise) and the negotiating skills of the hirer. Average fares in Bangkok are between
50-200 Baht. No tip is expected, but it is a nice gesture. |
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Tuk-Tuks :
The colorful, three-wheeled, open-air "samlor" taxis are renowned for their
capability to maneuver into the tightest spots, offering passengers an interesting ride.
Accommodating two passengers (three or four at a squeeze), it is best for short trips
during off-peak hours. Settle the fare BEFORE proceeding. Normally cheaper than metered
taxis, the fare should never exceed 200 Baht per trip. |
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 City Buses : Bangkok has an extensive
bus service with routes serving every part of the city, providing a fun and cheap way to
explore the city. There are both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned vehicles. The
fare for the former depends on the distance traveled, starting from 10 Baht per person and
the buses are colored blue, orange or white/green,
depending on the route. The latter charges a flat fee of either 3.50 Baht per person
(green and white/red colored buses) or 5 Baht per person (white/red and white/blue).
Because of the low fares, the open-aired buses tend to be heavily crowded, especially
during the peak hours in the morning (6-9 am) and evenings (4-7 pm). Be watchful of your
belongings and learn the art of balancing since the ride might be jerky, with sudden stops
and accelerations. You can request the purser to notify you of your stop. People at the
bus stops will gladly inform you of the correct bus number to take if unsure of how to get
to your destination.
Be prepared with exact change or bank notes of 50 Baht (blue) or lesser denominations.
An uniformed purser
aboard the bus (listen for the clinking sound of coins in a long, cylinder container) will
collect the fee and give you a ticket. Keep the ticket handy for inspections later down
the route. |
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Microbus:
The pinkish-violet, air-conditioned minibuses share some of the popular routes as city
buses. The advantage is the flat rate of 10-25 Baht per person (depends on the routing
distance) and that seats are guaranteed. Once all seats are occupied, the bus will not
pick up more passengers until there is a vacancy.
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BTS Skytrains:
With stations in major commercial areas and departures every 5 minutes, it is an ideal
means of transportation to escape the traffic. Service is via 2 routes: the Mo Chit - On
Nut route (runs along Sukhumvit Rd.) and the National Stadium-Taksin Bridge route (runs
along Silom Rd.). Running from 6 am to midnight, the fare depends on distance traveled,
ranging from 10-40 Baht per person. Routes and fares are posted at every station, where
tickets must be purchased. |
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Bangkok Subway :
Bangkok’s newest mass transit system, the subway, is to open on 3 July 2004. The first
99,999 commuters on the opening date will also receive souvenirs. From the opening date,
until August 12, 2004, the royal birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, commuters will be
allowed to use the subway at a specially low rate of 10 baht for all routes.
All the revenue from the fare during that period will be donated to Royal charities and
foundations under the patronage of Their Majesties the King and Queen. From 13 August 2004
- 3 July 2005, the fare will rise to the 15% discounted rate of 12 - 31 baht, depending on
the distance travelled, and rise to the normal rate of 14 - 36 baht thereafter.The subway
will run from the city’s main railway station, Hua Lamphong, under two major
thoroughfares, Rama 4 Road and Ratchadaphisek Road. |
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Motorcycle Taxis: Unique
to Thailand, these taxis emerged in response to needs for faster transportation during
traffic jams and access to main roads from remote neighborhoods and deep sois (alleyways).
Drivers wear colorful vests and fares are slightly higher than those of metered taxis.
Fare should always be negotiated BEFORE proceeding. Thai laws stipulate helmets must be
worn in the use of motorcycles on public roads. Be prepared for an adventurous ride. |
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River Taxis :
Taxis that are even more unusual, though equally convenient, are the river taxis that ply
the Chao Phraya river. Some ferry passengers across the river (2 Baht), while others run
the route to various landing stages on both banks, going up as far as the northern suburb
of Nonthaburi. Fare ranges from 5-20 Baht per person, depending on distance. Signs at the
landing piers are posted in both Thai and English. |
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| Bangkok
International Airport (BIA) |
Commonly
called "Don Muang", it is the entry point for a vast majority of visitors to
Thailand annually. Considered as one of the more modern and efficient international
airports in Asia, the singposts are easy to follow and written in both English and Thai.
Free luggage carts are provided at the terminal gates. After clearing Immigration Services
(vast number of counters, but still slightly slow), take the escalator to the reliable
baggage claim area below. If you have nothing to clear, the green customs channel provides
a hasty exit into the smiling kingdom of Thailand.
BIA consists of 2 international terminals and one domestic terminal located adjacent to
each other. Passengers can freely walk between Terminals 1 and 2, while a covered,
elevated walkway connects Terminal 2 with the domestic terminal. A free shuttle bus
service covers the short distance between terminals every 15 minutes.
The arrival hall of both terminals feature a variety of services and facilities, including
currency exchange booths, a tourist information kiosk, metered taxi kiosk and airport
limousine counter. However, Terminal 1 has more facilities, such as an automatic teller
machine (ATM), a 24-hour post-office with international telephone facilities, an airport
clinic, a convenient store, and a hotel reservation desk.
A number of restaurants and bars operate in both terminals' departure hall, though more
are located in Terminal 2, including popular fast food venues such as Burger Kings, KFC,
and Swensons, and an internet caf?. Extra luggage can be stored up to 4 months at the
left-luggage facility in Terminal 1.
For those departing or transitting through Bangkok, there are a variety of facilities to
entertain you. Duty free shops restaurants/snack bars are generously scattered in both
terminals. KFC, the only fast food counter, is located by pier 4 of Terminal 2. A number
of designer brand name boutiques sell their wares at reasonable prices, such as Harrods,
Jim Thompson and the Mae Fah Luang Project, displaying handicrafts made by local Thai
artisans under the patronage of the deceased HRH Grandmother, the present king's mother.
An arcade game center for children of all ages is located in the transit area of Terminal
1.
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Getting
To and From the Airport
Though the airport is located 25 km (16 miles) north of the center of Bangkok, road travel
time depends on the traffic conditions. During peak rush hours, the simple journey can
take as long as 3 hours. |
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Taxis : Seek
out the taxi desk located in the arrival hall of each terminal. They will set a rough
estimate pricing for your standardized, metered fare, not to exceed 300 Baht. Because of
airport regulations on taxis, an additional 50 Baht surcharge will be added to the total
fare. Passengers are responsible for the expressway fees. To enter the city, you will most
likely pay 2 expressway fares, 25 Baht at the Don Muang Tollway (on ramp adjacent to
airport) and 40 Baht at the Rapid Express Tollway Agency's Dindaeng junction. A tip of
10-20 Baht is a gesture of appreciation for their service. |
| Airport Limousines :
The desks for making such requests are usually adjacent to the taxi desks at all
terminals. A uniformed chauffeur will drive you to your destination while seated
comfortably in a sedan or luxury car. A flat fee of 500 Baht (smaller car, ex. Mitsubishi)
or 650 Baht (luxury car, ex. Benz or Volvo) is charged for pick-up and delivery to any
venue within the perimeter of Bangkok. Though priced slightly higher than a metered taxi,
you're still responsible for the expressway fares, but no subcharges. The limos are well
maintained and are all white in color. Tipping 10% of the fare is the norm. |
| Hotel Limousines : Most
hotels offer complimentary limousine or minibus service if you have bookings with them.
The drivers would meet you in the arrival hall, holding up poster cards with your names
written on it |
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Airport Buses :
An economical shuttle bus providing service from the airport to major city areas providing
accommodations (No.1 to Silom, No.2 to Sanam Luang (Royal Field), No.3 to Sukhumvit 55 and
No.4 to Hua Lam Phong (central train station)). The buses run every 15 minutes, operating
from 5 am to midnight, and costs 100 Baht per person. |
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Train :
Located directly across the highway from the airport, a covered walkway connects the
arrival hall in Terminal 1 to the train station. Trains en route to Hua Lam Phong, the
main train station located in the center of town, appears every 15-30 minutes. |
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Public Buses :
Adventurous travelers without much luggage may want to try getting into town on these, the
most economical method of all. Airport kiosk provides bus maps and the bus stops are
located on the highway in front of the airport. |
Hired Car : If you want to experience driving in Bangkok, there are many car
rental firms in Bangkok, including international rental companies such as Hertz, Budget
and Avis. The road system is good and well posted with signs written in English. An
international driving license is required.
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| Driving Distance |
From
Bangkok to :
|
| Place |
Km. |
Place |
Km. |
| Aranyaprathet |
272 |
Phatthalung |
1152 |
| Ayutthaya |
88 |
Phetchaburi |
129 |
| Chanthaburi |
317 |
Phetchabun |
375 |
| Chiang
Mai |
701 |
Phitsanulok |
489 |
| Chiang
Rai |
830 |
Phrae |
613 |
| Chon
Buri |
83 |
Prachin
Buri |
157 |
| Chumphon |
464 |
Prachuap
Khiri Khan |
282 |
| Hat
Yai |
1284 |
Phuket |
898 |
| Hua
Hin |
192 |
Ratchaburi |
100 |
| Kanchanaburi |
129 |
Ranong |
587 |
| Khao
Yai |
196 |
Rayong |
214 |
| Khon
Kaen |
444 |
Sadao |
1299 |
| Lampang |
602 |
Sakhon
Nakhon |
639 |
| Lopburi |
154 |
Samut
Prakan |
26 |
| Maha
Sarakhram |
470 |
Satun |
1284 |
| Nakhon
Nayok |
137 |
Songkhla |
1285 |
| Nakhon
Pathom |
56 |
Saraburi |
107 |
| Nakhon
Phanom |
735 |
Sukhothai |
431 |
| Nakhon
Ratchasima |
255 |
Tak |
421 |
| Nakhon
Sawan |
242 |
Trang |
1089 |
| Nakhon
Si Thammarat |
1165 |
Trat |
389 |
| Nan |
740 |
Ubon
Ratchathani |
680 |
| Narathiwat |
1491 |
Udorn
Thani |
560 |
| Nong
Khai |
613 |
Uttraradit |
536 |
| Pattani |
1389 |
Yala |
1405 |
| Pattaya |
136 |
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