Getting Around Thailand
Buses
Thailand is well connected with a range of intercity buses, local songthaews and share taxis/minibuses.
Intercity buses (both government and privately operated) are cheap (non-air-con) and inexpensive (air-con) and enable most parts of the country to be accessed conveniently. They are however known for their daredevil drivers who seem to get by on adrenaline, plus amphetamines to keep them awake. Bus travel seems to be characterised by waiting around for a while only to then embark upon a breakneck race against other road users and can be a challenge for the nerves. Note that several different classes of air-con bus exist; a/c can be fierce so pack warm clothing. Tickets can be bought at terminals or on board.
Songthaews are open-backed trucks with two rows (songthaew) of seats. They operate on pre-set rural routes and take over where the larger inter-city buses stop linking towns’ songthaew terminals with each other.
Taxis
Share taxis can be found and these are often minibuses operating on pre-set routes which can be hailed as they pass. Regular taxis (sedan cars) are also common and as with other parts of Asia the fare should be negotiated beforehand; they are metred only in Chiang Mai and Bangkok.
Samlors, motorcycle-taxis and tuk tuks make up the last part of Thailand’s in-city transport network. These are fun ways to get around. Most people are familiar with the incessant noise and fun ride offered by the 3-wheeler tuk-tuk but there are fewer and fewer samlors, or cycle-rickshaws around. Motorbike taxis can be found in many towns and are quick (and more dangerous?) ways of getting from A to B, but with luggage in hand it may be best to look for something else. Again it is essential to negotiate fares before embarking on your journey in all cases.
Car Hire
Car hire is possible in Thailand and enables one to follow ones own itinerary, stopping where and when one wishes. Driving can be challenging and the big cities do have bad traffic problems, however unless arriving by train this will be a problem in any case.
Choose the international brands in preference to cheaper and more local companies. You’ll need to pay a deposit and perhaps even leave your passport as security. Allow around $50 per day upwards for a small car.
Driving
Driving is on the left-hand side of the road.
Trains
Train travel is one of the great joys of long-distance travel in Thailand. Safe, clean and generally very comfortable a variety of trains link the north with the far south.
There are different speeds of trains with fares rising accordingly as one gets a faster service, and different classes, from bum-numbing wooden seats to comfortable air-conditioned sleepers. There are often female-only berths. Food is available on board and is excellent. Book in advance to make sure you get the train and class you want.
Fares depend as you would expect with speed of service and class. Most people find that second-class aircon is comfortable enough for most journeys.
Boats
Most of Thailand’s islands are connected by ferry and these can range from the ubiquitous long-tailed boat (outboard car engine, long drive shaft and prop – great fun), to 10m boats with a simple sunshade to speedboats and even jetfoils and hovercrafts.
