By Air: Bangkok International Airport at Don Muang is one of Asia's
premier aviation hubs serving more than 60 international airlines on a round-the-clock
basis. International daily flights from Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hong
Kong, plus direct flights from countries all over the world. You can also fly
direct to the major gateways of Phuket, Chiang Mai and Hat Yai, with some scheduled
flights to Koh Samui.
By Road: Overland from Malaysia, or Singapore;
you can drive or take a bus direct to Phuket.
By Train: There
is no railway station at Phuket, but you can take a train to Suratthani and travel
the remainder of the journey by road (about 4 hours.)
By Air: Thailand has fast and convenient airlinks with domestic flights
from Bangkok to Phuket or Chiang Mai taking little more than an hour or so. It's
comparatively inexpensive with flights leaving regularly. Other destinations within
like Hat Yai and Chiang Rai are also on the regular schedules. Thailand. Check
with Thai Airways.
Thai Airways International (TG)
485/2-3 Silom Rd
(International)
Rsvn 233-3810, Tktg 234-3100
Fax 237-6124
Thai
Airways. (Domestic)
6 Lanluang Rd
Rsvn 280-0070, 280-0080
Tktg
280-0090 to 100
89 Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd
Tel 513-0121
By
Road
There is an extensive network of excellent roads throughout Thailand
and especially in the tourist areas of Chaing Mai in the north, Phuket in the
south and around Bangkok. Car-hire
is widely available in most tourist areas from reputable car hire companies
like Hertz or Budget. (See below for details) If you prefer to get someone else
to do the driving, hire a limousine or a driver and car for the week. Chauffeur
driven limousines are surprisingly inexpensive. In Bangkok, metered taxis are
a great way to get around and you can negotiate for longer journeys or hire for
the day. While the roads in Thailand are good, the driving is not. Care must be
taken as rules are regularly disregarded and you need to drive "Thai style"
so if you don't feel comfortable driving, get someone else to do the driving.
By
Bus
A great way to travel if you have the time. There are both
private and government run buses - both are very cheap based on a price per kilometre.
Be aware, the driving can be hair-raising - you may need to close your eyes and
ignore the apparent deathwish of the driver. In aircon overnight buses, blankets
are usually provided and long distance buses normally have toilets; usually there
is at least one stopover at a terminal with a restaurant. On nearly all aircon
buses (government and private) snacks and soft drinks are free. Seats are similar
to those on aircraft, allowing the passenger to recline, but can be limited if
you have a larger European frame. Air conditioning in overnight buses can be fairly
strong so long pants and socks are recommended. VIP buses are large buses equipped
for less than 20 passengers. Rates are 20% to 50% higher. Private coach companies
offer discounts of around 10% for round trip tickets
By
Train
Train services are available to all the regions.
It's the most comfortable way to get around the country if you don't like flying.
Its cheap (roughly same price as the bus), efficient and reliable. Bangkok's main
terminus serves the entire country so all trains, north-south or east-west pass
through.
The network is divided into a northern, northeastern, eastern
and southern line. The northern line goes direct to Chiang
Mai, the western to Kanchanaburi; linking
the province with its infamous Bridge over the River Kwai. Two lines connect to
the north-east, one to Ubon Ratchathani and the other to Nong
Khai, close to the Lao capital of Vientiane. It's possible to travel into
Laos from Nong Khai via the Friendship Bridge over the Mekhong. However visa regulations
vary from month to month, so check first. The eastern line passes by
Pattaya while the southern line goes down to Malaysia. It doesn't go to Phuket,
but stops on the opposite coast at Suratthani, for conncections by bus and boat
to Ko Samui. It's possible to take the train all the way through from Bangkok
to Singapore, but connections can be a problem and its not possible to make reservations
for Malaysian trains in Thailand.
Train travel comes in three categories.
First, second or third class. First is generally air-conditoned. Second, either
aircon or fan. Sleeping berths are available on long distance trains in both first
and second class. Third class - basic wooden seats, is definitely not suitable
for long distance! Trains are categorised as Ordinary (slow) and Rapid, Express,
and Special Express (fast long distance trains) Small surcharges apply on these
and vary according to the type of sleeping berth. Clean sheets and blankets are
provided on all sleeping berths. Note: All Express trains have sleeping berths,
but not all of the Rapid trains do, so check before booking. Thai food is served
on all long distance trains. Vendors selling drinks and snacks board at stations
on route, but stops are not frequent on long distance trains which often leave
at dusk and arrive at dawn. At the top end of the scale you can also travel in
unsurpassed luxury aboard the Eastern and Oriental Express from the southern tip
of Thailand to the northern capital of Chiang Mai.
Reservations for sleeping
berths on long distance trains are recommended especially in high season, Thai
festivals and Public Holidays. and can be made up to 90 days prior to the travel
date. The reservation office in Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station, open Mon-Fri
8:30-18:00 and Sat, Sun and hol 8:30-12:00, usually is crowded; expect to wait
at least an hour. Alternatively book through a travel agency.
Joint rail
/ bus / boat tickets are available for a number of destinations, so you don't
have to worry about missing a bus/ boat. Joint tickets are available from Bangkok
to: Phuket (train/ bus), Krabi (train/bus), Ko Samui (train/ bus/boat) Chiang
Rai via Chiang Mai (train/ bus), Phi Phi Island (train/ bus/express boat) Seasonal
variations may apply, so check with travel agency.
What kind of driving licence
do I need ?
For short
stays, an international driving licence or your own national licence is required.
Although it is possible to rent without showing your licence from private agencies,
you run the risk of not being insured and fined by the police if you are stopped
for any reason. If you plan to stay more than 3 months and particularly if you
drive a private car, then a Thai driver’s license is necessary. Many people don’t
realize this fact until it’s too late and their insurance company refuses to pay
on the basis of not having the correct licence (and yes, you can apply for and
obtain insurance coverage without being informed of this minor detail).
Do
I need a licence to drive a motorcycle?
Not recommended in Bangkok.
Elsewhere small Hondas and larger bikes can be hired at most beach resorts. While
you don’t need a licence to hire a motorbike, you can be arrested for driving
without one, so be sure to have either an international licence or one from your
home country. Be aware that you will not be covered by insurance if involved in
an accident on a rented motorcycle, despite what you are told. It is important
to keep this in mind when choosing to hire and ride around in what are often dangerous
conditions for inexperienced riders.
Are there car
seats available for children in hire cars?
International hire car agencies
can provide car seats for children if requested in advance. Some put a small charge
in addition to car rental. Small, local hire car companies are less likely to
have them but there are exceptions.
Where can
I hire a car ?
Most of
the major companies, Hertz, Budget and Avis have an office or counter in the main
hotels. You can also hire a car from international and local car hire companies
at most travel agencies in the main tourist areas.
