Transport in Thailand: how to move around without wasting time or money

Thailand has one of the most complete internal transport systems in Southeast Asia. It covers almost any point in the country with at least two alternatives (bus, train, plane, ferry or combination), at reasonable prices and decent frequencies. The challenge is not getting to places, but choosing the right means for each leg: it makes no sense to take a 12-hour bus when a 1-hour flight costs 25 euros, nor to fly from Bangkok to Ayutthaya when the train costs 20 THB and takes the same door-to-door. This guide summarises how an experienced traveller moves around Thailand.

Domestic flights: the great ally

Thailand has one of the most developed low-cost airline networks in the world. Three companies dominate the market:

AirAsia. The biggest and cheapest. Covers the entire domestic network from Don Mueang (DMK), Bangkok’s old airport. Very low prices if booked 2-3 weeks in advance: Bangkok-Chiang Mai for 700 THB (€17) is not unusual.

Nok Air. Similar to AirAsia, also from Don Mueang. Covers secondary routes like Chumphon, Trang or Nan.

Thai Smile / Thai Airways. More expensive but leaving from Suvarnabhumi (BKK), more useful when connecting with an international flight. Prices 1,500-3,500 THB per leg.

Bangkok Airways. The boutique airline. Monopolises Koh Samui and premium routes like Krabi-Samui, Trat-Bangkok. Higher prices (2,500-5,000 THB) but excellent service including free lounge.

Key tip: book in advance. A Bangkok-Phuket flight 4 weeks ahead costs 800 THB; the same flight bought the day before, 2,500-3,500 THB. The variation is huge.

Trains: the most Thai way to travel

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has a slow but extensive and cheap network. Not the fastest way to move, but with a cultural experience hard to match.

Train types:

• Ordinary. Stop at every station, wooden seats only, no air conditioning. Ridiculously cheap (20-150 THB for 4-5 hours). Almost exclusively local.
• Rapid and Express. Mix classes, faster, air conditioning in upper carriages.
• Special Express Diesel (Sprinter). The fastest, 2nd class seats only. Long routes.
• Special Express “Uttaravithi”. Overnight trains with berths/bunks.

Main routes:

• Bangkok-Chiang Mai. 12-14 hours. The legendary overnight train in 2nd class with bunks (881 THB) is an iconic experience. The daytime Sprinter (641 THB) is faster but less picturesque.
• Bangkok-Surat Thani (for Gulf islands). 9-11 hours overnight. 621 THB 2nd class bunk, 1,189 THB 1st class cabin. Combinable with Samui ferry.
• Bangkok-Chumphon (for Koh Tao). 7-8 hours overnight. 450-800 THB.
• Bangkok-Padang Besar (Malaysia). If continuing to Malaysia, the overnight train is the best option.

How to buy: directly on the SRT website (dticket.dticket.com), on 12Go Asia (with commission), or at the station with at least one day’s notice — overnight trains sell out.

Buses: the network that reaches everywhere

Where trains and planes don’t reach, buses do. The system is vast, with three tiers:

VIP / First Class. Buses with almost 180° reclining seats, air conditioning, toilet, water and snack included. 650-1,200 THB for overnight 8-12h trips. Comfortable even for tall people.

Second Class with air conditioning. The norm for medium distances. 200-500 THB for 4-6 hours.

Local with fan. Only for short trips in rural areas. Very cheap, slow, with frequent stops.

Main Bangkok terminals:

• Mo Chit (Northern Bus Terminal). North and northeast: Chiang Mai, Isaan, Nong Khai.
• Ekkamai (Eastern Bus Terminal). East: Pattaya, Trat, Koh Chang.
• Sai Tai Mai / Sai Tai Taling Chan (Southern Bus Terminal). South: Hua Hin, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Krabi.

Warning: some tourist buses from Khao San Road to destinations like Koh Samui or Krabi are known for theft during overnight trips (they rob luggage while you sleep). Always better to use official terminals and serious companies like Sombat Tour, Nakhonchai Air or Transport Company.

Minibuses: for medium trips

Minibuses (8-12 passengers) cover trips between 2 and 5 hours at mid prices and high frequency. They are the norm for, for example, Bangkok-Pattaya, Bangkok-Ayutthaya, Chumphon-Ranong, Krabi-Phuket. 200-400 THB per leg. No toilet but stop every 2 hours.

They leave from Victory Monument in Bangkok (although this is progressively decentralising to Mo Chit and Ekkamai).

Ferries and speed boats

The Thai islands are well connected by ferry during high season and less during the rainy one. Main companies:

• Lomprayah. The fastest in the Gulf (Chumphon, Samui, Phangan, Tao). Fast catamarans.
• Seatran. Slower but cheaper. Also Gulf.
• Raja. Cheap, slow ferry and car ferry, Gulf.
• Tigerline and Phi Phi Cruiser. Andaman (Phuket-Phi Phi-Krabi-Lanta-Lipe).

Buying bus+ferry combinations in a single booking (for example, Bangkok-Koh Tao) on 12Go Asia is the most efficient.

Grab, Bolt and taxis

Grab (the Asian Uber) works in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Samui and other major cities. Bolt is more recent but growing fast. Install both apps.

Official Bangkok taxis are cheap (35 THB start) but many refuse to use the meter with tourists. Demand the “meter” or look for another. At airports, official taxis are safe.

Tuk-tuks. Iconic but, in Bangkok, almost always more expensive than a metered taxi. Negotiate aggressively.

Songthaew. Red or blue pickup trucks with benches in the back. In provinces they are the local version of the urban bus. Low prices, stop anywhere on signal.

Motorbike rental

The motorbike is key on islands and zones like Chiang Mai-Pai. Price 200-400 THB/day. Requirements:

• International motorbike licence (the regular licence is not enough). Without it, if there is an accident, medical insurance does not cover.
• Helmet always. Common fines for those without.
• Vehicle condition. Check brakes, lights, tyres before signing.
• Passport as deposit. Never leave it. Leave 3,000-5,000 THB in cash or a photocopy.

Car rental

For rural circuits (Isaan, Mae Hong Son Loop, Phang Nga), a car is comfortable. Sixt, Budget and Thai Rent A Car are reliable. 800-1,500 THB/day. Left-hand traffic. Unnecessary in big cities.

Recommended combinations

• Bangkok-Chiang Mai: overnight train (iconic) or flight (fast).
• Bangkok-Krabi/Phuket: flight, no doubt.
• Bangkok-Koh Samui: direct flight or Surat Thani + bus+ferry.
• Bangkok-Koh Tao: overnight train to Chumphon + ferry.
• Chiang Mai-Pai: minibus (3h).
• Phuket-Krabi: ferry or bus.
• Bangkok-Ayutthaya: train (1h30m, 20 THB).

The full Far Guides Thailand guide includes a detailed route table with time, price and recommended means, tips for overnight trains with berths and online booking links.