International and Domestic
Travel
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.
International Travel
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. Thecountry'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
Reservation / Ticket
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, calledBor
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
Advices for tourists regarding travelling
on the state buses.
- Buy the bus ticket at the state bus terminal which has this
symbol.
- Remember plate number, coach's number and keep the tickets
with you in case you have problem.
- Keep your valuables safety all the travelling programmes
such as credit cards, traveler's checks and passport.
- For emergency or you need assistance, inform the nearest
police officer or call Tourist Police (1155) immediately.
- Please check your belongings before getting off the bus
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
|