Whether you are going to Thailand for leisure or business, one of your major concerns will likely be transportation. Fortunately, getting around Thailand is somewhat simple as long as you know the right things to do at the right time. Here, we will help you to learn the easy way to navigate Thailand.
Basically, Thailand has several transportation modes that operate in different locations. Like in many other countries, getting around Thailand can be done through air, land, rail, and water. While some of these transportation modes are age-long and traditional to the country, others are modern.
However, just knowing the transportation modes for getting around Thailand is not enough. You need to have an in-depth understanding of where and how you can find. So, this simple guide will help you to know how to get around this Southeast Asian country with ease.
Tuk Tuks
A Tuk Tuk refers to a 3-wheeled vehicle that is often used for public transportation. Since it is an open-air vehicle, it is relatively comfortable as long as the driver doesn’t take lots of individuals. You can also find tricycles like this type in various countries in Southeast Asia.
They are also available in most places; hence, getting around Thailand in Tuk Tuks is a good option for anyone. Undoubtedly, they are one of the preferred transportation options for short-distance trips in Thailand. Whether you are visiting the temples, shopping for Thai souvenirs, or doing any other things, you can board one of these vehicles to get to your destination.
In general, Songthaew and motorcycle taxis tend to be relatively cheaper than Tuk Tuks. This is because most tourists enjoy the thrills of riding in these 3-wheeled vehicles; thus, most drivers overcharge passengers. However, a ride in Tuk Tuk is more unique than other options.
To board a Tuk Tuk, you just need to get on the street and wave at a driver to stop for you. Depending on the distance, you are likely going to pay about 80 to 150 Baht (about 2.5 USD to 5 USD) for a ride in this tricycle. However, you can haggle the price with the driver if there is no language barrier.
Songthaews
The next indigenous transportation option in Thailand is Songthaew, which is a two-rowed vehicle. It is a small pick-up truck that has been converted into a public transport vehicle. Its back end features two rows of seats for the passengers to share and rest their legs. In addition, some passengers can stand in the back end of a Songthaew and hold something as the driver continues driving. However, you should realize that these vehicles are more common in smaller towns and cities than bigger ones such as Bangkok.
Riding a Songthaew is probably the cheapest way to move from one place to another in Thailand. You only need to spend about 10 Baht (about 0.3 USD) for a ride. Although you can pay for the ride whenever you want, it is more advisable to wait until you have reached your destination before paying. This is to avoid any argument that may ensue if the Songthaew breaks down on the way.
Nonetheless, when compared to other options, Songthaews are slower and could require a long waiting period before moving. For instance, a driver may need to wait for about 10 to 15 minutes to ensure that the truck takes enough passengers. Once you have reached where you would like to alight, you only have to press one of the stop buzzers on the Songthaews.
Motorcycle taxis
If you are traveling a short distance in Thailand, a motorcycle taxi is another great choice. A motorcycle taxi is just a normal motorcycle that is used for moving passengers from one place to another. Like Songthaews, motorcycle taxis are quite cheap. Besides, they are available in the majority of Thai cities and towns.
To take a motorcycle taxi, you need to go to the street to find a rider and then describe where you are heading to. If you are a foreigner, most riders will want to increase the rate. Therefore, you shouldn’t hesitate to negotiate the price to get a better deal. Depending on the distance between the start and stop points, taking a motorcycle taxi in Thailand will cost you around 20 to 100 Thai baht (about 0.60 to 3 USD). Notably, two people can take a motorcycle taxi along with the rider to save the cost of travel.
While riding a motorcycle taxi in Thailand can save you lots of money, it is not the best option whenever it is raining. Also, if you have loads of luggage to carry, traveling on a motorcycle may be unsafe.
Taxis
Taxis are also common in Thailand, especially in larger cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai. For any foreigner or local that wants to enjoy a comfortable and private ride to their destination, taxis are usually the best option. Many of the taxis are air-conditioned with experienced drivers that know their way around the towns and cities.
It is noteworthy that the mode of calculating taxi fares in Bangkok is quite different from what applies to many western countries. The introduction of the meter system ensures that taxi rides are affordable in Bangkok. Simply put, the meter system requires the ride to start at 35 baht (just over 1 USD) for the first 2 km. Afterward, the passenger will have to pay an additional 2 baht for every kilometer. In case there is a traffic jam, there is a surcharge of 1.25 Thai baht.
For instance, if you are traveling over a distance of 5 km without any traffic jam, you will pay about 41 Thai baht (about 1.25 USD) for the taxi ride. Unfortunately, traffic can be frustrating in a few parts of Bangkok. So, if you stay in such parts of the city, you are advised to go for motorcycle taxis to save time and money.
Apart from Bangkok, the meter system doesn’t apply in many other cities and towns in Thailand. Besides, only a handful of taxis are available in some places; hence, there may be strong competition for the limited ones. As a consequence of this, the drivers are usually at liberty to charge you an exorbitant amount that they want.
Bus
Since the bus transport system in Thailand is top-notch, it is one of the preferred modes of transportation for foreigners in Bangkok and other cities in the country. In Bangkok, neat and well-maintained buses are usually available for both short and long-distance trips. But if you want to move around in some small cities in Thailand, buses may not be available. Luckily, motorcycle taxis and Songthaews can also come to your aid.
The good news is that both big and small cities and towns have functional bus systems for long-distance travel. While the varieties of the buses in some of the smaller towns may not be as much as Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, etc., they are good enough for anyone that wants to move around the country.
On average, you will have to pay about 7 Thai baht (about 0.2 USD) to move from point A to point B in Bangkok. However, long-distance trips from one city or town to another will cost you more, depending on the total distance to be covered. If you are traveling in Bangkok, several bus terminals are available in various locations. Besides, numerous bus classes can also be accessed at varying rates. However, this doesn’t apply to smaller cities and towns as some of them only have one or two bus stations.
If you want to move around Thailand by bus, you can go to the bus terminal to get a ticket. Otherwise, you can get on board before purchasing a ticket. But you can also book a ticket ahead of a long-distance trip at Thaiticketmajor.com or another ticketing platform. Please, make sure that you check the timetable for the buses before parting ways with your hard-earned money.
Ferries
Because most of Thailand’s islands can be accessed by road from the mainland, ferries also play a key role in the transportation system of the country. The cost of ferries varies significantly depending on the distance you have to cover. To get a ticket for ferries, one of the best options is to go to the pier and buy it. However, if you want to avoid the last-minute rush, you may want to book a ticket online through one of the numerous ticketing platforms.
Overall, the necessary safety measures are usually in place in most ferries. Nonetheless, you still want to ensure your safety by avoiding any overcrowded ferry. Also, make sure that the ferry has basic safety tools before sailing.
Trains
There is an overground railway system that operates in most places in Thailand. If you are traveling long-distance, trains are probably the most affordable and comfortable option for you. But it should be understood that trains are not available on islands around the country.
For just 800 baht (24 USD), a third-class ticket on a train can take you through a journey of around 700 km. However, since the trains have varying classes, the rates for the same distance in a first-class coach or second-class ticket will be higher. On the train, you will have access to a private cabin as well as other amenities. The first-class ticket can offer you a double bed, air-conditioned cabin, and lots more.
If you need a train ticket, you can purchase it at 12Go.asia. This is necessary if you are going to one of the popular locations in Thailand. However, you can also get the ticket at the train station.
Bangkok BTS Skytrain
As the name indicates, Bangkok BTS Skytrain is only available in Thailand. It is an overground railway network that services the need of millions of people every year. Targeted at reducing the traffic congestions on Bangkok’s roads, BTS Skytrain comes in handy for anyone that wants to move around the capital city. This transportation option has two lines – the Silom Line and the Sukhumvit Line.
As Skytrain conveys passengers, it will stop at most of the popular tourist attractions and locations in the city. Hence, the Bangkok BTS Skytrain is a great option for tourists in Bangkok. Please, make sure you check the schedule for the BTS Skytrain before boarding it.
MTR Subway
Also called the Blue Line, the Bangkok MTR Subway is an underground railway network that connects different parts of Bangkok. It takes care of the areas that the Bangkok BTS Skytrain doesn’t cover. It should be understood that you can use the MTR for intercity travel as it is only available in Bangkok.
Notably, the MTR Subway has 18 stops around Bangkok and runs from 6 am to 12 am during the weekdays. Like BTS Skytrain, you can get a ticket for the MTR Subway online.
Air Travel
Air travel is also possible for anyone that wants to move around Thailand. While air travel in Thailand tends to be faster than other transportation modes, it is usually the most expensive transportation option. Resultantly, it is not the preferred travel option for most individuals exploring different cities in Thailand.
Currently, there are 38 airports in Thailand, and 7 of them are international airports that connect Thailand to other countries around the world. Many of the airports have well-developed ticketing systems; hence, you can visit their official websites to book a ticket for your next flight. You may also want to use Skyscanner or other search engines to schedule a flight. Take the time to compare the rates of different airlines to find the best bargains when you are traveling within Thailand.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, this article has revealed that it is easy to get around Thailand. Thanks to the various transportation options that are available in the country. However, the best transportation option for you will depend on your destination, budget, and choice. Regardless, as long as transportation is concerned, you should have no issue with exploring the country.