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Getting
Around Thailand
There are many ways to get around Thailand. Although most
travelers choose to fly between the major tourist centers of
Bangkok, the North and South, there's something to be said for
the alternatives. There are still some special and out of the
way places you can't get close to by plane, not to mention that
most tourist cities have been turned into something which is not
quite Thailand. To see the "real" Thailand you need to get
outside the major tourist areas.
Planes
In recent years, the number of domestic air carriers has
practically exploded, with as many as half a dozen carriers,
depending on who is actually in business at the moment. Many of
these new airlines are the result of Thai Airways' attempt to
offload unprofitable destinations, so their long term viability
is in question. The smarter ones are taking a cue from Bangkok
Airways and developing new destinations. Many of the small startups have code share agreements with
Thai, at least for the routes they took over from the national
carrier. For one or two, the only way to book a flight
is through a Thai Airways agent. Note that code-share flights
are usually not eligible for e-ticketing.
Thai Airways
The national flag carrier flies to almost all major
tourist destinations. Their web site allows you to view
schedules and seat availability. You can now even book and
pay online for paperless travel.
Note:
Effective 25 March 2007, Thai returned some
of its domestic flights in and out of Bangkok to the old Don
Muang Airport (code: DMK). Be sure to get to the right
airport if using this airline.
Bangkok Airways
The nation's second carrier is almost solely responsible
for developing special destinations such as
Samui and Sukhothai. Their now extensive network covers
several countries and many of the major world heritage
destinations of Southeast Asia. You can purchase e-tickets
on-line at their web site using Visa or Mastercard (but not
American Express. If considering a vacation that includes
several Bangkok Airways destinations, the you should have a
look at their "Discovery Pass", which may save you some
money.
PB Air
Probably the most interesting (and likely to succeed) of
the newer carriers, PB Air flies small 'executive' style
jets to an increasing number of destinations. Their flying
time is often less than the bigger jets and turbo-props
flown by other carriers. Destinations include
Krabi and
Lampang.
Budget Airlines
Note: As of 25 March 2007, Nok Air and
1-2-Go airlines have moved all of their Bangkok
flights back to the old Don Muang Airport. If using one of these
airlines for your domestic flights, be sure you get to the right
airport. If transferring from an international flight, be sure
you leave enough time to get from one airport to the other.
There is no shuttle bus between the two
airports. The most direct route is to take a taxi.
One-Two-Go
The budget arm of charter carrier Orient Thai,
One-Two-Go distinguishes itself by using larger planes than
other low cost lines. Serves mostly the standard
destinations -
Chiang Mai,
Chiang Rai and
Phuket.
Note: Effective 25 March 2007,
One-Two-Go returned all flights in and out
of Bangkok to the old Don Muang Airport (code: DMK). Be sure
to get to the right airport if using this airline.
Nok Air
Budget carrier with
Thai
Airways as one of its major investors. Like most other
budget lines, serves mostly the major tourist destinations
such as
Chiang Mai,
Mae Hong Son and
Phuket. See our own detailed
review of Nok Air.
Note: Effective 25
March 2007, Nok Air returned all flights in
and out of Bangkok to the old Don Muang Airport (code: DMK).
Be sure to get to the right airport if using this airline.
Air
Asia
Air Asia was the first budget airline to go regional. Based in
Malaysia, Air Asia started flying in Thailand in 2002, and has a
reputation for offering some of the lowest fares around. Thai
destinations include Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai and Phuket. The
airline also flies from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur and from there on to
Bali, Singapore and other destinations. If considering Air Asia,
it's important to keep in mind that the fares
go up the closer you get to your departure date. To
get the cheapest fares you need to book at least three
months in advance.
Trains
State
Railway
The state railway operates the inter-city trains
throughout Thailand. It can be an amazingly cheap way to get
around the country, if you have the time. You can go by
first class almost anywhere for under 1,000 Baht.
Eastern & Oriental Express
The very definition of luxury from days gone by.
Operates special trips from Bangkok to Chiang Mai,
Kanchanaburi and Singapore.
Automobiles
Driving yourself around
Thailand isn't something we'd recommend, although traveling by car
definitely has its advantages. The roads in Thailand, mainly due to
the poor driving habits of a large proportion of Thais, are not very
safe for those unfamiliar with the unwritten and haphazard rules of
the road. However, the good news is that you can generally rent a
car with a driver for the same price or less than you would
pay for a car rental in North America or Europe.
This makes a good
option for a day trip to out of the way places. Due no doubt to the
low demand, the major international car rental companies don't have
much presence in Thailand. However, most first class hotels will
have cars for hire and most major tourist destinations such as
Chiang Mai have rental agencies. Be sure to check out the car on
offer before agreeing to rent it.
Buses
Thailand still has an extensive
network of inter-city buses. Bus service is available in two
classes. Second class is not air conditioned, while first class
services have air conditioning, and often much more.
A few of the
longer routes, such as Bangkok to Chiang Mai, even have a sort of
super-first class service with fully reclining seats and other
amenities. Bus service is generally inexpensive, but be sure to
watch the bags unloaded at intermediate stops, as theft is rather
common.
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