Understanding Transportation In Thailand

Thailand seems to be at the top of everyone’s bucket-list destinations, and for good reason. This country is gorgeous from the top to the bottom, the locals are friendly, nightlife is plentiful, and the islands are quite affordable considering all that can be enjoyed here.

There is far too much to see and do in Thailand for you to stay in one place. Thankfully, there are tons of different options available for you to travel the country with ease.

1. Airplanes

This is the quickest and easiest way to explore Thailand. Avoid bumpy roads and get from point A to point B in just a couple hours. There are plenty of small in-country airlines that are relatively affordable, and yes, completely safe. Thai Airways, Nok Air, and Air Asia are some of the most popular ones. If you prefer to travel by air, use this nifty guide to domestic airline travel. For the ultimate in convenience, combine local airlines with ferry and taxi packages, which can be purchased on airline websites.

2. Tuk Tuks

At least once along your journey in Thailand, hop on a local Tuk Tuk and soak in the fresh air. This is a Tha experience all on its own. You’ll find these local autos in all the cities and they can serve as an easy way to explore the area. Most of the time, tuk tuks will be pretty cheap. You’ll have to bargain the price, and being a foreigner, you can expect to pay more than the locals. In the more touristy areas, tuk-tuks and autos will be a bit more expensive, but if you find the right driver, you can easily bargain your way down to a fair price. Ask your hotel the price you should expect to pay in advance.

3. Boats

If you want to island hop (and you really should) you will have to travel by boat. With a little research, you can easily navigate Thailand by water. As mentioned above, there are even travel packages that help you get from one city to the next via a combination of boat, car, and flight. Not to mention, traveling by boat is a great way to see some of the most beautiful parts of Thailand.

Just like tuk tuks and autos, you will find water taxis on all the major islands. These long-tail boats are similar to autos, and help you hop between neighbor islands throughout the afternoon. Lager ferries are available for longer trips.

4. Rent A Motorcycle Or Moped

This is perfect for those who want to explore Thailand at their own pace. You will find motorbike rental shops throughout the cities and towns, and even many of the hotels will offer motorcycle rentals at per-day rates. If you have a bit of knack for driving in foreign countries, this is the most convenient option and gives you the freedom to explore as you wish. Be aware if you’re renting a moped during the annual water festival, you will get wet.

5. Bus

You can get almost anywhere in Thailand by bus. As one of the most popular ways to travel, the bus network is vast and affordable. You can hop on the busses from the road, just like a taxi, or book in advance. The best part: you won’t have to pay extra for luggage fees. Follow this great guide for understanding the ins and outs of bus travel in Thailand. Just remember to keep an eye on your belongings, and don't expect to get most places quickly.

There are plenty of options available to you to make traveling around Thailand as efficient and stress-free as possible. Know what works for you and be open to the adventure that awaits you in beautiful Thailand!

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