Pentravel
Pentravel

Thailand Transport: Best ways to get around Thailand on your holiday

19 October 2022
Share this article

So, you’re finally taking the plunge and you’re going on holiday to Thailand! Congratulations, you’re in for a treat. Not only is the food amazing, but the people are friendly and there’s so much to see and do. One thing you’ll need to sort out before you go, however, is transport. Getting around Thailand can be a bit daunting if you don’t know what you’re doing, but don’t worry—we’re here to help. In this blog post, we’ll give you an overview of the best ways to get around Thailand so you can start planning your dream trip. 

Plane

Thailand Transport: Best ways to get around Thailand on your holiday

The quickest way to get around Thailand is by plane. All the main tourist areas have an airport in Thailand. Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport is a major hub in Southeast Asia, so there are direct flights to just about anywhere in the country. Once you’re in Bangkok, there are also several budget airlines that operate domestic flights within Thailand. Flying is generally the most expensive choice, but it’s also the quickest and most convenient. 

Car/Motorbike

Thailand Transport: Best ways to get around Thailand on your holiday

If you’re planning on spending most of your time in one place or you’re just not comfortable flying, then renting a car or motorbike is a great option. You’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace, and if you’re renting a car with friends or family, it can be quite cost-effective. Just be sure to brush up on your driving skills before hitting the road—Thailand has some rather hairy roads! 

Taxi

Thailand Transport: Best ways to get around Thailand on your holiday

Taxis are another popular choice for getting around Thailand. They’re relatively inexpensive, and they’re readily available in most cities and towns. Just be sure to agree on a price with the driver before getting in the car, as taxi meters can be unreliable. There is no Uber in Thailand currently, but they do have Grab which works very similarly to Uber. 

Train

Thailand Transport: Best ways to get around Thailand on your holiday

Another option for getting around Thailand is by train. The Thai railway system isn’t as extensive as some other countries’, but it’s still a workable option if you’re looking to save some money or you want to take in the scenery. The downside of travelling by train is that it can be slow—the journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, for example, takes about 12 hours—but it’s an experience. 

Bus

Thailand Transport: Best ways to get around Thailand on your holiday

Travelling by bus is one of the most popular ways to get around Thailand, especially for budget travellers. There are plenty of private companies that run buses between major cities, and prices are usually very reasonable. Just keep in mind that journeys can take longer than they would by plane or train—the Bangkok-to-Chiang Mai trip mentioned above takes about 18 hours by bus—so make sure you’ve got plenty of entertainment sorted for the journey.  

Boat

One of the best ways to island hop around Thailand is by boat! You can take a longtail boat, which is a traditional Thai fishing boat, or a speedboat. Either way, you’re sure to enjoy the stunning views of the sea and coastline as you travel from place to place. 

Tuk Tuk

Thailand Transport: Best ways to get around Thailand on your holiday

Another popular way to get around in Thailand, especially in cities like Bangkok, is by tuk-tuk. Tuk-tuks are small, three-wheeled vehicles that are motorized. They are cheaper than taking a taxi and more fun than taking a bus! Plus, you can really get a feel for what it’s like to live like a local when you’re zipping around on a tuk-tuk. 

There are plenty of methods for getting around the country on a Thailand holiday, so it’s just a matter of figuring out what works best for you and your budget. Planes are quick but can be expensive, while trains and buses are slower but much more affordable. Whichever way you choose to travel, we hope you have an amazing time exploring everything this beautiful country has to offer. Safe travels! 

Voted No.1
in travel

Thank you for being part of our journey... and choosing us to be part of yours.

PenTravel voted no1