The Best Ways to Travel Around Thailand

Trains

Trains connect the broader cities of Thailand and are an easy way to travel across the country. While not necessarily fast, Thailand’s rail network is well-connected, giving you fantastic scenery. Savor the charms of slower travel with overnight sleeper cars or stop in unexpected cities places between destinations. Train travel is comfortable, environmentally friendly, and offers a more authentic Thai experience. However, if you are pressed for time or are traveling very far distances, such as Chiang Mai to Koh Samui, flying is much easier and faster.

Flights

Flying between cities and islands in Thailand is easy, safe, and fast. The most popular destinations around the country generally have their own airports, such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Koh Samui, making each corner of Thailand accessible, especially if you have a tight timeline. By flying between destinations, you can see more in a shorter amount of time, giving you more chances to relax, more opportunities to explore, or the possibility of visiting more places.

Travel by Private Driver

A private driver is one of the best ways to experience Thailand during your trip. A private chauffeur allows you to explore a city, the landscape or travel between destinations at your preferred pace. You can cut down travel time and not worry about logistics between the airport and your accommodation, or when traveling between close by towns and cities. Using a private driver is easy and safe while also giving you a relaxing experience as you explore, discover, or simply transfer between destinations.

Car Rental

It is possible to rent a car in Thailand but it is both unnecessary and not recommended. The traffic alone in large cities like Bangkok is enough of a deterrent, in addition to other driving hurdles and the accessible number of quality transportation options.

Buses

Buses are an easy form of transportation in Thailand and very popular with travelers and locals. Long distances buses are clean, comfortable, and often offer overnight services when traveling long routes like Bangkok to Chiang Mai. While the service may be comfortable and economical, it can take time, of which you may only have a limited amount for your trip. However, the bus network in Thailand is extensive and easy to navigate, giving you access to some destinations across the country, including lesser-known villages.

Taxis and Local Transportation

Taxis are generally available throughout Thailand and are an easy way to travel within cities or towns. They are easy to flag down on the street or call ahead for a specific time. When using a taxi throughout Thailand, it is essential to know where you are going and insisting on the meter before the ride starts, you can avoid any possible misunderstandings. Taxis are not color-coded, but the various colors generally refer to the different companies trying to get your attention.

Ridesharing Apps

Ridesharing apps are available in Thailand but not widely accessible outside of cities like Bangkok or Chiang Mai. The majority of ridesharing apps give you access to taxis instead of private drivers but result in a pre-agreed upon fare and route taking away any possibility for miscommunication. The apps also make it much easier to pay digitally to ease the financial transaction.

Boats

Whether on a ferry to the islands in the Attaman Sea and on the Gulf of Thailand or when traveling from Bangkok upriver to a market, boats can be both enjoyable and convenient. Savor an authentic travel experience as you cross the Chao Phraya River, visit a floating market, or simply board a ferry taking you between island destinations such as from Koh Samui to Koh Tao. Each experience is different and offers a unique perspective of the water, culture, and shores.

Thailand has a number of transportation options that make it easy to travel in your preferred style and comfort. The best time to visit Thailand depends on the experiences you want to have, from searching for whale sharks at a secluded scuba spot to visiting a cultural village in the woodland hills outside of Chiang Mai, lounging in a luxury seaside resort to finding the perfect shopping spot. Zicasso’s Thailand Travel Guide has plenty of helpful information to plan your perfect trip. You can also speak to a Thailand travel expert by filling out a Trip Request or by calling our team at 1-888-265-9707.