Transportation In and Around Thailand

Navigating Bangkok

Bangkok is a massive city with more than 13 million people and 9 million cars. Navigating across Bangkok can sometimes take a few hours. That being said, there are lots of great ways to get around, including a good subway/sky train system. The best way to get started is to look at google maps and see how long your trip is projected to take. If its rush hour (7am-9am or 4pm-7pm) or if you need to head anywhere in central Bangkok, consider taking the sky train network: https://www.bangkoktransitmap.com/. There are new lines opening all the time, but the map above covers all of them. 

Skytrain/Subway 

The different lines can be run by different companies, requiring different tickets for each. However, all stations have English language maps and machines to buy tickets. Prices range from 20 to 80 baht per ride. There are lines going to both airports and they can often be much quicker during peak hours. 

The nearest station to Salaya is Lak Song MRT. From there, you can transfer to most lines in the city. Lak Song is about 20 minutes from Salaya in a taxi.

Boats

Bangkok was originally built without roads and the main method of transport was by boat. You can still use boats on the river and some on the canals. This is a cheap, fun, and fast way of getting around. 

The Chao Phraya river has several boats the go up and down the river during the day, with an express boat and a new air conditioned option, as well as a more expensive boat with an English language guide on board who explains the sites as you pass. This is a great way to see Bangkok and learn more about its history as a flourishing trade port. More information here: https://www.transitbangkok.com/Chao_Phraya_Express.html.

Khlong (Canal) Boats cover several of the bigger canals in Bangkok and connect with multiple sky train stops. You can find more information about the lines here: https://www.transitbangkok.com/khlong_boats.html.

Buses

Bangkok has a huge number of buses covering the whole city. Many are air-conditioned but not all. Google maps does a good job of letting you know which bus to take and where the bus stop is. You normally just buy your ticket once you get on board. Fares range between 7-24 baht. 

Grab/Bolt/In-Drive

These versions of Uber are the most common way to get around and provide cheap safe transport anywhere in Bangkok. Depending on the pricing and local offers, Bolt or Grab can be more cost effective. In-Drive allows you to negotiate a price and slowly increase your offer. All the apps allow you to attach your credit card to them or pay with cash.  

Navigating Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a small town with limited public transport options. Most people use the Songtaews (two rows). Different colors work in different ways; red ones are common in the center of town and just wander the city. You flag the truck down and let them know where you want to go. Use local landmarks, temples, markets etc, and not street addresses. If the truck is heading in that direction anyway, you can jump on board. Simply ring the bell when you want to get out. Rides start at 30 baht, and hiring the whole truck is 150 baht per trip. The more you can speak to them in Thai, the better prices you will get. However, if they try to charge you too much just walk away and try another one. 

There are other color trucks which all have set routes and work more like a bus; just jump on and ring the bell when you want to get off. Fares start at 20 baht. If you need to use one of these lines, we will introduce it to you at orientation. 

Grab/Bolt/In-Drive 

See above for more information 

Navigating Thailand and Asia

Depending on your destination, you may have multiple options such as trains, buses, and planes. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that best suits your needs. For example, trains are a great option for longer distances as they are often faster than driving and more convenient than flying, while buses are often the cheapest option.

Additionally, consider using apps like Google Maps and  1 2 Go Asia, or other transportation apps to check multiple options and compare prices; it can save you a lot of time and money.

Finally, before you leave, make sure you have all the necessary documents and tickets, including your passport or ID card, and double-check your itinerary to make sure you don't miss your connection. With these tips and tricks, you'll be able to book your transportation and travel around Asia with ease.

Flights

Exploring Asia and Thailand through air travel can be a convenient option. To make the booking process easier, it's recommended to use flight search engines like Skyscanner or Google Flights. These websites allow you to search for flights based on your desired dates and locations, and also show you the cheapest destinations/flights for your chosen dates. Another useful tool for finding the best deals is Kayak, which compares prices from multiple airlines to help you get the best price and route. Additionally, consider booking directly with budget airlines like Air Asia, Bangkok Airways and Nok Air. In general Thai Viet Jet and Lion Air are the cheapest airlines, but they have lower safety standards and are more likely to cancel flights. Air Asia is by far the best airline. 

Make sure you note which airport you are flying out because Bangkok has two! Those two airports are Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi. 

Buses

Using buses to travel within Thailand is a cost-effective way to explore lesser-known towns and major cities. Buses can be quite cheap and often travel overnight, saving money on accommodation. The buses at Thai bus stations provide VIP seats with lots of room, food and drinks. Buses that are aimed at tourists are not generally recommended. They may seem initially cheaper but they force you to stop in the middle of the night to eat, and there have been some instances of people having their bags stolen. If you want to use the bus, head to the bus station in Bangkok; there are different ones for the North/North-East, South and South East. Most of the time you can simply buy a ticket once you get the station. 

Trains

Trains can be a great way to travel and see another side of Thailand. There are overnight trains to Chiang Mai and also some towns in the south. However, these tend to be only a little cheaper than flights and a lot slower. Most long distance trains depart from Bang Sue Grand Station. You can also buy tickets on 1 2 Go Asia.