Traveling in Thailand often involves traveling long distances to explore its different regions. With a multitude of transportation options available, it is important to know the pros, cons, and tips to navigate easily. Here is a complete guide to optimize your travels.
Bangkok: the essential platform
Bangkok is located in the heart of the country, so the capital is often the necessary transit point for inter-regional travel. Whether you are traveling north, south and its islands or elsewhere, the metropolis is a major hub for all modes of transport.
- Why is Bangkok a must-see? The city is very well served by all means of transport with several bus stops, train stations, and two airports for planes (just missing boats). In addition, the city is close to several major tourist destinations in the country, Ayuttaya and its historic park, Kanchanaburi or, Pattaya.
With a length of 2 km, it is difficult to imagine a trip from north to south and vice versa in one go, apart from possible flights, it would be too long. Even internal flights often go through Bangkok because of its strategic position. Direct flights between cities, even though they are important, are often limited or non-existent.
Anyway, it's a good thing that the capital is relatively central to the country... and Bangkok remains for me a must-see!
For inter-city travel, there is no shortage of choice. Because to summarize, you have the right to the train, the bus, the plane and even the boat to a lesser extent (because it is mainly to connect the different islands, so not so great distances), but What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
Book your transport and tickets in advance
In addition to the links to the main companies that I give you below for each type of transport, THE reference here for making inter-city reservations (excluding aviation) is via 12Go, a reliable company that easily allows you to choose between different means of transport for all the main destinations in Thailand.
This is the ideal solution if you feel more comfortable with the idea of having your stay well planned with your reservations in your pocket. I invite you to use the search box below, you will be able to find your train, bus or even boat tickets, or, failing to book, consult the prices and schedules.
The plane: speed and accessibility
Domestic flights are common. The network is not bad because many secondary cities covering all regions of Thailand have at least one airport. In addition, with low cost companies like Nok Air (https://www.nokair.com/) and Air Asia (http://www.airasia.com/), you benefit from speed and security for very competitive prices.
For example, I would always take the Bangkok – Chiang Mai route as a reference, given that it is one of the must-see destinations in Thailand, you can get by on average between €50 and €80 for a return trip, provided you book a minimum in advance, but even from one day to the next, you can get by for less than 100 € in general.
In the major airlines you have this:
- Bangkok Airways which is not low-cost and therefore generally more expensive
- Lion Air, an Indonesian company, more recent in the Thai landscape and which operates from Don Muang airport with its local branch (Thai Lion Air).
- Scoot, a Singapore-based company (which has just merged with Tiger Air).
- Viet Jet Air, which as its name suggests is based in Vietnam, also offers some internal connections in Thailand in addition to other cities in Asia and internationally.
Some companies offer very limited connections or conversely, some destinations are only accessible via a few companies. A concrete example, Chumphon is only served by Air Asia and Nok Air. Other airports are private, such as Ko Samui, whose exclusive operation is held by Bangkok Airways, a very good company certainly, but which is reflected in its prices.
- Advantage:
- Fast and reliable.
- Large network covering major cities (Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, etc.).
- Low-cost airlines like Air Asia, Nok Air, or Thai Lion Air which offer competitive rates.
- Disadvantages:
- Less economical for short trips.
- Some destinations, like Ko Samui, are monopolized by Bangkok Airways with high prices.
- Tips:
- Book your tickets in advance to get the best rates.
- Allow extra time for connections in Bangkok, especially between Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airports.
At Don Muang Airport.
Bangkok's two airports
- Suvarnabhumi (BKK) : The main international airport, it serves domestic and international flights from major airlines such as Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways.
- Don Muang (DMK) : Base of low-cost airlines such as AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Lion Air. This is the airport of choice for low-cost flights.
- Getting between the two airports: A free shuttle (for passengers with a plane ticket) provides the connection in approximately 50 minutes, depending on traffic.
Main destinations served by plane
- North: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang.
- Northeast: Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima.
- South : Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani, Hat Yai.
- Islands: Ko Samui (Bangkok Airways), Phuket.
The bus: economical and flexible
The road network is extensive and generally well maintained, making it the number 1 long distance mode of transport in Thailand (starting with domestic tourism). Still in the same example, a journey Bangkok – Chiang Mai will cost around 1 baht max for an average of 10 hours of travel (a little over 30 km).
Fares vary depending on the class, generally you will find Vip, First Class, Express or Standard Buses. For the most comfortable buses, you will be entitled to a reclining seat (sometimes almost horizontal) and adequate legroom. As with planes, you even have a hostess, she will ensure comfort during your trip, distributes snacks, drinks and blankets for the night, a must.
- Advantage:
- Affordable fares: between 600 and 1 THB for a long distance trip.
- Several classes available, including VIP buses offering comfort and services (reclining seats, snacks, blankets).
- High frequencies: regular departures from all major cities.
- Disadvantages:
- Long travel time.
- Sometimes excessive speed and more frequent accidents.
- Tips:
- If not purchased in advance, prefer to buy your tickets directly at the terminals to avoid agency commissions.
- Be careful with agencies offering trips departing directly from Khao San, as problems with theft and other issues are regularly reported there.
There are 3 companies that currently stand out (among the many covering the country) for their seriousness and the general good condition of their buses (some even have individual screens like on airlines):
- The Transport Co Ltd (public network)
- Green bus company (specialized for the northern region)
Except during major holiday dates (end of year period and Thai New Year, Songkran mid-April), you can book your buses directly on site, departures are very regular so there are rarely any problems with places.
If you want to book your bus ticket in advance (or even just check the timetables and prices), you can go through this organization: Bus Ticket Online, if not 12GO is your friend.
Main Bus Terminals in Bangkok
- Mo Chit (Northern Bus Terminal) : Mainly serves the north (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai) and the northeast (Issan).
- Sai Tai Mai (Southern Bus Terminal) : For destinations to the west (Kanchanaburi) and the south (Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani).
- Ekamai (Eastern Bus Terminal) : Located at the foot of Ekamai BTS station, it serves destinations to the east such as Pattaya, Rayong and Trat (towards Ko Chang).
How to get there ?
- Mo Chit: Accessible by BTS (Skytrain) to Mo Chit then taxi or local bus.
- Sai Tai Mai: Plan to take a taxi or Grab, as it is not directly served by the metro.
- Ekamai: Directly accessible by BTS (Ekamai station).
The train: picturesque but slow
The rail network in Thailand is in disrepair and trains are mostly hauled by old diesel locomotives, but it is the most economical way to travel in Thailand.
It is also the slowest, with an average of 80km/h, it takes about 13 hours to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. However, things have improved slightly in recent years because for a long time, trains ran on single tracks, in other words, train schedules were calculated so that they would only cross each other, due to the lack of possible passage, at the station.
Several sections of lines have been doubled over the past few years, improving journey times.
There are 3 classes on trains in Thailand:
- Third class : the fares are unbeatable for long distances, starting from €10 (375 baht), but in this case, I challenge you to spend 14 hours on hard seats!
- Second class : still seats but more comfortable, then count around €15 (550 baht) per person.
- 1st Class Sleeper AC : the preferred option because you will be entitled to a sleeper and air-conditioned carriages, however the price climbs to €40 (1 baht) in this case.
Interior of a Bangkok – Chiang Mai sleeper train.
Fortunately, major connections such as Bangkok–Chiang Mai or, Bangkok–Surat Thani have newer carriages for night trains in particular. However, it is not guaranteed to find food on board (it happens that vendors come into the carriages at certain stops at stations) so bring something just in case.
On night trains, a member of staff will transform your “day” seat into a sleeper position, literally making your bed for you with sheets and cushion included.
A notable negative point of my experience, the air conditioning in first class trains is particularly cold, one of the reasons being that it prevents the proliferation of mosquitoes which do not like this "coolness" and therefore prevents the transfer of the latter between regions.
This is not a joke but bring a sweater to compensate!
Finally, the last point to emphasize regarding this means of transport is that you do have curtains to keep a certain privacy at night, however, they do not turn off the light! If you are sensitive to light, it's not great...
- Advantage:
- Ideal for admiring the landscapes during the day, or in the morning depending on your schedule.
- Economical option.
- Sleeper cars for overnight journeys, saving a night in a hotel.
- Disadvantages:
- Not very modern trains, with frequent delays.
- Very long travel time.
- The air conditioning, if present, is very cold
- Not always a restaurant car
Major Train Stations in Bangkok
- Hua Lamphong: The historic central station, still in service for some destinations but no longer for long distances.
- Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station (Bang Sue Grand Station) : The new central station, modern and connected to the metro and SRT (rapid train) but still lacks life to this day. However, it has become the main starting point for all major connections to the north and south of the country.
- Thonburi Railway Station: Formerly an important railway station in the city, it is mainly used to travel to cities west of Bangkok, particularly Kanchanaburi.
Future projects:
— High-speed lines are under construction, notably between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima, promising faster journeys in the future. BUT, it is a somewhat mismanaged project, and after years of construction (with admittedly a pause during the Covid period), progress is unfortunately very limited… When it finally happens, the two cities will be connected in just 1h30 with a top speed of 250 km/h (and if you do the math, a cruising speed of around 170 km/h).
Interesting point : the route will serve Ayutthaya, Saraburi and Pak Chong (the latter being the starting point for the visit of the Khao Yai National Park)
— A line is currently under construction to reach the border with Laos, from Den Chai and will finally see the arrival of a train to Chiang Rai (accessible only by bus or plane to date).
— Other projects would see rapid links between three major airports in the region: Don Muang (Bangkok) – Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok) and U-Tapao (Pattaya).
— The railway network is planned to be completely doubled to allow trains to pass each other without any location constraints.
The future fast train. Maybe one day…
The boat: essential for the islands
Today only Phuket and Ko Samui have their own airport. (Krabi too but it's not an island!). The boat therefore remains the preferred means of transport to reach the islands of Thailand from the continent and between them.
Ferries to the Gulf of Thailand
For the Gulf of Thailand (Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao), there are three main companies:
Lomprayah being popular to get to Ko Tao from Chumphon, without having to go down to Surat Thani (Donsak). For inter-island trips in the Gulf, you also have a dedicated company: Songserm.
Most companies offer bus + ferry combinations, allowing, in particular for Ko Samui, to offer a competitive rate while simplifying your trip. You can also find such combinations on Phantip Travel or 12GB.
I must also mention the north of the Gulf of Thailand, with the islands off Trat (Ko Chang, Ko Mak and Ko Kood):
- Boonsiri, the reference, with numerous connections in the region, including transfers from Bangkok and Pattaya.
- Ko Kut Express : operating between the three main islands
- Seudamgo, the latest arrival, modern and comfortable
Seatran ferry to Ko Phangan.
Ferries to the Andaman Sea
For the Andaman Sea, one company stands out for its wide choice of destinations:
For Ko Phi Phi there is a large ferry via the company Andaman Wave Master, which also operates some connections with speedboats.
For more global ferry booking sites:
- DirectFerries, the reference for this type of transport
- Ferrysamui, for the Gulf of Thailand
- Phuketferry, for his alter ego in the Andaman Sea
Ferries at Ko Phi Phi dock.
Ferries are a safer but obviously slower option. For a Krabi – Ko Phi Phi connection, allow 2 hours of crossing compared to barely 1 hour by speedboat. For the Andaman Sea, you have a company specialized in this type of connection: Bundhaya Speed Boat
On the other hand, if the latter will make the journeys much faster, it is also more expensive:
- 1000 baht to do Krabi – Ko Phi Phi (compared to 450 baht by ferry).
Speedboats are regularly criticized for their lack of safety, sometimes taking to the sea in a strong swell, and sometimes long journeys that shake strongly (therefore not recommended with young children or people of a certain age).
Apart from speedboats, the famous long-tails are also a possible option. These are much more widespread and popular on the Andaman coast. Generally, you will find boatmen along the beaches, ready to take you for a day trip, between beaches and coves.
Long tail boat to Ao Nang beach.
Main ports
- Donsak (Surat Thani): Departure point for Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao.
- Ao Nang (Krabi): Connection to the islands of the Andaman Sea.
- Rassada Pier (Phuket) : operated by Seatran
- Ao Chalong (Phuket)
Pay attention to the names of the departure platforms!
By default, not all companies and connections between two destinations are necessarily from the same departure points. As an example for Krabi, you have the departure pier from the city itself – Kong Ka Pier – while if you leave from Ao Nang instead, it is Noparat Thara Pier.
Same for Ko Samui: Seatran and Raja leave from Donsak, while Lomprayah leaves from Tapee Pier (for speedboats), located in town, 60 km away.
Finally for the other part of the gulf, you have at least two docks to go to Ko Chang, Ko Mak or Ko Kood:
- Koh Chang Ferry (Aow Thammachat) : for Ko Chang, especially if you have a vehicle
- Laem Ngop : for Ko Mak and Ko Kood
To my knowledge, the pier "Ferry Centre Point Pier Koh Chang" from where the "Trat Ferries" departed has been sold and is no longer operating.
To conclude this chapter:
— If you like your freedom on the water, it is also possible to rent your own boat for the day to tour the islands. To do so, go to the Click & Boat website, specialized for that.
Please note that outside the islands, it is also possible to travel by boat. I am obviously thinking of the water bus in Bangkok (the Chao Phraya Express, which I wrote an article about it here) and the Mekong in particular (even if it is more on the Laos side, see here).
If you look carefully, you can even find local connections using rivers, for example, it is possible to reach That your from Chiang Rai (and vice versa) via the Kok river (even if in this specific case, you are dependent on the water level and therefore the season)
Private transport: freedom and comfort
For those who prefer to travel at their own pace or access areas less well served by public transport, private transport in Thailand offers an ideal solution.
Car rental
Car rental is a great option for exploring rural areas, national parks or remote destinations, and is particularly suitable for families or groups who want flexibility.
- Prices: From €30 to €50 per day depending on the type of vehicle and the duration of the rental.
- Available networks: Major international rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Budget) and local agencies (Thai Rent A Car, Chic Car Rent).
- Prerequisites: An international driving license is required, note that the time to obtain one is long, take this into account. Apart from some mountainous regions requiring a robust vehicle, a city vehicle will be more than sufficient for most journeys, the main road network being well maintained.
- Tips:
- Choose a car with comprehensive insurance.
- Use Google Maps or a local GPS app to navigate.
Car rental companies at Don Muang Airport in Bangkok.
Private minivans
Private minivan services are very popular for groups wanting to see multiple locations in one day or plan a custom itinerary.
- Advantage:
- Driver included, avoiding the stress of driving.
- Comfortable for groups of 4 to 10 people.
- Possibility of adapting the stops according to your wishes (historical sites, waterfalls, beaches).
- Prices: From 2 to 000 THB per day (around €3 to €500) depending on distance and duration.
- Recommended services: for a French speaker, the reference is Kevy Transport
Taxis and private driver services
For shorter trips or one-off excursions, private taxis and chauffeur services are a convenient option.
- grab: The Asian equivalent of Uber, very popular in big cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Phuket. Ideal for intra-city trips.
- Bolt : Grab competitor, very popular with tourists, slightly cheaper than Grab in general but less deployed throughout Thailand.
- Services with driver: Available for day trips. Prices start from 1 THB (€500) for a half day.
In addition to "classic" taxis, you will find in most cities and tourist places, pick-ups, called Songthaews. These can be rented as common taxis for spontaneous trips but can also be rented for the day. In this case, you just have to define your program and depending on the duration and distance, a rate will be offered to you (generally, around 2 to 000 baht per day).
A songthaew at Doi Inthanon.
Private excursions
For those who want a high-end service, many local agencies offer private tours with guide and driver.
- Popular options:
- Temple tour in Chiang Mai or Bangkok.
- Visit national parks like Erawan or Doi Inthanon.
- Day trip to the islands (Ko Samui, Ko Phi Phi).
- Prices: Vary depending on duration and inclusions, starting from THB 5 (€000) per day.
- Platforms: GetYourGuide, Viator, or specialized local agencies.
Motorcycle taxis and scooters
Practical for quick trips around town or for exploring islands, scooters and motorcycle taxis are very common.
- Advantage: Flexibility and very affordable rates (from 250 THB per day for scooter rental).
- Disadvantages: Increased risk due to local traffic and driving habits.
- Tips:
- Always wear a helmet.
- Check the insurance conditions before renting.
- Be in compliance: you need an international license + motorcycle license to rent legally
Private transportation in Thailand offers invaluable freedom for those who want to get off the beaten track or travel at their own pace. Whether it’s through a car rental, a private van or a taxi with driver, these options adapt to all needs and budgets.
Small warning: particularly valid for two-wheelers, popular as a means of transport on the islands, driving in Thailand is quite chaotic, do not take to the roads without experience, it is pure recklessness, I detail the subject in my dedicated article.
Hitchhiking in Thailand
I will end with an unusual case. Hitchhiking is not very popular in Thailand. given the generally low prices for transport. It's a mode of travel that doesn't really have to be there... If you ever feel like it (I've already come across some on the roads), be aware that since the thumbs-up is not very common, Thais don't stop often... so be patient.
That's a summary (even if it's quite long)
In the meantime, if you have already been to Thailand or are planning a visit, what was or will be your preferred method of travel? How do you travel?
Chris
Hello,
I know Bangkok a little but I still don't know how to get from Suvarnabhumi airport to Don Muang airport without having to take a taxi. Is there an express bus line? If so, until what time in the evening?
Roman
There is no direct connection to date unfortunately… the train line is under construction and it will therefore not be for a few years yet…. Otherwise there is normally a shuttle bus that makes the connection between the airports for free, last departure around 22 p.m. normally but I have never tested it so I do not know more. Otherwise indeed there remains only the taxi option…
Rattana@Travel to Cambodia
Hi Romain,
Great article on transportation in Thailand.
This will help me to see more clearly, I think I will use all transport except private and train. I will know more when I have defined my exact itinerary.
Thanks for this useful information. I'll take a look at Nokair which I don't know at all. ("Nok" is bird in Lao lol)
Roman
Hello,
Don't hesitate to keep me posted, we could meet if you pass through Bangkok!
I knew for "Nok" it's the same meaning in Thai 😉
Rattana@Travel to Cambodia
I had already thought about it 🙂
Mario
Hello Romain,
Good summary of the available transport. For my part, I traveled by plane (I love Air Asia and Bangkok Airways), by train and by boat. It is true that the trains are rather old but it is still a great experience, especially when you travel in sleeper berths. I did not know that there was a project of high-speed trains in Thailand… As for the boats connecting the southern islands, these are often overloaded, very uncomfortable and therefore I do not like them too much.
Roman
Thanks Mario, not only is there a project but having taken the train recently I was able to see that the work had already started (for some time now)
As for boats, unless you pay the price (speedboat) there isn't much choice... only Samui and Phuket have an airport so...
Andrea Albertini
Bonjour.
Thank you for sharing your experience.
I am leaving with a friend soon. We want to do Krabi – Than Bok Khorani and then return to Khao Sok. What means of transport do you recommend for this trip?
Roman
Hello,
Thank you for your message, I have never made this trip, from Than Bok the easiest would be to return to Krabi, from there I know that there is a minibus (the famous 12-seater vans) which makes the trip to Khao Sok, the easiest is to ask your Guesthouse when you are in Krabi to arrange the transfer for you, normally it should be between 300 and 400 baht per person.
Andrea Albertini
Thanks! We'll see on site then!
Thomas
During my trip to Thailand, I think I took all of these means of transportation. The train from Chiang Mai, the plane from Chiang Mai to Phuket, the bus between Phuket and Krabi and the boat between Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi. The tuk tuk will remain my preferred means of transportation in Thailand.
Roman
The Tuk Tuk, although also used by locals, remains for me above all a means of tourist transport, people generally like it for its "fun" or even "sporty" side but on a daily basis it has little interest. A taxi remains proportionally cheaper, safer and with air conditioning...
Dafos Irene
Hello Romain,
I found your file great, it helps me a lot. Thank you!
My partner and I are looking forward to visiting Thailand (January or February) and I have to say I don't know where to start.
What would you recommend for a first time?
We would have about 15 days.
The desire to see everything is there, but perhaps it would be spreading ourselves too thin to want to do the north, the south and the centre at a run?
Thanks for your advices.
Roman
Hello Irene,
First of all, thanks for the compliment! Maybe you could take a look at the article dedicated to itineraries to give you some ideas 😉
6 itinerary ideas
In 15 days it is obvious that to see everything requires a race, the country being very long it is preferable to make a choice, even if it means coming back 😉
Dafos
Hello Romain, thank you for your quick response!
In the meantime, we have found if not "the" solution, at least "our" solution 🙂 A tour with a personal guide.
But I'm keeping all your info and articles for the next trip we'll take on our own.
Good luck and happy future travels!
Irene
Roman
Hello, if I had known I would have offered you my services, I am an independent guide myself! Have a good trip!
Olivier
Hello, I just came across your comment indicating that you were an independent guide. Leaving next week we would have liked to have some information on your guiding activity, thank you in advance!
In any case, another thank you for this blog, it is a real mine of information and we read it with great interest!!!
Roman
Hello,
I just replied to you by email 😉 Thanks for the compliment otherwise!
constanty cecile
Hello,
Thanks for all this info!!!
in anticipation of a stay in July…What do you think is the best solution to get from Pak Chong to Kanchanaburi…there are 6 of us!
Roman
I don't think there is a direct connection between Pak Chong and Kanchanaburi, so you will have to go back via Bangkok... from there, your choice, or the train but it is long, otherwise the bus seems the most practical to me.
Johanne
Hello,
Very interesting your article. I would like to know how to get to Pattaya from Rayong airport? There doesn't seem to be a way, I searched the net but I can't find anything.
Thank you very much!
Roman
Hello,
I think you will easily find taxis to take you to Pattaya, from what I know prices range from 500-600 baht to 1100 baht, but I think it is possible to find minibuses.
Caro
Hello,
I am planning the rest of our trip after 3 nights in Bangkok, we would like to go to Chang Mai in 2 days with a stop in Ayutayah and Lopburi, night in Sukkothai. We are hesitating between a simple car rental (but driving is dangerous when leaving Bangkok) or a mini-van with an English-speaking driver (there are 5 of us). Do you know any "private transporters" to recommend to us? How much does it cost?
Thank you!
Caro
Hello, as I don't have an answer, sniff!, I'll send you my question again: do you have any contacts for private transport? (we've abandoned the simple car rental project!)
Thank you!
Roman
Hello,
It's rare that I "forget" to reply to a message and apologize for it (in my defense I'm in quite a lot of demand, especially at the moment since it's high season...)
For a private carrier, I can take care of it! I invite you to contact me via the form of the contact page.
Lemaire
Hello, I know it is better to book tickets for example Bangkok Chiang Mai here in France or directly in Thailand for December 29th, otherwise on which site to book, cordially
Roman
Hello,
Are you referring to train tickets? If so, I'm afraid everything is already full given the period... For the bus, it is possible to book online via this site: Thai Ticket Major, however, you must collect the physical ticket on site at one of the points of sale…
wotquenne
Hello,
Thank you very much Romain for all this information.
We are leaving in 2 weeks for Thailand. We arrive on Sunday 21/02 morning, we will spend the day in Bangkok and in the evening we will go to Chiang Mai by plane.
We will stay until 25/02 and we were looking for a French guide to do a 2-day trek. Do you have any contacts, or you, is this possible?
Then we go to Phuket by plane to do the Similan Islands or we would like to spend a night on these islands, is it possible? Then we would go to visit the islands of Ko Phi Phi, Maya Bee (film the beach) ... in 1 day. We would leave Phuket on 29/02 for Ko Samui by plane.
Finally we will spend 4 nights and 5 days on the islands of Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, Ko Tao.
To return to Bangkok we will take the boat from Ko Phangan to the city of Chumphon or we will take the train to reach Bangkok airport.
In your opinion, should we book all transport and hotels in advance in FRANCE given the high season? Or is it not worth it, it is better not to book and see on site.
Roman
Hello,
I am personally not available on these dates nor do I offer treks myself (generally reserved for national park rangers), the last trek I did personally, I went through Chiang Mai Jungle Trekking, but they don't have a French-speaking guide...
It is possible to rent tents on some of the islands yes. There is no direct route Phuket Koh Samui (it is too close, so you have to go via Bangkok, which is a bit silly…)
If you are returning to Bangkok via Chumphon, then it makes more sense to visit the islands in order from south to north, namely Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and then finishing with Koh Tao, the ferry will be shorter to reach Chumphon from this island.
Late February is starting to be the end of high season, it is not absolutely necessary to book transport or hotels, however, for hotels, I find it better to have a pied-à-terre in advance to avoid touts and being left with more limited choices.
Estelle BAZILE
Hello Romain,
My friend and I are going to Thailand this summer, and I'm looking at a few sites that can help me because we're going with a backpack and nothing booked..! By the way, your post site is really good!
I wanted to have your opinion about the island of Koh Chang because we would really like to go there, and I think that since there is no big city nearby on land it might be difficult to get there?
Thanks anyway for this article!
Au revoir
Roman
Koh Chang is a well-served island because it is starting to become touristy, no difficulty in accessing it (and yes, there is a big city not far away, Trat!) Thanks for your comment!
Bea Ducret
Hello Romain,
we are planning a trip to northern Thailand, we would like to either stay in one place and make star trips to visit the surroundings, or do a loop from Chiang Mai via Mae Hong Son and finish in Lamphun.
We are having trouble estimating the distances and difficulty of travel in this area and the best way to do it. Your advice is welcome.
thank you in advance
Béa
Roman
Hello,
I would say that it depends on how you feel about traveling. Personally I would say that on 2 wheels it is ideal, by car possibly but independently in any case rather than local transport. But for that you must feel comfortable with different traffic and have an international license.
To do the loop, you need to count 4/5 days, it allows you to have a good vision of this region. The fact is that I still never have the time to do this loop myself because I often go further north and know the Chiang Rai region better. But I know it's worth it.
Gravitating around Chiang Mai is still quite possible, close to the city there is a lot to see. Doi Mon Cham, Doi Inthanon, Chiang Dao, Bua Thong waterfall, Mae Kampong are all places to visit in a day from Chiang Mai.
Reboul
Hello Romain, we are going to Thailand from October 29 to November 12.
I saw in the comments that you were an independent guide. Would you be available from November 5th to 11th approximately?
What are your rates ?
See you soon, I hope
Roman
Hello,
I sent you an email but didn't receive a reply...
Gilbert Soulie
Hello Romain
I'm going to Thailand in January 2017
I will be in Bangkok from the 13th to the 18th then the north, I would like to know if you will be in the area.
we can talk by whatsapp or i can reach you by phone, i live in dominican republic
have a nice week end
gilbert
Roman
Hello,
It's not guaranteed that I'll be in Bangkok itself but yes, I should be in the area. What would you like to know?
ANTHONY
Hello Romain,
We are planning a trip to Thailand from 11/11 to 2/12, we bought the tickets yesterday :)
It is true that we are used to renting a car to make our trips and have freedom of movement: I have read carefully many forums, but I wanted to ask your opinion. Is renting a car in Thailand really not recommended?
By the way, I understand that you are a guide, do you offer help with trip planning or are you an integral part of the trip?
We can communicate by email or Skype, that would be easier 🙂
Sincerely.
Anthony
Roman
Hello,
It is not strictly "not recommended", it is just important to remember that it can be confusing for a driver who has never driven anywhere other than in France. First of all, driving on the left, and then the rather vague driving rules. Without wanting to scare you, it is the country with the 2nd highest road mortality rate... But to reassure you, it is mainly motorcycles that suffer. The car remains an excellent way to discover for yourself, so it would be difficult for me to tell you "no! it's a bad idea", go for it, just be careful 😉
I'll send you an email regarding your other question 🙂
Stéphane
Hello,
I would like to know, like Anthony, if you offer a travel planning assistance service. I am planning a first trip to Thailand for a period of 1 days in February 14, and would not want to make any mistakes before making at least the hotel reservations (which you advise to do in advance).
Sincerely,
Stéphane
Roman
Hello,
Contact me via the page “ Contact Me " for more information.
Sincerely,
Roman
Claudia
Hello Romain,
I discovered your site while doing research on Thailand and honestly, your articles are a gold mine! Thanks for all your advice. Also, I think it's great that you take the time to respond to your readers!
That's why I'm taking advantage of it too!
With my partner, we plan to go to Thailand from January 6, 2018 to January 22, 2018. This will be a first in Thailand for us and we want to do this trip backpacking. Therefore, we want to book only the plane ticket to Bangkok and 1 hotel for the first two nights in Bangkok. Then, we want to book the hotels and internal flights on site in order to follow our desires at that time. We will still have an outline of the trip but nothing concrete in terms of dates. Do you think this will be possible given the period we want to leave and knowing that we will go to Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi and Bangkok again for the return?
Sincerely.
Thanks in advance for your reply!
Claudia
Roman
Hello,
Let's say that it's really high season at this time but given the fairly large offer in terms of accommodation, there is always a way to find somewhere on site. Maybe book for Koh Phi Phi, smaller so more limited in terms of space (I was able to find somewhere on New Year's Eve last year but hey, you have to see where you landed...)
Claudia
Thank you very much for the information.
Would late April – early May be more suitable for this type of trip?
I read on your site that it was very hot at that time of year. Risk of heavy rain as well?
As for mass tourism, is it less present?
Sorry for all these questions but the answers will help us decide.
Once again, thank you.
Sincerely.
Claudia
Roman
Hello,
It is indeed the hottest time of the year. It also marks the beginning of the rainy season, so it is possible to have thunderstorms, but not every day; the rainy season in Thailand remains above all by episodic periods of thunderstorms in the late afternoon and not all day long (unlike at the moment in the south and in September/October for the north of the country)
Not the most touristic period, because not the best either. It is the end of the dry season, so the vegetation is often burnt, little water in the waterfalls, no rice fields (in the north)
Michele
Hello Romain,
I will arrive in the early hours of May 3rd at 5:35am in BKK, a Wednesday. So what do you recommend to get to my hotel in BKK? Metro or taxi?
I will be staying at Trinity Silom Hotel. My travel agent told me there is a metro nearby, but recommends taxi to already see the entrance to BKK.
What is your opinion ?
Thank you, Michele
Michele
Hello Romain, I would like to make a little reminder of my question above… 🙂
please
Roman
Hello,
Oops... thanks for reminding me, I forgot about that question! Actually, Trinity Silom is easily accessible by metro, so I would say take the train from the airport and then the BTS (skytrain).
You will see the entrance to Bangkok just as well by train as by taxi.
Nicole Labbe
Romain hello, how can we get to thap sakae from bangkok? I told you about it in my last booking email but I can only find a train are there buses or private cars I'm really struggling to find a means of transport in this area
Thank you
Roman
Hello,
What do you mean there's only one train? If I look on the official website: http://www.railway.co.th/checktime/checktime.asp?lenguage=Eng, there are at least 7 schedules to do Bangkok-Ban Krut
Otherwise there are buses from the Southern Bus Terminal (also called Sai Tai Mai) but there is only one departure at 12:30 p.m.
stephanie
Hello,
We are going to Thailand in February and I would like to have information on your tour with personal guide….thank you
Roman
Hello,
I sent you an email 😉
CECE
Hello,
Your blog is great and helps me a lot to plan my road trip.
I had a question.... We are leaving in December with my boyfriend, and I wanted to know if the boats,/ferryspeed boat have departures every hour of the day?
When I look on 12go for example Ko Ngai -> ko Phihi it is only possible 3 times around 11am in the morning. So there is no boat transfer in the afternoon possible?
Is it like this everywhere?
Thank you !!!!!
Roman
Hello,
Unfortunately no, the regular ferries on the smaller islands typically run one way in the morning and the other way in the afternoon so not much choice... On larger islands like Samui or Phangan yes, it is possible all day, at least there is a bit more choice of times.
Antoine
Hello Romain!
Thanks for this great site!
To get from Ko Yao Noy to Phuket airport, the best thing is to take a boat and then a taxi I guess? Do you have to book the boat in advance or is it possible to do it on site without any problem? The schedules are quite flexible I guess?
Thank you so much!
Roman
Hello,
Indeed, you need the combo, either taxi or van after the ferry. The schedules are flexible yes, it depends on the company and the arrival dock (there are two, Yamoo and Bang Rong). Booking in advance depends on the time of year, normally not necessarily need to book in advance but if you want you have this site: https://12go.asia/fr/travel/koh-yao-noi/phuket/?z=16406 with several options including combinations with taxi behind.
Nicolas
Hello,
Thank you very much for this very interesting blog.
We are going to Thailand in April and it is quite an organization. The period is probably not favorable for Chiang Mai, we plan to visit the south of the country after Bangkok, and in particular to link Khao Sok and Ko Pha Ngan.
The only problem is that the route between these two places does not seem to be optimally served! At best, we found a route that lasts almost a day (bus then boat). The alternative would be to take a taxi from the national park to save a little time.
Do you have a solution that is not indicated on the classic sites in order to avoid losing a day in transport?
Roman
Hello,
I confirm that April is really not a good time to visit the north, so it's a good decision. As for this trip, unfortunately there are no miracles... The best option would still be to take a taxi, which could arrive at the dock in potentially less than 3 hours and from there, there are about 2 hours by boat (by speedboat it's 1h45, compared to 2h30 for the regular ferry, there is one at 11 am for example). To summarize, at least you need to count 5 hours for this trip, not counting the time on the island to reach your hotel. The fact is that people often completely underestimate transport times and it is common to spend a day to transfer from one area to another.
Nicolas
Hello,
Thank you very much for your quick response!
This is the option of taxi and speedboat that we prefer for the moment. It is a real budget compared to other means of transport, but we gain a precise time to enjoy the places. That is still the main thing.
The other option would have been to visit a different park, but it seemed to us that Khao Sok was the most exotic in the jungle side.
Thanks again for all this information. 🙂
PS: I am obviously very disappointed about the visit to the north – you spoke very highly of it! – but we have to accept it…
Charlotte
Hello,
We are leaving for Thailand in March, we are landing in Bangkok, we have planned a few days there to visit the city and do day trips in the surrounding area then we would like to go down to the south making stops in national parks such as Khao Sam Roi, Khao Sok.
What transportation do you recommend? Is it dangerous to drive there yourself?
Thank you in advance,
Charlotte
Roman
Hello,
If you plan to rent a car, note that you need an international license. The same goes for renting scooters, with the addition of a motorcycle license (I'm talking about the A and not A1). As such, driving a car is not particularly dangerous, you obviously have to be careful because you are probably not used to driving on the left or the local driving style, you especially have to be vigilant with the behavior of two-wheelers, very prone to not respecting basic things like stopping at lights, driving in the right direction, etc. To make such a trip, you will need a rental company such as AVIS, Budget or Hertz because only a major rental company will allow you to return the vehicle to a point other than the one you started.
Apart from doing it yourself, you will have trains or buses to go to Sam Roi Yot, getting off at Hua Hin so you can more easily organize transport to the park from this city. For Khao Sok, you have to go to Surat Thani, the same, either by bus or train from Hua Hin.
If you go by car, you can make a stop in the Prachuap Khiri Khan area, then Chumphon.