Seven great ways to get around Thailand without flying

There are plenty of transport options in Thailand. Credit: Greg Straight

Forget about planes, not to mention elephants and tuk-tuks – there are plenty of easy options for exploring Thailand at ground level, from Chiang Mai to Hat Yai, Sisaket to Koh Samet.

By train

Views over Kwai Noi River on one of Kanchanaburi’s steam trains.Credit: iStock

Thailand has 4850 kilometres of track, stretching from border to border. Trains are frequent, cheap and punctual, even if they’re less than bullet-train fast. The carriages might be aged, but they’re clean and well maintained. There’s a major upgrade in progress on the main north-south line, which now features a fast, Chinese-built train from Bangkok to Hat Yai.

Island ferry

Popular island destinations, mainly in the Gulf of Thailand, such as Koh Chang, Koh Samui and Koh Kood are served by scheduled ferries of different capacity and velocity, departing from the closest mainland towns. Some ferries carry vehicles, while most take only passengers. The trips are relatively short (under two hours) and the vessels have allocated seating and other facilities.

Speedboat

High-speed passenger launches with powerful outboards depart from ports on both the Gulf and Andaman coasts, bringing visitors to island resorts and daytrip destinations. Whether scheduled or chartered, they are canopied, fast and reliable; some carry up to 30 passengers. Everyone gets a seat and lifejacket. Rides can be bumpy, depending on conditions.

Bus

Intercity buses crisscross Thailand. Double or single-deckers, they are air-conditioned, economical and popular. With allocated seating and regular schedules, coaches leave from Bangkok’s Ekkamai (eastern), Mo Chit (northern) and other terminals, as well as from Khao San Road and both airports. The level of service and prices descends from Express (best) through VIP to premium economy.

Public vans

Intercity passenger vans or minibuses are fast, and more frequent than buses. The main routes originate at city and regional bus stations, and public vans can drop passengers anywhere. A typical ride is a late model, 13-seater passenger vehicle with air-conditioning and seatbelts. Luggage space is limited; you may pay extra for a large suitcase. Reserve your seat in advance, if possible.

Self-drive

Beyond Bangkok, the driving is relatively easy in Thailand.Credit: iStock

Beyond Bangkok, Thailand’s traffic isn’t intimidating, and the roads are good. Major rental companies (international and domestic) are present. You’ll need an International Driving Permit plus a current Australian licence. Don’t skimp on insurance (Thailand has grim road statistics), drive on the left and use the horn almost never. Motorcyclists, please note that Australian travel insurance doesn’t cover you when riding overseas unless you’ve met stringent conditions.

Private car

In popular tourist resorts like Phuket, Pattaya and Krabi, travellers can hire a private car with driver or a taxi (meter off) for a one-way trip to the airport, Bangkok or other medium-distance destinations. You pay a stated flat rate (per car, not person) plus highway tolls. It’s a comfortable, economical way to travel, especially with more than one passenger. Hire booths are obvious at resort destinations.

Planning

Aim to reserve a seat in advance, especially if travelling near Thai public holidays. Have your passport ready when buying train and ferry tickets, and at highway check-points.
Most travel can be booked through sites like 12go.asia and rome2rio.com, which also show the range of transport options. For trains, see thailandtrains.com