Get Around In Thailand

Get Around In Thailand

By Bus - By Railway - By Car - By Air

Travel Thailand By Bus

When travelling around in Thailand the cheapest and not least comfortable means of transport is probably by coach. Thailand has a ramified network of bus routes, and a bus terminal can be found in every rural small town. There are frequent connections between Bangkok's three major bus terminals and virtually any city and province upcountry. It is highly recommended to use the slightly more expensive air-conditioned VIP coaches, especially when travelling long distances.
Morchit bus terminal, not far from the old Don Muang Airport, is a gigantic complex in Bangkok's North that caters for the Northern and Northeastern routes and connects Bangkok with the provinces in the North (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai) and the various provinces of Isaan.
Ekamai bus station on Sukhumvit Road provides immediate Skytrain (BTS)
connection and links downtown Bangkok with the provinces at the East coast (Chonburi/ Pattaya, Rayong/ Koh Samet, Trat/ Koh Chang).
The Southern bus terminal connects the capitol Bangkok with the provinces in the South.
The Transport Co. Ltd. (Routes & Timetables) (Thai version)

When travelling from Pattaya to the provinces in the South of Thailand and other provinces of minor touristic importance, it is recommended to travel via Bangkok. There are frequent connections between the small bus terminal on Pattaya Nua Road - near the junction with Sukhumvit Road - and Bangkok's three main bus terminals. Buses leave virtually every 30 minutes. Mukdahan province and the Lao border (Savannakhet) as well as Suvarnabhumi Airport can also be reached from the North Pattaya bus terminal.
In fact, many parts of Thailand can be reached directly from Pattaya. The "407 Pattana" bus company, located at the Petronas gas station just around the corner from Central Pattaya Road on Sukhumvit Road, connects Pattaya with the Northern provinces of Isaan (e.g. Nakhon Ratchasima/ Khorat, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani and Nongkhai). The Lao capitol Vientiane can easily be reached via Nongkhai.
"Nakornchai" bus company on the opposite side of Sukhumvit highway (turn right when coming from Pattaya Klang) operates bus services to Chiang Mai in the North and Ubon Ratchathani in Isaan.

Travel Thailand By Railway

Thailand's railway network is much less developed but covers most regions of the Kingdom. Trains are relatively slow in comparison to overland buses; however, when travelling longer distances, a night trip in an air-conditioned Second Class sleeper berth can be a comfortable and cheap alternative. There are four major routes.
1) Northern route/ Chiang Mai and Northern provinces.
2) Northeastern route/ Isaan (Nakhon Ratchasima/ Khorat, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Nongkhai).
3) Northeastern route/ Isaan (Ubon Ratchathani)
4) Southern Route (all the way through South Thailand down to Butterworth in Malaysia/ Penang).
To visit the website of the State Railway Of Thailand, destinations, timetables and fares please click here.

Travel Thailand By Car

With all the major international car rental companies providing services in Thailand plus the many local companies on top, a car rental might provide a comfortable transportation mode for those who prefer to be independent and wish to explore Thailand on their own. The basic requirements are either an international or a Thai driving licence though most local car rental companies might be satisfied with a national driving licence. If you manage to rent a car without an international driving licence, however, not having one will invalidate the insurance and count against you in the event of an accidence. Unlike in other Southeast Asian countries, roads in Thailand are in excellent order, but as driving can be hazardous sometimes, particularly when you're not used to driving on the left, it might be a good alternative to hire a car with a driver.
Car Rental Pattaya
Get Around In Pattaya

Travel Thailand By Air - Airlines Directory

Due to increasing competition in commercial aviation and the launch of several Thai-based or Southeast Asian low cost airlines that operate flights to most Thai airports, domestic flights are getting increasingly popular both with tourists and locals. It is now possible to show up at the new Bangkok International airport or any other Thai airport and buy a ticket at the counter for often less than 2000 Baht. Other air tickets can be purchased online, from local travel agencies or even at 7-Eleven branches!
Please note, however, that the advertising prices, due to additional taxes and surcharges, are just a fraction of the actual price you will have to pay for your flight. For details on destinations, fares and online booking please check the listed websites of airlines operating flights throughout Thailand and neighbouring SEA countries.
Suvarnabhumi Airport Guide & Flight Schedule
Thai Airports Flight Schedule (official website)

AirAsia (Thai)
Popular Malaysian budget airlines which operates frequent flights throughout Thailand and Southeast Asia. Has very cheap offers when booked well in advance.
Bangkok Airways
Had a monopoly on flights to Koh Samui in the past and serves over 19 destinations across Southeast Asia.
Jetstar Asia Airways
Australian cheap fare airline that operates flights from Bangkok and Phuket to Australia and a few Asian destinations.
Nok Air
Budget airlines with a similar price scheme as AirAsia that operates flights to several domestic destinations. Bookings can be made online, at the airport or by phone: Call Center 1318. Payments can be made at 7eleven branches!
One-Two-Go
Low cost carrier with a rather bad reputation that operates frequent flights to several domestic destinations. Plane crash on Phuket in September 2007.
PB Air
Flies domestically throughout Thailand.
Thai Airways
Thailand's national airliner which is a member of the international Star Alliance is reliable and offers frequent flight throughout Thailand but is the most expensive local carrier.
Tiger Airways
Budget airline that operates flights throughout Southeast Asia, to Australia and a few domestic destinations.

Back To Homepage

Copyright © 2008 Pattaya-Funtown.com. All rights reserved.