Getting around Thailand
Getting around the Kingdom of Thailand is easy, economicaland convenient.
Apart from domestic services of Thai Airways International which flies to major destinations, the country also has a large network of highways and smaller roads linking the main cities with outlying areas.
Visitors with international driving licences may wish to explore the country on their own. There are many car rental companies, including Hertz and Avis,located in major tourist destinations throughout the country.
Travelling by train is another delightful way to explore the country. The State Railway of Thailand providesa nationwide network of routes. Trains offer first,second and third class options, including air-conditioned first- and second-class sleeping coaches.
For getting around Bangkok, there are public taxis and tuk-tuks, air-conditioned buses, motorbike taxis and a new skytrain system serving key central areas. River ferries and water taxis complete the options for daily commuting within Bangkok and its suburbs.
Air
Thai Airways International (TG), Bangkok Airways (PG) and PB Air operate regular domestic flights from Bangkok to major provincial and resort destinations. Advance booking is necessary when travelling during the high season and during public holidays any time.
Bangkok Airways (PG)
Head Office: QSNCC, New Ratchadaphisek Road, Bangkok 10110
Tel: 0 2229 3456-63 Fax: 0 2229 3454
www.bangkokair.com
PB Air (9Q):
591 UBC Tower II Building, Soi 33, Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110
Tel: 0 2261 0220-5 Fax: 0 2261 0227
www.pbair.com
Train
The State Railway of Thailand operates four train lines - Northern,Northeastern, Eastern and Southern - accessing every province except Phuket. Trains are classified into Special Express (the fastest), Express, Rapid, and Ordinary.
First-class carriages, available on Special Express and Express services, consist of individual cabins with air-conditioning. Second-class carriages have individual seats which are converted into curtained-off beds and a choice of fan or air-conditioning. Third-class carriages have wooden benches each seating two or three passengers. They are cheap but not recommended for long distance journeys. Toilets and washing facilities are located at the ends of carriages on all trains.
Train fares depend on class of carriage and destination.Extra charges may apply for certain bookings, such asfor catering services and double beds in first-class
carriages. Twenty-day rail passes are available forsecond and third-class carriages.
Hua Lamphong (Bangkok Station) is the main station located near the intersection of Rama IV and Krung Kasem. The train can also be boarded at Samsen station
on Rama VI Road.
To book tickets, contact the Advance Booking Officeat Hua Lamphong,
Tel: 0 2223 3762, 0 2224 7788,0 2225 0300 ext 5100 or provincial stations. For further information and schedules, call 1690 or visit www.srt.motc.go.th
