Getting around Thailand can be quite the adventure. In the last 24 hours I have seen and experienced almost every single one that I can think of. If you’re traveling around Thailand, here’s a list of some of the ways you might get around.
Getting Around Bangkok
Mass Transit
There are several different options for getting around Bangkok specifically. There is the BTS, which is an above ground elevated train with two lines that run through the city. You can purchase a fare card for the amount it will cost you to get to your stop, which is indicated on maps by the ticket machines. Stops include Mo Chit bus station that serves north, northeast and central Thailand; Siam Center, a great big shopping center; and the National Stadium.
To connect with the BTS from the airport you will take the Airport Link which only has one line and connects with the BTS at the Phaya Thai stop. This also runs above ground as an elevated train and has multiple stops. For the Airport Link, you purchase a token that has an electronic chip in it and pay the amount based on the distance you are going. Tap the token to enter and deposit the token to exit the turnstiles.
The MRTA uses the same kind of token system, but the tokens are a different color. Also this train is underground. This train connects with the BTS at the Sala Daeng stop on the Silom line or the Sukhumvit stop on the Sukhumvit line.
Additionally there are public buses that run all over the city and are very cheap, but also very slow going.
Personal Vehicles
There are more personalized ways of getting around the city and will in theory get you anywhere, which the trains can’t always do. You can hail a taxi, which when you do, make sure you ask for the meter price by saying “Me-tur, dai mai kap?” Sometimes the taxi driver will try to negotiate a price with you before which will invariably be more than the meter. If they do not agree, do not get in and hail another cab.
Also, legally a cab must take you to where you request, but not all of the cab drivers follow this. If they will not take you, do not get in and hail another cab. Saving face includes not getting angry in situations like this.
You can also hire a tuk tuk which is a three-wheeled vehicle that is covered and open in the back for the passengers. It is ok to bargain for a good price when negotiating a ride from these vehicles, but make sure you agree on a price before getting in.
Additionally there are motorcycle drivers that wear a colored vest that will give you a ride. I don’t know a whole lot about this process, because riding motorcycles is against Peace Corps rules, but I imagine it is the same as a tuk tuk.
There are also song taos which are pick-up trucks with two benches in the back and are covered. The numbers follow a route and you pay the driver when you get off. The ride is a flat rate. Finding a map of the routes though is difficult and sometimes the Thais don’t even know which numbers run where.
Getting Around the Country
There are lots of different options for lots of different budgets and travel times to get to the southern beaches or the northern mountains or the culture of the northeast. The fastest way is to fly. There are several budget airlines that make lots of daily trips to popular destinations around the country and that are extremely comfortable. The domestic airport is Don Mueng airport. Being a volunteer, I have not chosen this option.
Other ways to travel include by train. There are a couple of train lines running from Bangkok to the north, northeast, south and east. The trains are all state run. They are very slow and often not on time. A high speed rail system is currently in the works, but I wouldn’t count on it opening any time soon.
To get to the islands, of course you will have to take a ferry. There are many companies with many options like catamarans and speed boats and cargo ships. Check the schedules and book in advance. You can also sometimes charter a local fisherman and his longtail boat; negotiate for the price.
Buses
Rot dos are small vans that seat 10, but are known to cram in up to 20 people. These run between big cities and can also be chartered. They are the fastest way to travel on four wheels, but also more expensive and seems a little more dangerous.
I have also taken a rot tour which is a tour bus that is very comfortable, has air conditioning, snacks, blankets and entertainment available. I would definitely suggest taking these buses for long trips, such as to Chiang Mai or if you are heading south to the beaches.
For trips that are maybe a half day, or you think you can do without some luxury and want to get close with some Thai people, try the rot baw caw saw. There are a couple different levels of these, but all of the ones I have ridden on have had air conditioning though sometimes it’s kind of weak. I find them to be pretty comfortable, though that may be because I’m still pretty young.
Rot mae are like the low class rot baw caw saws but are shorter and don’t go super far distances. These do not have air conditioning and the seats are smaller and there are more of them crammed in.
Travel Tips
For most travel, you can just show up at the bus or train station or van stop and get on the next one. If you are going to the islands in the south, it’s probably best to book ahead. Or if you are traveling during a holiday, many Thais will probably be going back to the villages to visit their family so again, buy ahead of time.
Motorcycles are a pretty dangerous way to travel. Traffic laws are treated often as suggestions by all on the road and sometimes motorcycles just aren’t seen. Use caution. Thailand consistently ranks as one of the top countries in terms of road deaths.
When choosing a seat on a bus, do not sit in the front on the top. If there were an accident, those seats are the most dangerous. Choose a seat near the middle of the vehicle.
Sometimes there will be many seemingly random stops in the middle of nowhere. Just relax and take in all the scenery.
If you know a little bit of Thai, try to strike up a conversation with your seat mate. They will probably love it.
Get out there and see this beautiful country!