Thailand has Six International Airports, Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Koh Samui and Hat Yai, plus 23 domestic airports in major cities throughout Thailand.

Domestic flight services are mainly operated by the following carriers, Thai Airways International (TG), Bangkok Airways, and Air Asia, One-Two-Go and Nok Air are by far the most convenient way to travel to some destinations in Thailand. Links are provided to all the airlines websites for your convenience.

Thai Airways International Thailand's national flag carrier flies to almost all major cities and tourist destinations. Their website allows you to view schedules and seat availability.

The Nations second carrier Bangkok Airways is almost solely responsible for developing special destinations such as Koh Samui and Sukhothai.

The first budget airline to go regional was Air Asia, based in Malaysia. Air Asia started flying in Thailand in 2002, and has a reputation for offering some of the lowest fares available. Thai destinations include Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai and Phuket.

One-Two-Go Airlines is the budget arm of charter carrier Orient Thai, the airline serves mostly major destinations such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Phuket, all flights in and out are from Don Muang Airport Bangkok.

Nok Air the budget carrier with Thai Airways as one of its major investors, like most of the other budget airlines, serves mostly the major cities and tourist destinations such as Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son and Phuket.

The State Railway of Thailand links Bangkok to most cities and towns throughout Thailand the service is good and prices are reasonable. Their four main rail lines, northern, northeastern, eastern and southern routes, cover over 4000 Kilometers, all trains on the northern and northeastern line stops at Don Muang Airport Bangkok.

There are four types of trains, ordinary, rapid, express and special express and three classes of travel, 1st Class, 2nd and 3rd, for a long distance trip. The fare for the 2nd class is about the same as a private tour bus. The majority say that the train is more comfortable, especially on overnight trips.

Ordinary and air conditioned sleeping berths, are available on rapid, express and special express trains for all long distance routes. Which depart from about 15:30 hours onwards?

Hua Lamphong Station, Bangkok is the center of the countries regional rail networks, and offers an excellent way to see and travel Thailand. Details of their services, fares and time tables can be viewed in English on their website.

Railway Services Bangkok

Passengers can buy tickets and make advance bookings at Hua Lamphong Station Bangkok or any of the 11 other railway stations in Bangkok including Don Muang Station as well as stations in large cities and towns throughout Thailand.

Train tickets can also be purchased at TAT registered travel agencies, with a surcharge of 50 - 100 baht to the ticket price, which is more convenient than waiting in a long queue at a station, especially during public holidays, when many Thais are scrambling to get tickets.

It is advisable to book your train in advance if you plan to go to a popular destination such as Chiang Mai, Hat Yai or Surat Thani during public holidays. Advance bookings may be made one to 60 days prior to your scheduled departure date.

The ticket offices at Hua Lamphong Station open from 05:00 to 23:00 hours. The advance booking offices from 07:00 to 16:00 hours every day, for details call the State Railway of Thailand, 0 2223 7010, 0 2220 4444 or visit their website. The link is provided for your convenience.

Railway Services Bangkok

There are three main types of buses running to provinces throughout Thailand, non-air conditioned buses (Orange) operated by the government, are the cheapest and slowest, stopping at every little town on route to pick up passengers.

Air Conditioned Buses (blue) this type, are run by the government and some private companies, are faster and more comfortable, the number of routes of the air conditioned buses are less than those of the ordinary buses as they go to major cities only. There are two classes of air conditioned buses, regular and 1st class with toilets.

VIP Sleeper Buses have only 30 to 34 seats providing more leg room for passengers. The private companies offer more daily trips than the governments. Although their fares are somewhat higher, they are idea for long routes, like Chiang Mai, Surat Thani and Phuket.

The Northern - Northeastern Bus Terminal is located on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Bangkok. For information: Call 0 2936 2852 to 0 2936 3666 or visit website for full details.

The Eastern Bus Terminal is located on Sukhumvit Road, Soi 40 opposite Soi 63 (Ekkamai) for information: Call 0 2391 2504, 0 2391 8097 or visit website.

The Southern Bus Terminal is located on Borommarat Chonnani Road, 7 Kilometers from Pin Klao Bridge. Besides the southern buses, buses going to western provinces like Nakhon Pathom and Kanchanaburi also depart from here. For information: Call 0 2894 6122 or visit website. The link is provided for your convenience.

The Transport Company Bangkok

Boat tours and river cruises provide a great way to explore and see Bangkok, choices vary from a one hour sightseeing tour on a long tail boat to a Classic one or two day river cruise to Ayutthaya and back. There are also many Boat Taxis and ferries operating on the Chao Phraya River and cannels in Bangkok, a great way to travel and see the city sites.

Traveling south from Bangkok the first two main ferry points to Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao are Chumphon and Surat Thani.

Lomprayah High Speed Ferries

Cars, jeeps and pickup trunks can be rented in all of Thailand’s major cities and tourist resorts rental costs for cars start at about 1200 Baht a day, 2500 - 3500 Baht for a minibus. It’s recommended you take out full insurance cover at a further 150 – 250 Baht a day excluding you from all liabilities.

Motorbikes can be rented in most cities and all tourist destinations. Prices vary considerably from city to city, in major tourist areas, where there is an abundance of motorcycle rental shops. The costs are much lower, whether you rent from a big rental company or a small shop. It is advisable to check the machine over thoroughly, and make sure that full insurance is provided, before renting. Both rider and passenger on a motorbike must wear a helmet.

Thailand, drives on the left hand side of the road, foreigners who wish to drive motor vehicles, need a valid International Driving License, or a Thai drivers license. The legal age for driving is 18 years and driving license and passport must be carried at all times when driving. Alternately you can a rent a mini bus with a driver, a great way to explore and get to know Thailand.

All cities, towns and tourist destinations throughtout Thailand have regular bus services and taxi services, the majority of taxis are non-metered. It is necessary to establish the fare before departure. Some destinations also have share taxi services, for popular routes. The fare is fixed and cheaper, but you have to wait until there are enough passengers.

Samlo is a three wheeled taxi motorized and non-motorized. Motorized samlo or Tuk Tuks can be found throughout Thailand. Non-motorized ones (tricycles or rickshaws) are available in certain provincial towns samlo's are suitable for short trips only.

Songthaews, meaning two rows, is a small pickup truck with two benches, each at one side of the truck seating several people. It is a public transport which operates fixed routes like buses, but normally runs a shorter distance or within the province. Songthaews can also be hired like a regular taxi.

Getting around Bangkok these days is easy you have many transport options. The BTS SkyTrain, Boat Taxies and the new MTR Subway are convenient means of transport for getting around Bangkok. Bangkok Mass Transit Authority is a regular bus service and travels to all of Bangkok's tourist attractions in and around the city.