|
| |
Thailand Transportation - Getting around Thailand
Getting around the Kingdom of Thailand is easy, economical and 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 provides a nationwide network of routes. Trains offer first, second and third class options, including airconditioned 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 sky train 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.Thai Airways International (TG)Head Office:89 Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Bangkok 10900
Tel: 0 2513 0121
Fax: 0 2545 3832 www.thaiairways.comLan Luang Office:6 Lan Luang Road, Bangkok 10110 Tel: 022800070,022800080Silom Office:485 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500 Tel: 0 2234 3100-19Don Muang Airport:Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Bangkok 10210
Tel: 025352081-2,025236121Hot line: 1566Bangkok Airways (PG)Head Office: QSNCC,New Ratchadaphisek Road, Bangkok 10110
Tel: 0 2229 3456-63
Fax: 0 2229 3454 www.bangkokair.comPB Air (9Q)591 UBC Tower II Building,Soi 33; Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110 Tel: 0 22610220-5
Fax: 0 2261 0227
www.pbair.com
| Rail |
 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 airconditioning. 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 as for catering services and double beds in first-class carriages. Twentyday rail passes are available for second 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 Office at Hua Lamphong, Tel: 0 2223 3762, 022247788,022250300 ext 5100 or provincial stations. For further information and schedules, call 1690 or visit www.srtmotc.go.th. The State Railway of ThailandHead Office: Don Muang Road, Bangkok 10330Tel: 02222 0175, 0 2220 4444 Fax: 0 2220 4297 www.srtmotc.go.thHua Lamphong station Tel: 022233762,0 2224 7788 Hot line: 1690
Buses |
 Buses and coaches are the only mode of transport to access all provinces in Thailand, running both to and from Bangkok and between each other. Options include ordinary air-conditioned coaches and VIP air-conditioned coaches with refreshment services. Bookings can be made through travel agents, major hotels or at the following bus terminals: Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai)
300 Soi 40, Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110
Tel: 0 2391 8097, 0 2391 2504
- For routes to Pattaya, Rayong, Trat and other points eastNorthern & Northeastern Bus Terminal (Moh Chit 2)
999 Kamphaengphet 2 Road, Bangkok 10900
Tel: 0 2936 2841-48
- For Chiang Mai and northern destinationsSouthern Bus Terminal
(Sai Tai Mai)
147 Boromratchonnani Road, Bangkok 10700
Tel: 024345557-8,024351200
- Air-conditioned buses leave from the front building to destinations west and southwestA variety of public bus services connect all parts of Bangkok. Prices vary according to air-conditioning and age but all an:: exceptionally economical. Regular services run from 5 am to 11 pm, while all-night services run from 11 pm to 5 am. For routing information, call 184 from 6 am to 9 pm.
Taxis & tuk-tuks |
 Taxis and tuk-tuks (open sided threewheel mini taxis) can be hailed anywhere in Bangkok. Only use taxis with a rooftop "Taxi Meter" sign, and ensure that the meter is switched on before you start. Every journey starts with a set price of 35 baht, plus additional fare depending on distance and duration. Tuk-tuks are most useful on shorter trips during offpeak hours and are generally cheaper than taxis. Always bargain the price in advance. Motorbike taxis are good for weaving through heavy traffic.Drivers are obliged to provide crash helmets for passengers and it is . against the law to ride without one.
River ferries & water taxis |
 Another fast and convenient way to travel in Bangkok is by boat. A river ferry service operates along the Chao Phraya River between Krung Thep Bridge and Nonthaburi. Fares are fixed according to distance, ranging from 6 to 10 baht. The boats make frequent stops and run about every 20 minutes. The trip from The Oriental Hotel to Nonthaburi takes about one hour. Services operate daily from 6 am to 6 pm.
- Chao Phraya Express River Ferry, Tel: 0 2222 5300-23
- Laem Thong Express Boat, Tel: 025836195-9
In addition, cross river ferries operate from almost every boat landing. Riverside hotels also provide their own cross river services. Long-tailed taxis are good for visiting the smaller canals, or khlongs, particularly the extensive networks in Thon Buri. Tha Chang landing (near the Grand Palace) is the departure point for various destinations in ThonBuri.Furthermore, the Khlong Sael1;.Saep ferry service runsfromPhan Fa to the Bang Kapi intersection on Raml<hal11l:laeng Road. Lafldi,ngs are generally under b17idges.
Sky train |
 BTS operates air-conditioned sky trains along two inter-connecting lines Sukhumvit and Silom - daily from 6 am till midnight. The Sukhumvit line runs between Moh Chit station, Phaholyothin Road (near Chatuchak market), and On Nut station, Sukhumvit Soi 77. The Silom line runs between Saphan Taksin station, near the Chao Phraya River on Sathon Road, and National Stadium station on Rama I Road. The two lines are connected at Central Station (Siam Square) which has two platform levels for changing. All stations are accessed by stairs and some by escalators and lifts.Trains run every few minutes and the fares range from 10-45 baht, depending on number of stations travelled. Monthly and Stored-Value (multi-trip) tickets are also available for the regular traveller. Comprehensive maps are available at all stations free of charge. A BTS feeder system provides shuttle bus services to major stations. Check with a station or the BTS for current availability.Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Co Lid
BTS Building, Phaholyothin Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok
Tel: 0 2617 7300
Fax: 0 2617 7133
www.bts.co.th.
Subway |
A Bangkok subway system is currently under construction. Once completed, it will complement the sky train system by connecting other key points in the city. The subway will comprise three lines - Blue, Orange and Purple - and the first phase is expected to begin operations in 2003.
Private transport |
Numerous international and local car rental firms are listed in the Bangkok Yellow Pages telephone directory. Many are located around the Ploenchit end of Sukhumvit Road and on Rama: IV and Sathon roads. Chauffeur-driven car rates are also available. Larger companies have offices in Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin and Hat Yai. Mini vans are also widely available for those travelling in groups.Car rental companies
- Avis Rent-a-Car, Tel: 0 2255 5300-4
- Grand Car Rental, Tel: 022482991-2
- Klongtoey Car Rent, Tel: 0 2250 1930
- Lumpini Car Rent, Tel: 0 2255 1966-8
- Prabhirarb Transport Co, Tel: 0 2535 2634
- Budget, Tel: 0 2203 0250
- Don Muang Airport: Tel: 02552 8921 ext 8107
- Chiang Mai Airport: Tel: 0 5320 2871
- Chiang Rai: Tel: 053740442
- Hua Hin: Tel: 03251 4220
- Krabi Airport: Tel: 0 7563 1682
- Pattaya: Tel: 0 3872 0612
- Phuket Airport: Tel: 0.76205396
- Samui Airport: Tel: 0 7742 7188
- Udon Thani Airport: Tel: 04234 1885
|
|
reservation@kokood.com 
Getting there / Map 
