Thailand travel and transport information

Bangkok
Taxis : Metered taxis are available in Bangkok. Make sure the driver turns on the meter, especially if you are starting from the airport. Make sure you have change, as taxi drivers often don't! Drivers change shifts at about 3.30-4.00 p.m., and may not accept you unless your destination is convenient. Passengers must pay tolls in the case of using an expressway.
If taxis do not have meters, fares must be agreed upon before starting. The amount will vary depending on the distance, traffic, weather (if it is raining the fare will rise) and the negotiating skills of the hirer. Average fares in Bangkok are between 50-200 baht.

Tuk-Tuk : Three-wheeled open-air vehicles taking two passengers (three or four at a squeeze), Tuk-tuks offer an 'interesting' ride! Best for shorter trips during off-peak hours. Settle the fare before proceeding. It should cost less than the price of a comparable journey by taxi meter.

Buses : Bangkok has an extensive bus service with routes serving every part of the city. There are both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned vehicles, which provide an extremely cheap way of getting around town.

River Taxi : Taxis that are even more unusual, though equally convenient, are the river taxis that ply the Chao Phraya river. Some are just cross river ferries, but others serve the many landing stages on both banks and cover a route that goes up as far as the northern suburb of Nonthaburi.

Out of Bangkok
Air : The Bangkok International Airport and the domestic airport in Don Muang lie 25 km north of the city. Airport departure taxes are required at both domestic and international departures (international passengers: 500 baht/person domestic passengers: 30 baht/person).
Domestic flights are offered by:
Thai Airways International Tel: (662) 280-0060, 628-2000 .
Bangkok Airways Tel: (662) 229-3434
International flights Information (662) 535-1254 (departures) (662) 535-1310 (arrivals)
Domestic flights Information (662) 535-1253

Buses : Inter-city bus services offer a fast means of transport to all corners of the country. Air-conditioned buses service many provincial areas and bookings for both regular and tour coaches can be made through major hotels and travel agents, or at the following bus terminals:

Northern Bus Terminal : Kampaengphet 2 Rd, Bangkok Tel: (662) 936-3660, 936-366	Eastern Bus Terminal : Sukhumvit Rd, Bangkok. Tel: (662) 391-2504
Northeastern Bus Terminal : Kampaengphet 2 Rd, Bangkok Tel: (662) 936-0667	Southern Bus Terminal : Boromratchchonnani Rd, Bangkok Tel: (662) 435-1200, 434-7192
Central Bus Terminal : Kampaengphet 2 Rd, Bangkok Tel: (662) 936-1897, 936-1886

Trains : An efficient rail service links northern and northeastern towns with Bangkok (terminus is Hualamphong Station). Regular western and southern routes out of Bangkok (Thon Buri) Station enable travel by train to Kanchanaburi province and to southern Thailand.
On express trains, sleepers are available in three classes: first and second class (air-conditioned), and second class (non air-conditioned, but with fans).

Advance tickets are available at all principal stations or the Bangkok Advance Booking Office.
Tel.(662) 225-0300 ext 5200-3.




Hired Car : If you want to go your own way, there are many car hire firms in Thailand, including international rental companies such as Hertz and Avis. The road system is good and well sign - posted. An international driving license is required.