Pattaya Hotel Advice - Thailand Transportation - Pattaya Hotels Guide Thailand

Thailand Transportation

Domestic Airlines

Thai Airways International (TG), Angle Air (8G), and  Bangkok Airways (PG) operate daily domestic flights to the North, Northeast, and South Thailand. Air Andaman also fly to Krabi, Hua Hin, Chumphon, Phuket and Pattaya.

Skytrain (Bangkok)

The skytrain offers a quicker alternative for commuting within the city.  It has terminals on most commercial areas, such as Silom, Siam Square, Ekamai and Chatujak weekend market.  The skytrain is ideal for anyone seeking to rush through the congested traffic of Bangkok streets.

City Buses

The bus network within the metropolis is very efficient and economical.  It is also a wonderful way to tour the city cheaply.  There are several kinds of city buses : air-conditioned, and regular buses with different range of capacity, route, and fare (depends upon distance, usually Bt 3.50-5 for regular buses, and Bt 8-24 for air-con buses. Routes could be determined from most city maps for sale or by calling the Bangkok Transport Office (999-9999).

Microbus

Special private-run buses that share the route of the city buses, the microbus guarantees seats and TV viewing.  Seats are wider than regular buses, providing greater comfort on longer trips.  Bus size is smaller though.  Fare is a flat rate of Bt 20 per trip.

Provincial buses

Thailand's very good high-way system encourages traveling by road, and there are air-conditioned or open-air buses reaching all part of the kingdom from Bangkok. 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 bus terminals:

Taxi - Meter

Just like any taxi service around the world, Thai taxicabs may be best for trips around the city.  Fare, determined from the electronic meters, starts from Bt 35 and rises about Bt 2 per kilometer onwards.  Some drivers would want to bargain a price for a trip rather than use the meters.  Notify the tourist police or ordinary officers if treated unfairly by taxi drivers.

Tuk-tuk

An all-time favorite among tourist, this colorful open-air three-wheeled vehicle is unique to Thailand.  Basically a "taxi" that could be hired anywhere (but not outside the city), the tuk tuk can take you almost anywhere in Bangkok.  There are no standard fare.  Prices must be negotiated before the trip.  Normal fare starts at Bt20 for very short distances and not over Bt 100 for a longer trip.

Motorcycle taxi

A new form of transport provides a faster, albeit riskier answer for commuting during peak traffic hours.  You can find them anywhere in Bangkok.  They can go anywhere in Bangkok, but fares must be negotiated.  Fares : very similar to those charged by tuk-tuk.

Kapor

This tiny open-air van could be found in major sois around Bangkok.  They shuttle commuters from the front of the sois near main roads to deeper residential areas.  They can also be hired for trips around the city.  Fee structure : around Bt 5 to 15 per trip.

Songtaew

Literally two rows in the back of a pick-up truck. For longer trips on set routes.

Samlor

A three wheeled bicycle ideal for short trips around town.

Long-tailed boats : River Taxi

A very famous mode of transportation along the Chao Phraya River and inner canals, the long-tailed boat traveled on established routes along the river or in the intricate canal system within the city.  Charge fare depending on distance.  There are boat piers that stop near major commercial districts such as Sukhumvit and all the way to the World Trade Center.  Long-tailed boats could be hired for special river tours.

Train

Thailand has a very effective rail system linking Bangkok to provinces around the country.  The main train station is the Hua Lampong station on Rama IV Road.  Fares depend on ticker class, which comprises of first, second and third class carriages.

Hired Car

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