Transport Notes

BTS / MRT

The Bangkok Skytrain (known as the BTS) and the Bangkok Subway (known as the MRT) are the two most convenient was to travel around Bangkok.

The BTS and MRT are independent transport networks. That means you need to buy separate tickets fi you change between the two svstems. There is a also a 3rd network, the Airport Rail Link (ARL).

There are 2 important BTS Lines serving downtown Bangkok:

SILOM LINE runs from west to south, between the National Stadium in the Siam shopping area and Bang Wa in Thonburi (across the Chao Phraya River).

SUKHUMVIT LINE runs north to east from Ha Yaek Lat Phrao to Kheha, with most stations planned.

Taxis / Tuk Tuk / Bus

If you don't speak thai, don't take the bus.

Taxis are reliable and cheap in Bangkok, not in Phuket. Just make sure to always ask the driver to "Put the meter". If he doesn't agree, just change taxi or agree to a price prior entering the car. A simple

tip is to open the door of the taxi, and talk in thai a little bit, so the driver will think you live here and he will automatically put the meter on without having you to ask.

Say "Pai" with the direction you go, and "Meter mai?" And that should do the trick.

To avoid all these issues, just use grab mobile application everywhere. In Phuket or Pattaya use either Bolt or inDriver.

Tuk tuk arevery fun to ride, but nowadays there are less and less, and they are more expenisve as taxis, as you have to negociate with the driver, and most of the time, they will simply refuse

to drive for a cheap price.

So just negociate prior going, and make sure they won't stop to any shop on the way, which is a scam.

Trains / Boats

Thailand has one of the best metre-gauge rail systems in the world and train travel is a great way to get around & see the country. It's comfortable, safe, environmentally friendly, cheap and unlike flying it's a genuine Thai experience. The train is the best way from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and train+ferry or train+ bus a great way from Bangkok to Ko Samui, Phuket or Krabi.

You can check train times in Thailand at the official State Railways ofThailand website, www.railway.co.th.

Booking in advance is essential at peak periods. You can book tickets via 12Go.Asia website, and this website serves as well to book boats and ferries everywhere around the country.

Flying

Flying is the best option to go to a domestic destination rapidly. There are several airlines offering domestic flights in Thailand: Thai Airways, Air Asia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Smile, ThaiLionAir and VietJetAir.

The most popular destinations by plane besides Bangkok are Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi and Hat Yai.

To get the cheapest flights, Iusually use kayak.com, and when I find the airlines and hours which suit me best, I book the ticket directly on the airline's website.

Note that all low cost (Air Asia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air and VietjetAir) will charge you extras for luggages, food, seats, insurance, etc... So sometimes you end up paying the same price than a normal airline. In this case, choose the normal one, the service is

much.

For Samui, as it's a private airport, prices are way higher, but I still recommend to arrive by plane. The way from Surat Thani is very long and tiring for just 1000 thb less.

Motorbikes

If you want to drive a car or ride a motorcycle in Thailand, you'll need to have absolute nerves of steel to survive emotionally and physically. The country has an appalling road safety record and

there are lots of accidents, despite numerous government safety initiatives over the years.

You must have a license if vou want to hire a motorbike, one from home (best paired with International Driver's Permit). Tens of thousands of visitors each vear rent a motorcycle, ride around unlicensed and get away with it. It's illegal. If the policeman stops you, you'll pay a "fine", after which he'll let you go on your merry way after paying the bribe.

You can keep on riding regardless, but if you have a crash, no valid

license means you're riding illegally and won't be covered.

Self Driving

Though being behind the wheel in any foreign place takes a little getting used to, once you get out of the capital of Bangkok and beyond other big cities-where traffic, tailgaters, and navigating your way around can be challenging - you'll find Thailand is actually a pleasant place to drive.

To rent a car in Thailand, you must be 21; you will also need to have had a driver's license for a minimum of a year, an International Driving Permit and carry a passport with you.

Thai road rules are probably much different than you're accustomed to. Since local roads are often filled with unpredictable traffic patterns and motorists, especially in the bigger cities, always be watchful of your surroundings and other drivers.

For comparing prices and renting cars, I also use kayak.com, very simple and easy and they usually have the best prices around.