Top 6 Ways to Get around in Thailand

I loved my time in Thailand and 2 months exploring such a beautiful and diverse country was just not enough. One of the things I loved about my travel through Asia were the many different types of transport I was able to enjoy. And while each country had some similarities, they also each had their own distinct brand and feel.

And since I spent most of my time in Thailand I thought I would start my transportation review there (Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam to come soon!)

So here you have it, my top 6 (because 6 is better than 5) ways to get around in Thailand

#1 Tuk Tuk – Basically a small three-wheeled motorized cart, named after the sound their not so eco-friendly engines make (it’s took-took, not tuck- tuck), they are one of the iconic images of Thailand. They are loud and seem to be driven by maniacs who have their own set of rules of the road. They are all over the major city centres and will get you anywhere you need to go and for a price that is fare, just use those well honed haggling skills BEFORE you jump in.

TukTuks in Bangkok - Copywrite E. Travis 2010

#2 Night Trains: Sure, there are trains in almost every corner of the earth and most people have traveled from here to there on them, especially if you have been to Europe. But Thai trains are not like your squeaky clean and uber comfy Euro rides. Nope, these are commuter trains in all sense of the world, they are all about function, not fashion, set to get you from A – B. Now, that being said, they so have sensible bunks with bedding, dining cars and friends (if not pushy) staff roaming up and down the cars selling food and drink. And trust me, there is nothing is more entertaining than a sweaty, Chang and Sangsom filled 14 hr ride up or down the country side.

Night Train from Bangkok to Khao Sok - Copywright E. Travis 2010

#3 Motos: Also know as scooters, motorbikes or vespas, motos will be found darting in and out of traffic in the busy street of Bangkok, Chaing Mai, Chiang Rai and well, just about everywhere else. Your first time on a moto may be one where you are in fear of your life, but soon you will become used to and if not addicted to the wind ripping through your hair and the lightening speed at which you can get from here to there.

Motos in Chiang Rai - Copywite E. Travis 2010

#4: Long Tails – You have all seen them. They are in every postcard of Thailand and I am surprised they are not on the currency at this point. They are the long, usually colourful wooden boats used to get around in shallow waters and for short trips between bays. Their name comes from their onboard engine with a long driveshaft which are perfect for maneuvering through the shallow and tight waterways they regularly ply.

Long Tails in Phi Phi - Copywrite E. Travis 2010

Long Tail in Lipe - Copywrite E. Travis 2010

#5: Ferries: If you go to Thailand, you will go to the islands. It’s a given and for some it’s the reason they have come ½ across the world to this little slice of heaven on earth. And well, to get to any of the hundreds of different locations scattered through the Gulf of Siam and in the Andaman Sea you are going to need to take a ferry. Thai ferries are very similar to any other ferries I have been on before in Europe or North America, except for the face that they are mostly passenger based. You wont see as many vehicles on a Thai ferry as you do in Canada. And ferries can be just as much fun as trains. If you are luck you will score a seat, but if not just find yourself a nice place in the shade on the open air deck, spread out your sarong or hang your hammock and off you go for a few hours of stunning open sea views, some laughs, drinks and spend some time working on your golden tan.

Ferry from Suratthani to Phangan

 #6 Songthaew: No list is complete without the Songthaew. And if you spend any time in the North of Thailand or on the islands, you will at some point encounter one of these colourful, converted pick-up truck taxies. While they usually run regular routes between bus stations and city centres and outlying towns & villages, in places like Chiang Mai you can hail them street side for short rides. They are best used then you have a few people to share the fare with, but if not, you can always just jump in with the rest of the travellers in the back after you have negotiated your fare and off you go!

Songthaew in Chaing Mai

And just one more thing: There are no meters, and trip costs are negotiated in advance (trains and buses excluded). Don’t forget this and get burned in the end … been there, done that!