What's the best way of getting about in Thailand?
If you're not on a tight budget, then internal flights are probably best. Thai Airways (known as THAI) is the main domestic carrier, and it has a good reputation. Flights are relatively cheap by international standards. Bangkok Airways is the other main domestic airline, but it's comfort and efficiency are definitely below those of THAI. They service some of the routes not flown by THAI, the main one is the very overpriced Bangkok - Ko Samui flight.
Thai trains are highly rated by visitors, as they are efficient, safe, relatively cheap by international standards (though not compared to Thai buses) and comfortable. Tickets are available in third class (hard wooden seats), second class, second class sleeper, and first class (private cabin). You also have the option of fans or air-conditioning, and of normal, rapid or express trains. Most people prefer the sleeper beds on a long journey, as these are comfortable and good value. First class is a lot more expensive than second, but there's little to justify the difference and the cabin can get very cold with the air-conditioning. The price is not far off that of a flight.
The main problem with the trains is that they don't cover the country comprehensively and they are slow, even the 'express' trains. A bus is typically two or three hours quicker on a long overnight trip. You can get meals on the trains, but they are way overpriced (hawkers bring food and drink on to the train at stops, which can be quite good). Take warm clothing if you're going in an air-conditioned compartment as it's set too cold, the fan compartment are cheaper and generally better (the windows are often left open all night to keep it cool, which works quite well).
Long distance government buses are of varying standards, from the ordinary buses (which are cramped and uncomfortable) to the VIP ones (lots of space, aircon, toilet, TV, blankets, often free food and drink). VIP buses are quick, and can be quite a bit cheaper than a sleeper train (especially if you're paying supplements for an express train with air-conditioning.). On long distance trips, they'll stop a couple of times at remote restaurants which are okay for getting something to eat. The disadvantages is that it's not as comfortable as a sleeper compartment in a train, and it's statistically not as safe. Overall, they're quite a good option but many foreigners seem to avoid them. This is perhaps because it can be quite an effort getting to the government bus terminals, especially in Bangkok. They also have to compete against the many private services, which are invariably located very close to hotels and guesthouses.
There are plenty of private transport companies which are often used by visitors, but these are generally by far the worst option for getting about. They are around the same price as the government buses, but often operate cramped, uncomfortable minibuses and suicidal drivers. This is especially the cases of the companies located in very touristy areas (e.g. Khao San road), as they don't need to rely on return business. There are some private companies who operate services from the government bus stations, and these are generally of an equivalent standard to the government buses.
Is renting a car/motorbike and driving in Thailand a good idea?
In provincial Thailand, hiring a car can be a good and relatively cheap way of getting about. Hiring a car with a driver/guide is marginally more expensive, but is perhaps a better idea as it will mean avoiding all the problems associated with driving yourself about.
Keep in mind, your insurance from home might not cover being involved in an accident from renting a car/motorbike, so it's worth checking that before you leave.
If you plan on driving in Thailand, bring both an international driving license and your home driving license. You won't (usually) be asked for either of them by the renting companies, but having both will likely be a great help should you happen to get into any legal difficulties.
Let us know if you’d like to rent a vehicle or would like to hire a driver for your trip to Thailand, and we will make all arrangement for you and include a ClubEX.org Fact Sheet on driving in Thailand in your Trip Package.
Is it safe to leave my luggage while I'm on a sleeper train?
Theft on the sleeper trains is pretty rare - and sadly enough it's more likely to be perpetrated by fellow tourists than the Thais.
Luggage is stored on racks in the corridor just outside your sleeping berth. It's a good idea to lock your bag and use a small chain to attach it to the rack if you're worried. It also might be a good idea to keep smaller and most valuable things inside your compartment with you.
Is the upper or lower berth better on sleeper trains?
The lower berth is slightly longer and wider, and if you're tall this is the one to go for. It costs a bit more than the upper berth.
Do I need to make reservations for buses / trains?
For the long-distance buses, it's okay to turn up at the bus station at pretty much any time. Chances are that the bus you want will be leaving within half an hour, and will have free seats. Same day reservations are often okay for trains, but during busier tourist periods (November - February, August) you may need to book a couple of days in advance. Train reservations can be made directly from the station, or from any travel agent who will generally charge 100/200B for doing it.
Try and avoid traveling from Bangkok during Thai public holidays, as the trains will be fully booked and the bus stations are chaotic. This is especially true during the Songkran festival (mid-April).
Should I get a rail pass in advance?
No, this will not save you any money or get any other benefits.
If I can't speak or read Thai, how will I know when to get off on a government bus / train?
On the buses, your destination is often the last stop so this is rarely a problem. If it's not the last stop, then the conductor or another passenger will invariably tell you.
On the trains, if you're going to a popular tourist destination (Chiang Mai, Surat Thani) then it's easy. A train official will always come round and tell you, every other tourist will get off and touts will be running alongside the train holding signs promoting their accommodation outside the windows before the train has even stopped ! If you're going somewhere less touristy then you might want to ask someone and/or make sure the ticket collector knows where you are going.
Your ClubEX.org host will teach you several useful Thai phrases, including:
tee nee tee nai (krap/ka)? Where is this?
tee nee...mai (krap/ka)? Is this...?
And the more tricky:
chuay bork meu-rai rao mah teung... Please tell me when me get to....
What are the boats to the islands like?
In good weather they are fine, but in rough weather the ride can be a bit turbulent. Tthey are often very overcrowded in the tourist season, and you may want to think twice about getting on in poor weather. Sinkings are rare but not unknown.
The riskiest trip seems to be the long journey out to Ko Tao, which it is definitely inadvisable to take in adverse conditions.
What's Thai Airways (THAI) like as an international / domestic airline?
Thai Airways is well regarded as an international carrier for friendly service and for having good leg-room in Economy class. Prices tend to be at the high end of the market.
Domestic flights are also very good, cheap and safe. The standard is perhaps not up to what you would get on international flights, as the best stewardess, planes etc are promoted to the international routes.
How can I get into Laos from Thailand?
The main way of doing this is from the border crossing at Nong Khai in Thailand, to the Lao capital Vientiane. Overnight trains and buses run from Bangkok to Nong Khai, and from here you have to get a bus to the Friendship bridge spanning the Mekong. After that it's about 45 minutes taxi journey to Vientiane.
Can I travel overland between Thailand and Burma (Myanmar)?
It's possible to enter into Burma for day trips or slightly longer overland from Thailand, but not yet to continue on to Yangon, Mandalay etc...Day trips are possible at the Mae Sai / Tachilek border (north of Chiang Rai), Ranong and the Three Pagodas Pass (west of Kanchanaburi). These may be shut during periods of diplomatic unrest between Thailand and Burma, but are often reopened fairly quickly. You don't need to obtain a visa in advance for these, but have to pay at Mae Sai and at Three Pagodas Pass.
Can I travel overland between Thailand and Cambodia?
The main border crossing points between Thailand and Cambodia are at Aranya Pathet / Poipet, and at Trat / Koh Kong. There are frequent buses to the Thai border, and Cambodian buses then take you from the border to Phnom Penh, Siem Reap etc...The roads in Cambodia are in a very poor condition, and can be impassable during the rainy season (August - November). Visas can be got at the Poipet and Koh Kong border crossings, and are valid for 30 days.
What's the cost, quality and availability of medicines and health care in Thailand like?
Medical care is pretty good in Bangkok, but gets less so the more into rural Thailand you go. Many doctors were trained in America, and some of Bangkok's hospitals (rohng pa-yah-bahn in Thai), such as Bumrungrad,are rated the equal of anything in the west. The very top hospitals aren't cheap, but most others are very good value.
Pharmacies are widespread, but take care when using them. Many drugs that require a prescription elsewhere in the world can be got here without one, and they aren't necessarily kept in the best condition - check the sell by date and go to aircon pharmacies if you can.