Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Thai Airways International
(THAI; ;
0 2288 7000;
www.thaiair.com
; 485 Th Silom;
8am-5pm Mon-Sat;
Chong Nonsi exit 3)
United Airlines
( ;
0 2353 3939;
www.united.com
)
Vietnam Airlines
( ;
0 2655 4137;
www.vietnamair.com
)
Tickets
In some cases - when travelling to neighbouring countries or to domestic destinations - it is still convenient to use a
travel agent in Thailand. The amount of commission an agent will charge varies so shop around to gauge the discrep-
ancy in prices. Paying by credit card generally offers purchasing protection, because most card issuers provide refunds if
you can prove you didn't get what you paid for. Agents who accept only cash should hand over the tickets straightaway
and not tell you to 'come back tomorrow'. After you've made a booking or paid your deposit, call the airline and con-
firm that the booking was made.
Air fares during the high season (December to March) can be expensive.
Land
Thailand shares land borders with Laos, Malaysia, Cambodia and Myanmar. Travel between all of these countries can
be done by land via sanctioned border crossings. With improved highways, it is also becoming easier to travel from
Thailand to China via Laos.
Border Crossings
CAMBODIA
Cambodian tourist visas are available at the border for US$20, though some borders charge 1500B. Bring a passport
photo and try to avoid some of the runner boys who want to issue a health certificate or other paperwork for additional
fees.
Aranya Prathet to Poipet
The most direct land route between Bangkok and Angkor Wat (Siem Reap), now connected
by direct government bus.
Hat Lek to Krong Koh Kong
The coastal crossing for travellers heading to/from Ko Chang/Sihanoukville.
Ban Pakard/Pong Nam Ron to Psar Pruhm
A backdoor route from Ko Chang (via Chanthaburi) to Battambang and
Angkor Wat.
Remote crossings include O Smach to Chong Chom (periodically closed due to fighting at Khao Phra Wihan) and
Chong Sa to Ngam Choam, but they aren't as convenient as you'll have to hire private transport on the Cambodian side
of the border.
CHINA
The interior of southern China is now linked with Laos and northern Thailand, making it possible to travel somewhat
directly between the two countries. You'll need to arrange your Chinese visa prior to departure, ideally in Bangkok or
Chiang Mai.
Chiang Khong to Mengla
The China-Thailand highway (Rte 3) was a former opium smuggling trail that has been
modernised into a major transnational shipping route. The 1800km of paved road between Kunming, in China's Yunnan
