Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
•
»
A pullover or jacket
For places that are over-air-conditioned and cool mountain
mornings.
•
»
Slip-on shoes or sandals
For quick removal when entering temples.
•
»
Other handy items
A small torch, waterproof money/passport container (for
swimming outings), earplugs and sunscreen (high SPF sunscreen is not widely
available).
Arriving in Thailand
•
»
Suvarnabhumi International Airport
AIRPORT RAIL LINK
Local service (30 minutes, 45B) to Phaya Thai station; ex-
press service (15 minutes, 150B) to Makkasan station.
TAXI
Metered taxis 200B to 300B plus 50B airport surcharge and tolls; it's about an
hour to the city, depending on traffic.
Getting Around
•
»
Air
Domestic routes from Bangkok are plentiful.
•
»
Bus
Intercity buses are convenient, affordable and comfortable; purchase tick-
ets at bus stations to avoid unscrupulous agents.
•
»
Hired transport
Bangkok has metered taxis, elsewhere túk-túk (pronounced
đúk đúk
) and motorcycle taxis have negotiated fares; self-drive motorcycles and
cars are easily rented.
•
»
Public transport
Bangkok has public buses, an elevated train system (BTS)
and a subway (MRT). Most Thai cities have
sŏrng·tăa·ou
(converted pick-up trucks)
that run fixed routes.
•
»
Train
Slow but scenic; popular for the overnight trip between Bangkok and Chi-
ang Mai or the southern islands.
Accommodation
•
»
Guest houses
Thailand's most common option; some are simple rooms in a
family's home, while others are small hotels for small budgets. They all tend to have
a common lobby, a restaurant for socialising and tourist information.
