Getting Around Thailand's Cities and Islands
67 guides
Bangkok sets the standard: the BTS Skytrain and MRT cover the city, while Chao Phraya express boats with different flag colors reach the temple piers. Chiang Mai works differently, where songthaews are flagged down and fares are agreed before you ride. Island travel adds another layer, with ferries from Surat Thani to Koh Samui, speedboats to Koh Phi Phi, and longtail boats to Railay Beach, which has no road at all.
What trips visitors up is the last leg. Bundled bus-and-ferry tickets to Koh Phangan or Koh Tao often arrive late, and airport transfers to Ao Nang or Pattaya require choosing between a taxi, shared shuttle, or bus from a specific terminal. In Ayutthaya, tuk-tuk prices need to be agreed up front, and in Pattaya, baht buses follow fixed routes but can overcharge if you don't know the fare. Plan each segment around arrival times and luggage.
Ayutthaya
- How to Get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok: Train, Bus, Taxi, Boat (2026)
Compare every way to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok by train, bus, taxi, boat or tour, with travel times, costs, arrival tips and which option fits you.
- Ayutthaya to Sukhothai: Bus vs Train Options (2026)
How to get from Ayutthaya to Sukhothai: direct bus vs train to Phitsanulok, with real trade-offs on time, cost and the last leg to the park.
- Ayutthaya Tuk Tuk Guide: Prices, Routes and Tips
How Ayutthaya tuk tuks work, how to agree a price, which temples to cover in 2-4 hours, and when a bike or tour is the better choice.
- Bangkok to Ayutthaya by Boat: Options, Costs & Tips
Is there a boat from Bangkok to Ayutthaya? Compare cruise-and-coach day trips, luxury river cruises and the train, with time, cost and who each suits.
- Bangkok to Ayutthaya by Train: Stations, Times & Tickets
Which train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya? Compare stations, train types, journey times and ticket options, plus a day-trip plan and when to skip the train.
Bangkok
- Getting Around Bangkok: BTS, MRT, Boats & Taxis Guide
A practical guide to getting around Bangkok: when to use the BTS, MRT, river boats, taxis and Grab, what each costs, and mistakes to avoid.
- Bangkok Airport to City: Train, Taxi, Bus (Both Airports)
Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang to central Bangkok by rail, taxi, Grab and bus. Pick the right option for your bags, hotel area and arrival time.
- Bangkok BTS Skytrain Guide: Lines, Fares & Tips
Bangkok BTS Skytrain lines, fares in baht, ticket choice (single, Rabbit, day pass), hours and station tips, plus when a taxi or boat is better.
- Bangkok MRT Guide: Lines, Fares & Tips for Visitors
How the Bangkok MRT works: lines, stations for top sights, fares, hours, BTS transfers and when a different transport is faster.
- Bangkok Tuk Tuk Guide: Costs, Scams & Worth It?
Is a tuk-tuk worth it in Bangkok? See how pricing works, which scams to avoid, and when BTS, boat, or Grab is the smarter choice.
- Chao Phraya Express Boat Guide: Flags, Piers, Fares
Plan the Chao Phraya Express Boat in Bangkok: flag colors compared, key piers for temples, how to pay, and when BTS or a taxi works better.
- Grab in Bangkok: How to Use It & When to Skip It
Plan grab in bangkok: ride types, how to book, what affects fares, airport pickup, and when BTS, MRT, boat or a taxi is the smarter choice.
Chiang Mai
- Getting Around Chiang Mai: Songthaew, Grab, Bike & More
Songthaew, Grab, tuk-tuk, scooter or bike? Compare how each way of getting around Chiang Mai works, what to expect on cost, and where each fits.
- Bangkok to Chiang Mai: Train, Bus, Flight and Costs
Fly, train, bus or drive from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Compare journey times, baht costs and who should skip each option before you book.
- Chiang Mai Airport (CNX): Getting to the City & Tips
Landing at Chiang Mai Airport (CNX)? Compare taxi, Grab, songthaew and shuttle options, plus arrival logistics and departure timing tips.
- Chiang Mai Songthaew Guide: How to Ride and Pay
How to use a Chiang Mai songthaew: flagging a ride, agreeing fares, where it works, and when Grab or a tuk-tuk is the better choice.
- Grab in Chiang Mai: How It Works and When to Skip It
Is Grab available in Chiang Mai? See how to book, where airport pickup works, how it compares with songthaews and tuk-tuks, and when to choose something else.
- Overnight Train Bangkok to Chiang Mai: Which Train, Berth & Cost
Which Bangkok–Chiang Mai sleeper to book, lower vs upper berth, fares, arrival times and when to fly instead. Check current SRT schedules.
Chiang Rai
- How to Get to Chiang Rai: Flights, Buses & Border Routes
Fly, bus or cross from Laos. Compare times, costs and arrival logistics for every route to Chiang Rai, with origin-specific guides.
- Bangkok to Chiang Rai: Flight, Bus, Train & Drive
How to get from Bangkok to Chiang Rai by flight, bus, train or car. Compare travel time, cost level and comfort, and pick the best option for your trip.
- Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: Bus, Car & Scenic Stops (2026 Guide)
How to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: bus vs private car, travel time, fares, terminals, and where you arrive. Compare options before you book.
- Chiang Rai Airport (CEI): Flights, Transport & Tips
Everything about Chiang Rai Airport (CEI): airlines and routes, how far it is from town, ways to reach the city, and whether to fly in or go overland.
- Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang Slow Boat: Route, Cost and Border Guide
How to do the slow boat from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang: bus, border crossing, the Pakbeng night, tour vs independent cost and timing, and who should fly instead.
- Slow Boat to Luang Prabang from Chiang Rai: Guide
Plan the 2-day Mekong slow boat from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang: route, timings, tickets, Pakbeng stay, border tips and when to skip it.
Koh Lanta
- How to Get to Koh Lanta: Routes, Times & Costs (2026)
Compare every way to reach Koh Lanta from Krabi, Phuket, Phi Phi and Bangkok: ferry, speedboat, minivan and car, with times, costs and trade-offs.
- Koh Lanta Ferry Guide: Routes, Times & Which to Take
Which Koh Lanta ferry do you need? Compare the car ferry and Saladan Pier boats from Krabi, Phuket and Phi Phi, with costs, timing and seasonal tips.
- Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta: Transfer Options & Times
Compare private transfer, public minivan, taxi and self-drive from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta, with timing by arrival time and what to verify first.
- Krabi to Koh Lanta: Ferry, Minivan or Taxi (Which?)
Krabi to Koh Lanta by ferry, speedboat, minivan or taxi: times, costs, last departures and which option fits your arrival point.
- Phuket to Koh Lanta: Ferry, Speedboat, Minivan & Transfer Options
Phuket to Koh Lanta by ferry, speedboat or road: compare time, approximate cost, pier logistics and season tips to pick the best route for you.
Koh Phangan
- How to Get to Koh Phangan: Routes, Times & Costs
Plan how to get to Koh Phangan from Samui, Koh Tao, Surat Thani, Chumphon and Bangkok, with ferry times, piers and trade-offs.
- Bangkok to Koh Phangan: Routes, Time & Cost Compared
No direct route exists. Compare the bus+ferry ticket, fly-and-ferry and DIY options from Bangkok to Koh Phangan by time, cost and comfort.
- Koh Phangan Ferry Guide: Routes, Piers & Booking Tips
Koh Phangan ferry routes to Samui, Koh Tao and Surat Thani: which pier, which operator, what to check before you book. Verify current times.
- Koh Phangan to Koh Tao: Ferry Times, Prices & Piers
How to get from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao: operators, departure times, price ranges, pier logistics and which boat suits your trip.
- Koh Samui to Koh Phangan: Ferry, Piers, Cost & Time
Koh Samui to Koh Phangan by boat: compare piers, operators, ferry vs speedboat, door-to-door time and cost, plus Full Moon Party tips.
Koh Phi Phi
- How to Get to Phi Phi: Ferry, Speedboat & Routes
Ferry, speedboat or tour? Compare routes, times and costs from Phuket, Krabi and Koh Lanta, plus tips on piers, luggage and rough seas.
- Phi Phi Ferry Guide: Routes, Times, Prices & Piers
Compare Phi Phi ferry routes from Phuket, Krabi and Koh Lanta: crossing times, typical prices, piers, and which boat suits you.
- Phi Phi Pier (Tonsai Pier): Arrival Guide, Fees and Tips
Arriving at Phi Phi pier? See what Tonsai Pier is like, the island entry fee to check, how to find your ferry and where to go next.
- Phi Phi to Koh Lanta: Ferry Times, Cost & Tips
How to get from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta: ferry duration, first and last boats, costs, low-season risks and what to do if you miss it.
- Phi Phi to Railay: Boat Times, Prices & Pier Tips
How to get from Phi Phi to Railay by boat: ferry vs speedboat, piers, typical prices in baht, and what to check before you book.
Koh Samui
- How to Get to Koh Samui: Flights, Ferries, Train & Bus (2026)
Fly direct, or take the Surat Thani ferry, or an overnight train. Compare time, cost and luggage trade-offs by route, with pier and airport logistics.
- Bangkok to Koh Samui: Flights, Bus + Ferry and Which to Choose
Bangkok to Koh Samui by flight, bus, train or ferry. Compare time, cost level and hassle, pick the right airport and avoid common booking mistakes.
- Getting Around Koh Samui: Best Transport by Area
How to get around Koh Samui: songthaews, taxis, scooters and rental cars compared by cost, risk and where you stay, plus mistakes to avoid.
- Koh Samui Airport (USM): Arrivals, Transfers & Tips
Koh Samui Airport (USM) guide: arrivals and departures, transfers to Chaweng and beyond, fly vs ferry trade-offs, and mistakes to avoid.
- Koh Samui Ferry Guide: Piers, Operators and Which Boat
A practical Koh Samui ferry guide. Compare piers and operators, pick a fast or slow boat, and plan links from Bangkok, Surat Thani, Phangan and Tao.
- Surat Thani to Koh Samui: Ferry, Bus & Transfer Guide
Compare ways from Surat Thani to Koh Samui: bundled bus-ferry tickets, catamaran or car ferry, travel time, and what to check before you book.
Koh Tao
- How to Get to Koh Tao: Routes, Ferries and Timing
Every way to reach Koh Tao from Bangkok, Chumphon, Surat Thani and Samui: route comparison, ferry operators, booking tips and mistakes to avoid.
- Bangkok to Koh Tao: Bus, Train, Flight Compared
How to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao with no direct route: bus, train, flight and ferry options compared by time, cost and arrival hour.
- Chumphon to Koh Tao: Ferry Times, Prices & Best Route (2026)
How to get from Chumphon to Koh Tao: the direct Lomprayah ferry, cheaper bus-and-boat combos, pier transfers and what to check before you book.
- Koh Tao Ferry Guide: Routes, Boats & Which to Pick
Compare Koh Tao ferries from Chumphon, Samui, Phangan and Surat Thani: boat types, trade-offs, and cancellation tips before you book.
- Koh Tao to Koh Samui: Ferry Times, Piers & Tickets
Koh Tao to Koh Samui is a boat-only trip. Compare fast boat vs slow ferry, arrival piers, costs, and how to book without missing a flight.
Krabi
- How to Get to Krabi: Every Route Compared
Compare every way to reach Krabi by flight, train-plus-bus, bus, car and boat, with airport transfers and last-leg tips for Ao Nang, Railay and Phi Phi.
- Bangkok to Krabi: Flight, Train and Bus Compared
Compare flying and the train-plus-bus route from Bangkok to Krabi: time, cost, baggage, airports, and how to reach Ao Nang or Railay.
- How to Get to Railay Beach: Boats, Fares & Last Ferry
Railay has no road. Compare longtail boats from Ao Nang, Krabi Town and Ao Nammao, with fares, timing, last boat and luggage tips.
- Krabi Airport (KBV): Transfers to Ao Nang & Railay
Landing at Krabi Airport (KBV)? Compare taxi, shuttle and transfer options to Ao Nang, Railay and Krabi Town, plus arrival tips and mistakes to avoid.
- Krabi Airport to Ao Nang: Taxi, Bus & Transfer Guide
How to get from Krabi Airport to Ao Nang: distance, time, cost trade-offs, and which transfer suits your group, luggage and arrival time.
- Phuket to Krabi: Ferry, Bus, Taxi Compared (Times & Costs)
How to get from Phuket to Krabi by ferry, speedboat, minivan, bus or private taxi, with time and cost ranges and the best option for Ao Nang, Railay or Krabi Town.
Pattaya
- How to Get to Pattaya: Bus, Taxi, Van & Train Compared
Compare every way to reach Pattaya from Bangkok's airports and city, U-Tapao and beyond, with cost, time, and last-mile tips.
- Bangkok Airport to Pattaya: Bus, Taxi and Transfer Compared
How to get from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya by bus, taxi or private transfer: times, costs, where to board and how to reach your hotel.
- Bangkok to Pattaya by Bus: Terminals, Fares, Drop-offs
Direct buses run from Ekkamai, Mo Chit and Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya. Compare terminals, fares, travel time and drop-off points before you book.
- Pattaya Baht Bus Guide: Routes, Fares & How to Ride
How the Pattaya baht bus works: routes, typical fares, how to hail and stop one, and how to avoid overcharging. Practical tips for visitors.
- U-Tapao Airport to Pattaya: Transfers, Distance & Tips
How far U-Tapao Airport is from Pattaya, which transfer to pick, and when flying in beats Bangkok. Arrival tips and a dated expansion check.
Phuket
- How to Get to Phuket: Flights, Transfers & Routes
How to get to Phuket by air, bus or ferry, with airport transfer options, timing and cost trade-offs for each route.
- Bangkok to Phuket: Flight, Bus, Train & Cost Compared
Fastest, cheapest and most comfortable ways from Bangkok to Phuket, with door-to-door time, cost trade-offs, airports and arrival tips.
- Getting Around Phuket: Taxis, Buses, Scooters & Costs
Phuket has no metro. Compare Grab, taxis, buses, tuk-tuks, and scooters by beach area, cost, and convenience, with tips to avoid common mistakes.
- Phuket Airport (HKT) Guide: Transfers, Terminals & Tips
Landing at Phuket Airport (HKT)? Compare bus, van, taxi and car options to every beach, plus terminal tips and departure timing.
- Phuket Airport to Patong: Every Transfer Option Compared
Compare every way from Phuket Airport (HKT) to Patong by time, cost level and convenience, with arrival steps and mistakes to avoid.
- Phuket Tuk Tuk Guide: Prices, Scams & Alternatives
How Phuket tuk-tuks work, how to negotiate fares, scams to avoid, and when a taxi, app or bus is the better choice.