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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

Bangkok

Chiang Mai

Chiang Rai

Koh Lanta

Koh Phangan

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Samui

Koh Tao

Krabi

Pattaya

Phuket