How to get around Thailand
- Margaux
- Jan 18
- 3 min read
Getting around Thailand might seem overwhelming, but it’s actually very straightforward and not expensive at all. This guide will tell you all about getting around major Thai cities, between cities, and to and from islands. For the ultimate backpacking itinerary to Thailand, see my guide here.
How to get around Bangkok and other Thai cities
In most Thai cities, you can use the Grab or Bolt apps for taxis. Grab/Bolt motorbikes will always be your cheapest option, but make sure you get given a helmet. You have every right to refuse the ride if you don’t. Grab/Bolt cars are a good option if you have multiple people to split the cost with, although the journeys will take longer because you can’t weave in and out of traffic like the motorbikes do. You will get given a price on the app when you book any Grab or Bolt ride, but you’ll pay in cash at the end of your journey. Often, if you are going somewhere further and need a ride back, you can negotiate with your driver to wait for you and take you back as well. Make sure you don’t pay until both rides have been completed though!
In Bangkok, public transport is very good, especially the BTS Skytrain, which is clean, air conditioned, and efficient. You can buy tickets for any ride at any station, and Google Maps is a good way to plan your route - it knows all the public transport options.
The Bangkok bus system is less reliable, and you may end up waiting for a long time for a bus that never shows up. Don’t use buses if you are in a hurry. You pay for the buses when you are on the bus - usually someone comes around asking you for money - and they are definitely your cheapest option.
On the river in Bangkok, the ferry is a really good way of getting around to all the main attractions. It is also very affordable and regular, and the inside is air conditioned too!
For a guide to all the best things to do in Bangkok, see my post here.
How to get between cities in Thailand and to the Thai islands
Between cities, islands, and even for journeys across borders, make sure you download the 12Go Asia app. You can put in your origin and destination and it will give you all the options for that route. It works for buses, trains, and ferries, as well as combinations of all three. You can even book private taxis on it. I used 12Go to book my bus from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, a bus and ferry from Bangkok to Koh Tao, a ferry and bus from Koh Tao to Ao Nang, a bus from Ao Nang to Koh Lanta, a train from Surat Thani to Bangkok, a bus from Chiang Mai to Pai and back… the list is endless.
For my one month Thailand itinerary, check out my post here.
I would recommend booking those that say “Instant Confirmation”, as they will send you all your tickets and confirmations via email as soon as you’ve paid, which gives you peace of mind. You pay for your journey on the app. Everyone uses 12Go Asia, even beyond Thailand, and it’s very reliable - I never had any issues in Thailand.
If you prefer, you can also usually book transport through your hostel. They will give you all the same options as 12Go, and there are the benefits that: 1) they have the phone number of the driver (if it’s a bus), and 2) it will often include a pick up at your hostel. I would recommend comparing the price to 12Go, however, as I found it to sometimes be ever so slightly more expensive to do it this way. I am talking £1 or £2 more, so not necessarily life-changing, but definitely something to be aware of.
I usually booked these inter-city journeys two or three days in advance, but you will always have options even the day before, so don’t worry about this.
I hope this gives you a good overview of how to get around Thailand. It is very straightforward and you will get the hang of it very quickly. Of course, public transport will always be the cheapest and most sustainable option, so please choose this where you can. As always, look after the places you visit and remember to only leave your footprints behind :)
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