Thailand is one of the easiest countries in the world to travel around whether you’re backpacking, traveling as a family, or doing a slower, more comfortable style of trip like we do. Over multiple trips, we’ve traveled Thailand in lots of different ways: flying between cities, taking overnight trains, hiring cars, using tuk tuks and taxis, hopping on ferry boats to islands, and even renting a scooter.
In this guide, I’m going to walk you through all the main ways to get around Thailand, based on what we’ve actually done ourselves including the pros, cons, costs, and what each option is best for. Whether you’re planning a route from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, island hopping in the south, or doing a road trip like the Mae Hong Son Loop, this will help you choose the best transport for your trip.
Flying in Thailand: The Fastest Way to Cover Long Distances
Domestic flights in Thailand are cheap, frequent, and very easy to use. We’ve flown from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and back and also flights from Phuket to Bangkok before leaving Thailand. It’s by far the quickest way to cross the country if you’re short on time.
Airlines like AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai VietJet, and Thai Smile run multiple flights every day between major cities such as:
- Bangkok ↔ Chiang Mai
- Bangkok ↔ Phuket
- Bangkok ↔ Krabi
- Bangkok ↔ Surat Thani
Pros:
- Very fast (Bangkok to Chiang Mai is about 1 hour)
- Often surprisingly cheap
- Great for families or tight schedules
Cons:
- You miss seeing the countryside
- Baggage fees can add up on budget airlines
💡 We usually mix flying with slower travel to save time on long distances and explore more deeply in specific regions.
Taking the Train in Thailand (Including the Sleeper Train)
Train travel in Thailand is an experience in itself and something I really recommend doing at least once.
We took the overnight sleeper train from Bangkok to Surat Thani, which is perfect if you’re heading towards the islands or are favourite places such as Khao Lak and Khao Sok which you can read about here: How to spend your time in Surat Thani – Thailand
We have also taken a day train and it definitely becomes evident how long the journeys take when you don’t have sleep to pass the time – yet we did get to see the amazing countryside and a spectacular sunrise.
Pros:
- Saves a night in a hotel (sleeper train)
- Comfortable and fun experience
- Great for kids and families
- More scenic and relaxed than flying
Cons:
- Slower than flying
- You need to book in advance in busy seasons
The sleeper trains come with proper beds, curtains, and air conditioning, and staff convert the seats into bunks in the evening. It’s a really memorable way to travel Thailand.
Hiring a Car in Thailand (Perfect for Road Trips)
Hiring a car in Thailand is much easier than people expect, and it’s exactly what we did for the Mae Hong Son Loop in northern Thailand.
This gave us:
- Total freedom
- The ability to stop at viewpoints and small towns
- A much more relaxed pace, especially with kids
Pros:
- Complete flexibility
- Great for scenic routes like the Mae Hong Son Loop
- Comfortable for families and longer stays
Cons:
- You need to be confident driving
- Mountain roads can be winding
If you’re planning any kind of road trip in Thailand, renting a car is 100% worth it.
Tuk Tuks and Taxis: Everyday Transport in Cities
In most places in Thailand, you’ll use a mix of:
- Tuk tuks
- Taxis
- Grab (Asia’s version of Uber)
We’ve used these all over Thailand to get around cities and towns, especially in places like:
- Bangkok
- Chiang Mai
- Tourist towns and beach areas
Pros:
- Cheap
- Easy
- No stress
- Fun (especially tuk tuks!)
Cons:
- You sometimes need to negotiate prices
- Tuk tuks are more of an experience than a comfort ride 😄
In Bangkok and bigger cities, Grab is especially useful because you don’t need to haggle.
Ferry Boats and Island Travel
If you’re heading to Thailand’s islands, ferries and speedboats are part of the adventure.
We took ferry boats across to Koh Yao Yai, and it was simple, well-organised, and scenic.
Pros:
- Easy to book
- Well-trodden routes
- Part of the Thailand experience
Cons:
- Can be bumpy in rough seas
- Timetables can change in bad weather
Most hotels or travel desks can organise ferry tickets and transfers for you.
Renting a Scooter / Moped in Thailand
On Koh Yao Yai, we rented a scooter to get around the island, which is a very common thing to do in Thailand.
Pros:
- Cheap
- Total freedom
- Perfect for islands and small towns
- For Family Travel we had a little side car which the boys loved!
Cons:
- Not ideal if you’re inexperienced
- Roads can be rough in places
- You should only do this if you’re confident riding
⚠️ Make sure you have proper travel insurance that covers scooter or motorbike use.
What About Buses in Thailand?
Buses are actually one of the most common ways to get around Thailand, especially for locals and backpackers, but they’re the one thing we personally haven’t used yet.
That said:
- They’re very cheap
- They go almost everywhere
- There are VIP and air-conditioned options for long distances
For many routes, buses are a great alternative to trains or flying.
What’s the Best Way to Travel Around Thailand?
Honestly — there is no single best way. Thailand is perfect for mixing:
- ✈️ Flights for long distances
- 🚗 Cars for road trips
- 🚆 Trains for experiences
- 🚕 Taxis & tuk tuks for daily life
- ⛴️ Ferries for islands
- 🛵 Scooters for small areas
That’s exactly what we’ve done, and it’s what makes travel in Thailand so flexible and enjoyable.
Is Thailand Easy to Travel Around?
Yes, Thailand is one of the easiest countries in the world to travel independently, even with kids.
- Transport is cheap
- Routes are well established
- People are helpful
- Tourist infrastructure is excellent
It’s a brilliant destination whether it’s your first big trip or your tenth.
Final Thoughts
No matter how you choose to travel, Thailand gives you an incredible amount of freedom and flexibility. Whether you’re island hopping, doing a northern road trip, or bouncing between cities, getting around is straightforward, affordable, and part of the adventure itself.
Planning Your Trip To Thailand?
Decide where to go here: North vs South Thailand – How to decide
Want to get your hotel, transfers and more cheaper? Find out here: How we travel so often (and YOU can too!)
You’ll find tips and tricks here as to how to make the most of your trip to Thailand, including some useful phrases! How to make the most of Thailand
Leave a Reply