Public buses are plentiful and cheap, with a minimum fare of 6 baht to most destinations within metropolitan Bangkok. Air-conditioned buses have minimum and maximum fares of 10 and 22 baht, respectively. Air-conditioned micro-buses charge a flat fare of 25 baht all routes. A Bus Route Map is available at bookshops and the TAT office. There are a lot of buses offered in Bangkok going to all places, with a fare starting at 3.5 baht for open air buses. Air-conditioned blue buses have minimum and maximum fares from 8 to 16 baht. Euro II or Orange air-conditioned buses charge 10-20 baht. Air-conditioned microbuses charge a flat fare of 20 baht all routes. Visit http://www.bmta.co.th for more information on Bangkok's public buses. Taxi 
Taxi's cruising city streets are metered and airconditioned, and for those who are not experienced at bartering, ask the driver to use the meter, this is a set fare by the Thailand government, and an extremely fair price to pay. They charge a minimum of 35 baht for the first 3 kilometres, and approximately 5 baht per kilometre thereafter. Make sure you have change, as taxi drivers often dont! Passengers must pay tolls in the case of using an expressway. When travelling outside Bangkok do not use the meter, instead barter a price with the driver. Tuk - Tuk 
One thing that makes Thailand unique is the tuk-tuk, a three-wheeled motorized vehicle. It can be found on almost any road in the capital. Tuk-tuk is a symbol of Thai ingenuity. It is a modification of a Japanese delivery vehicle popular in the country during the 1960s. It has become popular and it is now being exported abroad. Tuk-tuk has made its presence even in far away Kenya, in Africa, where it has become a cheap mode of transportation. There, the vehicle is also known as tuk-tuk, a Thai coinage taken from the chugging sound of the vehicle. It is also a symbol of Thai artistry. Although the make is similar, tuk-tuks are adorned and painted in the many different ways and colours. The colourful tuk-tuk has in fact become a tourist attraction in itself because of its novelty. In the provinces, the tuk-tuk is the most popular means of transport. They operate like taxis, although without any meter. They are occasionally faster than ordinary taxis in heavy traffic because they can easily weave in and out a traffic jam. Without any luggage, three people can fit into a tuk-tuk quite comfortably, It's possible to fit more in but it gets a bit cramped. Tuk-tuk fares always have to be bargained for and it is sometimes possible to bargain down to less than the taxi flagfall of Bt35. Most of the times, however, they offer no savings over a taxi, except if you're not good at bargaining and can speak good Thai. The initial price tuk-tuk drivers quote is likely well over the going rate, but it's easy to bargain it down to a more reasonable one if you roughly know the equivalent taxi fare. It's essential to bargain the price with tuk-tuks before getting it. If you only ask after the ride, it's likely to end in a request for an outrageous fare which can obviously lead to an unpleasant situation. Just like taxi drivers, tuk-tuk drivers mostly come from the province and have had no training, sometimes have no idea about the place you want to go. As tuk-tuks are open-ended, they expose passengers to the high pollution levels in the middle of Bangkok's roads and offer almost no protection in case of accident. If just for the heck of it, taking a tuk-tuk is fun. |
 BTS (Sky Trains) 
BTS Sky Train stations can mostly be found in commercial areas of Sukhumvit and Silom, it is fast and safe. The sky train is divided into 2 lines: Sukhumvit line (On Nut Station-Mo Chit Station), and Silom lines (Saphan Taksin Station-National Stadium Station). The sky train has a minimum and maximum fare of 10-40 baht. Tourists may buy 30 day tourist tickets to save money, only 250 baht/10 trips, or day tickets, 100 baht (unlimited trips).
The BTS Tourist Information Centers is open daily from 8.00 a.m. - 8.00 p.m. at the following stations:Siam, Nana and Saphan Taksin. For more information, contact the Bangkok Mass Transit System at tel: 0 2617 7300 or visit http://www.bts.co.th Subway (Metro) 
The 'impossible' became a reality in April 2004. It had taken seven years to build, comprising 21 kilometers of bored tunnels, with 18 simultaneously-built stations, using top-down techniques up to 30 meters deep under the city's major roads. The cost was approximately US$ 2.75 billion. Officially called the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and in Thai as rot fai fah mahanakhon ("metropolitan electric train") or more often as the rot fai tai din ("underground train") the line operates from 5am to midnight, and extends in a wide loop from the main railway station of Hualumpong, then tracks back via the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre to the smaller rail station of Bang Sue (pronounce Seu) to the north. It has interchanges with the Skytrain at Si Lom, Sukhumvit and Chatuchak Park stations. To protect against periodic flooding, station entrances are elevated above ground, and equipped with built-in floodgates. To prevent accidents and suicides, a glassed-in Automatic Platform Screen Door separates the platform and track, and opens only when the trains pull in and stop. All stations feature lifts and ramps for disabled people. As with the Skytrain, there are a number of ticket types, which only need to be held close to the ticket barriers to operate them, thanks to a proximity sensor. Tokens are used for single journeys. An unlimited 1 day go-as-you please travel ticket currently costs Baht 120. A joint ticketing system for the Subway and Skytrain is planned.
The BMCL subway is open daily from 06.00 a.m. - 12.00 midnight.
For more information, call 184 or 0-2246-0973 or visit http://www.bangkokmetro.co.th Boats 
There are various types of boat identified in color flags. Boat service on the Chao Phraya River connects Bangkok with the northern neighbouring province of Nonthaburi, starting from the Tha Nam Non Pier and ending at Saphan Taksin Pier (Sathorn).
- Boats (no flag) stop at all pier, has a minimum fare of 8 baht.
- Rapid boats (orang flag) have a fare of 10 baht all routes.
- Express boats (yellow flag) stop at only on crowded and main piers. The Express boat has a fare of 15 baht - The boat with blue flag, is the fastest stopping only on 3 pier, ThaNamNon Pier, Siriraj Pier and SaphanTaksin (Sathorn) Pier.It has a minimum and maximum fares from 25-35 baht. (For trial period, it just newly had this type)all routes. After rush hour, these boat are used for tourist purpose.
There are boat service counters for travelers with guides to give information about the riverside. A great day out can be had by simply going down to the Chapaya River, getting on a ferry towards Nonthaburi and just getting off at the various stops along the way, you'll see temples that are off the beaten track and see life the way most Thais live it. You'll be proud of yourself if you do things this way. Another top tip. Always keep a couple of hundred Baht in your wallet if you are going to head out and do things 'on the fly' - if it goes wrong and you get lost, 200 Baht will be an ample sum to get you back where you started! Make sure you have that address card for your Hotel or written instructions from the staff that you can show the taxi driver.
Boats run daily from 06.00 A.M-06.40 P.M.
For more information and routes, http://www.chaophrayaboat.co.th/ Motor cycle Taxi Motorcycle taxis always wear a vest which identifies where they are permitted to base their operations, and with a number on their back which is unique to the individual. The motorcycle taxis are usually found at the beginning (and sometimes the end) of sois which have a lot of people, usually due to apartment buildings or businesses, and their main role is shuttling people up and down that soi. They are usually near a bus stop. The fee is usually standard, e.g., 5 baht in some places, 10 baht in others. No helmet is necessary on these little sois. The motorcycle taxis for long hauls are the same as those for short hauls. Just go to any motorcycle taxi stand. The fare for long hauls is negotiable. You will pay approximately the same as you would for a taxi, more or less. You will just get there quicker on a motorcycle taxi during rush hour, as they drive down the stripes between cars, off the side of the road, down back alleys, literally under buildings, and wherever a motorcycle with two people can squeeze. (Underneath buildings means thru build underground parking lots.) Be careful to keep your knees in and watch your feet in order to avoid injury. When the road opens up, they may go very fast, including between cars. If you have the misfortune to get a daredevil motorcycle driver, or come across an overly aggressive taxi, it can be a harrowing experience. It's recommended that you be careful who you choose to be your motorcycle taxi driver. At the motorcycle stands, the leader will often choose a driver. You can have some influence in this. You can also tell them to drive slowly, "by CHA-CHA". If you need to flag down a motorcycle taxi within the middle of a soi or on a main road, you do so the same way as for taxis and buses, turning your palm down and waving them in with your fingers. However, if you are close to a motorcycle taxi group, then no motorcycle taxi outside that group will pick you up. Long distance trains (sleepers available) The State Railway of Thailand offers train services throughout the country at very reasonable fares. Most long-distance trains start off from Bangkok's Hualamphong Station on Rama IV Road. The four main rail lines, covering over 4,000 km., are the northern, northeastern, eastern and southern routes. Note that the trains to the northern and northeastern routes pass Don Muang airport station, so you can catch a train here if you go to any province along either route to avoid heavy traffic in town in rush hours.
There are four types of trains -- ordinary, rapid, express and special express, and three classes of cars -- 1st, 2nd and 3rd.
For a long distance trip, the fare for the 2nd class is about the same as a private tour bus, but some say that the train is more comfortable, especially on overnight trips. However, travelling by train take a bit longer than by bus. | Sleeping berths, ordinary and air-con, are available on rapid, express and special express trains for all long distance routes which depart from about 15.30 hrs. onwards. The following are the major provinces accessible by trains with sleeper cars: | | The northern route | Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Phichit | | | | | The northeastern route | Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Buriram, Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen | | | | | The southern route | Sungai Kolok (Narathiwat), Yala, Pattani, Hat Yai (Songkhla), Phatthalung, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Surat Thani, Chumphon |
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Bookings & ticket buying
Passengers can buy tickets and make advance bookings at Hualamphong Station or any of the 11 other stations in Bangkok including Don Muang Station as well as stations in large cities throughout Thailand. Besides, train tickets can also be purchased at travel agencies, with a surcharge of 50-100 baht to the ticket price. This is much more convenient as you don't have to wait in a long queue at a station, especially during holiday time when many Thais scramble for getting train tickets.
Therefore, it is advisable to book your train far in advance if you plan to go to a popular destination such as Chiang Mai, Hat Yai or Surat Thani. Advance bookings may be made one to 60 days prior to your scheduled departure date.
The ticket offices at Hualamphong Station open from 05.00 to 23.00 hrs. and the advance booking offices from 07.00 to 16.00 hours every day.
For details, call
the State Railway of Thailand, 1690, 0 2223 7010, 0 2220 4444 (RSVN),
0 2220 4334, 0 2621 8701
| For taxi : Hualamphong Station |  |
Self drive around Thailand The Kingdom of Thailand has a reasonably good road network of well-maintained highways and roads between all important areas. There is 52,000 km of national and provincial roads, all major roads are paved. Thailand uses the left-hand system. Road signage’s usually are in Thai and English. The maximum speed limit in urban places is 60km/h (35mp/h) and varies between 100-120 km/h (60-72 mp/h) on highways and country roads. There are a four-nation ring road through Thailand, Laos, China and Myanmar. On the Thai-Malaysian border, the most important road crossings are: Yala, Songkhla and Narathiwat. Between Thailand and Myanmar, there are numerous border crossings open for short trips in the surrounding area. Aranyaprathet is a legal border crossing between Cambodia and Thailand, the border is open from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm daily. The Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge across the Mekong River near Nong Khai, is the link between Thailand and Laos.
A self-drive holiday gives the opportunity for tourists to stop as long as they like and experience the amazing Thai culture. Driving on the most of the major routes outside Bangkok and around areas is an pleasant experience.
Most cars in the country use lead-free petrol, while vans use diesel. Fuel stations are abundant and most of the bigger ones accept international credit cards, in remote locations cash will be required.
Driving at night on the open road is not suggested due to heavy traffic. Motor bikes can also be a risk. Drunk-driving laws apply.
Additional Information :
Expressway and Rapid Transit authority of Thailand - Chatuchak Head Office
Address: 2380, Phahonyothin Rd., Saenanikom, Chatuchak District, Bangkok, 10900
Telephone: 0-25795380-9, 0-25620044, 0-29401199
Bangkok Expressway PCL.
Address: 238/7 Asoke-dindaeng Rd., Bangkapi, Huaykwang, Bangkok 10310
Telephone: (662) 6414611 Transport from Suvarnabhumi International Airport to City & Hotels
The Public Transportation Centre of the airport is located near the Bangkok Catering Company Building about 5 min. drive from the passenger terminal. Passengers can find all types of transportation here- limousines, taxis, rented cars and express buses. One can get to the centre from the terminals via a shuttle bus.
1. Airport Express: There are four express bus routes from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok downtown. The cost is 150 baht for entire route. (Service hours: 05.30-24.00 hrs.) • AE 1: Suvarnabhumi Airport-Surawong Rd.-Silom Rd.
Bus stops: Phetburi Soi 30, Central World Plaza, (BTS) Ratchadamri Station, Lumpini Park, Sala Daeng (on Rama 4 Rd.), Montien Hotel, Tawana Ramada Hotel, Plaza Hotel, Surawong Soi Kamjai Lamsuri, Charoen Krung Soi 47/1, Loet Sin Hospital, Central Silom, Silom Soi 26, Narai Hotel (Silom Soi 18), Sofitel Hotel (Silom Soi 12), Bangkok Bank (Silom Soi 6), (BTS) Sala Daeng Station
• AE 2: Suvarnabhumi Airport-Khao San Rd.
Bus stops: Phetburi Soi 30, Platinum Fashion Mall, Phetburi soi 20, Phetburi Soi 10, Uruphong, Saphan Khao, Thai Airways (Lan Luang), Wat Ratchanadda, Democracy Monument, Royal Hotel, National Theatre, Phra Athit Rd., Phra Sumen, Khao San Rd.
• AE 3: Suvarnabhumi Airport-Sukhumvit (Nana)
Bus stops: Sukhumvit Soi 52-50, Phra Khanong Market, Eastern Bus Terminal, Sukhumvit Soi 38, Sukhumvit Soi 34, Sukhumvit Soi 24, Sukhumvit Soi 20, Sukhumvit Soi 18, Sukhumvit Soi 10 (Bangkok Bank), Sukhumvit Soi 6, Sukhumvit Soi 2, Central Chit Lom, Central World Plaza, Phetburi Soi 25, Phetburi Soi 35, Soi Nana • AE 4: Suvarnabhumi Airport-Hua Lamphong Railway Station
Bus stops: Victory Monument, Soi Rangnam, 99 Hotel, (BTS) Phaya Thai Station, Department of Livestock, (BTS) Ratchathewi Station, Siam Discovery Centre, Ma Boon Khrong (MBK), Chulalongkorn University, Mandarin Hotel, Bangkok Centre Hotel, Hua Lamphong Railway Station
For more details about Airport Express services, please call +66 (0) 2134 2443, 2134 8030 2. Public Buses in Bangkok
There are six routes of public bus service run to and from six destinations around Bangkok, with a charge of 35 baht.
No. 549 : Suvarnabhumi Airport – Minburi
No. 550 : Suvarnabhumi Airport – Happy Land
No. 551 : Suvarnabhumi Airport – Victory Monument (Expressway)
No. 552 : Suvarnabhumi Airport – Bangna (On Nut BTS Station)
No. 553 : Suvarnabhumi Airport – Samut Prakan
No. 554 : Suvarnabhumi Airport – Don Muang Airport 3. The Transport Co., Ltd. has provided bus routes to Suvarnabhumi Airport. | 3.1 Suvarnabhumi Airport – Eastern Region | | No.389 | Suvarnabhumi – Laem Chabang – Pattaya
Departure times: 9.00, 11.00, and 15.00 | | No.390 | Suvarnabhumi – Watthana Nakhon – Aranyaprathet – Talat Rongklua
Departure times: 8.00, 11.00 | | 3.2 Suvarnabhumi Airport – Northeastern Region | | No.825 | Suvarnabhumi – Saraburi – Nakhon Ratchasima – Kon Kaen
– Udon Thani – Nong Khai
Departure times: 6.00, 22.30 | | 3.3 The Transport Co., Ltd. has also arranged for buses, which run from Bangkok to other provinces in the Eastern Region, to stop by Suvarnabhumi Airport. | | No.55 | Bangkok (Ekamai) – Suvarnabhumi – Chachoengsao – Bang Khla | | No.9904 | Bangkok (Chatuchak) – Suvarnabhumi – Chon Buri | | No.9905 | Bangkok (Chatuchak) – Suvarnabhumi – Ban Bueng – Laem Chabang – Bang Lamung – Pattaya | | No.9906 | Bangkok (Chatuchak) – Suvarnabhumi – Ban Chang – Ban Mabtaput
– Rayong | | No.9907 | Bangkok (Chatuchak) – Suvarnabhumi – Ban Bueng – Nong Yai
– Wang Chan – Klaeng – Chanthaburi | | No.9908 | Bangkok (Chatuchak) – Suvarnabhumi – Ban Bueng – Nong Yai
– Wang Chan – Klaeng – Chanthaburi – Khlung – Ban San Tung
– Trat | | No.9909 | Bangkok (Chatuchak) – Suvarnabhumi – Si Racha – Laem Chabang | | No.9901 | Bangkok (Chatuchak) – Suvarnabhumi – Chachoengsao – Bang Khla | | No.9916 | Bangkok (Ekamai) – Suvarnabhumi – Phanom Sarakham – Khao Hin Son – Sa Kaeo |
4. Shuttle Bus Service
Free shuttle bus service is provided for passengers. Express route connects the main terminal directly to the transport center. Ordinary route connects to other airport facilities.
5. Limousine
To get a limousine, contact the “Limousine Service Counter” at the Arrivals Level (2nd floor). Two limousine service are provided from THAI and the Airport of Thailand (AOT).
6. Metered Taxis
Metered taxis are available outside the exit on the 1st floor. Passengers can
also take a shuttle bus to the transportation center which has more taxis. There is a 50 baht surcharge on the meter. The trips to the city will cost 300 – 400 baht (plus highway tolls) and take 40 – 60 min. depending on traffic. Airport Luggage storage
The Left Luggage Room at Bangkok Airport charges 20 baht per item per day with a maximum storage allowed of 3 months. Tel. 5351250, 5351255
Baggage Claim
On arrival at Bangkok International Airport, all international passengers are processed through immigration and passport control, then onto the baggage reclaim area where luggage is fed onto a conveyor or carousel showing the number of each flight.
Baggage Service (Lost and Found)
A Lost and Found Counter, located at the Arrival Lounge, is manned round-the-clock, seven days a week. If you leave anything on an aircraft or an airline bus, please contact the airline concerned immediately.
Tel: 5352173, 5352811, 5352812
Trolleys
Trolleys are provided in both the Departure and Arrival Lounges of the International Passenger Terminal. No fees are charged. Passengers are free to use them. THAI-LAO INTERNATIONAL BUS SERVICE The routes will operate from the Thai province of Nong Khai to the Lao PDR capital of Vientiane, and from the Thai province of Udon Thani to Vientiane. Both will go across the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, the first to be opened across the Mekong River in 1994. The Nong Khai - Vientiane route is about 30 kms and will be covered in 30 minutes. The Udon Thani - Vientiane route is about 80 kms and will be covered in a little more than an hour, excluding the time that will be spent at the border crossing. CROSS-BORDER TRAVEL BY INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
Foreign visitors holding valid visas and travel documentation will be able to travel by public transport buses back and forth across the border. Important:
While visa-free and visa-on-arrival facilities are accorded by both Thailand and Lao PDR to citizens of various nationalities, getting the necessary visas in advance will save considerable time and effort in doing paperwork at the border checkpoint. Contact information:
TAT Northeastern Office: Region 5
Tel: +66 4232 5406 – 7
Fax: +66 4232 5408
E-mail: tatudon@tat.or.th THE THAI-LAO INTERNATIONAL BUS SERVICE TIMETABLE NONG KHAI – VIENTIANNE SERVICE | | Coach | Departure
Time | From | To | Fare | Operator
Transport
Company (TC) | 1 | 07.30 | Nong Khai | Vientianne | 30 baht | TC Thailand | 2 | 07.30 | Vientianne | Nong Khai | 30 baht | TC Lao PDR | 3 | 10.30 | Vientianne | Nong Khai | 30 baht | TC Thailand | 4 | 10.30 | Nong Khai | Vientianne | 30 baht | TC Lao PDR | 5 | 15.00 | Nong Khai | Vientianne | 30 baht | TC Thailand | 6 | 15.00 | Vientianne | Nong Khai | 30 baht | TC Lao PDR | 7 | 18.00 | Vientianne | Nong Khai | 30 baht | TC Thailand | 8 | 18.00 | Nong Khai | Vientianne | 30 baht | TC Lao PDR |
UDON THANI – VIENTIANNE SERVICE | Coach | Departure
Time | From | To | Fare | Operator
Transport
Company (TC) | 1 | 07.00 | Udon Thani | Vientianne | 80 baht | TC Thailand | 2 | 07.00 | Vientianne | Udon Thani | 80 baht | TC Lao PDR | 3 | 09.30 | Vientianne | Udon Thani | 80 baht | TC Thailand | 4 | 09.30 | Udon Thani | Vientianne | 80 baht | TC Lao PDR | 5 | 15.00 | Udon Thani | Vientianne | 80 baht | TC Thailand | 6 | 15.00 | Vientianne | Udon Thani | 80 baht | TC Lao PDR | 7 | 17.00 | Vientianne | Udon Thani | 80 baht | TC Thailand | 8 | 17.00 | Udon Thani | Vientianne | 80 baht | TC Lao PDR |
Thailand Distance Chart | Distance From City | Distance To City | Distance (km) | | Bangkok (Krung Thep Mahanakhon) | Samut Prakan (Samut Prakan) | 18.95 | | Udon Thani (Udon Thani) | Chon Buri (Chon Buri) | 489.38 | | Nakhon Ratchasima (Nakhon Ratchasima) | Chiang Mai (Chiang Mai) | 540.33 | | Hat Yai (Songkhla) | Pak Kret (Nonthaburi) | 767.22 | | Si Racha (Chon Buri) | Phra Pradaeng (Samut Prakan) | 70.44 | | Lampang (Lampang) | Khon Kaen (Khon Kaen) | 409.36 | | Surat Thani (Surat Thani) | Ban Rangsit (Pathum Thani) | 564.46 | | Ubon Ratchathani (Ubon Ratchathani) | Nakhon Si Thammarat (Nakhon Si Thammarat) | 924.76 | | Changwat Rayong (Rayong) | Khlong Luang (Pathum Thani) | 168.38 | | Nakhon Pathom (Nakhon Pathom) | Phitsanulok (Phitsanulok) | 336.11 | | Chanthaburi (Chanthaburi) | Ban Phattha Ya (Chon Buri) | 142.27 | | Yala (Yala) | Ratchaburi (Ratchaburi) | 794.05 | | Phuket (Phuket) | Ban Mai (Songkhla) | 248.87 | | Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya (Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya) | Chiang Rai (Chiang Rai) | 621.78 | | Bang Kruai (Nonthaburi) | Sakon Nakhon (Sakon Nakhon) | 542.62 | | Krathum Baen (Samut Sakhon) | Trang (Trang) | 682.15 | | Sattahip (Chon Buri) | Kanchanaburi (Kanchanaburi) | 211.17 | | Nong Khai (Nong Khai) | Samut Sakhon (Samut Sakhon) | 550.02 | | Ban Lam Luk Ka (Pathum Thani) | Kamphaeng Phet (Kamphaeng Phet) | 312.75 | | Chaiyaphum (Chaiyaphum) | Uttaradit (Uttaradit) | 289.48 | | Lop Buri (Lop Buri) | Ban Pong (Ratchaburi) | 134.9 | | Phra Phutthabat (Sara Buri) | Chumphon (Chumphon) | 501.21 | | Klaeng (Rayong) | Kalasin (Kalasin) | 452.01 | | Suphan Buri (Suphan Buri) | Tha Maka (Kanchanaburi) | 73.44 | | Maha Sarakham (Maha Sarakham) | Phetchabun (Phetchabun) | 232.68 |
| Distance From City | Distance To City | Distance (km) | | Hua Hin (Prachuap Khiri Khan) | Chachoengsao (Chachoengsao) | 174.64 | | Cha-am (Phetchaburi) | Pak Chong (Nakhon Ratchasima) | 263.11 | | Narathiwat (Narathiwat) | Pran Buri (Prachuap Khiri Khan) | 694.77 | | Surin (Surin) | Phetchaburi (Phetchaburi) | 429.68 | | Chum Phae (Khon Kaen) | Sadao (Songkhla) | 1115.6 | | Si Sa Ket (Sisaket) | Mae Sot (Tak) | 641.72 | | Phatthalung (Phatthalung) | Warin Chamrap (Ubon Ratchathani) | 992.07 | | Sungai Kolok (Narathiwat) | Tha Yang (Phetchaburi) | 780.48 | | Ban Phaeo (Samut Sakhon) | Bang Bua Thong (Nonthaburi) | 50.43 | | Nong Khae (Sara Buri) | Mukdahan (Mukdahan) | 479.67 | | Ban Na (Sukhothai) | Ko Samui (Surat Thani) | 833.84 | | Bang Lamung (Chon Buri) | Roi Et (Roi Et) | 454.1 | | Wichian Buri (Phetchabun) | Phrae (Phrae) | 295.92 | | Ban Mae Chan (Chiang Rai) | Sam Phran (Nakhon Pathom) | 716.05 | | Kantharalak (Sisaket) | Photharam (Ratchaburi) | 528.51 | | Phichit (Phichit) | Det Udom (Ubon Ratchathani Changwat) | 532.13 | | Ban Phai (Khon Kaen) | Amphoe Tha Bo (Nong Khai) | 198.37 | | Loei (Loei) | Samut Songkhram (Samut Songkhram) | 489.87 | | Kathu (Phuket) | Amnat Charoen (Amnat Charoen) | 1115.64 | | Nakhon Phanom (Nakhon Phanom) | Satun (Satun) | 1303.78 | | Prachuap Khiri Khan (Prachuap Khiri Khan) | San Kamphaeng (Chiang Mai) | 773.47 | | Prachin Buri (Prachin Buri Changwat) | Krabi (Krabi) | 717.12 | | Ban Bang Sao Thong (Samut Prakan) | Yaring (Pattani) | 759.02 | | Amphoe Na Klang (Nong Bua Lamphu) | Kaeng Khoi (Sara Buri) | 327.48 | | Betong (Yala) | Bang Phae (Ratchaburi) | 892.88 |
"Thailand Cities at a glance" Bangkok: Unquestionably one of the world's most exciting cities. With a population of some 15 million, it is a stunning mix of old and new, of gilded temples and towering office blocks, bustling street markets and airy shopping malls, tranquil, temples and horrendous traffic. Love it or hate it, no visitor can fail to be touched by Bangkok. In Bangkok we also have some of world's finest hotels and restaurants and probably the best value-for-money tourist and budget accommodation to be found in any major city. Away from the centre of Bangkok and beyond other attractions await: floating markets, sleepy canal-side communities and Ayuthaya, the former capital of Thailand and a World Heritage Site - or how about a 3-day river cruise onboard a traditional teak rice barge. Kanchanaburi’s Death Railway The Death Railway in Kanchanaburi is perhaps the most poignant reminder of the ravaging of the Imperial Japanese war machine in Southeast Asia, and is easily accessed from Bangkok. Also known as the Burma Railway, it originally went from Bangkok, through Kanchanaburi, and on to Rangoon (Yangon) in Burma. It was built using forced labour, specifically Allied prisoners of war and Asian labourers. Around 16,000 Allied POWs died while building Kanchanaburi’s Death Railway – mostly British, Australian, and Dutch – while 90,000 Asians perished. Well-known parts of the 415-kilometre Death Railway include Hellfire Pass and the Bridge over the River Kwai. Kanchanaburi’s Death Railway lasted intact for less than two years before the Kwai Bridge was spectacularly bombed by the Allies towards the end of the war. Of the thousands of dead POWs that worked on the railway; 6,318 were British, 2,815 Australian, 2,490 Dutch, 356 American, and a number of Canadians. Cemeteries dot the Kanchanaburi area as a reminder to their plight. After the war, the Death Railway was never used in its entirety again although some sections are still used today for tourism. Lengths of Kanchanaburi’s Death Railway can also be walked, yet the Khao Laem Reservoir has covered large parts of it. There are memorials up and down the route from Kanchanaburi dedicated to the suffering of the many thousands who lost their lives during the construction of the railway, along with a number of museums. The Allied War Cemetery lies in the centre of Kanchanaburi and is the main one. It lies opposite the Thailand Burma Railway Centre and features thousands of crosses - mostly British – and busloads of tourists. A few kilometres outside town is the quieter Chung Kai War Cemetery. The most visited sight along the Death Railway is the Bridge over the River Kwai. It featured in the Hollywood movie of the same name with Sir Alec Guinness and lies just outside town. The steel bridge has been redone and beefed up since it was bombed, with the inclusion of standard gauge railway tracks. The original narrow gauge tracks remain inside. Please contact us for more information. Chiang Mai: Seven hundred kilometers north of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is Thailand's second city and has been a flourishing cultural and commercial centre since the 13th century. Situated in the mountains Thailand's "Rose of the North" has a cooler climate and more relaxed lifestyle than Bangkok but with ample attractions to enchant and entertain any visitor. Ancient temples, its own distinctive culture and cuisine, the Famous Night Bazaar and lively entertainment scene are just the start of what Chiang Mai has to offer. Located in an area of great natural beauty, just short journeys from the city there are elephant camps to visit, rivers for bamboo rafting and trekking trails and hill-tribe villages to explore. In addition, the delightful riverside town of Tha Ton is just a 3-hour drive from Chiang Mai and the beautiful mountainous province of Mae Hong Son 35-minutes by flight. Chiang Rai: Former capital of the Lanna Kingdom in the 13th and 14th centuries, Chiang Rai is now a quiet provincial capital and gateway to the Golden Triangle. From Chiang Rai one can export this famous area, by road and by river, visit the border towns of Chiang Saen, opposite Laos, and Mae Sai, opposite Burma. From Mae Sai, a center for cross-border trade, it is generally possible for visitors to also cross the border into Myanmar for a brief visit. Kanchanaburi: Just 2 1/2 hours from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is one of the most beautiful provinces in Thailand with five national parks within its borders, including the famous Erawan and Sai Yok Parks. It is also, of course an area of great historical interest being the location of the World War II "Death Railway" and "Bridge over the River Kwai". Whether it is canoeing, elephant riding, relaxing on a raft-house or exploring the historical sites, Kanchanaburi has something for everyone. The South: While generally famous for its fine beaches and the international resort of Phuket and Ko Samui, for the adventurous traveller the South has much more to offer. In Krabi you can go sea-canoeing or gently paddle through the mangrove forests and river estuary, take boat trips and go camping on off-shore islands. In Khao Sok National Park you can stay in tree houses, explore the tropical rain forest and learn about its fragile eco-system. On Ko Tao you can learn to scuba dive at some of the most affordable prices in the world. For certified divers the island offers year-road diving with many fine dive sites. Phuket: The dream of an idyllic escape into a tropical island world becomes a reality on Phuket, Thailand's southern paradise isle. Shaped like an irregular pearl and measuring about 21 kilometres wide by 48 kilometres long, Phuket is Thailand's largest island, a province in its own right. Sparsely populated outside Phuket town, the landscape is one of lush green hills, coconut groves, rubber plantations and a coastline dotted with a dozen spectacular beaches. Unspoilt stretches of fine white sand are found along the entire west coast of the island. Each sun-drenched beach has a character and charm of its own, and is separated from its neighbors by picturesque headlands and backdrops of wooded hills. Lapping the shore are the sparkling warm blue waters of the Andaman Sea. GETTING THERE Located off the southwest coast, just an hour's flight from Bangkok, Phuket is linked to the mainland by a causeway and is accessible by road as well as by air. Flights operate daily from Bangkok, while Phuket also has an international airport and has direct air links with Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan and Europe. Alternatively there are overnight bus services from Bangkok Phi Phi Island: The Phi Phi islands is about 40 km from either Phuket or Krabi. The island group is one of the most beautiful places of Thailand with its emerald crystal sea. It consists of six islands but the predominant are Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le. Phi Phi Don is the bigger one, ideal for swimming and diving because of its wonderful underwater world and coral formations, while Phi Phi Le boasts a viking cave whose inside wall has several historic drawings including one looking like a viking ship (hence its name). The cave is also home to thousands of swifts which produce edible and valuable bird's nests. There are various types of accommodations on Phi Phi Don. Diving equipment is available for rent and diving tours are organized regularly. Visitors may also go sightseeing on motor boats which are for rent.
How to get there : There are boat services from Krabi and Phuket taking about 2.30 hours for each trip. Phang Nga Bay: Because of its fascinating seascape and its short distance (75 km. by road or 3 hours by boat) from Phuket, Phang-nga Bay is usually visited by tourists of Phuket. The bay is attractive for its numerous weird limestone outcrops and cliffed islets rising from the sea. These small islands, which feature many caves and collapsed cave systems, are best explored aboard inflatable sea canoes. Phang-nga Bay became more famous after the James Bond adventure, The Man with the Golden Gun, was partly filmed here. The Northeast: The vast northeastern part of Thailand, known as I-Sarn, covers more than 170,00 square kilometres, or roughly one third of the entire country and yet it is largely unknown to the majority of visitors, receiving less than 5% of Thailand's overseas tourists. Something of an economic backwater it is however, culturally rich and diverse and in many respects the most traditional region of Thailand. The Khmer influence from neighbouring Cambodia can easily be seen in the lower northeast while in the upper northeast the close cultural connections with Laos, just across the Mekong River, are very apparent.
The many attractions for the inquisitive traveller include Khao Yai National Park, Thailand's premier national park, the Khmer ruins at Pimai, Phanom Rung and Khao Phra Viharn and the 7,500 year-old archaeological site at Ban Chiang. Nong Khai: Nong Khai Province, in the very northeast of Thailand, is often referred to as the gateway to Laos as many people stop off there on their way to visiting Thailand's northern cousin. Even if you're not planning to cross into Laos, make sure you check out the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, which spans the Mekong River. The province features stunning scenery consisting of forests, national parks, and many small towns located on the banks of the Mekong River. There are two main points of interest for visitors to Nong Khai Province; the city of Nong Khai and the quiet yet charming dusty town of Beung Kan. Nong Khai is the capital of the Nong Khai Province and offers a wide range of things to see and do. Indeed, many people visit the city only intending to stay a day or two and end up staying for several weeks. The main attraction of Nong Khai city is the Sala Kaew Ku Sculpture Park, which is full of massive sculptures from Buddhist and Hindu ideologies. Here you will find incredible images such as seven-headed Naga snakes and a wide range of human-animal hybrids. Visitors should make a point of seeing Wat Pho Chai, which contains the magnificent Laos-style Luang Phra Sai. Other temples of interest include Wat Noen Phra Nao, Wat Lam Duan and Wat Tung Sawang. During the dry season, the spire of Phra That Nong Khai appears above the waters of the Mekong River. Also appearing in the dry season is the beach of Hat Jommani, which is a good place to soak up the sun. Nature lovers should pay a visit to the extremely beautiful Phu Wua Wildlife Reserve, while the Nong Khai Museum is a great source of local history and culture. Nong Khai is a province that loves to party, and there are many colourful festivals to see and enjoy. Late May brings the Rocket Festival, while the full moon in October brings the Rowing Festival. This festival is famous as this is the time when fireballs mysteriously shoot from the Mekong River. The fireballs are widely believed to be breathed by a sea monster living in the river - dispute it at your peril! Another festival worth looking out for is Anou Savari, which occurs on March 5th and is the city's biggest street fair. Phitsanulok: This strategically-located town and province is a major commercial and transport hub, that was a former Khmer outpost and later the birthplace of King Naresuan. Phitsanulok is the seat of Thailand's most beautiful Buddha image, Phra Buddha Chinnarat, an imposing gold- plated image housed in Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat. The Folklore Museum has a large and impressive collection of local arts and crafts as well as displays depicting local life through the centuries. The road east to Lomsak passes through some spectacular scenery. Thung Salaeng Luang National Park has many species of flower found nowhere else, great tracts of forest and the famed Kaeng Sopha Falls. Surin: Bordering on the Kampuchean boundary, Surin today is well- known for its annual Elephant Show, which usually takes place in the third week of November and attracts visitors from all over the world. It is 457 kilometers from Bangkok.
SURIN's ATTRACTIONS
Basketry Village, Ban Buthom 14 kilometers from the province on the I Highway 226 (Satin - Sikhoraphum route) the village produces rattan baskets of various types. Basketry shops line both sides of the road. Presat Sikhoraphum is located at Amphoe Sikhoraphum about 55 kilometers from Surin. It is composed of five prang (pagoda, with the principal structure measuring 32 meters high. Beautiful designs are engraved onto the columns. It is believed that the site had been renovated once during the Ayutthaya Period. Silverware Villages, Ban Khwao Sinarin and Ban Chok located on Highway 2l/1 (Satin - Chom Phra Route) with a 4 kilometers right turn between Km. l 4 - 15, the villages produce and put on sale assorted silver ornaments such as belts, necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, and watches. A large number of silverware shops line both sides of the road. Prasat Hin Chom Phra small stone castle in Amphoe Chow Phra about 28 kilometers from Surin town, probably used to be an idol temple built by the Khmer. Today a large Buddha image is enshrined in front of the structure. Elephant Village Many elephants can he found at Ban Ta Klang, Tambon Krapho, Amphora Tha Tum. The villagers here earn their living by firming and wea ving, they also keep elephants as pet. The elephants here are treated like friends and haw been trained well by their mahouts. Every third weekend of November there will he the famous Elephant Show in Surin and many smart elephants participating in the show are from Ban Tha Kiang. Prasat Hin Ban Phluang situated at Amphoe Prasat, is a little over thirty kilometers from Surin proper. Although comparatively small in size, it is nevertheless beautiful and recently renovated Surin Elephant Show is held in the third weekend of November. Internationally famous, this annual event brings crowds of visitors to the provincial capital of Surin, where over 100 trained elephants are assembled. Among the spectacular features are wild elephant hunts, tugs of war, demonstrations of log hauling skills, and a parade of elephants outfitted for medieval warfare Udon Thani: Udon Thani is situated in the north-eastern province of Thailand and is spread over an area of 11,730 sq km. It is 564 km from Bangkok and highlights the pre-historic culture of Ban Thiang. Udon Thani is on the tourism map as well as the archeological map. Archeological discoveries here include the startling hamlet of Ban Chiang, which is a Bronze Age civilization. The landscape of Udon Thani is covered with forests, hills and rice fields. It is surrounded by the Pan mountain ranges and the Songkhram River flows through it. One of the attractions close to Udon Thani is Ban Kham Chanot Wang Nakhin. It is situated 93 km away from Udon Thani and is one of the Holy and mystical places of the Thai people. But the most popular tourist place is Ban Phue situated 42 km from Udon Thani. It is popular because there is much more activity offered around the place and you can find pre-historic cave paintings, close to some miraculously beautiful geological formations. At a distance of 12 km from here is the Ban Phue town on the Phra Bat hill. There is a Phu Phra Bat Historical Park here where nature lovers can find hiking trails. You can also explore the different pre-historical paintings dating back to 2000 or 3000 years at Tham Non Sao Ae, Tham Chang, Tham Woa Daeng, and Tham Sung. Udon Thani has many caves that give glimpses of how civilization was a couple of thousand years back. Koh Chang: Thailand's second largest island and about 8kms off the coast of Trat Province on the Eastern coast of Thailand. Koh Chang is part of the Koh Chang National Park comprising of an archipelago of 52 islands What's special about Koh Chang is the white sand coves and lush tropical forest. There are few residents on Oh Chang and there are virtually no good roads and the only form of transport is by shared songtail (converted pick-up). Koh Chang is a divers' paradise. Koh Chang can be reached by bus either from Bangkok or Pattaya. First travel to Trat and from there take a tuk tuk to the ferry pier at Laem Ngop, where the Trat TAT office is located. EAST TO TRAT & ONWARDS TO BAN HAT LEK AND CAMBODIA The town of Trat is 400 kms east of Bangkok, Koh Chang is rapidly growing in popularity as the new beach destination for diving. But for those looking for a remote escape, explore the coast line beyond Trat towards Ban Hat Lek 95 kms away and the border with Cambodia. The road to the border is well maintained and used more by traders heading for the market at the boarder rather than foreign tourists. Along Route 319 there are signs for resorts at Laem Sok and Ban Chun Beach, powdery white sands and clear blue water but no one speaks English and food served is more for the local rather than the foreign tastes. There are several combined Police and Military road checks along the road who are more interested in who is coming from the border rather than going to it. In most cases they make a notional glance into the vehicle to check that Cambodians are not entering the country. The border is open for foreigners to cross over into Cambodia from 7am-4pm providing that they have previously obtained a visa. Although visas on arrival are obtainable at Potchentong International Airport in Phnom Penh and at Seam Reap the same facility doesn't apply at Ban Hat Lek. They are ferry boats from the Thai side of the boarder to Koh Kong in Cambodia but someone we spoke with at the market, who wished to remain anonymous said "it's unsafe for foreigners once out to sea some boat operators demand money leaving little option to refuse. |
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