Getting Around Thailand

Thailand is one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations, renowned for its vibrant cities, stunning beaches and idyllic islands. Whether you’re planning a city break in Bangkok, a cultural journey through Chiang Mai, or a tropical escape to the islands, knowing how to get around Thailand is essential for a smooth and memorable trip. From flights and ferries to buses and scooters, this guide covers everything you need to navigate Thailand like a local.

Where is Thailand located?

Thailand is located in Southeast Asia, bordered by Myanmar (Burma) to the west and north, Laos to the northeast, Cambodia to the southeast and Malaysia to the south. It boasts coastlines on both the Andaman Sea on the west and the Gulf of Thailand on the east, making it a prime destination for island hopping and beach holidays. Its central location also makes it a gateway for exploring the rest of Southeast Asia.

Flight times from Australia to Thailand

Flights from Australia to Thailand are relatively straightforward:

• Perth to Bangkok is approximately 7 to 8 hours direct.
• Sydney to Bangkok is around 9 to 10 hours direct.
• Melbourne to Bangkok is roughly 9 to 10 hours direct.

Bangkok is the main international gateway, but some travellers also fly into Phuket or Ko Samui, depending on their island destination.

Which Thai islands have airports?

Several of Thailand’s popular islands are easily accessible by air, making travel quicker and more convenient:

• Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, has an international airport and frequent domestic flights.
• Ko Samui, home to a well-connected airport, is ideal for travellers coming from Bangkok or abroad.
• Krabi’s airport serves nearby islands with domestic and some international flights.
• Ko Lanta doesn’t have an airport but is accessible via Krabi or Trang with a ferry transfer.
• Ko Phi Phi doesn’t have an airport but is reachable by ferry from Phuket or Krabi.

Flying between these islands can save hours compared to land and sea travel, especially if you’re short on time.

How do I get between Thailand’s islands and regions?

Thailand offers multiple options to travel between islands and regions:

• Ferries and speedboats are essential for islands like Ko Phi Phi, Ko Tao and Ko Lipe.
• Domestic flights are fast and reliable for long distances; low-cost carriers serve most major islands and cities.
• Buses and minivans are ideal for mainland travel between cities or to ferry terminals.
• Trains are comfortable for scenic journeys, especially from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, though trains are slower than flights.

Combining flights with ferries or buses is often the most efficient way to explore multiple islands.

Public transport within cities

Thailand’s cities have well-developed public transport options:

• Bangkok – BTS Skytrain, MRT Subway, buses, river ferries and taxis provide flexible options.
• Chiang Mai – Songthaews (shared red trucks) dominate, alongside tuk-tuks and local buses.
• Phuket and Krabi – Songthaews and tuk-tuks are common, though renting a scooter is popular for independence.

Ride-hailing apps like Grab operate in major cities, making travel convenient and often cheaper than taxis.

Hiring a scooter: safety, legality and tips

Renting a scooter in Thailand is easy and affordable, but there are a few things to know:

• Legality: You must have an international driver’s license and wear a helmet.
• Safety: Roads can be busy and chaotic; accidents are common, so always drive cautiously.
• Tip: Most islands and tourist towns offer daily scooter rentals at reasonable rates.

Scooters are the fastest way to explore small towns, beaches and islands, but assess your comfort level before hopping on one and make sure you have travel insurance.

Ready to explore Thailand’s vibrant scenes?

Book the getaway of your dreams with us and let our Holiday Experts help you plan your perfect island escape. From buzzing markets to alluring beaches, Thailand is calling!