Are the trains safe? 

 The trains are usually safe. Occasional theft happens, but mostly train travel is uneventful. However, you should be careful of your belongings. Many travelers inexplicably decide to get roaring drunk on the trains. This isn't a great way to protect you from being robbed and/or falling out a train door. (The doors are often open and smokers sit on the steps.).

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Do the trains run on time? 

 Yes, trains depart as per the fixed schedule. In order to check the trains’ schedule, contact the Bangkok Railways Station (Hualampong) at Tel: (662) 225-0300, 223-0341-8, 223-7461 (24 hours), Hot Line: 1690 or visit www.mfa.go.th
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 Is it easy to rent a car or motorcycle?

 There are many car, motorbike, jeep rental firms in Bangkok and the rest of Thailand, including international rental companies such as Hertz, Budget and Avis, etc. While renting at the rental firms, you'll be expected to leave your passport, or a copy of your passport, in return. The insurance you get with these is generally not worth the paper it is written on.

For more information about customs please visit www.customs.go.th
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 Which is the better way to travel around Thailand - train or bus?

  For long distance travel, compared to bus, train is generally the best option as the seating is more spacious with ample legroom and you can get up and walk up and down the train, sit in the dining car to eat (when available) and relax on your own bed (if you're on a sleeper). Buses are generally faster than the trains as they provide more trips than the trains do as well if compared, bus’ speed are faster though. For short trips (up to four-five hours) they are ok, though for anything longer, when available, train is a better option.

Whereas, where your destination is not served by train, it will be faster and cheaper to get a bus the whole way rather than try to do a train/bus combination. You can catch Tour Buses to different destinations in Bangkok at

Ekamai Bus Station – the eastern bus terminal

Tel no.: (66) 02 391 2504, 02 391 8097

Sai Tai Mai Bus Station – the southern bus terminal

Tel no: (66) 02 391 2504, 02 391 8097 

Mo Chit Bus Station – the northern and north eastern bus terminal

Tel no.: (66) 02 936 2852-66, 02 936 3666

Whereas The State Railway of Thailand runs an efficient rail service linking Bangkok (Hua Lam Pong is the central train station) to the rest of the country

Tel: (662) 225-0300, 223-0341-8, 223-7461 (24 hours)

Hot Line: 1690or visit the website at www.railway.co.th
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 What are the Driving Laws and Regulations?

  The road system in Thailand is good and well posted with traffic signs, warning signs and regulatory signs to help you drive easily with no doubts. Usually, if not necessary do not press horn while driving as it is considered indecent. Driving License is a must while driving. According to the Thai driving regulations, a person must not be drunk, should be fully conscious, should have a good eye-sight, and should not be sleepy. It is suggested to stop your car either at the side of the road if you are unable to drive due to sleepiness.


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 Do I need an International Driver's License to drive in Thailand?

  Yes, if you want to experience driving in Thailand, you need an International Driving License. There are many car, motorbike, jeep rental firms in Bangkok and the rest of Thailand, including international rental companies such as Hertz, Budget and Avis, etc. While renting at the rental firms, you'll be expected to leave your passport, or a copy of your passport, in return. The insurance you get with these is generally not worth the paper it is written on.


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 What are BTS and MRT?

  BTS is a form of an electronic sky train service provided in Bangkok that runs above the road level. You can easily travel around Bangkok through BTS, key attractions nearby BTS stations are MBK, Siam Paragon, Chatuchak Weekend Market, Victory Monument, etc.

Whereas, MRT is an electronic train service provided in Bangkok that runs underground level (under the road level). The attractions at various MRT stations in Bangkok are Suan Lum Night Bazaar, Queen Sirikit Cenvention Center, Chatuchak weekend market, Thailand Cultural center, etc.


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 What about Boats, Ships and Ferries?

  River express and canal boats regularly ply several routes unaffected by the constant traffic on the roads, and are very cheap too. Often cited as one of the top bargains available in Thailand is the 1 hour 15 minute boat trip from the pier near the Oriental Hotel all the way up to Nonthaburi, a Bangkok suburb, for only 10B (0.25 US$) per person. The Khlong Saen Saep canal boats go across Bangkok for the same kind of price also. The river boats go up and down the large Chao Phraya river, and there are around 20 main stops. They can be substantially quicker than the equivalent journey by road. For example, a trip from the Grand Palace to the Silom district could easily take over an hour by taxi, while the boat ride will only take around 15 or 20 minutes.

The boats are long, fast, and normally colored white with a red stripe. Fares vary slightly according to the destination; they're between 5B and 10B. Boats seem to come around every 20 minutes, start at 5.30am and the last boat leaves each end at 6pm.

It's very easy to get confused when trying to take a River Express boat. At each pier, there is a cross river service (costing 1B or 2B), these leave almost constantly throughout the day. These are much smaller boats and often fairly empty, and are normally waiting by the pier when you get there. When you see (or hear the whistle of) a River Express boat approaching the pier, don't hesitate as they only wait for a few seconds. Everyone scrambles to get on and off as quickly as possible, and a slight delay will cost you a place on the boat. Tickets can either be bought on the boat or at the pier. Piers are marked in English and Thai, so it's easy to know where to get off.


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 Is local transportation easily accessible?

  Normal means of local transportation that can easily be found in Thailand includes: busses, taxis, tuk tuks, BTS sky train, motorcycle taxis, MRT (underground train), Bangkok subway, river taxis. These are always available and easy to access


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 How can I find information on transportation options?

  You can acquire transportation information and options at the airport. You can also check it out from Enquiry offices or hotels.

Or for more information, please visit www.tourismthailand.org/transportation
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