01Domestic flights
Thailand has a competitive budget airline market, and flights are often cheaper than you would expect. Bangkok to Chiang Mai or Phuket takes a little over an hour.
Book a few weeks ahead for the best fares, and check which Bangkok airport you are flying from — Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi are an hour apart.
02Trains
The overnight sleeper from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is a genuinely good experience and saves a night of accommodation. Second-class air-conditioned sleeper berths are comfortable and good value.
Day trains are slow but scenic. They are not the right choice if your schedule is tight.
03Buses and minivans
Long-distance buses reach almost everywhere and are cheap. Government-run VIP buses are more comfortable than the minivans sold through tourist agencies.
Minivans are fast but cramped, and driving standards vary. For longer routes, a bus or train is usually worth the extra hour.
04Ferries to the islands
Ferry schedules change by season and are reduced during the monsoon. Always leave a buffer day between an island departure and an international flight home.
Combined bus-and-ferry tickets are widely sold and usually reliable, but the connection times are optimistic. Do not book anything tight on the same day.
