Thailand Commute 101: Your Essential Internship Survival Guide
Thailand Commute 101: Your Essential Internship Survival Guide
Discovering Thailand feels like going on a fun journey, and there are lots of simple ways to move around. When you’re doing an internship in Thailand, it’s important to travel smoothly so you can enjoy the lively culture and make the most of your time. Here’s your easy guide to getting around easily:
1. BTS Skytrain (Bangkok): The BTS Skytrain is an efficient and fast way to travel around Bangkok. It operates daily from approximately 6:00 AM to midnight, providing convenient access to major areas of the city, including popular tourist spots and shopping districts. With fares ranging from 17 to 62 baht, it provides an affordable means of getting around the city efficiently. For detailed information on BTS routes, maps, and fares, you can check out their official website at https://www.bts.co.th/eng/routemap-mb/
Photo by Airportels
2. MRT Subway (Bangkok): The MRT Subway in Bangkok is like a helpful friend to the BTS Skytrain, reaching even more parts of the city. It runs every day from around 6:00 AM to midnight, giving you another easy way to get around, especially if you need to go places the BTS Skytrain doesn’t reach. And the best part? It’s cheap, with tickets costing between 16 and 43 baht. So, if you want to explore Bangkok without breaking the bank, the MRT Subway is your go-to option. For detailed information on MRT routes, maps, and fare calculations, you can check out their official website at https://metro.bemplc.co.th/Fare-Calculation?lang=en
Photo by Bestpricetravel
3. Public Buses (Bangkok and Thailand): In Bangkok, there are lots of public buses that go everywhere in the city. They might be slower because of traffic, but they’re cheap and good for getting around. Besides regular buses, you can also use apps like Viabus to see where the buses are in real-time. These apps tell you about bus routes, schedules, and when they’ll arrive, so it’s easier to figure out how to get where you want to go. Outside of Bangkok, there are buses that go between big cities and towns in Thailand. For detailed information on bus lines in Bangkok, you can check out the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) website at http://www.bmta.co.th/en/bus-lines.
Photo by th.hotels
4. Taxis and Transportation Apps (Bangkok and Thailand): In Bangkok, you can easily find taxis, which are convenient, especially at night or if you’re going somewhere not covered by public transport. There are also apps like Grab, Bolt, and LINE Taxi that work like taxis but let you see the price in advance and use e-payments. Taxi rides in Bangkok usually start at 35 baht for the first kilometer, and then the price goes up based on how far you go and if there’s a lot of traffic. For longer trips or busy times, the price might change. The apps also calculate fares based on how far you go and how long it takes, so you know what to expect.
5. Tuk-Tuks (Bangkok and Tourist Areas): Tuk-tuks are a cool and iconic mode of transport in Bangkok and tourist areas. They’re great for short trips and give you a fun and memorable ride. You can even talk about the price before you hop in. You can find tuk-tuks parked along busy streets, near tourist attractions, and around transportation hubs like BTS and MRT stations. Just keep an eye out for their colorful designs and distinctive sound!
Photo by masii
6. Motorbike Taxis (Bangkok and Thailand): Motorbike taxis are a quick way to navigate through traffic, especially during rush hours. They’re often found at designated stands or can be hailed on the street for efficient commuting. Typically the fares are around 20 baht for 200 meters – 1 kilometer, then approximately 40 baht for 1 – 2 kilometers
Photo by mangobikesrent
7. Renting a Motorbike or Bicycle (Thailand): If you’re in areas with less traffic or smaller towns, you might want to rent a motorbike or bicycle for exploring. You can typically find rental shops scattered around tourist areas or near transportation hubs. Just remember to wear a helmet, have your motorcycle license handy, and ride safely. It’s a great way to see things at your own pace!
Photo by infoquest
8. Trains (Thailand): The Railway of Thailand passes through 47 out of 77 provinces connecting big cities and beautiful places and giving you a comfy and cheap way to travel long distances. Whether you’re exploring busy Bangkok, ancient Ayutthaya, charming Chiang Mai, peaceful Hua Hin beaches, or tropical Surat Thani, each spot has its own special charm. Booking tickets is easy online in advance or at the station. Plus, there are cozy sleeper trains available, which are clean and convenient. So, you enjoy Thailand’s culture and beauty with ease and excitement. For online ticket booking in advance, visit https://www.dticket.railway.co.th/DTicketPublicWeb/home/Home.
Photo by thaizer
9. Domestic Flights (Thailand): If you’re going far, especially to islands or distant provinces, taking a domestic flight is a quick way to get there.Budget airlines like AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, Nokair, NokScoot, and Thai Vietjet, along with full-service airlines such as Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways, help travelers get around Thailand. They go to big cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Krabi, and also to more remote places. Lots of flights and good prices make flying in Thailand easy and popular for tourists and locals.
When you’re moving around Thailand, think about things like how much it costs, how easy it is, and how long it takes to make sure your trip goes well and you have fun. And always keep your important stuff safe. Be careful of scams, especially when you’re in taxis or tuk-tuks.
