Thailand Transportation - plane train bus taxi metro

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General information

D. J. Paradise Tour is not a ticketing Agency.

Therefore we do not provide plane or train tickets except in the context of one of our tours or packages in Thailand.

In addition to that, for international tickets, Thai Travel Agents, can only sell tickets for initial departure from Thailand.

This page is mostly to help you with information as to the possibilities and rates inside the country.

Airlines

AIRPORT TAXES

Traditionally the Airport tax in Thailand has always been paid on departure from Thai Airports for international flights. However as of February 1st 2007 the departure tax/airport tax should be included in the airline ticket price.

There still seem to be at the moment some exceptions, for private airports, like Samui Airport, private airport belonging to Bangkok Airways. You have to pay these taxes separately when you check in. This might change in the future.

We advise you nevertheless to check with your agent if the airport tax is included or not

Airport taxes for domestic flights are included in your ticket price

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS FROM THAILAND

Most international flights are available, with most international airlines companies leaving from Bangkok, sometimes Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Koh Samui (for Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Hong Kong)). Any local travel agent should be able to get your ticket to any destination in the world.

Siem Reap is the airport for Angkor

NATIONAL FLIGHTS INSIDE THAILAND

Here are two main Thai Companies, Thai airlines and Bangkok airways. For schedule, rates, availability and eventually reservation on line, please check their websites

Thai Airlines site

Bangkok Airways site

Your Travel Agent at home, should in any case be able to provide you with those national tickets, besides your international tickets.
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Train

Thailand has a well developed train system, and any local travel Agency should be able to sell you tickets. We recommend for high tourist seasons to book your tickets in advance especially for the night trains Bangkok/Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai/Bangkok, Bangkok/Samui and Samui/Bangkok.

The train Samui/Bangkok is a combination train Bangkok/Suratthani and express-boat (3 hours) Suratthani/Koh Samui. You arrive in Nathon, about 30 minutes by taxi from Chaweng.
The night train with sleeping-berths, air-co or fan, are quite an interesting experience of the Thai way of life. Your initial sits will be turned into to superposed berth, with clean sheets and pillow by the train staff. A curtain will protect your intimacy. In the morning, the same staff will set everything back. This reminds of classic movies like "Some like it hot". Food is available on the train.

Here are some websites for routes, schedules, prices and reservations

http://www.railway.co.th/english/index.asp

http://www.seat61.com/Thailand.htm

http://www.thaifocus.com/travel/train/index.htm

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Buses

Buses will bring you to all possible destinations, for long Journey's, VIP's buses are quite comfortable.
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Taxis

Use the official "Taxi meters" when you can. On arrival at Bangkok airport, for example, go outside to the Taxi-meter desk, give the attendant your destination and she will give you a card and point the taxi. You can ask your driver to take the express way and hand him the money to pay it (actually 70 baht). When arrived to the hotel, you pay him the amount on the meter + 50 baht for picking you at the airport, and the tip you want to give. This is by far the best and cheapest way.
Some cities, like Pattaya, Phuket, Samui have also collective open taxis, which is a cheap and easy way to go around. Just do not forget to ring the bell when you arrive at your destination.

Motor-bike taxis are a quick way of going around, especially in Bangkok. They are more expensive, and according to some more risky. Always insist on getting a helmet, both for your safety and because it is the law.

Tuk-Tuks are more expensive than taxis. They are, of course very typical and can be fun, if it is not too hot and if you do not stand in a traffic jam amidst the exhaust pipes of cars.

Metro

The new metro in Bangkok is very nice, clean, quick and convenient. Just study a little your map to know exactly where you want to get out. Keep your ticket, you'll need it to go out.

We hope that this page has been of help to you, in spite of our limitations .
If you still have questions, contact us, and we will do our best to help you.