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Updated: 25 January 2024
With many of the rules and regulations that were in place because of Covid 19 being relaxed, it’s time to start exploring Thailand again. Pretty much all the restrictions concerning domestic travel have been removed and the government is actively encouraging people to get moving again.
In Thailand you are spoilt for the choices that you have on offer.
Domestic flights are largely back to normal and with the budget airlines offering cheap flights around the country. This is a good option if you want to get to where you are going quickly. If you have more time and believe that the journey is as good as the destination then the train and bus system is a great way to travel.
The trains are not the fastest option, but a relatively cheap and comfortable. The overnight sleeper 1st class is a good way to go. Most trains have different class options and therefore comfort levels and ticket prices that suit your budget; there is a lot of information online concerning timetables, classes and ticket costs.
These two options were what I chose until recently. My last 6-8 trips have been to the Isaan area in the north east of Thailand. There isn’t a train service that goes to my area and the nearest airport is over an hour away so I have traveled by coach. The double decker coaches are comfortable and the ticket prices are very good.
On the first couple of trips we sat upstairs that are organized in 1-2 seat configuration, but we soon discovered that down stairs was by far the best way to go, The service we use offers a VIP service with only 6 seats down stair, again in 1-2 configuration or for even more space and comfort a 1st class VIP which has only 4 seat in the downstairs compartment. The ticket price one way is around 700 Baht and you need to book several days ahead of the day you want to travel to make sure you get the seat you want. The seats are big, recline really well and have massage function (well a few times that I traveled the massage didn’t work). You also get water, drinks and snacks included in the price. The coaches have an entertainment system offering movies, music and games. Sometimes you can get earphones on the coach, other times not. Good idea to bring your own and the movies are usually not English and are not sub titled.
I like to travel overnight leaving Bangkok around 9.30pm and arriving in Isaan at around 6.00am with the same return times. This gives me the maximum day light time to relax, explore and spent time with friends.
Thailand is now open to domestic travel, so whatever option best suits your budget and your preferred mode of transport get moving. It’s a beautiful country with lots to see and do. Enjoy. Bon voyage.
