GETTING THERE

By Air
Bangkok is Thailand's major gateway. Most visitors arrive through Bangkok's Don Muang International Airport, which is connected by daily flights to Europe, North America, Asia and Australasia abroad the world's major airlines. Other international flights from Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong land on less regular basis at the southern airports of Phuket and Hat Yai and Chiang Mai in the north.

NOTE: Airport tax of approximately 200 Baht is payable upon departure.

By Rail
Regular rail services link Singapore and Bangkok. Intermediary stops include Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth and major southern Thai towns.

By Road
Overland entrances to Thailand is restricted to three road crossings on the Thai-Malaysian border in Songkhla, Yala, and Narathiwat.

By Sea
There are no regular steamship connections with Thailand. Cargo ships calling at Bangkok's Klong Toey port sometimes have passenger cabin facilities. Cruise ships, such as Cunard's Queen Elizabeth II, Royal Viking or Pearl of Scandinavia periodically visit Pattaya.

MOVING AROUND IN THAILAND

By Air
Thai Airways - the domestic arm of big sister Thai International Airlines - operates an impressive route network throughout Thailand. Thai air flies to five destinations in the North, five in the Northeast and Seven in the South. Further, private airlines such as Bangkok Airways have also sprung up in competition.

By Rail
An efficient rail system links major northern and northeastern towns with the capital, Bangkok. The Thai rail system is surprisingly good and even offers overnight services to many cities from Bangkok. A southern route allows the visitor to travel by train into Malaysia and Singapore. Domestic express trains comprise first, second and third class carriages. While slow trains may only have third class seats.

By Road
A modern highway system reaches into all corners of the kingdom. Domestic bus services offer fast means of travel while air-conditioned tour coaches offer more comfort.

River Taxis
There are many boats plying the Chao Phraya River. Some criss-cross between landing on opposite banks while the Chao Phraya Express boats travel upstream and downstream of metropolitan Bangkok. Others serve the many landing stages on both banks and cover a route that goes up as far as the northern suburb of Nonthaburi.

Car Hire
Visitors possessing valid International Driving Licenses may prefer to hire automobiles. English-language road signs and maps are commonplace. There are many international car hire companies such as Avis and Hertz operating in major cities and resorts like Pattaya, Hat Yai, Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Samui Island.