As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and especially among Israeli travelers, the exotic country receives millions of visitors every year and must provide them with easy access, both to it and within it. Indeed, the ways of moving to and especially within the country are many and varied and we will try to make some order for you with all the possibilities available to you.
Arrival in Thailand and back from there
Air
The most common and convenient way, and probably the only way, to get from Israel to Thailand is by flight. Many airlines offer regular flights, direct or with an intermediate stop (one or more), and what used to cost over 1,000 dollars, can now be found for even half of this amount, it's all a question of timing and planning in advance.
The cheaper prices are usually available long before the flight, but sometimes even in the 90th minute you can find profitable deals. In addition, a flight with an intermediate stop will almost always be cheaper than a direct flight and it is worth investing a little effort when searching in the different engines since different websites offer different flights and routes.
Those staying in the Far East will be able to come On the flight to Bangkok Easily from almost any destination and at an affordable price for every pocket, even without having to book a ticket long in advance.
dry land
An option that is obviously not available to those arriving in Thailand from the country, but those traveling in neighboring countries will be able to reach the country by land and enter it through one of the border crossings - Burma, Laos or Cambodia. You can get to the border itself by public transportation or a taxi, and then there are regular buses or shuttles that must be booked in advance, that will take you to the big cities.
If it is a pre-planned trip, it is important to build the route so that the border crossing is close to the destination you want to reach within Thailand and of course prepare in advance with the necessary documents.
Please note that entering Thailand through these crossings will get you a 15-day stay visa only (compared to a 30-day stay visa that is automatically obtained for Israeli travelers arriving by flight) and if you want to get a longer visa, one must be issued through the Thai embassy in Israel or Laos. You can read about the procedure for issuing such a visa in the article on Visa issued to Thailand.
sea
This way is the least common, mainly because the other ways are much more available. In any case, it is important to note that those staying in neighboring countries will also be able to reach Thailand by sea (sailing), but it is a longer and less comfortable journey, and in the vast majority of cases it is not worthwhile.
Mobility and transportation within Thailand
Within the country itself there are various options for getting around, at any time and on almost any budget. Most of them do not need to be booked in advance and the great advantage as tourists is that you can check in real time what is the most convenient, available and worthwhile option for you as of that moment.
In general, it is important to note that in most of the touristic places the highway network is quite good, compared to the isolated islands where the main land transportation is on bumpy dirt roads (which can also be dangerous) and there are also many aviation and sailing routes between the islands - so you can get around relatively easily by air, land and sea Even within the country itself.
Air
Since within Thailand there are several airports that are used for domestic flights, This is undoubtedly the most convenient way, although not always the cheapest (but often not much more expensive compared to other convenient alternatives). On the other hand, time is worth money, so the time saved should also be taken into account when choosing this option.
There are many airlines used for domestic flights, each with a different rating in terms of availability, comfort and safety (important to check!) and some offer additional services such as use of lounge services, accumulation of airline points and more. Many times these additional services are provided for free and all you have to do is register for free membership in the customer club of that company. Most of them also have an app that is convenient to use through the cell phone.
Average time of domestic flight It is about an hour and the price range is usually between 1,500 and 3,500 baht, but there are cases where you can find cheaper flights, usually at less convenient times. For those who are flexible in route or time it can be very profitable.
dry land
bus
An available and inexpensive means of transportation through which you can reach most destinations, with the exception of the islands themselves, which you can only reach by air or sea.
It is of course important to check in advance, but most buses in Thailand are very comfortable, include toilets, air conditioning and sometimes also a "canteen" (a nice way of saying that you can buy snacks and soft drinks from the bus driver). In buses used for long journeys, you can recline the seats to a semi-reclining position.
This option is usually significantly cheaper compared to air transport and one of the most convenient among other land transport options. However, it is important to take into account that there may be delays and attempts that we call the "successful method" to extract additional funds from the tourists - be prepared.
Since the travel distances vary (from a few minutes to half a day or more), the price range is quite wide, so it is recommended to compare the different companies and between the agencies that offer the same trips, and to purchase a ticket at least a day before the trip in order to secure your place and at an affordable price.
a train
A less common mode of transportation because it is more expensive compared to the alternative (bus), and usually does not reach the exact destination, so in any case you will be required to additionally take (before or after) a bus, taxi or tuk-tuk.
Despite the caveat, it is important to note that it is relatively still a much cheaper means of travel compared to flying, and that the train network in Thailand is relatively developed, offering a variety of travel tickets depending on the class you choose. For example, on the night trains, you can purchase tickets that include air conditioning and a bed on one of the two floors (surprisingly, the beds are comfortable and not too crowded) and spend the trip pleasantly compared to a night trip on a bus where you cannot sleep continuously.
cab
Regarding the next option (spoiler: tuk-tuk), taxis are not the cheapest option and many times even relatively expensive, so they are mainly used for long trips or getting to and from the airports.
However, when it comes to a full taxi (3-4 passengers) the trip can be more profitable, or not much more expensive compared to other options and considering that it is more comfortable and spacious - it is often worthwhile.
It is very important! Ask the driver to turn on a meter (different from coordinating the price in advance, which in most cases will be significantly more expensive), and if you have the option, turn on Wise or another navigation software and follow the route. There are drivers who deliberately drive long distances or even in circles until they reach their destination.
Another reason to use taxis is for day trips, because for a group of at least 4 people it is sometimes cheaper or more profitable to pay a private driver to drive you between the various destinations compared to paying for a group tour with a similar route.
Knock knock
This is a very available local means but less convenient and considering the weather in the country and the level of air pollution - the lack of air conditioning and the soot breathing of the cars and motorcycles traveling en masse on the streets, is a big disadvantage.
In addition, the tuk-tuk drivers are known for being "expensive" and many of them are also dishonest, so it is better to do your homework regarding the recommended price before the trip, bargain, agree on a price in advance and pay at the end of the trip.
An important tip - if it seems to you that the driver is driving dangerously, claims that there is a traffic jam or roadblock ahead, stops in the middle of the journey and warns of a problem and suggests that you switch to a neighboring tuk-tuk, or insists that you enter a store / agency with him - ask to get off at that moment and find an alternative. It is likely that this is an attempt to squeeze some more money from you, and it is better not to cooperate with him on the assumption that your money is valuable to you.
Car Rental
You can find all companies in Thailand car rental The big global ones and lots of small companies (mainly for motorcycle rentals).
Transportation using motorcycles is much more popular than renting a car, especially due to the cheap price and ease with which they can be rented through the small companies compared to stricter conditions required by the international companies.
Some important things to remember and take into account in case you decide to rent a motorcycle:
- Unlike the country, driving in Thailand is on the left.
- Even if knowledgeable friends tell you otherwise - it is mandatory to bring an international license with you and also take out appropriate insurance. It is better to invest a few shekels in this than to be caught without, even if the chances are low. Beyond that, the insurance is for you and not for the policeman.
- In less central areas the roads are not in good condition and sometimes they are dirt roads that are dangerous for even skilled drivers. You can see the crowds of travelers wearing bandages as a result of accidents.
- Be sure to take pictures of the vehicles in the presence of the business owner before leaving. There are quite a few stories about attempts to extort various payments for scratches and bruises that already existed before the rental. In this case your passport will be "hostage" and you will have no choice but to pay the high amounts.
- Wear a helmet even in places where no one else does. Your safety is above all, even if everyone jumps off the roof - to.
Hitchhiking
Because it is a medium that is not very safe (one of the first lessons in life is: don't talk to strangers) We are not in a hurry to recommend getting around this way, but it exists and is possible especially in more isolated areas where it is not always possible to find other transportation on a regular or frequent basis.
So needless to say (but we will): pay attention to who the driver is, do this for short distances only, and if possible join other travelers, preferably ones you know, before the trip.
sea
ferry
A convenient and sometimes the only way to reach certain islands that do not have an airport. there are Different types of ferries The ones that differ mainly in size - small for dozens of people and up to Huge ferries They can also be used to transport a wide vessel and heavy goods.
Usually the size of the ferry is a function of the distance, so the price range is also large (usually 250-1,500 baht) and most of the seats are not marked so that you can walk and change your position during the voyage, rest or watch the view. In addition, on the larger ferries you can usually find catering services and sometimes also additional services (playgrounds for children, etc.).
If it is on a long voyage, this is undoubtedly an interesting way to experience Thailand and a special angle to see its magical landscapes and if you're lucky, even marine animals that will jump in to say hello.
It is very important! Even if you don't suffer from seasickness, be sure to take an anti-nausea pill (sold in Israel without a doctor's prescription) because you never know what weather will catch you and it's a shame to suffer for nothing, which can ruin the entire trip.
Small boats and other types of sailing
Unlike the ferries, there are small boats meant for transporting passengers for short distances, or large boats used for moving in a river or canal. This means can be to get from one place to another, but many times it is a tourist attraction with which you can tour between historical sites for example.
More tips
- Regardless of which means of transportation you chose - make sure to keep your personal equipment by your side and if you can even tie it to you, lock it and never leave it unattended. There are many cases of theft, especially on long trips.
- On any trip, with the exception of flights or tickets purchased in advance through a large and well-known travel agency, do not pay in large bills but in those closest to the stated amount of the trip. There are no shortage of stories about returning a missing surplus and go prove that you brought a bigger bill.
- True, we already wrote but we will ask again - insurance insurance insurance. Trust yourself, trust your equipment, be alert and responsible. It is better to prevent things than to deal with them after they have happened.
The ways of getting around in Thailand are many and varied and in most cases the way of getting around can be adjusted according to the needs and budget of each traveler. And yet, despite the low prices, it is important to remember that, especially on a trip with limited time - time is worth money, so the cheapest option is not always the most worthwhile.
There is no right or wrong here: check in advance what your accessible options are, talk to other travelers, go to websites, compare the different agencies And make an informed decision as to what is most convenient, profitable and will serve you in the best way.
And most importantly - enjoy!
