Getting around Thailand
| Route | How | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok → Chiang Mai | Domestic flight | about 1 hr 10–20 mins |
| Bangkok → Chiang Mai | Overnight sleeper, Special Express No. 9 (newer CNR carriages) from Krung Thep Aphiwat, 18:40 → about 07:15 | 12 hrs 35 mins scheduled; delays of 30–60 mins are common |
| Bangkok → Phuket / Krabi | Domestic flight | roughly 1 hr 20–30 mins |
| Bangkok → Ayutthaya | Train | a little over 1 hr (faster trains) to about 2 hrs |
| Krabi → Koh Lanta | Minivan + car ferry | about 2.5–3 hrs |
| Phuket airport → Khao Lak | Road | about 1.5–2 hrs |
| Pak Bara → Koh Lipe | Speedboat | about 1 hr 15 mins–1.5 hrs |
| Laem Sok (Trat) → Koh Kood | Speedboat | about 1 hr |
Ferries, trains & buses on 12Go Domestic flights on Skyscanner
Sources: Thai Train Guide (No. 9), The Thailand Guides, Thai Travel Guide, ferry operators' timetables (checked October 2026). Book trains up to 90 days ahead; check live times.
Cruises calling at Thailand
Several big lines include Thailand on Southeast Asia sailings, mostly round trips from Singapore: Royal Caribbean (Navigator of the Seas, 2026–27), Princess and Celebrity call at Phuket and at Laem Chabang for Bangkok. These are fly-cruises from the UK. See our cruise guide, or compare sailings: Compare cruises on Cruise118
Plan a multi-stop trip
Try the ready-made Thailand classic and Thailand to Bali plans in our multi-city trip builder.
Before you go
- Check entry requirements and travel advice for Thailand on GOV.UK.
- The Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi, Lanta, Lipe) is best November–April; many boat services shrink in the wet season.