Flying
Domestic flights are cheap and frequent: Bangkok–Chiang Mai is an hour, Bangkok–Phuket an hour and twenty. Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, AirAsia and Nok Air all fly the main routes.
Book three months out for the best fares. Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang are different airports — check which one your flight uses.
Trains
The northern and northeastern lines are slow, scenic and cheap; overnight sleepers to Chiang Mai are genuinely comfortable in first class. Third class is the most fun.
Book sleepers on the official State Railway of Thailand site, 60 days ahead.
Boats
Ferries and speedboats connect the islands; schedules shrink in low season and some routes stop entirely. Longtails are for short hops and are hired, not scheduled.
If a crossing matters, book the morning boat — afternoon seas are worse and delays cascade.
Private cars and drivers
For two or more people, a private car and driver is often cheaper than flights plus transfers, and far more flexible. Around $70–110 a day, fuel included.
We use our own vehicles and drivers on all our tours, which is why we can change plans mid-day.
