transportation in thailand

[goodguinness]

So i was wondering if anyone could give me tips on traveling from bangkok onward to other places (I'm particularly heading in the northeast region). I heard that flying was a great option, but unfortunately I don't have the funds for that. So which would be better, train or bus? And how do I go about making reservations? I've heard that with buses, you need to go to a travel agent in Bangkok and make reservations there. Does anyone know if it is possible to make reservations and depart on the same day? Any help on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[jeza]

the absolte cheapest way are the government buses, these are abit of a gamble...but a experence none the less. i used these around 3 or 4 times over there..one time was fine - empty bus and direct, another was only a small trip (2hr cab ride) ended up taking all day on one, i was the only white guy and it stopped all along the way as if it was a suburbian bus, got very full with people standing for ages. but they are very cheap. didnt make it on a train at all, but they seem around the same deal as VIP buses, which are normally direct and air-con (mind u all the government buses i went on were aircon as well)

as with flying, it might not be out of your budget after all if your going in the off-season, i just had a look while doing some research for my next trip and it seems u can fly almost anywhere around thailand/sea for no more than 50usd on www.airasia.com worth a thought for some legs of your jouney espically if you were considering vip buses or trains...they may cost up to 30usd for long legs anyway...

good luck

[goodguinness]

wow.. i just checked that airasia.com website and i'm amazed at how cheap that is! thank you so much.. this was really helpful!

[freespiritz]

Yeah, AirAsia is great for budget travelers especially if you book far in advance - you can get dirt cheap prices...prices go up though, so if you know where and when, get your tix early. Just remember that you can't change locations/times once you've bought your ticket.

Also, don't be too surprised if you end up with flight delays. There have been some complaints of late where they combine two flights if they both aren't full, so the earlier flight gets pushed back. I had an hour delay on my last flight with them, which could've been worse I guess. :P

Enjoy Thailand!

[gazz]

hey

am in north thailand now and the cheapest way if you can is take the 3rd class trains.just turn up at the station and buy your ticket it isnt too much drama although they sometimes try and sell you a first class ticket.
def lots of entertainment on them aswell specially if its scare the tourists day!

g