Thailand Sales Planner - From Travel Agent September 10, 2007 - (Page 7)

BY TRAIN: The State Railway of Thailand’s extensive network radiates from Bangkok. The company has four train lines that service all four regions: Northern, Northeastern, Eastern and Southern. Trains are classified as Special Express, Express, Rapid and Ordinary. Trains depart daily and connect with many major southern Thai towns. Domestic express trains have first, second, and third-class seating. Be advised that slower trains on w shorter journeys may only have third-class seating. State Railway of Thailand: www.railway.co.th www.thailandrailway.com BY BUS: A modern highway system extends to all points of the country, with buses and coaches connecting Bangkok to every province and one province to another. Visitors can travel by standard airconditioned coaches or VIP air-conditioned coaches where refreshments are served. Bookings can be made through hotels and travel agents. BY RENTAL CAR: There is a comprehensive network of highways and roads linking the main cities and outlying areas, with signs in both Thai and English. Bangkok has plenty of international and local car rental firms, including such internationally known brands such as Avis, Budget, Hertz, and National. The larger companies also have offices in Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Hat Yai. Driving is on the left side of the road in Thailand, and a recent law prohibits the use of cell phones when behind the wheel. BY TAXI: Taxis offer good value, having starting fares of 35 baht (about $1.17) for the first three kilometers (about 1.8 miles) and about 5 baht ($0.16) for every additional kilometer. Metered taxis can be hailed anywhere in Bangkok. Make sure the meter is switched on before you start. When traveling on the expressway, passengers must also pay the toll. TUK TUKS: One of Thailand’s iconic forms of transport is the three-wheeled open-air mini taxis called tuk Zip Around Bangkok on the Skytrain and Metro Those in the know tend to take advantage of the ease and swiftness of Bangkok’s Skytrain and Metro light rail systems. These serve key central areas in the city with fares based on distance traveled. The Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTS) runs a light elevated railway or Skytrain system every day from 6 a.m. until midnight. The Sukhumvit line runs between Moh Chit station near Chatuchak market and On Nut station at Sukhumvit Soi 77. The Silom line runs between Saphan Taksin station by the Chao Phraya River and the National Stadium station on Rama I Road. The two lines connect at Siam Square station with two platform levels. Trains run every few minutes and the fares range from 10 baht (about $0.34) to 40 baht ($1.34), depending on the number of stations. Bangkok’s underground Mass Rapid Transit trains start running at 5 a.m. and continue until midnight. Tickets cost from 15 baht ($0.50) to 39 baht ($1.31) depending on distance traveled. One-Day, Three-Day and 30-Day Passes are also available. Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Co Ltd: www.bts.co.th Bangkok Metro Public Company Limited: www.bangkokmetro.co.th tuks. These are cheaper than taxis and aren’t allowed on the highways. Tuk tuks are recommended for shorter trips during off-peak hours. Tuk tuks don’t have meters so fares must be agreed upon off before setting off. MOTORCYCLE TAXIS: R These are not for the timid, but they’re the fastest way to navigate traffic jams. Drivers can be distinguished by their colored vests. Set a fare before departing and get a helmet from the driver (it’s the law). www www.tourismthailand.org/la |7 http://www.railway.co.th http://www.thailandrailway.com http://www.bts.co.th http://www.bangkokmetro.co.th http://www.tourismthailand.org/la

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Thailand Sales Planner - From Travel Agent September 10, 2007

Contents Make the Most of Amazing Thailand, Land of Heritage and History Planning a Trip to Thailand: Essential Information Transportation: Convenient Options, from Tuk Tuks to Skytrains Thailand's Vibrant Culture: Experience the Art of Thai Living Sampling Thailand’s Top 20 Delights Hotel Choices: From Luxury to Budget-Friendly Map of Thailand Overview of Thailand’s Regions Central Thailand: The Delights of Bangkok and Beyond Northeastern Thailand: A Distinct Culture All Its Own Northern Thailand: Experience the Iconic Heritage Southern Thailand: Balmy and Beautiful Days International Festivities in Thailand: Let Yourself Be Enchanted Water Sports: The Fun, Sun, Surf and Serenity of Thai Beaches Ecotourism: Encounter the Sheer Beauty of Thai Nature The Beauty of Wellness and Wellbeing in Thailand Shopping: Excite Yourself with a Myriad of Thai Trends

Thailand Sales Planner - From Travel Agent September 10, 2007

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.