North To South: How To Travel Within Thailand

Thailand’s transport system is comfortable, affordable and easy – a travellers dream come true! If you are planning to travel from the mountains in the north to the beaches in the south, you have to check out our handy tips on how to travel within Thailand.

Plane

Traveling by plane is the quickest and easiest way to get from Chaing Mai or Chiang Rai to the beaches in the south. There are numerous airlines to choose from, including a bunch of low-cost carriers that can get you to the beach for under $50 US. Some airlines, including Thai Air Asia and Nok Air, offer island transfer options, where you can book your plane, bus and ferry tickets in one to explore Koh Lanta or party at the full moon party on Koh Phangan. For most jumping off points to the islands, there are direct flights; for others, you might need to change planes in Bangkok.

Train

Bus

The bus is not everyone’s first choice, but it is an ideal option for those with time to spare and who are travelling on a budget. Thailand has an intricate bus network connecting villages, towns and cities across the country. Buses range from old dilapidated models with fans and open windows to first class VIP coaches. Taking an overnight bus can save you a night’s accommodation costs and also not cut into valuable beach time. However, Thailand’s roads are notoriously dangerous, and travelling by day is advised, if possible. It is also good to pick a reputable company like Nakhon Chai Air or the Green Bus, which abide by strict safety regulations, including regularly changing drivers.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.