Bangkok is the usual gateway for most travellers, and you should plan on three or five days in the capital. This should allow sufficient time for seeing the major sights such as the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Arun, Wat Pho and Vimanmek Mansion. Perhaps also a trip along the Chao Phraya River or a shopping jaunt to Chatuchak Weekend Market. You might also take an out-of-town excursion (Ayutthaya or Kanchanaburi are top choices).

If a beach vacation is your priority, Bangkok could be followed by a week at Phuket or Samui Island, which offer the most exotic settings. Should your time be limited, the resorts of Pattaya, Rayong, Cha-am and Hua Hin are closer to the capital.

For a different scene, northern Thailand affords plenty of scope for both cultural sightseeing and refreshing escapes into the countryside. Chiang Mai is the best base for exploring the region, offering its own sights as well as numerous hiking and trekking options, and a stay of three or four days gives a good introduction. If you have more time, overnight visits to Mae Hong Son or Chiang Rai are well worthwhile.

Travellers who already know Thailand will find the Northeast region rewarding. The most traditional part of our country, it is best toured by car or bus allow five to seven days.

Thailand further provides excellent facilities for sporting vacations - golf, scuba diving, yachting, and mountain biking. A two-week stay gives time for general sightseeing and special interest activities.

The variations for a visit to Thailand are never endless, and perhaps the best advice to bear in mind when arranging your trip is to plan on coming back.

Travel inside Bangkok

Public Transportation - Public buses are plentiful and cheap, with 3.5 baht minimum and 5 baht maximum fares to most destinations within metropolitan Bangkok. Air-conditioned buses within Bangkok have minimum and maximum fares of 8 and 18 baht, respectively. Red and grey Micro - Buses, also air conditioned, cost 25 baht for a single journey.

A Bus Route Map is available at most hotels, book-shops and the TAT head office for 35 baht.

     
Taxi and Tuk Tuks - Hotel taxis have fixed tariffs. Taxis cruising the streets of Bangkok, and designated taxi-meters charge 35 baht for the first 3 kilometers and approximately 5 baht for every kilometer thereafter.

A Tuk-Tuk or three-wheeled taxis are quite popular among tourists for short journeys inside Bangkok. Fares range from a minimum of 30 baht to a maximum of 150 baht. Fares must be bargained for.

     River Taxis - There are many boats plying the Chao Phraya River. Some criss-cross between landings on opposite banks while the Chao Phraya Express boats travel upstream and downstream within the metropolis. Fares range between 5 and 15 baht.

Out of Bangkok
Air : The Bangkok International Airport and the domestic airport in Don Muang lie 25 km north of the city. Airport departure taxes are required at both domestic and international departures (international passengers: 500 baht/person domestic passengers: 30 baht/person).

Domestic flights are offered by :

• Thai Airways International Tel: (66) 2280-0060, 2628-2000
  
• Bangkok Airways Tel: (66) 2229-3434
  
• Air Andaman Tel: (66) 2229-9500, (66) 2229-9555
  

Trains : An efficient rail service links northern and northeastern towns with Bangkok (terminus is Hualamphong Station). Regular western and southern routes out of Bangkok (Thon Buri) Station enable travel by train to Kanchanaburi province and to southern Thailand. On express trains, sleepers are available in three classes: first and second class (air-conditioned), and third class (non air-conditioned, but with fans).
Advance tickets are available at all principal stations or the Bangkok Advance Booking Office. Tel.(66) 2225-0300 ext 5200-3.

Hired Car : If you want to go your own way, there are many car hire firms in Thailand, including international rental companies such as Hertz and Avis. The road system is good and well sign - posted. An international driving license is required.