Transportation in Thailand
Flights
Coming to Thailand for teacher training certification courses will expose
you to a number of traveling options easily available here. Bangkok is the
hub of all international and domestic flights.Bangkok is the main entry
point for most visitors to Thailand and the second largest terminal building
in the world. It is well connected to almost parts of the world as well as
to its own cities. The TESOL trainees can be easily connected to all
airports in Thailand and most major regional and global destinations.
If you are choosing Chiang Mai as your TEFL program location then you would
be happy to know that Chiang mai too is well-connected to Bangkok, Samui,
Phuket, Mai Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Mae Sot, Phitsanuliok and Sukhothai by
domestic flights.The city supports many international flights as well along
with direct flights connecting with Singapore, Taipei, Kumming (China),
Vientiane and Luang Prabang (Laos), and Yangoon and Mandalay (Myanmar). The
airport is only 2-3km from the city centre.
Once you have chosen TESOL course Phuket you must know about the transport
system in Phuket. Phuket International Airport is the second busiest airport
in Thailand. Millions of passengers each year visit Phuket to enjoy a wide
range of tourist services, natural beauty of the world famous Phuket beaches
and fascinating tourist attractions. It plays an important role in promoting
travel and tourism in the southern region as well as throughout the kingdom.
In Pattaya there is a local airport with a small local airstrip with limited
facilities. While choosing Pattaya as your TESOL location, one generally
arrives at Bangkok Airport and from there it is about ¾ hours drive from
there. The airport now has international status but was formerly a very busy
airbase during the Vietnam War era and indeed played a hand in Pattaya’s
rise.
Taxi
The licensed taxi services all over in Thailand provide comfortable cars
that can take up to four or five people and their luggage. For having ESL
career here the local Thai cabs make it comfortable for the English teachers
who can easily access all parts within each city. They come in different
colours though the green-yellow and red-blue ones are the most common. The
air-con cabs are the quickest and most comfortable ways to get around.
Bus
For the TESOL trainees from Bangkok’s Northern bus terminal (also known as
Mo Chit), there are a variety of luxury buses that make the 12 hour journey
to Chiang Mai or Phuket or Pattaya. Classes range from rough
non-air-conditioned buses to air-conditioned VIP buses with reclining seats.
Best to buy your ticket at the Mo Chit bus station directly to ensure that
you get the bus that you want and the right price.
Train
Trains are the most common means of transport in Thailand especially in
Bangkok and mostly in demand by people for traveling around the city. In
order to visit the TEFL schools for teaching English, there are a variety of
trains available. The Special Express trains having two daily evening
departures, provide 1st class private cabins with a sink and individually
controlled air-conditioning, and 2nd class sleeper with or without air-con.
Rapid trains and Express diesel rail cars offer 2nd and 3rd class seating,
with two departures each in the morning and evening. These are generally
available in Bangkok and run to Chiang Mai. Public transport within urban
Chiang Mai is by songtaew (essentially converted pickups with bench seating)
samlor (Pedi cabs or tricycles) and tuk-tuk (motorized tricycles). Hoards of
red songtaews ply the streets looking for passengers and this is very
popular amongst our candidates who come for TEFL programs here . Just flag
one down, state your destination and if it’s going that way, you can ride
for a few baht (usually around 10-60 baht, depending on the distance).
Tuk-tuks work on a charter basis at around 30-60 baht per trip. After
midnight, tuk-tuks charge a flat rate of around 50 baht, no matter the
distance. Samlors cost around 20-40 baht for most trips.
If the TESOL trainees want to rent a vehicle, cars, 4WDs and minivans are
readily available at several locations throughout the city. Be sure that it
is covered by insurance – ask to see the documents and carry a photocopy
with you while driving.
Minibus
The TESOL students will generally find minibus has a service along Pattaya
Bay at Bt5 / person / trip. There is no bus stop. Just stop it and hop in.
To get off, just ring the bell. The fare to Nakhua on the North is Bt10
while it is Bt30 across the hill to Chomtien Beach. To the hilltop is Bt40.
Motorbike
Motorbike is a convenient way to explore around in Thailand while taking the
TESOL teacher training in Thailand or teaching English in Thailand. TEFL
candidates must keep in mind that a driving license is needed. Wearing a
helmet is required by law. Insurance is recommended. Beware of cheats. Check
the bike for malfunction, brake, scratches, damages and make sure they are
recorded and you have a copy of it. Contact Tourist Police if you are
cheated. Motor Bikes are availability at beach road vendors. Rates : Bt150 -
600 / day for 100 cc to 1100 cc bikes.
Bicycles
Bicycles can be an enjoyable mode of transport for the young TEFL trainees
while coming here for the TEFL certification programs and they are available
from street vendor at Bt100 / day or Bt20 / hr.
