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Air:
Thai Airways International, Thailand's national airline,
flies to five destinations in the North, five in the Northeast,
and seven in the South. Bangkok Airways (Tel: (02) 5237116,
25340'I4-6, 5352497) flies to Samui Island and Phuket. Reservations
can be made through any authorized Thai Inter Travel Agent.
Thai Airways International's Lan Luang Office is on 6 Lan
Luang Road, Tel: 2800070,2800080. The airline also organizes
'Royal Orchid Holidays' tours to every destination it flies
to.
Trains:
An efficient rail system links major northern and north-eastern
towns with the capital. A southern route permits the visitor
to travel by train into Malaysia and Singapore. Domestic
express trains comprise first, second and third-class carriages.
Slower trains may have only third-class seats. The State
Railway of Thailand organizes one- day, two-day economy
tours to various destinations on Saturdays, Sundays and
official holidays. Other tours include trips to SuratThani
(for Koh Samui), Chumphon and Chiang Mai. Railway schedules
can be obtained from Bangkok Railway Station, Tel: 223-
7010, 223-7020. For more information regarding railway schedules,
contact:
Bangkok Railway Station Tel (02) 223-7010 or (02) 223-7020
Buses:
Bus transport in Thailand is fast, clean and reasonably
comfortable for shorter journeys. Most buses provide reclining
airline-style seats and video movies. Both air-conditioned
and non-air-conditioned buses are available on major routes.
The cheapest a re the ordinary coaches operated by the government
bus company called Bor Kor Sor. Air-conditioned buses operated
by independent companies are usually 30 to 70% more expensive
but complimentary meals and transportation from your hotel
to the bus terminals are often included.
Bangkok's Northern/Northeastern Bus Terminal
Phahonyothin Road Air-conditioned: Tel (02) 279-4484 or
(02) 279-4487 Regular: Tel (02) 271-0101 or (02) 271-0105
Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal
Pinklao-Nahkon Chaisri Road Air-conditioned: Tel (02) 435-1190
or (02) 435-1200
Regular: Tel (02) 434-5558
Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal
Sukhumwit Road Air-conditioned: (02) 392-9227 or (02)391-9829
Regular: (02) 391-2504 or (02) 392-2521
By Cars:
Thailand is an outstanding country to tour with rented transport.
Less expensive rentals are available from local agencies,
but make sure to check the condition of the car thoroughly
before handing over your money. An international driver's
license is required, and insurance is mandatory to be able
to drive in Thailand. Highways are in good condition, reaches
into all corners of the kingdom, and directional signs are
often in English. Domestic bus services offer fast means
of travel. Air-conditioned tour coaches offer more comfort.
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