Thailand - Get Around

Ride tuk-tuks in Bangkok – or an elephant through the northern jungle…

About the same size as France (but a very different shape), Thailand's distinct regions create an exciting diversity. The urban clamour of Bangkok is geographically as well as metaphorically central. The south is a tale of two seas, the Gulf of Thailand housing islands such as Koh Samui and Koh Chang, and the Andaman Sea showing off Krabi, Phuket and Phi Phi.

Complementing the sun traps are the eastern plains of Isan, and the far north – where untamed jungle thrives around the so-called Golden Triangle bordering Myanmar and Laos.

The skies are alive with an affordable network of internal flights that flit between the main hotspots. Travel from beach to jungle in just a couple of hours – it's inexpensive, efficient and relatively stress-free.

Zipping around the major cities like obedient droids, no trip to Thailand is complete without travelling at high speed while your driver dodges the traffic jams. As cheap as it gets, and an undeniably Thai experience.

Island-hopping is made all the more romantic when you arrive in one of these sleek vessels, equipped with outboard motor and available for hire like taxis from all the major beaches.

The inter-province railway system may be slower, but it's cheap and comfortable. Make sure to buy first-class tickets, as the slightly higher price will buy you a world of difference – especially for overnight journeys.

Probably best avoided unless you're really keen to have your own wheels. City traffic is testing, countryside drivers erratic. However, at least they drive on the left, and road rage is uncommon thanks to that serene Buddhist outlook.

Make sure your taxi is metered, and don't be tempted to go to the "special discount shop" that your driver swears is the cheapest in town. Be firm but friendly and all will be good.

State Railway of Thailand website

See a way of life stretching back centuries from a klong (canal) tour in Bangkok. Take in the serene sight of monks attending temple and the noisier scene of the floating markets. Dream golden dreams at the 1780s Grand Palace's spires, while beyond take off for the Space Age lounges of Sukhumvit.