Thanks to its improved infrastructure and booming tourism, getting around Thailand is now easier compared to a few decades ago. You will find a wide range of different modes of transportation around Thailand, from auto rickshaws (tuk-tuks) to the modern Skytrain system.

Of course, do not expect all transportation options to be equal in terms of fare and level of convenience (or the amount of hassle). That’s why it helps to be flexible, patient and well-informed when commuting around the country, especially in cities like Bangkok which has its own share of heavy rush-hour traffic as well as opportunistic drivers and operators.

If you are a first-time tourist in Thailand in particular, then it’s really a must to explore these options and find out which any of them will work best for you.

1) Tuk-tuk

You won’t have the ultimate Thai experience if you haven’t hopped in to one of those tuk-tuks. Tuk-tuks, or auto rickshaws, are an ubiquitous sight in Thailand. This is a good option for short-distance travels. Riding in one of those tuk-tuks is a unique, memorable – but not always good – experience. Many tuk-tuk drivers are notorious scammers, especially towards foreigners. That’s why negotiating fares with them is an absolute must. Rates usually go anywhere between 80 to 150 baht. If you know how to speak a little Thai, the less likelihood that you’ll get ripped off by tuk-tuk drivers.

2) Taxi

If you don’t want to suck in all the exhaust fumes and experience heat at the same time, those clean and air-conditioned taxis are the more comfortable option. In fact, taxis are even a lot cheaper than tuk-tuks, as long as you make sure that the driver uses the meter. However, not all taxi drivers in Thailand are honest and not all of them use the meter, so make sure to find one. If you find out that the driver doesn’t have a meter and refuses to negotiate on the fare, keep on hailing until you manage to find a metered taxi. You see, it takes a bit of patience to find for the right taxi.

3) Motorcycle taxis

Motorcycle taxis have grown in popularity recently, as they are a quick and cheap transportation option for short distances. Plus, it is a great idea if you want to get away from tight traffic, and it is also a fast way to get around the city. To avoid yourself from getting scammed by unscrupulous motorcycle taxi drivers, you should choose only official and licensed motorcycle drivers by telling their vests (they are usually colored orange). Hop on in at the back of the motorcycle, hold on tight and get ready for a hair-raising ride.

4) Songthaew

Another mode transportation that is distinct in Thailand is the songthaew, a popular passenger vehicle which is actually a modified pick-up truck fitted with seats. The name itself literally means “two rows” in English, as there are usually two benches fixed along the sides of the vehicle.

Riding a songthaew is also a great and unique experience when in Thailand. Rates are also reasonable, costing at least 10 baht for the shortest destination.

5) Bus

Thailand’s bus system has significantly developed over the years. Not surprisingly, the capital Bangkok boasts the largest bus system in the country. Compared to other modes of transportation in Thailand, the bus is probably the cheapest option, costing as little as 7 baht. There are also long-haul buses that depart from Bangkok to the outskirts, other cities and towns as well as popular tourist destinations all over the country such as Phuket and Pattaya.

6) Bangkok’s mass rapid transit

What other way to get around Bangkok but to escape the horrible traffic? Take the MRT trains! They may be a bit more expensive but they are certainly a quicker way to get to your destination. There are two major MRT systems in the city:

Metropolitan Rapid Transport System (MRT) – the first underground railway in the Thai capital, it comprises of three heavy lines and two monorail lines. It stops at 18 stations which stretch from Chinatown in the south to Bang Sue in the north. It links to the BTS Skytrain but otherwise follows a somewhat different route to the BTS Skytrain, which allows commuters to travel to areas that are otherwise inaccessible by the Skytrain.

Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS Skytrain) – an elevated train system which comprises of 43 stations across two lines: the Sukhumvit Line running north to east, and the Silom Line running south to west. The BTS links with the MRT at two points.

7) Trains

If you have the luxury of time, you can take the train ride. It can be a fun, enjoyable and rewarding experience as it gives you to opportunity to view spectacular scenes and slices of local life that unfold just right outside your train window. Plus, it’s more practical and eco-friendly than flying, and better than buses because it means scenic rides and opportunity for you to stretch your legs and take a walk on the train aisle.

Finding good trains is just a matter of luck (and money), though. If you want comfy train journeys, good news because there are new first class sleeper trains that stretch from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. These trains feature fold-down beds, restrooms, air conditioning, serving staff and food and drinks.

But to those backpackers and other tourists traveling on a budget, they usually default to second-class sleeper trains. They are typically clean but their air conditioning is usually freezing cold so don’t forget to bring your jacket. An attendant will come around and convert the facing seats into two bunks and draw the privacy curtains. However, the food and drinks sold there tend to be expensive but low-quality, so it’s better to bring your own food or go to the dining car at the back of the train.