How to Travel Between Cities and Islands in Thailand (The Easy Way)

How We Travel Around Thailand as a Family

Living in Thailand means traveling often — island weekends, city trips, ferry rides, overnight trains, and regional flights.

If you’re new to Thailand, the hardest part usually isn’t deciding where to go — it’s figuring out how to get there and what to do once you arrive.

This guide breaks down the easiest and most affordable ways to travel between cities and islands in Thailand, based on real experience living here full-time with family.

Flights Within Thailand

Flights are best for long distances such as:

Phuket → Bangkok
Bangkok → Chiang Mai

Domestic flights in Thailand are frequent and affordable, especially when booked early.

If you’re coordinating international or family travel before or after moving abroad, I also recommend checking fares with Southwest Airlines, particularly for U.S.-based connections.

👉 Southwest Airlines:
https://swa.eyjo.net/c/6701012/510760/4705

Trains in Thailand (Affordable and Comfortable)

Bangkok to Hua Hin by Train (Under $10 USD)

One of the most affordable and underrated trips in Thailand is Bangkok to Hua Hin by train.

Cost: often under $10 USD each way
Travel time: ~4 hours
Comfortable seating
Scenic coastal views

Hua Hin is an up-and-coming destination, especially popular with families and remote workers who want beach access without the crowds of larger cities.

Chiang Mai Sleeper Trains (A Must-Do Experience)

The overnight sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is one of the most popular travel experiences in Thailand.

Many travelers combine this with cultural and ethical experiences once they arrive, such as village stays and responsible elephant encounters.

👉 Chiang Mai 2-Day Homestay & Elephant Experience:
https://gyg.me/MjDDXz9M

This is a great option for families and travelers who want something meaningful beyond sightseeing.

Ferries & Speedboats (Island Travel)

Ferries are essential for island travel in southern Thailand, including routes like:

Phuket → Phi Phi
Phuket → Krabi
Phuket → Koh Yao Yai
Krabi → Koh Lanta

Once you arrive, booking island tours in advance saves time and removes the stress of negotiating at the pier.

Popular options include:

👉 Phi Phi Island Tour from Phuket:
https://gyg.me/KgcY3wO1

👉 Krabi 4-Island Tour (One of the Most Popular Day Trips):
https://gyg.me/7meEEavy

These tours are especially convenient for families and first-time visitors.

Buses & Vans (Budget-Friendly Options)

Buses and vans are best for:

Short-to-medium distances
Budget travel
Flexible schedules

VIP buses are often air-conditioned, comfortable, and affordable.

The Easiest Way to Book Ferries, Trains, and Buses in Thailand

One of the most confusing parts of traveling in Thailand is figuring out how to book ferries, trains, buses, and combined routes — especially when traveling between islands or cities.

After trying different methods, I recommend using 12Go Asia, a booking platform widely used throughout Southeast Asia.

12Go Asia allows you to:

Compare ferries, trains, buses, and flights in one place
See real schedules and travel times
Book island transfers, sleeper trains, and long-distance routes
Avoid language barriers at stations and piers
Travel more confidently with kids and luggage

This is especially helpful for routes like:

Phuket to Krabi
Phuket to Koh Yao Yai
Bangkok to Hua Hin
Bangkok to Chiang Mai sleeper trains
Travel between Thailand and nearby countries

Even if you prefer booking locally, having a platform to check routes and schedules ahead of time makes planning much easier.

What to Do Once You Arrive (Easy Planning)

One of the easiest ways to enjoy Thailand without overplanning is to book activities and experiences ahead of time.

Some popular options we recommend:

👉 Bangkok Muay Thai Stadium Tickets:
https://gyg.me/or2tU0ur

👉 Bangkok Chinatown Food Tour:
https://gyg.me/KgcY3wO1

Booking experiences in advance helps avoid sold-out events and long lines, especially during holidays.

Traveling Beyond Thailand (Easy Regional Trips)

Living in Thailand makes travel around Asia incredibly accessible.

From here, it’s easy to visit:

Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur is a short flight or overland trip)
Vietnam
Singapore
Japan

These destinations are popular for visa runs, long weekends, and family travel.

Family & Pet Travel Tips

Traveling with kids — and pets — requires extra planning.

What’s helped us:

Choosing early departures
Building in buffer time
Booking reputable operators
Avoiding last-minute holiday travel

Thailand is very family-friendly, and preparation makes travel far more enjoyable.

Why This Matters for Digital Nomads

If you’re living or working in Thailand:

You’ll travel often
You’ll explore nearby countries
You’ll want flexible, affordable transport

Understanding how to move around and what to book in advance makes remote life abroad much easier.