Whether you’re looking to rock climb in Krabi, experience a Full Moon Party in Koh Pha Ngan or cliff dive in Ko Tao, Southern Thailand’s beaches are immensely popular destinations. Although some areas are more remote than others, most destinations are easily accessible, even for the most novice traveler. If visiting Southern Thailand from Bangkok, there are essentially two ways to visit popular destinations: flying domestically or taking the train.
Flying Domestic
Fortunately for travelers, international airports dot Southern Thailand. Five in all, —Phuket, Hat Yai, Krabi, Surat Thani, Koh Samui — the airport you choose depends greatly on the beach/area you’d like to explore. Unlike many other countries, domestic flights in Thailand are incredibly reasonable. For instance, a round-trip flight from BKK in Bangkok to Krabi can cost as little as 950 baht, or roughly $30. Yes, round-trip. Better still, Thailand has three main airlines — Nokair, Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways — allowing travelers to compare rates.
Taking the Train
However, if you enjoy the journey as much as the destination, hate flying or want to explore the geography of Southern Thailand, taking the rail system is also an option. Trains offer first class — air-conditioned, private compartments — to third class, which doesn’t guarantee you a seat, especially not one with upholstery.
Bangkok train travelers will take the Southern Line in Hua Lamphong station to Surat Thani Station near Krabi. However, the Southern Line continues on to Malaysia.
Travelers would then need to research bus schedules from Surat Thani to different destinations. In all, it can be a roughly 10-hour travel time, or longer, depending on the end destination.
First class on the train is as expensive, or more expensive, than flying. If you’d like to reach your Thailand beach quickly, safely, comfortably and cheaply, then flying is, by far, your best bet. Either way, you’ll enjoy your piece of paradise, however you choose to go.
Read This Next
Full Moon Parties Around The World
Spring Break
Aug 20, 2014#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedTrends
Jan 21, 20255 Outdoor Travel Trends for 2025 Revealed
Global outdoor accommodation booking site Pitchup.com unveiled its outdoor travel trend predictions for 2025. With an increase in outdoor accommodation bookings in 2024, the company analyzed booking data as well as customer reviews for its 2025 forecast.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
Slideshow
Jan 21, 20257 Must-Visit European-Looking U.S. Towns
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s seven must-visit European-looking U.S. towns.
Destinations / North America
Jan 21, 2025Tucson, Arizona, Launches New Astro Trail
Tucson, Arizona, just launched a new Astro Trail, highlighting some of the best spots in and around the area for stargazing. The trail, now available as a web app and printed guide, takes you to all of the dark sky-related stops in Tucson, including world-class astronomy institutes like Kitt Peak National Observatory and Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab, where the largest telescope lenses in the world are made.
Sponsored Content
Discover Greece’s Tower Towns: A Journey Through History
Greece's tower towns offer a captivating blend of history, architecture and stunning landscapes that make them perfect for curious travelers. These towns, particularly found in the Mani region of the Peloponnese, are defined by stone towers built during the medieval period. Constructed for both defense and as symbols of family pride, the towers stand as a testament to the region's turbulent history and its residents’ resilience.
Hotel
Jan 20, 2025Hard Rock Brand Introduces New Credit Card
If you never miss the chance to stay at a Hard Rock property during your travels, you’re likely a member of the Unity by Hard Rock loyalty program — and, if so, you need to be sure you’ve signed up for the recently launched Unity by Hard Rock Mastercard credit card.
ShareThis