Intercity travel guide: practical tips and advice

Planning Travel Between Provinces

Choose a suitable route.

Before setting off, research suitable routes and compare each route's distance, time and cost to choose the best option for you.

Check the weather

Check the weather in advance so you can prepare and avoid routes affected by heavy rain or bad weather.

Plan rest stops

Plan rest stops for breaks, meals or toilets, especially on long journeys.

Intercity travel options

1. Private intercity hire

Private intercity hire is a convenient, private option for families or friends, with the freedom to stop at attractions along the way.

• Benefits: Convenient, private, with sightseeing stops and good value for groups
• Drawbacks: The price may be higher than public transport.

2. Hire a Car with a Driver

Car Hire with Driver Ideal for travellers who want convenience without driving themselves

• Benefits: No driving yourself, with a driver familiar with the route and safe travel
• Drawbacks: More expensive than private hire

3. Public transport

Public buses and vans are economical options, but less convenient than a private car.

• Benefits: Low price
• Drawbacks: Inconvenient, less private and indirect routes

Tips for choosing private intercity hire

1. Check Reviews and Ratings

Read other customers' reviews to assess service quality.

2. Compare Prices

Compare several companies, but be cautious of unusually low prices.

3. Check Insurance

Choose a service with comprehensive passenger insurance.

4. Check the Driver

Choose a service with professional, experienced drivers familiar with the route.

5. Check the Vehicle

Choose a service with clean, well-maintained vehicles and complete safety equipment.

Popular Interprovincial Routes

Bangkok–Chiang Mai

Distance: 700 km | Time: 8-10 hours | Fare: 6,000-8,000 baht (sedan)

Bangkok - Phuket

Distance: 850 km | Time: 10–12 hours | Fare: THB 8,000–10,000 for a sedan

Bangkok–Pattaya

Distance: 150 km | Time: 2-3 hours | Fare: 1,500-2,500 baht (sedan)

Bangkok–Khon Kaen

Distance: 450 km | Time: 5–6 hours | Price: 4,000–6,000 baht (sedan)

Tips for safe travel

1. Get enough rest

If driving yourself, rest sufficiently before departure for safety.

2. Check the Vehicle

Check the vehicle before departure, including tyres, engine oil and fuel.

3. Prepare documents

Prepare required documents, including a driving licence, vehicle documents and insurance.

4. Prepare Your Equipment

Prepare essentials such as a map, GPS, flashlight and medicines.

5. Tell Someone You Know

Tell someone you know about your travel plans for safety.

Compare private intercity hire with driving yourself

Private intercity hire

• Benefits: No need to drive, knowledgeable drivers, safety, convenience and sightseeing stops
• Drawbacks: Higher prices

Self-Driving

• Benefits: Freedom to travel and lower costs
• Drawbacks: You must drive, may not know the route, face accident risks and struggle to find parking.

Advice: For long-distance travel or unfamiliar routes, choose Private intercity hire For safety and convenience