Getting Around

Getting Around

By Bus: All of Isan is accessible by bus from Bangkok; outlying areas can be accessed from the major centers of Korat, Udon Thani, and Ubon Ratchathani.

By Car: Tour companies are not common in the area, but it's possible to rent a car or hire a driver in the larger cities. Driving from Bangkok is feasible, but public transport is cheap and efficient, and most cities in Isan are within three or four hours of each other. If you do drive, to get to the Mekong towns, use the faster Highway 2 until Khon Kaen and then backtrack.

Rentals are about B1,000 to B1,500 per day. Hiring a private driver for your whole trip costs a bit more (at least B2,000 per day) but is safer and more relaxing, especially if you're able to find an English-speaking driver.

By Moto, Samlor, Songthaew & Tuk-Tuk: Cities in this part of the country do not have taxis like in Bangkok (though most of Bangkok's taxi drivers come from Isan). The most common means of getting around is by tuk-tuk, samlor (a three-wheel pedicab), or motorbike taxi. In all cases, you'll negotiate the price when you get in. Generally speaking, fares within city limits range from B30 to B60.

The cheapest (though not the most direct) means of getting around town and often between small towns is by songthaew—prices can be as low as B10 for a short trip. Public songthaews have fixed prices, whereas hired ones (on which you are the only passenger) need the price negotiated before boarding. Fellow passengers can typically help you determine where to get off.

By Train: There are two train routes from Bangkok, both running through Korat, where the line splits—one way to Udon Thani and Nong Khai via Khon Kaen, the other to Ubon Ratchathani via Buriram, Surin, and Si Saket.