With today’s inescapably fast-paced everyday life in Bangkok, there is a good argument to be made to slow things down a bit on your next journey around the country. It’s not just us thinking this way, popular train routes up north and ferries to popular islands have been known to get fully booked weeks in advance in some cases. It’s not just that they are cost-effective, but there is something charming about traveling without needing to rush through airports, wait in massive queues, and slog through big security terminals. 

A 2025 Agoda survey shows 77% of Thai travelers prioritize eco-friendly options like trains and buses over flights. The government projects 200 million domestic trips this year, boosting investment in overland infrastructure. Meanwhile, 12Go reports a 60% rise in demand for Bangkok–Chiang Mai rail travel, underscoring a broader shift toward scenic, sustainable, and budget-friendly journeys.

Why is it worth skipping the flight in some cases?

Flying across Thailand is fast and increasingly affordable—but it often bypasses the rich, textured experiences that come with slow travel. That’s why more travelers are choosing to take the long way around, even if it means using extra leave days or arriving at their destination a bit later.

The rewards? More than just scenic views. Whether it’s watching the sunrise over rice fields from a northbound train to Chiang Mai, striking up a conversation at a roadside noodle stall en route to Kanchanaburi, or taking a music-filled van ride down to Hua Hin, overland travel invites you to absorb the journey in a way air travel simply can’t match.

These trips offer freedom, too. There's no need to navigate security lines or wait at the gate—you’re on your own clock. Overland routes like the sleeper train to Ubon Ratchathani or the winding coastal drive to Chumphon reveal hidden corners of the country that flights fly over entirely. 

Travel choices often come down to what your priorities are. Flights are going to save you time but cost more and can be more mind-numbing, while buses are the more budget friendly option despite being a bit slower. Trains are one spot that strikes a bit of a middle ground—especially on longer rides where more plush first-class options are available. Ferries, meanwhile, are essential for reaching island destinations without airports (which is many of them in Thailand) and can often be paired with bus connections. 

From economical buses to luxury trains like the Eastern & Oriental Express, overland options in Thailand suit every budget and style. And for travelers thinking about sustainability, traveling by road or rail also leaves a lighter carbon footprint than flying.

So why are some of us still hesitant?

Photo credit: Flying Pharmacist / Wikimedia Commons

Undeniably, there are good reasons why some still dismiss overland travel. Getting from Bangkok to an island like Koh Samui or Koh Lipe can be complicated with multiple transfers and tickets. Similarly traveling to not-so-touristy but gorgeous destinations like Ranong in the South or Tak in the North can be inconvenient due to language barriers or infrequent transportation schedules. Plus, there is just the reality that the vast range of booking options and different service providers can be a nightmare to manage—a bus from one company, a ferry from another, a motorcycle taxi you have to bargain with, etc. 

How to make your next trip overland in Thailand simple and easy

Unsurprisingly, someone has thought of a solution for these issues already. Transport booking platform, 12Go, offers a smart fix for cross-border and domestic travel options not just in Thailand but across Asia. The gist is that the app helps to streamline your travel—remember the pain in the ass dealing with multiple service providers?—and be a one-stop solution of sorts to help you plan the entire journey, and buy tickets for everything, in a single click of the booking button. Just plug in where you want to go, when, and the app sorts out a bunch of options to get you there. You can sort by travel method and price range. 

It’s already trusted by millions of users. Check them out via their website to learn more.