Getting Around in Thailand & Malaysia
Local Travel Planning Resources
Flights
Getting around SE Asia by plane is easy and often amazingly cheap. There is a network of low-cost carriers who offer both domestic and short-haul flights. Our personal experience of them to date has been excellent; friendly, efficient, and all book-able online!A very useful resource for checking who flies to where is Air Ninja - this search engine includes the discount airlines (which many other travel search engines ignore).
Air Asia covers multiple routes around Thailand & Malaysia, some mind-bogglingly cheap promotional fares if you book early!
Do note that these low-cost carriers do not check baggage through to international flights, however - allow plenty of connecting time. Also, some domestic flights go to different airports in Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok; keep an eye open for this. Transport between airports is easy, just make those time allowances!
Ferries
There are multiple ferries every day from Phuket to nearby islands (eg Phi Phi) and to the mainland opposite (Krabi, Ko Lanta).From Langkawi, there is a 4 times daily ferry service to the Thai mainland (Satun), and in the main season, a ferry to Ko Lipe. There are also several services to other Malaysian destinations.
It is much to our confusion that a could-be highly popular route - Phuket to Langkawi - does not exist. At least not directly; you could do it with about 3 ferry changes!
