Transport in Asia

Are you planning a trip to Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam or any other Asian country and looking for information about the best transport options during your stay? You are in the right place.

Asia is a fascinating region full of secrets to explore. The question of transport options comes up often, as there are many. Sleeper buses, scooters, tuk-tuks... In this article, we explain everything so that you can choose the most suitable vehicle for each situation, along with all our tips to make your journeys as smooth as possible.

 

Key Takeaways: 

• Long distances: Plane, train or sleeper bus are the best options depending on your budget, desired comfort and available time. The plane is the fastest, the bus the most economical.
• Short journeys: Scooters, bicycles, tuk-tuks or taxis are ideal depending on the cities and areas visited. The scooter offers flexibility, the taxi comfort, the bicycle an immersive experience.
• Affordable fares:Transport in Asia is generally inexpensive, with options ranging from £0.85 to £25 depending on the mode chosen, the distance and the level of comfort.
• Practical advice: Always check the condition of rented vehicles, wear a helmet, negotiate prices (especially for tuk-tuks) and book in advance for trains or flights.
• To avoid depending on the context: Avoid scooters in large cities, trains in certain countries with underdeveloped networks (e.g. Cambodia), and tuk-tuks for long journeys.

 

Buses are a relatively affordable way to cover long distances. This option is particularly suitable for reaching major cities or certain tourist regions.

There are several well-known companies that often allow you to book your seats online. Some buses offer a high level of comfort, with reclining seats, Wi-Fi and USB ports, for example. This explains the sometimes significant price differences between providers.

In any case, this mode of transport is considered safe and suitable for long distances.

The price of a sleeper bus journey depends on the distance and the level of comfort required.

Expect to pay between £8 and £17 for your journey.

Bear in mind that this is not the best option if you are short on time. Journey durations are often long as they are affected by traffic.

If you suffer from motion sickness, you should also avoid this option, as roads can be winding and cause discomfort.

Do not confuse sleeper buses with tourist minibuses. The latter are not suitable for long distances due to their much lower level of comfort.

If you have a slightly bigger budget, trains are an option worth considering. In addition to offering greater comfort, they allow you to cover long distances in a shorter amount of time.

Some routes are also popular experiences for travellers, such as the Bangkok to Chiang Mai night sleeper train. Likewise, the journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City lets you discover the Vietnamese countryside and its breathtaking landscapes, passing through Hue and Da Nang.

The price of a train ticket generally ranges from £4 to £25 depending on the distance and the level of comfort chosen.

Where possible, we advise avoiding the lowest prices for night journeys, as they may offer insufficient comfort.

Some countries such as Cambodia or Laos do not have a very developed rail network. Trains often experience delays and the experience may not be ideal.

Make sure to book your tickets in advance if you plan to travel by train. While you can use tourist platforms to make your bookings, it is best to use official websites to benefit from better prices.

For night journeys, we recommend choosing soft sleeper compartments for sufficient comfort. Although slightly more expensive, this option allows you to enjoy the journey in better conditions.

Travelling by plane is entirely possible in Asia. If you are planning to cover long distances, this option will save you valuable time. For instance, some remote regions (such as Phu Quoc in Vietnam) are much easier to access by plane. Travelling from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi is also much quicker by air, taking around 2 hours by plane versus 35 by train.

Flight prices usually range from £17 to £85 depending on the distance, the airline and how far in advance you book.

Checked baggage, often not included in the basic fare, will cost around £8 to £17 each.

Remember to factor in the taxi journey to the airport and then to your hotel to get the actual cost of this mode of transport.

For shorter journeys, flying may not be ideal. Although the flight time itself is short, the trip to the airport, security checks and possible delays add to the overall travel time.

If you are travelling with luggage, this option is not always the most cost-effective, as the cheapest tickets often exclude baggage and the added fees can quickly increase the cost.

If you are considering this option, use flight comparison tools to find the cheapest or fastest itineraries.

A favourite means of transport among locals, scooters are a flexible and economical way to explore Asia. You can travel at your own pace, independently, and reach more remote areas with limited access.

Exploring the rice fields of Pai in Thailand, the countryside around Hoi An in Vietnam or touring Nusa Penida in Indonesia is an unforgettable experience if you have your own scooter. You will enjoy an authentic journey and discover breathtaking landscapes independently.

Scooter rental prices are particularly low in Asia. Expect to pay between £3.50 and £7 per day, with discounts available for weekly rentals: around £21 to £34.

Fuel is also very affordable: expect to pay under £1.70 for a full tank.

In large cities like Hanoi, Bangkok or Jakarta, traffic is very dense and riding a two-wheeler can be dangerous for inexperienced drivers.

Make sure you have an international driving permit and some experience before renting a motorbike. If not, you may not be covered in the event of an accident.

Always ask for a helmet when renting a two-wheeler.

Take the time to check the brakes and indicators, and take photos of the vehicle before setting off.

It is best to refuel at proper petrol stations rather than buying bottles from roadside sellers.

Typical of Asia, tuk-tuks are a fun way to get around short distances. This option is particularly useful in tourist or pedestrian areas to save time or rest after long walks.

For a journey of around 10 to 15 minutes, expect to pay between £0.85 and £3.50. Prices are often inflated in tourist areas and negotiation is necessary to avoid overpaying.

Tuk-tuks do not offer a high level of comfort. Avoid using them for long distances.

If you are looking for the most economical solution, taxis and ride-hailing services can be more cost-effective and comfortable.

Make sure to agree on the fare before getting in. Drivers often significantly increase prices for tourists.

Particularly popular in cities, taxis are easy to find in tourist areas.

Several apps are available in Asia, such as Grab, Bold or Gojek. Just like in Europe, these allow you to contact drivers and know the fare in advance.

This mode of transport is ideal for getting to your hotel from the airport or for longer journeys within a city without wasting time.

Expect to pay £0.85 to £1.70 for the first 2 to 3 kilometres, then £0.25 to £0.45 per additional kilometre. For short city journeys, this is an ideal and economical option.

A journey from the airport to your hotel in town will generally cost between £5 and £10.

Choosing a motorbike taxi will allow you to enjoy even lower prices, often between £0.40 and £1.30.

In some rural areas with limited internet access, it can be difficult to find a taxi using the apps.

If you want to reduce your spending, opt for more economical alternatives to avoid high fares.

Be sure to download the relevant apps before arriving in Asia to avoid stress.

Also avoid traditional taxis at the airport, which often charge excessive rates.

Renting a bicycle is quite possible in some quiet cities, in the countryside and around certain historical sites.

Many hotels offer bicycle rental, for example in Hoi An in Vietnam or on Don Det island in Laos.

Exploring the Angkor temples by bike is also an unforgettable experience.

Bicycle rental usually costs between £0.85 and £2.50 per day. Some guesthouses may offer them for free, so remember to ask your host when booking.

In more densely populated cities, traffic is often too heavy to safely explore by bicycle.

Avoid cycling during extreme heat or in mountainous regions.

Always wear a helmet when cycling and carry sun cream with you.

Just like with scooters, check the brakes, tyres and saddle before confirming your rental.