TRAVEL CLINIC

Lucy Ridout and Paul Gray - Co Authors of The Rough Guide to Thailand answer your travel dilemmas

Q. I'd like to minimize my carbon footprint during my upcoming holiday in Thailand and was wondering how easy – and comfortable – it is to travel long distance by train rather than plane? Andy Cooke, Winchester

A. Trains are a safe and enjoyable way to travel long distance in Thailand, particularly if you're heading north to Chiang Mai (12hr) or south to the islands of Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan or Ko Tao. The trains always take the scenic route and are also exceptionally cheap. Several sleeper trains depart Bangkok every night for both North and South Thailand. For ferry connections to the islands you will need to alight at either Chumphon (8hr) or Surat Thani (10hr). On all routes you have the option of traveling first class, in a cosy two-person air-conditioned compartment (£20 per person), or in a curtained off second-class berth (£12). Taking the train is also a great way to travel between Bangkok, Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Visit ‘The Man in Seat Sixty-One’ at http://www.seat61.com/Thailand.htm for a detailed roundup.