Getting Around Bangkok
There
are a variety of ways to get around the city. Here are the main ones.
Taxis
These are metered so you can be sure of the price the first 2 kms are priced
at approx 35.-THB. This is the price on the meter on hiring the taxi. It is
then 3.-THB for every .-25 kms.
Tuk-Tuks
The name of these three wheeled taxis comes from the noise that they makes
as they charge through the streets. Great fun but can be dangerous with low
safety standards. Negotiate the price before you get in and then hold on
tight ! Please also insist that the Tuk-Tuk driver take you to your
intended not the shopping outlets of their choice.
Motorcycle Taxi
In Bangkok 's heavy traffic, motorcycle taxis are the fastest albeit
most dangerous, form of road transport. Easy recognisable by their orange
vests, motorbike taxi drivers gather in groups, by department stores, at the
of long sois or by tourist spots. As with Tuk-Tuk, fares definitely have to
be negotiated beforehand.
Local buses
With widespread bus routes, the network can be confusing to newcomers with
the bus destination written in Thai, not English . Be prepared to stand and
be cramped. Keep your wallets and valuables out of sight.
BTS Sky Train
Opened in 1999, the Sky Train is one of
the fastest modes of transport for getting around certain areas of the
city. There are two lines-one covering the Sukhumvit areas and the other The
Silom areas. They are relatively cheap and easy to use - a welcome change
from sitting in the traffic!! BTS is quick and reliable transport option,
especially during heavy traffic jams. Fares range from 10.-THB to 40.-THB;
special tourist passes allowing unlimited travel for one day (100.-THB) or
three day (280.-THB) are available. BTS also provide free shuttle buses
which transit passengers to and from stations and nearby areas. For more
information; www.bts.co.th/en
Subway (MRT)
Launched
in 2004, Bangkok's Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is another fast and reliable way
to get across town. The 18 stations line stretches 20kms from Hualampong
(near the central railway station) up to Bang Sue in the north. Subways run
from 6am to midnight daily, with trains arriving every 5-7 mins. The
underground connects with the BTS at MRT Silom/BTS Sala Daeng, MRT Sukhumvit/BTS
Asok and MRT Chatuchak Park/BTS Mo Chit station. Subway fares range from
14THB to 31THB. For more information :
www.bangkokmetro.co.th
River Taxis
There are many boats plying the Chao Phaya River. Some Criss-cross
between landing on opposite banks while the Chao Phaya Express boats travel
upstream and downstream within the metropolis. Fare range between 6.-16.- THB.
