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Outside Bangkok
Bangkok Transport
Skytrain:
The BTS skytrain in Bangkok is a fantastic way to get around. It consists of two lines, which intersect at Siam Station. Please see our BTS map here. We have included any recommended sights to the map to make it easier for you to work out which station you will need.
The BTS first opened in December 1999 as an attempt to ease Bangkok's traffic congestion. Each train can carry up to 1000 people, and they operate from 6am through to midnight. Extentions to the network should be completed soon, allowing access directly to and from suvarnabhumi airport.
Ticket prices are worked out according to distance. Access to stations are from escalators or stairs from street level. Ticket offices and machines are located on the first level. Purchasing a ticket is very simple. Simply look on the map for the station you want to go to, they are all numbered. Then press the number button that corresponds to the station number, put in your coins and get your ticket. If you only have notes, then use the ticket office to get some change. All signs, maps, buttons etc are written in both Thai and English. See here for the offical BTS website ticket buying guide.
MRT (Mass Rapid Transport):
The MRT is essentially a subway metro service currently operating just one line (called the Blue Line), which opened in July 2004. There are planned extentions and new lines to the system. The Blue Line currently has 3 interchange stations with the BTS Skytrain.
THE MRT is an efficient and cheap way to travel around Bangkok. Tickets are issued in the form of a small plastic coin, which you touch over a pad on the ticket barriers (much like the Oyster card system in the London Underground). Stations are very well air conditioned (often too cold), as are the trains.
Trains run every 5 - 7 minutes, and the system has a fantastic efficiency record. Please check out our map for more information here.
Taxis:
Taxis in Bangkok are bright and colourful. Pink, orange, blue, green, yellow - you simply cannot miss them. Any taxi with a red sign illuminated on the dashboard of the passengers side of the taxi means that it is available for use.
Taxis in Bangkok are a great way to get around, but we would recommend using the BTS, MRT or walking as your first options. Bangkok's traffic is known around the world to be extremely congested. A simple journey can sometimes take hours.
All taxis are well air conditioned, and most drivers will know a bit of basic English. Things to avoid are getting into taxis in popular tourist areas such as Khao San road, as the driver will be very reluctant to use the meter, opting to give you a set price often four times what the meter would cost. Also, never tell a driver that this your first time in Bangkok, as they will no doubt drive you all over the place to rack up the price.
The best time to use taxis are at night. The roads are empty, and after midnight, they are the only way to get around.
Tuk-tuks:
Tuk-tuks are fun and well worth a try if this is your first time in Bangkok. In busy traffic, they might be able to squeeze in and out, or take short cuts. After a few rides, the novelty does wear off a bit. No air conditioning, traffic fumes, noise, and a bit of a bumpy ride are just a few of the downsides. Tuk-tuks are a good bet for doing a city tour, providing you can agree a good price and the driver agrees to not take you to any tailors or gem stone shops. If the driver tells you a place (Grand Palace for example) is closed, he is no doubt lying in order to take you somewhere where he can get a commision.
Canal Boats:
These boats are a great way to get around for very little money. Very few farang use the service, and in rush hour, every boats is crambed full of Thai commuters travelling to or from work. This video is a great example of using the canal boats:
We will have an in-depth guide to using this service soon, as we think its one of the top things you should try in Bangkok, just for the thrill of it.
