13. Travel Inside Bangkok

Public Transport:
Public buses and air-conditioned buses are plentiful and inexpensive within metropolitan Bangkok. The red and grey air-conditioned microbuses are for longer urban journeys. A bus route map can be obtained from most hotels and bookshops.

Taxis and Tuk Tuks:
Hotel taxis have fixed fares. Public taxis are air-conditioned, comfortable and have starting fares of 35 Baht for the first 3 kilometres and approximately 5 Baht for every additional kilometre. Be sure the driver resets the metre every time you enter the vehicle.
Tuk Tuks, three-wheeled taxis, are a symbol of Thailand. They are popular for short journeys and can cost anywhere from 20 Baht to 150 Baht, depending where one chooses to go. Important - Fares must be bargained for before the journey is undertaken as there is no metre.

Mototcycle Taxis:
The fastest way to plod through the traffic congestion of Thailand's major cities is by motorcycle taxi. Look for the driver with the coloured vest. Fares are negotiated before departure. Hold on tight.

River Taxis:
There are many types of boats that navigate the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Private "cigarette long - tail boats" are fast and available for tours of the city's huge canal system. A 2-hour private tour runs about 500 Baht. Public river taxis run from dawn till dusk from Khlong Toei to as far north as Nonthaburi. The journey takes over an hour. Smaller trips between other landings can cost as little as 9 Baht.

Air Taxis:
A special package tour which allows tourists to experience a beautiful view around Bangkok and provinces nearby. For more information - telephone 66 2504 3839-40, or go to Royal Sky.

Skytrain:
There are two lines in operation: the Sukhumvit Line and the Silom Line. BTS Skytrains run daily from 6.00am to 12.00pm with frequent services throughout the day, particularly during rush hours. The fare is based on the distance travelled. For more information, visit their website Bangkok Metro

Subway:
The MRT Chaloem Ratchamongkhon Line has 18 stations and operates from 6.00am throughout 12.00pm and connects many of the top tourist attractions with the accommodation areas, and the business district. The fare is based on the distance travelled. For more information, contact their website - Bangkok Metro

Canal Boat:
Khlong Saen Saep canal boats operate from Banglamphu across the city to Ramkhamhaeng University. Tickets are bought onboard. Note that the piers are a little hidden away, which makes them sometimes difficult to find.