GETTING AROUND BANGKOK
The Skytrain (BTS) and underground (MRT) rail systems connect the main shopping, entertainment and business areas of the city. Ferries, express boats and river taxis are a popular way to visit historic sites and attractions around the riverside. Taxis are inexpensive and you can find them on just about every corner at almost any time. Tuk-tuks are still a popular attraction with tourists and can be a quick way to explore Bangkok's many streets. There are also buses and motorbike taxis which although efficient and fast are not for the faint hearted.
Bangkok Transit Map
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
BTS SKYTRAIN
There are two lines in operation: the Sukhumvit Line and the Silom Line. They cover a larege part of the central city and several commercial, residential and tourist areas. 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 BTS Skytrain.
TUK-TUKS and TAXIS
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 30 Baht to 150 Baht, depending where one chooses to go.
Fares depend on several things, distance travelled, traffic and time of day. A short trip will cost 30 baht. Haggling over price and negotiating the fare is de rigeuer because the price given will be at an inflated rate, especially if you're a tourist. A good rule of thumb is to offer 5 - 15 baht off the proposed fare, and take it from there. Of course if the fare quoted was 100 baht, offer a higher figure off. Both parties come to an agreement and the driver doesn't lose face. Important - Fares must be bargained for before the journey is undertaken as there is no metre.
It is advisable to avoid taking a tuk-tuk during peak hours - 7.00am to 9.00am and 4.00pm to 7.00pm. otherwise you'll find yourself stuck in traffic for ages with smelly fumes from vehicle engines around you.
Scams
Beware of scams involving taxi and tuk-tuk drivers who may offer you a cheap fare or free ride and say they know where the best (read cheap) jewellers/handbags/restaurants/etc or the "special" shopping places - these are scams designed to part you from your money. Be polite, but firm, say "No thanks" and move on.
MOTORCYCLE TAXIS
The fastest way to 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.
BUSES
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.
RIVER TAXIS and FERRIES
There are a number of different types of boats -
Standard Express Boats
Costing 5 to 10 Baht, they run daily from 6.00am to 6.00pm from designated piers from Wat Ratchsingkorn Pier to Nonthaburi Pier.
Special Express Boats
Fares start at 5 Baht and boats run Monday to Friday only from 6.00am to 9.00am
and 12.00pm to 7.00pm. There are three routes -
Rajburana Pier to Nonthaburi Pier
Sathorn Pier J5 to Nonthaburi Pier
Wat Ratchsingkorn Pier to Pak Kret
Cross River Ferries (2 Baht)
At 2 Baht, you can cross from one side of the river to the other. Ferries run daily from 8.00am to 5.00pm. Shangri-La Hotel to Dumax Pier Oriental Pier to Suwan Pier Si Phaya Pier to Klongsan Pier Ratchawongse Pier I5 to Din Daeng Pier I5 Thien Pier to Wat Arun Pier Chang Pier to Phrannok Pier Pra Chan Pier to Thonburi Railway Pier Pra Chan to Phra Pin Klao Pier Pra Atit Pier to Phra Pin Klao Pier.
Hotel Ferries (Complimentary for Hotel Guests)
These run daily. Contact hotel for schedule
Oriental Hotel to Sala Rim Nam Menam Hotel to River City Marriott Riverside Hotel to River City Peninsula Hotel to Shangri-La Hotel Shangri-La Hotel to River City Montien Riverside Inn to River City Royal River Hotel to River City.
River Barge
Dinner cruises. Chayophraya Dinner Cruise
Chao Phraya Tourist Boat
There is also the tourist boat which costs 150 Baht (a one-day river pass) and is valid for one day. The boat runs between Phra Arthit Pier and Sathorn Pier. See tourist boat for more information. It also has a very good river map.
Chao Phraya River Express Map
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.
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.
TRAIN ROUTES IN THAILAND & SOUTH EAST ASIA
