Tuk-Tuks
The colorful, three-wheeled, open-air "samlor"
taxis are renowned for their capability to maneuver into
the tightest spots, offering passengers an interesting ride.
Accommodating two passengers (three or four at a squeeze),
it is best for short trips during off-peak hours. Settle
the fare BEFORE proceeding. Normally cheaper than metered
taxis, the fare should never exceed 200 Baht per trip.
City Buses
Bangkok has an extensive bus service with routes serving
every part of the city, providing a fun and cheap way to
explore the city. There are both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned
vehicles. The fare for the former depends on the distance
traveled, starting from 10 Baht per person and the buses
are colored blue, orange or white/green, depending on the
route. The latter charges a flat fee of either 3.50 Baht
per person (green and white/red colored buses) or 5 Baht
per person (white/red and white/blue).
Because of the low fares, the open-aired buses tend to
be heavily crowded, especially during the peak hours in
the morning (6-9 am) and evenings (4-7 pm). Be watchful
of your belongings and learn the art of balancing since
the ride might be jerky, with sudden stops and accelerations.
You can request the purser to notify you of your stop. People
at the bus stops will gladly inform you of the correct bus
number to take if unsure of how to get to your destination.
Be prepared with exact change or bank notes of 50 Baht
(blue) or lesser denominations. An uniformed purser aboard
the bus (listen for the clinking sound of coins in a long,
cylinder container) will collect the fee and give you a
ticket. Keep the ticket handy for inspections later down
the route.
Microbus
The pinkish-violet, air-conditioned minibuses share some
of the popular routes as city buses. The advantage is the
flat rate of 10-25 Baht per person (depends on the routing
distance) and that seats are guaranteed. Once all seats
are occupied, the bus will not pick up more passengers until
there is a vacancy.
BTS Skytrains
With stations in major commercial areas and departures every
5 minutes, it is an ideal means of transportation to escape
the traffic. Service is via 2 routes: the Mo Chit - On Nut
route (runs along Sukhumvit Rd.) and the National Stadium-Taksin
Bridge route (runs along Silom Rd.). Running from 6 am to
midnight, the fare depends on distance traveled, ranging
from 10-40 Baht per person. Routes and fares are posted
at every station, where tickets must be purchased.
Motorcycle Taxis
Unique to Thailand, these taxis emerged in response to needs
for faster transportation during traffic jams and access
to main roads from remote neighborhoods and deep sois (alleyways).
Drivers wear colorful vests and fares are slightly higher
than those of metered taxis. Fare should always be negotiated
BEFORE proceeding. Thai laws stipulate helmets must be worn
in the use of motorcycles on public roads. Be prepared for
an adventurous ride.
River Taxis
Taxis that are even more unusual, though equally convenient,
are the river taxis that ply the Chao Phraya river. Some
ferry passengers across the river (2 Baht), while others
run the route to various landing stages on both banks, going
up as far as the northern suburb of Nonthaburi. Fare ranges
from 5-20 Baht per person, depending on distance. Signs
at the landing piers are posted in both Thai and English.
Hired Car
If you want to experience driving in Bangkok, there are
many car rental firms in Bangkok, including international
rental companies such as Hertz, Budget and Avis. The road
system is good and well posted with signs written in English.
An international driving license is required.
