Getting Around Bangkok

Bangkok is a big city, home to around 10 million people, and because of the way it grew (as people moved from the country in droves) there is no center of the city or grid like planning that goes into a city like New York or Los Angeles. As a result Bangkok can be a challenge to navigate and is renowned for its parking lot like traffic jams. But if you know how to take advantage of the cities boats, trains and taxis it can become a navigable city.

BTS Skytrain and MRT

The BTS Skytrain Bangkok’s elevated train, and the MRT Bangkok’s subway run through the central part of the city. Both are pretty recent additions the Skytrain opening in 1999 and the MRT opening in 2004, and both are some of the fastest and most comfortable options for getting around Bangkok.

The Skytrain rides above some of the busiest streets in Bangkok. It is usually the fastest way to get around the center of the city including Sukumvit, Silom and Siam areas. Prices range between 10 to 60 baht, and with air conditioning, announcements in English and tourist guides at the most popular spots it is one of the most foreigner friendly ways of traveling around the city.

The MRT is Bangkok’s newest form of public transportation. Like the Skytrain it is fast, relatively cheep, air conditioned and foreigner friendly. It runs in a single line and is a great way to get to the weekend market, the night bizarre, Hulmphong train station, Ladprao, and Rachadapisek. It also intersects the Skytrain at Asoke on Sukumvit rd and at Silom.

Taxi

Metered taxis, all of which are adorned with a red and white TAXI-METER sign on the roof are, in spite of traffic problems, a good way to get around. Taxis in Bangkok out number passenger cars 2 to 1 so there is rarely trouble finding them, and most trips in Bangkok can be made for under 100 baht. Although they will usually take longer than a comparable trip would take in America taxis are the best way to get to and from places where other public transport isn’t readily available.

When taking taxis in Bangkok taxi drivers will sometimes try to name a price, if this happens you will be charged more than the meter would charge you. Make sure you only get in taxis that will run the meter for you, if they don’t want to take you there are enough taxis down the road that you will find one to take you without too much trouble.

Tuk-Tuks

A tuk-tuk ride is one of the most novel ways of traveling the streets of Bangkok. Tuk-tuks, which get their name from the sound they make when they start, are three wheeled carts that sit 2-4 people. Whizzing through the streets of Bangkok in an open-aired tuk-tuk is a fun way to get around but most often tuk-tuks cost more than taxis and the pollution from busses, cars and other tuk-tuks can make the ride less than pleasant.

Motorcycle Taxis

Motorcycle Taxis are only guaranteed fast, albeit not the safest, way to get around the city. Motorcycle taxis drivers hang out in orange vests in groups on street corners all over the city. A ride on one takes you weaving in and out of traffic and to your destination in as little time as possible. Thankfully, helmets are usually required and while they are not for the faint of heart motorcycle taxis can be a great way to go short distances quickly.

Klong

Klong Saen Sep is a river boat that runs from east to west through the city. It runs from Democracy Monument, past Siam down Petchaburi road parallel to Sukumvit before turning east and going out towards Ramkamhaeng University. It is one of the best ways into Siam and across the city to Thong Lor or Ramkamhaeng from the area near Democracy Monument and Khao San rd. The boat runs every 5 to 10 min and costs anywhere from 8 to 20 baht depending on how far you go. It is a great way to travel, see life along the klong and find out why Bangkok used to be the Venice of the east.

Chao Prya River Boats

Many tourist sites (the Grand Palace, Chinatown, Wat Arun, etc.) and hotels (the Oriental, the Shangrila, the Royal River, etc.) are located along the Chao Prya River. The Chao Prya River Boat Express and Long Tail Boats stop at designated stops along the river. Both cost between 6 and 15 baht depending on how far you travel, and are a good way to beat the heat and get off the hot streets for a little. But be careful during rush hour boats get very crowded.

Buses

Busses come in several forms and several colors. They run the gamut from air conditioned city busses to fan-less minibuses. The bus system may seem daunting at first glance but if you plan your trip in advance and aren’t afraid to ask questions if you are confused you will get the benefit of seeing the city as Thai people see it.

• Bangkok Sights
• Bangkok has some of the most unique tourist destinations in the world, check out what made our short list.
• Nightlife
• Bangkok has become famous for its nightlife, and with good reason, modern day Bangkok has some of the best places in Asia to dance the night away and recently has become a mecca for world class restaurants.