Transport Options
You have a choice, depending on where you are, of the Skytrain, Underground System, Taxis, Tuk Tuks, River Boats, and Buses. You can also walk of course !
There is also a mainline railway station but it is not really suitable for travel inside Bangkok.
The BTS Skytrain
'The BTS Skytrain is the safest, most comfortable and convenient way to get around Bangkok. In service since December 5, 1999, it has transformed the face of public transportation in the Thai capital, for the first time offering both residents and visitors a comfortable ride through central Bangkok - lifting commuters above the chronic congestion, noise and pollution of the streets below.' Whilst it does not cover all of Bangkok it takes in a lot of the main areas.
Many of the stations have 'Skybridges' giving a direct link to the major shopping complexes.
For more information see A Comprehensive Guide to Using the Bangkok Skytrain
To go to the official BTS site and access a map of the routes including the MRT, interchange stations and ticket prices
click here - Skytrain.
The Underground (MRT)
The Underground System or MRT is brand new and very efficient. There are interchange stations with the Skytrain which gives the traveller easy access to even more of Bangkok. To go to the main BTS map to see a combination of the routes click here - Underground / MRT.
Taxis
Taxis are everywhere in Bangkok, in the main tourist areas they seem to outnumber other traffic by three to one ! As one approaches you can flag it down if it displaying a red light in the bottom right part of its windscreen ( as you look at it ).
Always insist that the driver switches on the meter. Often, especially in the Patpong areas, or in bad weather, they will quote a price and not use the meter. If that happens decline and get another one. The minimum price for a journey is 35 baht.
Tuk Tuks
The infamous Tuk Tuk can be found in all the main areas of Bangkok. But beware - negotiate the price for a journey before you get in it.  There is no meter, and if you do not negotiate a price before the journey starts you will probably get overcharged at the end of the trip.
It is a good idea to know how far away your destination is, perhaps show it to the driver on a map, so there can be no mistake about the distance ! There have been numerous cases of Tuk Tuks taking a roundabout route to go 500 metres !
Also be aware of the driver trying to take you shopping - decline every time. They will take you to outlets where you pay inflated prices and the driver gets a commission.
Canal Boats
Bangkok, once known as the Venice of the East, is criss crossed with canals. River taxis ply these canals regularly and can be a very cheap and quick way to get around.
For many, trips on these canals and the main Chao Phraya river, are the most unforgettable experiences they have whilst in Bangkok.
Tickets for journeys on the boats are normally purchased on board. Be careful getting on and off these boats as they sometimes do not stop completely to allow passengers to alight and disembark !
Buses
The city has 3 kinds of street buses for cheap, convenient travel.
- Microbus (air-conditioned) with a minimum fare of about Baht 25.
- Air-conditioned bus, with fares varying from about Baht 8 - 16 depending on the distance.
- The non-air conditioned bus, which ranges from about Baht 4 - Baht 10
But because the efficiency of the buses is directly related to traffic congestion they should be avoided unless your budget is limited !
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