Getting to Thailand

Getting Around Bangkok

Make sure the driver turns on the meter once you get in. Make sure you have change, as taxi drivers often don't! Drivers change shifts at about 3:30-4:00 p.m., and may not accept you unless your destination is convenient.

If taxis do not have meters, fares must be agreed upon before starting. The amount will vary depending on the distance, traffic, weather (if it is raining the fare will rise) and the negotiating skills of the hirer. Average fares in Bangkok are between 50-200 Baht. No tip is expected, but it is a nice gesture.

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.

Bangkok Subway : Bangkok’s newest mass transit system, the subway, is to open on 3 July 2004. The first 99,999 commuters on the opening date will also receive souvenirs. From the opening date, until August 12, 2004, the royal birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, commuters will be allowed to use the subway at a specially low rate of 10 baht for all routes.

All the revenue from the fare during that period will be donated to Royal charities and foundations under the patronage of Their Majesties the King and Queen. From 13 August 2004 - 3 July 2005, the fare will rise to the 15% discounted rate of 12 - 31 baht, depending on the distance travelled, and rise to the normal rate of 14 - 36 baht thereafter.The subway will run from the city’s main railway station, Hua Lamphong, under two major thoroughfares, Rama 4 Road and Ratchadaphisek Road. It will make a major contribution to attracting more visitors to Thailand and boosting the average length of stay in Bangkok by linking several hotels, shopping centres and business districts, as well as the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. For more information http://www.tatnews.org/tat_release/detail.asp?id=2197

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.

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