Bangkok Transportation Tips by phil_uk_net

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: My first suggestion would be to use the BTS sky train if you can but there are still lots of areas to which it doesn't go so there will be times when it is necessary to get a taxi.

If your journey is more than a 10 minutes get a taxi rather than a Tuk Tuk as it will be far more comfortable and you will not have to breathe traffic fumes.
When taking a Tuk Tuk it is absolutely essential to negotiate the fare before you get in. Tuk Tuk drivers are probably the most unscrupulous characters in Bangkok and will rip you off whenever they can.

When taking a regular aircon taxi you have 2 options. You can negotiate a fixed price upfront or insist they use their meter. Some drivers will tell you the meter doesn't work.

Here is an example of fare pricing. I wanted to go from the Siam Square area to the Grand Palace. The first taxi driver quoted me 100 baht. A Tuk Tuk driver quoted me 200 baht which I laughed at. Yeah sure, twice as much to ride in one of these things and breathe in lungfuls of carbon monoxide compared a comfortable aircon taxi.
The second taxi driver I asked also said 100 baht so I knew this was about right. However, I asked him to use his meter. The actual fare was 69 baht.

If you have never ridden in a Tuk Tuk before you should do so as it is all part of the Bangkok experience but choose a short ride and ALWAYS negotiate the fare first.

If a Tuk Tuk driver offers you a sightseeing tour for 10 baht refuse. He is not trying to do you a favour. He will try to take you to shops, and if you are male to massage parlours, where he will get a commission from the establishment. This will be added to the price you pay. At best you you will pay a lot for what you get. At worst you will be conned into some kind of scam and possibly lose a lot of money.

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: The BTS is a fairly new but very welcome addition to Bangkok's transport infrastructure. It runs above the roads on huge concrete pillars. There are just 2 lines - known as the Sukhumvit and Silom lines. The network isn't that extensive but additions are being built. It runs from 6am to midnight and fares are from 10 to 40 baht. A one day pass costs 100 baht and 3 day tourist passes are also available.
The trains are air-conditioned (essential for Bangkok) and spotlessly clean with not a hint of graffiti or rubbish inside.

Some of the stations are quite high and have only a staircase to reach them which can leave you a bit out of breath. Other stations have escalators to ease the task.
You will find a uniformed guard on each platform at every station.

It's a great system. After using this and the MRT in Singapore it was a real eye-opener arriving back in London and using public transport there. Filthy carriages, graffiti everywhere, 2 lines (the Circle and Central) not operating, very few staff around and a bad attitude from the ones that were. And the icing on the cake is that is is far more expensive to use than either the BTS or MRT. London is a mess.

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Website: www.bts.co.th/index1-e.htm

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: Consider buying a 1 day or 3 day pass for the BTS skytrain if you are planning to use the BTS during your stay. It is far more convenient than buying tickets all the time and can save you money.

The one-day pass costs 100 baht and the three-day pass 280 baht. Both are available at all BTS ticket offices as well as from several hotels, tour operators, department stores and souvenir shops.

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Website: www.bts.co.th/index1-e.htm