Bangkok Transportation Tips by Blatherwick

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: The tuk-tuk is the Thai version of an auto rickshaw, and is a widely used form of urban transport in Bangkok and other Thai cities. The tuk-tuk has a tin or iron body resting on three small wheels (one in front, two on the rear), a small cabin for the driver in the front and seating for three in the rear. It is named after the sound its two-stroke engine makes.

A lot of tuk-tuk drivers are from the outside of Bangkok and do not know the city very well. Thus, they are best used for short trips or else you will probably end up lost. Tuk-tuks do not have meters so bargaining is necessary. Beware of tuk tuk drivers who say that they'll take you around town for 10 or 20 baht. Usually, you will spend more time at a fake jewellry place than sightseeing

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Ship/Boat
Getting TO/AROUND: Taking the Daily Standard Express Boats is the best way to get around Bangkok. Not only are they efficient but they get you away from the polluted and crowded Bangkok streets. The boats run every 20 minutes from 6:00-18:40. It is so cheap and the fare depends on the distance travelled(betwee 4 - 10 baht). The BTS station connects with the boats at Saphan Taksim, the end of the Silom line.

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Website: www.bangkok.thailandtoday.com/getting_around/04_g02_riverexpress.html

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: The BTS and Metro are the best ways to get around Bangkok if you're not near the river. As a bonus, it is air conditioned. Currently there are 2 elevated BTS lines and the Metro. The Metro goes from Bang Sue to Hua Lamphong. The BTS Sukhumvit line (light green) runs northwards and eastwards, terminating at Mo Chit and On Nut respectively; meanwhile, the Silom line (dark green) plies Silom and Sathon, the Central Business District of Bangkok, terminating at the river at Saphan Taksin. Saphan Takin station is connected to the adjacent Sathon pier where the all river services operated under the name of Chao Phraya Express Boat call.

You can buy individual tickets or 1 day tickets. Prices go from 10 to 40 bahts. Day passes cost 100 Baht.

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Website: http://www.bts.co.th/

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Bus
Getting TO/AROUND: As anybody who has travelled anywhere in SE Asia this is a mini-bus that is used for transportation on tours or as tourist transportation between cities. Basically these are vans that can hold around 15 - 20 people. Sometimes its more people if they feel that they can cram people in. The quality varies on the vans. Some have decent leg room and some you have your knees in your face the whole way to wherever you're going. Some have nice big windows that you can see out of while others you must crouch in your seat to see anything. Air Conditioning works in some and others they say that it's on. Luckily the roads in Thailand are generally good and you don't feel like you're life will end anytime soon.

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'Mode': TO
Category: Airplane
Getting TO/AROUND: The Ryan Air of Asia is great! This low-cost airline operates scheduled domestic and international flights and is Asia's leading low fare no frills airline and first to introduce "ticketless" travelling. If you book early you can get flights for as low as 500 Baht. You can go all the way to Macau for 1200 Baht. They have a fleet of 737-300s and operate quite efficiently. Of course you have to pay for food but your only in the air for short amounts of time.

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Website: www.airasia.com

'Mode': TO
Category: Airplane
Getting TO/AROUND: Bangkok International Airport is an important hub of Asia and the hub of Thai Airways International. It serves the most air traffic in Thailand with more than 80 airlines in service. It has three terminals. Terminals 1 & 2, for international flights, are in practice just different sides of the same building. The domestic terminal is a kilometer to the south, and you can either make the long trek on foot via a walkway or hop onto a free shuttle bus which goesevery 15 minutes from just outside the terminal.

Bangkok charges a departure tax (called the "Passenger Service Charge") of 500 baht for international flights, payable in cash after check-in.

The taxi stand is located outside the arrivals area at the end of the terminal, and is the best way of getting into town. It's also your only option after 11 PM. Give your destination (English is understood) and you will receive a two-part ticket at the booth. The charge into town will be the meter + 50 baht + toll if you take the expressway (recommended during the day).

Bangkok International Airport will be replaced by the new Suvarnabhumi Airport, which has been under construction since 2002 and is currently expected to open in 2006.

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