Bangkok Transportation Tips by DarkRay

Chao Phraya Express Boat River and Canal Boats Review

I would readily admit that taking the Chao Phraya Express Boat along Bangkok's famous Chao Phraya River was kind of confusing to me at first. But once I sorted that out, it was actually a very convenient manner of travelling along the river.

You will first need to know that there are actually a few different lines, denoted by their flag colors. The basic local line (no flags) will stop at every pier, while the colored ones will skip over some piers. Details can be found here.

For example, if you are planning to get from the Central Pier (also known as Sathorn Pier, where Saphan Taksin BTS Station is located) to Tha Tien Pier (where Wat Pho, Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is located) you can either take the local line, or the Orange Flag Express Boat.

Based on the fare chart, it cost 11 baht on the local line, and a flat 13 baht for the Orange Flag Express Boat. The return trip however, will cost 13 baht on the local line, while still remaining 13 baht for the Orange Flag Express Boat. You can also time manage your trips in advance as they keep a pretty accurate schedule.

Note that there will be 2 platforms at the piers. If you are going leftwards, then please wait on the left platform and conversely, on the right platform if you are planning to go rightwards along the river. Otherwise, if there is nobody on the correct platform, the boat heading towards your intended direction will not stop and will bypass the pier.

Another thing to note is that there are 2 kinds of piers. One is for the Chao Phraya Express Boats that move along the river, and another is for you to take the 2 baht ferry boat across the river. You can identify which is which quite easily, since the ones for the Chao Phraya Express Boats will have 2 distinct side-by-side platforms for the purpose mentioned above.

Mode: AROUND

Other Contact: Email: info@chaophrayaboat.co.th

Phone: +66 (0) 2623-6143

Type: Ship/Boat

Going Underground Subway / Metro Review

Beside the popular BTS SkyTrain system that travels above ground on its own tracks, the Bangkok Metro that travels along its own purpose built and dedicated tunnels now offer the commuters in Bangkok another hassle free option to get around the city without getting yourself stuck in one Bangok's infamous traffic jams.

This in combination with the BTS SkyTrain and Chao Phraya Express Boat makes getting around to some of the most popular destinations a much easier task than before. The connection points between Bangkok Metro and BTS SkyTrain can be found at:

1. Chatuchak Park Metro Station - Mo Chit BTS Station
2. Sukhumvit Metro Station - Asok BTS Station
3. Silom Metro Station - Sala Daeng BTS Station

Do note that despite the connection points, the ticketing and fares for both systems are separate and distinct, as with that of the Chao Phraya Express Boat as well.

More information about the full route map can be found here.

Points of interests along the Metro include:

- Hua Lamphong: Chinatown, Bangkok Railway Station
- Lumphini: Lumphini Boxing Stadium, Suan Lum Night Market
- Queen Sirikit National Centre: Queen Sirikit Convention Centre
- Kamphaeng: Chatuchak Weekend Market

Mode: AROUND

Type: Subway/Metro

Fast & Efficient BTS Skytrain Review

Like what they say on their publicity materials, the BTS SkyTrain is by far the easiest, fastest and most convenient way to travel, making Bangkok exploration simple and fun. Apart from covering the central city, including shopping centers and entertainment spots, BTS also offers access to the Chao Praya River through Saphan Taksin station, enabling one to travel by boat to Bangkok's most famous historical places, such as the Royal Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha Temple, and the Temple of Dawn.

Various types of tickets are available and as of June 2004, they are as follow:

1. 1-Day Pass: Unlimited rides in 1 day at 100 Baht.

2. 3-Day Pass: Unlimited rides for 3 days 4 nights at 280 Baht.

3. Sky Card: Stored Value ticket available for 200 Baht (includes 30 Baht deposit) refillable with minimum of 100 Baht.

4. 30-Day Pass: This ticket can be purchased in 10, 15 or 30 trip denominations and includes both Student and Adult Passes.

5. Single-Journey Ticket: Single Journey Ticket contains a one-trip travel value selected by passengers with fare according to destination.

Some of the interesting places are connected directly by skybridges as follow:

1. E9: On Nut Station - Tesco Lotus (Hypermarket)

2. E5 Phrom Phong Station - The Emporium (Upmarket Shopping Mall)

3. E1 Chitlom Station - Maneeya Center, Gaysorn Plaza, Amarin Plaza, Central World Plaza (All Upmarket Shopping Malls)

4. CEN Siam Station - Siam Center (Shopping Mall)

5. W1 National Stadium Station - MBK Center, Tokyu Deparment Store, Siam Discovery Center (All Shopping Malls)

6. S2 Sala Daeng Station - Silom Complex (Shopping Mall)

7. N1 Ratchathewi Station - Asia Hotel (Hotel)

8. E2 Phloen Chit Station - Wave Place Centre (Houses Home Pro DIY Megastore)

Note: Most of the information above were directly taken off from the complimentary BTS SkyTrain Travel Guide provided to me during my trip when I purchased a 3-Day Pass. As far as I know, this Travel Guide was only provided for a limited period of time and is now no longer provided.

Mode: AROUND

Type: Subway/Metro

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