Public transport
Tuk tuk
These things are as much a symbol of Bangkok than anything else you could think of. They’re good fun for the first few times but they tend to get pretty uncomfortable, especially when you’re sitting in a traffic jam with fumes belching out all around you.
Negotiate the fare with the driver before you get in and expect the fare to vary depending on traffic conditions. They are called tuk-tuks because of the sound they make. Some wag once said they should be called cough-coughs because of the sound they make you make. The proper name for them is samlor (sam = three, lor = wheels; geddit?)
Taxi
Taxi-meter is displayed on the sign and they are often brightly coloured. More comfortable than tuk tuks but you are still at the mercy of the traffic. Taxis in Bangkok are quite inexpensive. All taxis are metered but sometimes you’ll get the odd driver who doesn’t want to use his meter. This is particularly common late at night near the bar districts. Walk away from the area for about 50 yards and flag a taxi down.
Skytrain (BTS) and MRT (Map)
Fast and efficient but like mass transport systems anywhere they can get very crowded. The biggest problem with them is that they are not far reaching enough. However the skytrain will connect you with the river express at Saphan Taksin, the Northern Bus Terminal at Mo Chit and the Eastern Bus Terminal. The MRT will get you to Hualamphong Station, Queen Sirikit Convention Centre and Chatuchak Market.
Cha Phraya River Express
Connects with the Skytrain at Saphan Taksin (Taksin Bridge). A pleasant way to get to Rattanakosin (old Bangkok)
Bus
Bangkok has a large bus network but a bit daunting if you can’t read Thai. If you really must look out for Nacy Chandlers bus rout map. Available in most book shops.
Motorcycle Taxi
Called motorsai, this mode of transport is not for sissies. Stand at any major intersection in Bangkok and watch the motorbikes as the lights change. Then decide if you want to be on one. Look out for them on street corners the drivers usually wearing faded day-glo green or orange jackets.
On Foot
On foot is a great way to get about Bangkok, it’s cheap and often faster than road transport.
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