| Bangkok is one of the largest and busiest cities on | | | | to your downtown hotel is likely to only cost you |
| the planet and trying to find your way around can | | | | in the vicinity of 200 THB (or about $5). Keep in |
| be something of a challenge for even the most | | | | mind, however, that as reliable and comfortable |
| seasoned traveller. But don't despair - with a cool | | | | as Bangkok taxis can be, they are still subject to |
| heart, plenty of patience, an icy bottle of water | | | | peak hour traffic jams. If you need to be across |
| and a bit of forward planning, you'll be on your | | | | town during peak times, consider leaving for your |
| way across town before you know it. | | | | destination earlier to avoid traffic, or else take a |
| Here are some tips on Bangkok transport options | | | | combination of taxi and public transport (skytrain, |
| and how best to make your way around this | | | | underground or ferry) to avoid getting stuck in |
| bustling metropolis | | | | one of those notorious Bangkok traffic |
| 1. Avoid Tuk Tuk Scams | | | | nightmares. Also, when taking a taxi, make sure |
| Tuk Tuks (3 wheeled motorised taxis) can | | | | you select a driver who uses a meter, not one |
| provide you with a quick and readily available | | | | who quotes you a set fee, as choosing the |
| means of getting around Bangkok, but don't be | | | | second option will invariably end up costing you |
| tempted by the '20 baht' offer of a full day tour | | | | more. |
| of the city. These scams invariably take you | | | | 5. Leg Power |
| from one dull & overpriced shopping venue | | | | If you want to sightsee in Bangkok or don't have |
| to another, each one selected on the sole basis | | | | far to travel across town, consider donning a pair |
| that if you buy something, your tuk tuk driver will | | | | of good walking shoes, grabbing a bottle of water |
| earn himself a nice commission bonus. Not all tuk | | | | and setting out on foot to explore this vast and |
| tuk rides are scams but just make sure you | | | | exciting city. Especially during peak traffic times, |
| negotiate a reasonable price for your (direct) trip | | | | you'll find this a much more enjoyable mode of |
| before jumping on board. | | | | transport and you'll get to see some of the |
| 2. Utilise the Bangkok Skytrain and newly opened | | | | intricate details which make up this cosmopolitan |
| Underground | | | | city. In addition, you'll get closer to the people and |
| The BTS Skytrain and newly opened Underground | | | | probably make a few new friends along the way. |
| (or subway) network will get you around Bangkok | | | | 6. Public Buses & Trains |
| in the fastest possible time. If you want to get | | | | Public buses run everywhere in Bangkok but |
| across town in a hurry and avoid the infamous | | | | trying to work out which bus goes where can be |
| Bangkok traffic jams, then these two transport | | | | a bit daunting, even for veteran Bangkok |
| systems will serve you well. From most points | | | | travellers. If you've got a sense of adventure and |
| around the city you can take a quick walk or taxi | | | | a bit of time on your hands, you'll find this a fun |
| ride to the nearest station and be on your way in | | | | and inexpensive mode of transport, as well as a |
| air-conditioned comfort in no time at all. Just | | | | great way to meet people along the way. Just |
| remember, during peak times, you'll be sharing the | | | | keep in mind that peak hour in Bangkok will mean |
| ride with thousands of Thai commuters, so you'll | | | | very full buses, sometimes not even standing |
| be lucky to get a seat, but it still beats sitting in | | | | room will be available. |
| traffic for up to two hours. | | | | Public trains (not the underground) are mainly for |
| 3. Try the Chao Phraya Ferry Service | | | | travel to regional destinations, so unless you're |
| For a scenic journey across town, try one of the | | | | heading upcountry, travelling by train around |
| many ferry services operated on the main river, | | | | Bangkok is probably not your best option. |
| the Chao Phraya, which winds its way through | | | | 7. Motorbike Taxis - Not for the Faint-hearted |
| Bangkok. Only available during daylight hours, this | | | | Their ability to duck in and out of the congestive |
| is one of the most relaxing and stress free ways | | | | Bangkok traffic and the low cost make motorbike |
| to get around Bangkok, plus you'll see a terrific | | | | taxis a popular choice for many living in Bangkok. |
| blend of old and new architecture as you pass by | | | | If you only need to travel a fairly short distance, |
| sweeping skyscrapers and humble wooden | | | | a motorbike taxi could be a fast options for you. |
| abodes. There are ferry stops all along the river, | | | | Keep in mind though that this mode of transport |
| usually marked on any map of Bangkok and if | | | | is not the safest form of getting around and you'll |
| you're not sure which ferry to take to get to | | | | require nerves of steel as well as great trust in |
| where you're going, just ask one of the other | | | | your driver if you choose to travel by motorbike |
| commuters or ticket staff - they'll be happy to | | | | taxi around Bangkok. |
| help you on your way. | | | | Copyright 2006 Kris Gardener. Please feel free to |
| 4. Taxis are cheap but traffic moves slowly | | | | pass this article on to your friends, or use it in |
| In Bangkok, you can hire a metered taxi for very | | | | your ezine or newsletter. It's a shareware article. |
| little cost. For example, a journey from the airport | | | | |