South East Asian Travel Guide

TRANSPORT OPTIONS IN BANGKOK

Bangkok Sky train :

The BTS is undoubtedly the swiftest way to get around, and can whisk you right where you want to be in no time at all. It's a cheap, smooth, cool, clean, fast and scenic way to enjoy Bangkok. Major shopping malls, Chatuchak Weekend Market, all Sukhumvit Road's attractions, and even the riverside are accessible by Skytrain.
While the Silom line runs west to south, the Sukhumvit line runs north to east. So, if you're new to Bangkok, it's a great way to find your way around and see a large part of what the city has to offer. Note that Service runs between 06:30 and midnight, and the trains can be packed during peak hours (07:00 - 09:00 and 16:00 - 19:00)

Fares and Sky train Passes:

Fares start at 15 baht per one stop. A one-day pass may be a good option for those planning to do a lot of hopping on and off for one full day. But if you plan to be in Bangkok for a while, it might be a good idea to buy the BTS Smart Pass.
One-day Pass Unlimited travel within the duration of a single day for 120 baht. Ideal for tourists.

Smart Pass / Stored Value Cards :

These are available for 100 baht plus 30 baht refundable deposit. They are valid for 5 years and can be filled with a minimum of 100 baht and up to 2,000 baht.

30-Day Pass for Adults :

- For 15 trips (use within 30 days), 23 baht per trip unlimited distance, it costs 345 baht.
- For 25 trips (use within 30 days), 22 baht per trip unlimited distance, it costs 550 baht.
- For 35 trips (use within 30 days), 21 baht per trip unlimited distance, it costs 735 baht.
- For 40 trips (use within 30 days), 20 baht per trip unlimited distance, it costs 900 baht.

The following stations offer facilities (such as elevators) for disabled people: Mo Chit, Siam, Asok, On Nut and Chong Nonsi. BTS Tourist Information Centers can be found at Siam, Nana and Saphan Taksin stations. A very informative BTS city map can be picked up free from any station.


Bangkok Underground (MRT):

Fast and efficient, the Mass Rapid Transit network (MRT) has been a welcome and well-used addition to Bangkok's public transport network since its hi-tech doors sprung open back in July 2004.

With a capacity to whiz 40,000 passengers per hour in each direction, trains every five minutes in peak times (07:00 - 09:00, 16:00 - 19:00) and every seven minutes at other times, its responsible (along with the Skytrain) for taking much of the pressure off the city's notoriously clogged roads.

With air-conditioning throughout, it's comfortable as well as quick, and there's also mobile phone coverage - very handy!

Although additional lines and extensions are in the pipeline (pending government approval), it currently only comprises the blue line. This serves 18 stations and stretches for 20 km in a horseshoe shape from Hualamphong in the South (near Chinatown) to Bang Sue in the north. Stops of particular interest to visitors include Chatuchak Weekend Market, Thailand Cultural Centre, Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, Lumpini Park, Silom and Sukhumvit Road. It intersects with the Skytrain (BTS) at Silom and Sukhumvit stations, from where it's a short walk to BTS Sala Daeng and BTS Asok stations, respectively.

Service is staggeringly efficient; 99.54% of trains arrive on time (source: Bangkok Metro Quality Service Report, 2006), and there is a wide range of tickets available. Customers can purchase single journey tickets from vending machines, or stored value cards from the ticket offices.

A single journey ticket from one end to the other costs 39 baht, taking an estimated 25 minutes (minimum fare for one stop is 15 baht). An unlimited use one-day pass costs 120 baht, a three-day pass is 230 baht, and a 30-day pass will set you back 800 baht.

Parking is provided at seven stations: Sam Yan, Sukhumvit, Phetchaburi, Thailand Cultural Centre, Huai Khwang, Ratchadaphisek and Kamphaeng Phet.

All stations have facilities (lifts) for disabled people.

Before setting off, there are a few peculiarities worth knowing:

- If you want to go to Lumpini Park, do not get off at Lumpini Station. Exit at Silom Station.

- If you want to go to Central Lad Phrao, do not get off at Lad Phrao Station. Exit at Phaholyothin Station.

- If you want to go to Chatuchak Market, do not get off at Chatuchak Park Station. Exit at Kamphaeng Phet Station.

- If you want to go to Thailand Cultural Center, you will need to get a taxi from the station. The Thailand Cultural Centre is a fair distance from Thailand Cultural Centre Station.

TRAVEL BY BUS :

Buses in Bangkok provide an incredibly cheap way to travel from one side of the city to another. It's also a great way to see the real Bangkok you don't often see if you're traveling by other means of transportation. Although buses give you a ringside seat to experience and observe the locals and the city, they're not the most favourite means of getting around. Obnoxious drivers, aggressive bus conductors, bad traffic, pollution and sweaty fellow passengers are some of the things you will inevitably encounter. But this is real, hardcore Bangkok.

The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, is responsible for providing bus services to people living and working in Bangkok and nearby provinces (Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan and Nakhon Pathom). BMTA operates over 100 routes, served by more than 3,000 buses (regular buses and air-conditioned). There are also privately-owned buses, and minibuses (both private and operated by the BMTA).

Types of Buses & Fares

There are many types of buses available in Bangkok. Bus routes are very extensive too, and can be mind-boggling to first-timers. Make sure you first equip yourself with the MBTA map (available at most bus terminals). When in doubt, ask a local, or policemen, or call the '184' BMTA Hotline for assistance. Most buses (except for the all-night ones) run from 05:00 to 23:00 daily. Regular buses cost 7 baht (cream-red), and 8 baht (white-blue). Expressway buses costs 8.5 baht. Air-conditioned buses (cream-blue) cost from 9 to 19 baht (depending on the distance travelled). All-night buses (cream-red) are 8 baht. EURO II buses (yellow-orange) cost anything between 12 to 22 baht, depending on the distance travelled.


Useful tips

Since destinations on the majority of the city's buses are written in Thai, the best way for visitors to figure out which bus goes where is by the bus number, the type of bus and its colours. The BMTA bus map also comes in very handy. Don't be fooled by the buses with the same number but different colours; they don't always share the same route. Make sure you stick to the numbers that match the colours only. Things to keep in mind when taking a bus in Bangkok:

- The fare will be collected on the bus by the bus conductor.
- Prepare small change for the fare. A 100-baht note on an air-con bus is acceptable, but not so much on regular or smaller buses (500 and 1,000 baht notes are a big no-no).
- Keep the small receipt because sometimes it will be checked.
- On air-con buses, fares vary according to the distance. Just tell the bus conductor where you wish to get off, and he will tell you how much the journey will cost.
- On regular or smaller buses, the fare (around 7 - 8 baht, normally no more than 10 baht) is usually fixed.
- Be courteous and offer seats to small children, monks, the elderly and pregnant women.
- Once on the bus, keep walking inside. Don't stand at the door, or block the way in the middle of the bus.
- Make sure you hold on to the rail at all times because buses tend to be a bit 'jerky'.
- To alert the driver that you want to get off, press a buzzer in advance (before the bus reaches your stop).
- If you're not sure where to get off, ask the bus conductor to let you know.
- Always keep the name of your hotel and its address (or wherever you're staying) with you, preferably in Thai, in case you get lost.
- The newest, most efficient, and spacious bus is of the EURO II (yellow-orange). The drivers and conductors are nice and polite and, most importantly, the air-con works!


Motorbike Taxis in Bangkok

Indeed, one of the fastest ways to get around town when you're a solitary traveller is to jump on a motorbike taxi. By being able to dodge the almost constant gridlock and dart in and out between cars and buses, motorbikes are a quick way to get around, especially during rush hours. Considering Bangkok's notorious traffic conditions, it is probably also the most dangerous!

Despite the immediate hazards - fearless motorbike taxi drivers will do anything to get you to your destination quickly, even if it means driving on sidewalks or in the opposing traffic lane! - many brave passengers opt for the two-wheeled vehicles to take them all over town.

Motorbike taxi drivers are easily recognized. Wearing numbered orange vests, groups of motorbike drivers can be spotted congregating in groups near street corners of office or shopping buildings, busy roads, smaller 'sois' (streets), and near Skytrain and underground stations. Fares will start from 10 baht for short journeys, and varies depending on how far you go. For certain routes, the fare will be fixed, and you'll sometimes see a board displaying prices. But make sure you negotiate prior to the journey, or else you might find yourself paying more than the locals. Always wear a safety helmet - not only for obvious reasons, but because foreigners are easy targets for spot fines (up to 1,000 baht, depending on the mood of the traffic officer).


Tuk-tuks in Bangkok ( Auto Rickshaws):

Tuk-tuks or 'sam lor' (three-wheeled) used to be everyone's favourite way of getting around Bangkok before the BTS, MRT and colourful taxis took over. Originating from an old-fashioned rickshaw during the second World War, a tuk-tuk is essentially a rickshaw with a small engine fitted in.

Tuk-tuks have become one of Bangkok's most recognisable transportation features, and are still popular among tourists and visitors. Riding a tuk-tuk is more of an experience rather than a practical way to get around. So, if it's your first time in The Big Mango, there's no harm in giving it a go. Here are some tips to keep in mind before you wave one down:

- Fares vary, depending on the distance travelled, the time of the day, the traffic, and the mood of the drivers. Normally a very short trip will cost 30 baht.
- Fare negotiating and haggling is a must because the price named by the driver is always an 'inflated rate' (especially if you're a tourist). The trick is to negotiate 5 - 15 baht off the proposed fare, and take it from there.
- Be careful of the 'mafia' tuk-tuks around touristy areas, who often boasts privileged knowledge of 'secret' or 'special' shopping places and things. Some of them may offer sightseeing tours and unsolicited help to take you places. A short and sweet "no, thanks" will save you from their scams. The same rule applies to taxis.
- Avoid taking a tuk-tuk during peak hours (07:00 - 09:00, 16:00 - 19:00). You don't want to be stuck in traffic for hours, sweating and breathing in the hazardous fumes from engines all around you.
- Tuk-tuks are most ideal for short trips. (Sometimes it would cost the same, or even cheaper, to take a cab to the same destination.