5 modes of transportation in Bangkok
A variety of transportation options make it convenient to move around in the city of Bangkok. Some of these options are convenient during daytime, when you want to avoid traffic jams. Others are more useful at night, when provided services are scarce. In this article I explain 5 modes of transportation in Bangkok.
1. Taxi’s
The amount of taxi’s in Bangkok is huge. You can find plenty of them 24 hours a day. The taxi’s are particularly useful late at night, when many other services are closed. They are also useful in area’s where other forms of transportation are scarce. Prices for taxi rides are relatively cheap if you know how to deal with the drivers.
When taking a taxi it is important that you ask the driver to turn on the meter. If the driver refuses then just take another taxi. Taxis drivers who are waiting on popular touristic spots often refuse to turn on the meter. Ignore them and walk to the main road. There you have a bigger change to get a meter ride. Always remember the drivers licence number, so you can complain if necessary.
2. Tuk Tuk’s
It is loud it is, surrounded by toxic exhaust fumes and often expensive. Still the tuk tuk seems to be a favorite transport vehicle for many tourists. Discuss a good price for your ride. and do not let the driver convince you to take a cheap tour around the city. Then you will only visit gem stores and tailor shops. You can make use of tuk tuk’s 24 hours a day.
3. Motorcycles
You can find the motorcycle boys on many street corners in Bangkok. Motorcycle taxi’s are usually used for short rides. For example to the top of the street. The drivers can also take you to further destinations, however I do not really recommend taking a motorcycle for long destinations. It is a risky form of transportation. A short ride usually costs around 20 to 30 baht. Usually The motorcycle taxi’s are available till around midnight.
The BTS Skytrain is a convenient way of transportation, although it can be crowded during rush hours. You can use the Skytrain to avoid Bangkok’s notorious traffic jams. There are two lines, the Sukhumvit line and the Silom line. Both lines keep expanding so more and more places in the city are becoming easy to reach. You can make use of the Skytrain from 06.00 til 24.00 hrs. Prices range from 18 to 50 baht.
5. The MRT metro system
You can also make use of the the MRT metro system if you want to avoid traffic jams. The metro can also be crowded during rush hours, but in general it is a convenient and fast way to travel true Bangkok. There is one line going back and forth between Hua Lamphong train station and Bang Sue. You can use the MRT from 06.00 til 24.00 hrs. Prices differ from 15 to 50 baht.
A wide variety of options
As you can see there are many different ways you can travel around in Bangkok. The describe options are used by many Thai’s and tourists. In a next article I will write about more available transportation services. In the meantime I would like to know: How do you like to travel in Bangkok?