Traveling within Bangkok.
Planes | Trains | Automobiles | Boats | Walking
The first rule of Bangkok is DON’T GET STUCK IN PEAK HOUR TRAFFIC. The second rule of Bangkok is DON’T GET STUCK IN PEAK HOUR TRAFFIC.
Here are the other rules.
Planes
Airlines:
Thai Airways – the premium international carrier. They go to major Thai destinations also.
Bangkok Airways / Air Lao – Thai regional airline.
Thailand: Chiang Mai (CNX), Chiang Rai (CEI), Krabi (KBV), Samui (USM), Sukhotai (THS), Trat>Koh Chang (TDX), Udon Thani (UTH), Phuket (HKT)
International: SIN, HKG, KUL, Luang Prabang (LPQ), Mandalay(MDL), Yangon (RGN), Vientiane(VTE), Mumbai(BOM), Phnom Penh(PNH), Siem Reap (REP)
Air Asia – Asian’s massive international discount carrier. Note! Bangkok flights all go via the old Don Mueang airport.
Thailand: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen, Krabi, Phuket and others.
Other countries: Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, HK, India, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Vietnam.
Nok Air – Thailand based discount regional carrier.
flies to: most Thai cities.
Airports:
Airport: Suvarnabhumi (BKK) – international full-fat carriers
Getting into the city centre:
Train to/from BTS Phaya Thai:
The train is affordable for 1-2 people. More than 2 people it is vastly cheaper to take a taxi. Only consider the train if your hotel is close to a BTS station. From the arrival gate, descend to the bottom floor of the airport.
Taxi-meter:
From the arrival gate, go to the 2nd floor taxi terminal.
Tourist Bus:
Take this only if you are backpacking to Khao San Road or going west of the Chao Praya river.
If you are staying near Sukhumvit Road or Silom Road areas: Take the taxi.
Airport: Don Mueang (BGK) –
The old airport, Don Mueang is now the terminal for discount airlines (Air Asia, Nok Air).
Getting into the city centre:
Taxi is the only option into the city.
Trains
Metropolitan Train Stations
BTS – Skytrain.
Services: Sukhumvit Road area, Silom Road area, Phahon Yothin area.
MRT – Subway.
Services: Khlong Toei Area, Hua Lumpong intercity train station, Ratchadaphisek area.
Intercity Train Stations:
Hualumphong Train Station
-> South towards Islands
-> North towards Chiang Mai.
-> East towards Cambodia (TH: Aranya Pratet, CB: Poipet) >
Reminder: write about the Poipet bus scam and The scary private car option to Siam Reap / Angkor Wat.
Automobiles (Taxis)
Rule: If you don’t see the driver turn on the meter turned on within 50 metres, insist (politely) or get out of the taxi. Take note of the driver’s identification card and number if things get awkward.
Attention Australians! It is customary to sit in the back seat of the taxi. It is also expected that the seatbelts are absent.
Minibuses:
Trat>Ko Chang, Ko Samet, Other destintions.
Inter-regional Government-Run Buses.
Terminals are found near BTS Ekkamai. Available for trips to Koh Chang or Koh Samet or Cambodian border (Aranya Prathet/Poipet) destinations.
Less than 3 wheels:
Tuk Tuks:
Fares negotiated up-front. Short trips are less than ~30 THB. Seats 1-6 people in inversely proportionate comfort.
Motorcycle Taxis:
Look for the guys on bikes in coloured vests (Orange or Purple). Fares are often assumed but may be declared up-front. The less fuss you make when declaring your destination, the better.
Motorcycle taxi fares are dependent on the route. Standard routes on specific sois do not exceed 20THB. eg. 2km journey from BTS Thong Lor to Phra Ram 9 road is 20THB. Deviations from standard routes incur return trip charges.
No wheels
Khlong Boat:
Canal travel is often more expedient than on-road travel as they avoid traffic jams. During peak hour they become essential. This form of transport is ideal for traveling between Banglamphu (Khao San area) to city centre and east towards Phra Ram 9/Sukhumvit area. Fares are typically under 20THB.
Note: Beware, the canals (khlongs) are filled with fetid water. The squeamish will find this experience challenging.
Ferry
Operating on the river, the Chao Praya. Easiest access from the BTS system is from Sathorn Pier. Ideal for destinations such as Wat Po, Arun Residence sunset drinks overlooking Wat Arun, Khao San area.
On Foot
Tips: Bangkok people walk very slowly. This method is not without reason. Cobble stones are often loose underfoot, but mainly it’s because of the heat and humidity. Walking in a calm, sonambulant manner ensures that you do not expose yourself to over-exertion and likely heatstroke.