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Taxi
 Taxis
are the most popular form of transport for visitors to Bangkok.
There's always a good supply day or night and you can catch
a cab almost anywhere. Simply wait at the side of the road
for one to appear and wave it down. Most drivers will recognise
the names of major hotels or tourist areas, but have a map
ready - it helps! Occasionally you might be turned down
if the driver is unsure, or if the location is out of his
way (if late in the shift).
Taxis are metered, but some drivers will try and negotiate
a price with you beforehand, and some "forget"
to turn the meter on, making it difficult to know how much
you should pay when you actually arrive. Passengers are
responsible for additional costs like tollway fees (if using
the expressway) and a surcharge of 50 Baht if coming from
the airport (for taxis from the official metered taxi rank
only).
Skytrain
 Probably
the quickest and most convenient way to get around Bangkok.
This brand new elevated rail system offers an efficient,
speedy alternative to the traffic snarls along all the main
shopping areas of Sukhumvit, Siam Square, Silom and Nana,
and, you get great aerial views of the city!
Air-conditioned and comfortable. Fares range from 15 to
40 Baht with special deals and travel passes on all-day
travel.
Bus
 Travelling
by bus is convenient but can be quite crowded. Have lots
of small change and be prepared to sit for a while in traffic,
especially at rush hour.
The cheaper buses are often crammed with people while the
more "upmarket" air-conditioned micro buses (around
30 Baht) have guaranteed seating (but routes are limited)
Be aware of pickpockets in crowded buses and observe the
specially reserved seats for monks at the bus entrance.
Tuk-Tuk
 Favoured
by the brave and those who don't mind noise and pollution,
these three-wheeled open-air vehicles can get you around
local areas, but are not recommended for long distances
across town.
Tell the driver where you're going and agree on the price
before getting in and make sure you have small change to
pay the fare (most trips will cost around 20 -80 Baht).
Walking
The best way to see most cities is on foot, and Bangkok
is no exception. In some places like Chinatown and many
of the market areas you can only experience the sights and
sounds, the action and the colour - by walking. However,
you do need stamina! Bangkok's steamy climate, doesn't entice
walkers, so stroll either early morning or the end of the
day. In areas such as Silom, Siam and Sukhumvit, it is possible
to walk along newly constructed pathways in relative comfort.
Elsewhere, pavements (if they exist) are often clogged by
vending stalls and parked vehicles - so care must be taken.
The coolest months of the year are December and January,
when the evenings are perfect for strolling along to look
out for bargains at street stalls and see what Bangkok people
are up to before choosing a restaurant to dine in, then
walk home.
Motorcycle
 Motorcycle
taxis. During the day and night, groups of motorcyclists
can be seen lurking on street corners or cruising the streets
wearing coloured vests and trying to get your attention.
These are the motorcycle taxi drivers who will take you
anywhere around town for a fee.
The price can vary depending on the distance you want to
travel and your bargaining skills. Not the safest mode of
transport but can be convenient.
River and Canal Boats
 Bangkok's
traditional form of transport, river boats still operate
along the Chao Phraya River and up along the many canals
or klongs of the inner city. A regular ferry service shuttles
up and down the river daily, stopping at piers on both sides
of the river, and providing tourists with a glimpse of life
on the water. Canal boats still operate in the inner city
areas, but are losing their appeal to commuters as safer,
less smelly and more convenient public transport systems
develop. Longtail boats can be hired from most piers along
the river if you wish to explore the smaller canals on your
own. An hour-long tour around the canals will cost around
600 Baht.
Helicopter
For those times you really need to get around fast,
helicopter services are available for airport transfers,
sightseeing tours and emergency transfers, from heliports
located atop major hotels in the city. Contact Si-Chang
Flying Service for details on 6550186.
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