Bangkok is a sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people and if you are planning a short stay in the City of Angels, you might be wondering what is the best way to get around in such a large city. As you would expect, there are quite a few transportation options, which we outline in this short article.
BTS Skytrain
There is a network of lines that connect many areas of Bangkok and like any other big city, travelling on the Skytrain is cheap, safe and very quick. You can find detailed maps online that show the various lines and stations, which gives you all the information you need to use the system. Trains do not run 24/7, so check online for opening hours. If you are staying in a Sukhumvit Soi 11 hotel in Bangkok, you are very close to a BTS station.
Bangkok taxis
There are thousands of taxis in Bangkok, with many different colours; it’s easy to hail a Bangkok taxi, simply raise a hand and if the cab is not carrying passengers, the driver will stop. There is a minimum charge of 35 baht and the fee goes up according to the distance travelled. Of the many colours, we recommend hailing green and yellow cabs, as they are driver-owned, while other colours can be rented by any Thai with a driving licence.
Bangkok canal taxis
Yes, there are longboats that ferry people around the city, much like buses, they have a route and with frequent stops, canal boats are a quick way to get from A to B. Indeed, if you are looking for an adventure, take a canal boat and start to explore the city. Click here for tips on purchasing property in Thailand.
Motorcycle taxis
These daredevil riders wear a vest with their number on it and when hailing one, you must agree to a price before setting off. Locals use them as they are much quicker than a four-wheel taxi and the driver should have a spare helmet for you to wear. Thais will use the bikes for short journeys, especially during rush hour, as it is the fastest way to get where you want to go.
Bike rentals
If you have an International Driving Permit, you can rent a motorcycle, although you need to have nerves of steel to negotiate the infamous Bangkok traffic. They say if you can ride a bike in Bangkok, you can ride one anywhere!
Car rentals
An international driving permit is all it takes to rent a car in Bangkok; rates vary from company to company and we recommend walking around the car to check for damage before you leave the car rental office.
Cycling
It might surprise you to learn that quite a few people actually cycle around the city and you can rent bicycles; search with Google for bicycle rentals in Bangkok and you can rent by the hour or day.
Getting around the city of Bangkok is really quite easy, especially with a little online research and you will have a lot of fun!
