How to Get around Bangkok, Thailand - Your Transportation Guide to a Tour of Bangkok
Bangkok is one of the most popular holiday hotspots in Asia, and business travellers and holidaymakers head to the Thai capital in large numbers throughout the year. As a city that doesn't sleep, the best things to see and do in Bangkok are as limitless as the dining options and food streets occupying the metropolis. Whether you are visiting the city on vacation or swinging by Bangkok for a conference, here are the most convenient ways to get where you need to go.
The Advantages of a Convenient Base
Regardless of the purpose of your visit, one cannot argue with the perks of occupying a strategically situated base hotel in Bangkok. As one of Asia's busiest and most congested cities, getting around the bustling metropolis can be challenging whether you are staying at properties belonging to major hotel chains or a hostel on Khao San Road. This is why it is crucial to secure accommodation in a key area of the city that's either close to Bangkok Riverside or the downtown area. Those who are unable to book properties offered by the likes of Minor Hotels or other accommodation options in a strategic location should instead opt for one close to an MRT or BTS SkyTrain station.
Hop on the SkyTrains
Often deemed the fastest and most hassle-free way to get around Bangkok, BTS SkyTrain services cover nearly every corner of the Thai capital. Offering tourists and locals an inexpensive but efficient means of getting from Point A to Point B, SkyTrain stations are located near major shopping malls, key tourist attractions and other major landmarks across Bangkok. This means one can rely on the BTS SkyTrain network for all sightseeing activities. Don't forget to buy a Rabbit Pass that one can top as one goes. Available at local 7-Elevens and all train stations, there are also dedicated travel passes designed for short-stay tourists.
Use the Subway
While the MRT subway train network might be older than the BTS SkyTrains, the system is a no less attractive transport option due to its fast transfers and affordability. The MRT network in the city is divided into 2 lines and is set to expand in the years to come, although it already covers a larger geographical area than the SkyTrain network. Open to commuters from 6 am to 12 midnight, MRT tickets and passes can be purchased through the vending machines at each station. Route maps and other crucial information are available online and at every station so that first-time visitors can familiarise themselves with what interchanges to use. The MRT does tend to be overrun with working professionals during rush hour on weekdays but is relatively peaceful and free from congestion during the remaining hours of the day.
Motorbike Taxis
Although motorbike taxis may not be to everyone's liking, it remains one of the fastest ways to travel around Bangkok. Called Win in Thai, motorbike taxis have a bit of a reputation as an unsafe transport option due to the daredevil antics of its traffic-rule-ignoring drivers. But those with a need for speed will find that this type of taxi can get through some of the most congested areas of Bangkok with ease.
River Travel
Travellers who wish to visit the Grand Palace and iconic temples such as Wat Arun and the khlongs of the Chao Phraya River will find that there are plenty of riverboats to choose from. Easily distinguishable by colour, water taxis and speedboats in Bangkok are both inexpensive and easy to navigate, even if one is not familiar with the lay of the land. Those who are interested in joining a sightseeing cruise on the Chao Phraya River, however, can sign up for a dinner cruise experience on converted rice barges.
