Mary

Is this similar to the L in Chicago? What is the rate/fee? Can someone tell me the rate of a taxi also. Is it so much for the first KM and then after that? Or is it by time?<BR><BR>If I were to take a taxi to the Flowing market which I believe is a hr from Bangkok, what would it cost?

Kris

Skytrain is similar to the el in Chicago in that it rides above ground. The rate ranges from 10B to 40B (about $1US). The Skytrain doesn't have a lot of stops and has only 2 lines but can be very convenient if where you are going is on the line. Here's a website with more info on the Skytrain and other modes of transport in Bangkok. <BR><BR>http://www.into-asia.com/bangkok/skytrain/

Kathie

Taxis are cheap. The flag drop is 35 baht. The meters work the same way they do in the US. There is a per km rate, but if you aren't moving the meter will still turn over every now and again. I don't know how much it would be to get to the Floating market by taxi. Your hotel will be able to give you an estimate. Note that the drivers of meter taxis are unlikely to speak English, so have your hotel write down your destination in Thai for you to give to your driver. Also, hotels have cards with their name and address written in Thai. Always carry one when you are out and about. You'll never have to worry about communicating with your cab driver where you want to go.

Kristina

Both of the above posters are correct.<BR><BR>One thing to add about taxis; make sure you have them use the meter. Often, when you get in and tell them where you want to go they will try and quote you a flat rate. Just tell them &quot;no, use the meter&quot;. If they don't comply, get out of the cab. Also, it helps to have a map and know where you are going to make sure you are not going in circles.<BR><BR>Don't get me wrong, I think taxis are a great way to get around in BKK, just be aware they sometimes try and take advantage of tourists.<BR><BR>Also, don't forget the river boat. It's like a big bus on the river and costs anywhere from 4-9 baht for a ride. Just jump on the big boats called &quot;Chao Praya Express&quot; and tell the ticket taker which stop you want to get off, she'll tell you the price.

Kathie

Yes, the ferries and express boats are the fastest way to get from one place to another along the river. The express boats start at 10 baht, and go up to maybe 40 baht depending on how far you are going.

MaryK

THank you to all, I'm familiar with the cheap boat travel however, I'll be staying in the Siam Sq area and will be traveling to the Sukumvit area a bit. That is why I will be using either the Sky Train or taxi. <BR><BR>

bob

TAXIS ARE GREAT...WE PREFER THE YELLOW AND GREEN ONES...we had quite a few problems with the red and blue ones in nov, 2002...drivers are less informed and speak less english...overgeneralization..we stopped getting into red and blue ones after our 3rd problem on that trip...<BR><BR>the best floating market is about 2 hours south of bkk...best to go via a tour if you are not familar...we took a hotel car for 4 hours...soct about 50-$60...they usually stop at rosegarden, a &quot;thai culture&quot; center...we found it boring...and would not go back there again...we loved the floating market, however...take a small boat once you are there...plan on 1/2 day minimum...i think a taxi would be about 2/3rds of the cost of the hotel car...i bet they would have trouble finding it however...<BR>the skytrain is great and just like an american rapid transit, only cleaner and cooler (a/c that works)...price as above...limited coverage however...take the skytrain to near where you are going and then jusmp in a cab...you will save lot of time that way