Kjell Brataas

I've heard that due to construction of mass transit systems, traveling within Bangkok is now more time consuming and difficult than ever. Can anyone give me advice on how to best travel within Bangkok, and how to travel from the airport to the city center?

joelle

We were in Bangkok last August and this is true that traffic was uncredible. It was sometimes like real chaos. What we can suggest is the following : make sure your flight comes in or depart in the middle of the day or later at night (after 8 PM). At this time traffic is ok and you can be in the center of town within half an hour.
The same thing applies for your visits all around the town : avoid peak hours and take a cab or a tuk-tuk.

Syfon

I grew up in Bangkok. I understand how the foriegners fell if they are planning to stay in Bangkok. Don't take it too serious if you need to travel from place to place with less than 5 KMs per hour. Almost every roads currently underconstruction. Avoid to use the traffic during 7-8.30 am. and 5-6.30 p.m., because it is better for you to do somthingelse instead of stay still in the middle of the traffic. From Airport there is a bus which will take you directly from airport right to Silom road, downtown by using the express way. Otherwise you need to take Taxi. Make sure that Taxi is the meter one, if they are not polite such turn off the meter and try to bargain with you. Get off and find a new one. I know that it is a bit hard to find the good taxi service at the airport. Recommend you to get taxi by yourself out of the airport not on the airport provider. If you need more information pls e-mail me. I am glad to give you the information.

Haydi

I would like some info. on getting from Singapore to Bangkok. Do you know how much the train costs? What about buses? Do you recommend this form of travel?
I will arrive mid-January and will be staying for three months and was wondering about Malaria tablets? I have been told both that it is and is not necessary... anyone with info??
Thanks

Peg

Kjell, last year when we visited Bangkok we used the long boats on the klongs (canals) not many tourists use them but all the locals do. The doorman at our hotel was amazed because we are in our 60's and you have to be very quick getting on and off at the stops. The rest of the time we used the local buses although sometimes we got off and walked because it was quicker. There is also a boat from the airport to the city that would probably be more enjoyable than sitting in the bus or taxi in heavy traffic. We were able to get around under our own steam for very little money and have a lot of fun doing it. We got all our information from the Lonely Planet guide book. Enjoy yourself, the people are so friendly and helpful.

Rick Smith

Im coming to bangkok in may, your comment about taxis, what about getting your own? any help would be appreciated.
thanks,
Rick

Glen

Hello. I have been to Bangkok many, many times and have tried nearly all forms of transport. The most reliable are the metered taxis. They are cheap and most drivers are very clever at getting to places as long as they know where you want to go! Insist that they turn on the meter, no matter how hard they bargain. Metered fares ARE ALWAYS CHEAPER, if you think about it why would they bargain, they know how much the fare will be on the meter and will try to squeeze a lot of extra Baht out of you. Get a card from your hotel with directions to it written in Thai on the back. I don't ever recommend tuk tuks, they are dangerous and you'll get gassed by traffic fumes. There are also motorbike taxis for the adventurous. Use the water taxis and longboats, they are cheap and don't often get stuck in traffic jams. Some riverfont hotels offer free shuttles along the river. Hotels normally offer free shuttles to shopping complexes. Transport from the airport is usually best by taxi or hotel car. Allow at least 3 hours to get to thevel to the airport if you are leaving during the day. Two years ago it took me close to 4 hours to travle 10 kilometres to the airport. Luckily my Thai friends suggested we leave home about 6 hours before my flight was due to leave, I thought they were crazy!! Enjoy Bangkok and the fantastic Thai food. I love that crazy city, the food, the traffic and most of all the people.

Peg

FYI A postcard came in the post today from a friend it said, "I just love Bangkok despite the heat, noise, pollution and traffic. Have jammed a lot into 4 days - the floating market, Grand Palace, Rose Garden, Thai Cultural show and a trip up to the River Kwai. And what a cheap place to visit at present.....you must include another visit in your jet setting plans......" I just think you are going to have a great time. Peg.

Peg

FYI A postcard came in the post today from a friend it said, "I just love Bangkok despite the heat, noise, pollution and traffic. Have jammed a lot into 4 days - the floating market, Grand Palace, Rose Garden, Thai Cultural show and a trip up to the River Kwai. And what a cheap place to visit at present.....you must include another visit in your jet setting plans......" I just think you are going to have a great time. Peg.

Christine

Hello,
ready for the urban jungle? It is worth the visit if you overcome the traffic and the fumes. It should be OK, if you follow the many advise you already had. I agree taxi meteres are the best way, the most secure in terms of price if they do not want to put the meter or to take you, don't worry it is maybe the city with the mosttaxis in the world. Just be patient is the main motto. But do not take tuk tuk except if youwant a big breath of fumes, and a lot of chaos and noise. Moreover they are mainly very unpleasant. The moto taxi are quite an adventure, for reasonnable distance they are the best way to arrive quickly,. But hold your breath. I love it, but you need your own jhelemet as tehirs is quite dirty or take a scarf to wrap your face into it protects you from the pollution and teh dirt of the helmet. I did that for 2 years and I am fine.
The river or canal ways is a good and very pittoresque one I would recommend too. Anyway I recommedn you shoul dtry every thing. The airport I've been living there over 3 years and I never had a problem reaching the airport there is a nice highway. If youneed infor and bookings you can try http://tiscoverasia.com, by far the best
regards