Bangkok is a very large metropolis. It is quite huge. The population of Bangkok is 7.1 million people. Furthermore, it is much more spread out than other cities such as New York. Within the city, the traffic is very congested and public transportation is not as advanced as the transportation systems in first world countries. Furthermore, it is difficult to use taxis in Bangkok because there is no standard test for taxi drivers, which makes for drivers with substandard knowledge of the city.
In Bangkok, there are 5 modes of transportation that visitors generally use:
BTS SkyTrain: This is a relatively new method of transportation that was started by the Thai government in 1999. Considered by the Thai people to be a more expensive mode of transportation, it is still relatively cheap by western standards ($1.00-$1.50 for a one-way trip). The skytrains are extremely easy-to-use and clean. However, there are only two lines so therefore does not cover the vastness of Bangkok. Despite this, I highly recommend them due to their ease of use.
MRT (Mass Rapid Transit Network): The MRT, for lack of better word, is the subway system in Bangkok, Thailand. Similar to the BTS Skytrain, it has a limited footprint and does not encompass the entire city. Despite the small footprint, I recommend the MRT because it is inexpensive and easy to use!
River Boats: The river boats are extremely cheap (about $0.50 for a one-way trip) and they are a great way to escape Bangkok's notoriously bad traffic! Plus, it gives you an opportunity to see views of the city from the famous Chao Phraya River.
Taxis: Bangkok has very inexpensive taxis compared to taxis found in Europe and the United States. However, there is no test to become a taxi driver which makes for a very wide range of knowledge between taxi drivers. Furthermore, Bangkok is such a large city that it is difficult for any taxi driver to be proficient in all parts of the city. Because of this, it is important to carry a map with you at all times and have a good working knowledge of your destination before entering a cab.
Tuk Tuks: Tuk Tuks are found all over Bangkok. Ranging from affordable to extremely expensive depending on the driver and your bargaining skills, it is important to negotiate prices before entering the tuk tuk. More dangerous than taxis, tuk tuks should not be used as a primary mode of transportation, but are fun from time to time.
There are a lot of ways to get around Bangkok as the city is so huge! Make sure you do your research beforehand and always travel with a map or a Smartphone with mapping software on it. Good luck!
In Bangkok, there are 5 modes of transportation that visitors generally use:
BTS SkyTrain: This is a relatively new method of transportation that was started by the Thai government in 1999. Considered by the Thai people to be a more expensive mode of transportation, it is still relatively cheap by western standards ($1.00-$1.50 for a one-way trip). The skytrains are extremely easy-to-use and clean. However, there are only two lines so therefore does not cover the vastness of Bangkok. Despite this, I highly recommend them due to their ease of use.
MRT (Mass Rapid Transit Network): The MRT, for lack of better word, is the subway system in Bangkok, Thailand. Similar to the BTS Skytrain, it has a limited footprint and does not encompass the entire city. Despite the small footprint, I recommend the MRT because it is inexpensive and easy to use!
River Boats: The river boats are extremely cheap (about $0.50 for a one-way trip) and they are a great way to escape Bangkok's notoriously bad traffic! Plus, it gives you an opportunity to see views of the city from the famous Chao Phraya River.
Taxis: Bangkok has very inexpensive taxis compared to taxis found in Europe and the United States. However, there is no test to become a taxi driver which makes for a very wide range of knowledge between taxi drivers. Furthermore, Bangkok is such a large city that it is difficult for any taxi driver to be proficient in all parts of the city. Because of this, it is important to carry a map with you at all times and have a good working knowledge of your destination before entering a cab.
Tuk Tuks: Tuk Tuks are found all over Bangkok. Ranging from affordable to extremely expensive depending on the driver and your bargaining skills, it is important to negotiate prices before entering the tuk tuk. More dangerous than taxis, tuk tuks should not be used as a primary mode of transportation, but are fun from time to time.
There are a lot of ways to get around Bangkok as the city is so huge! Make sure you do your research beforehand and always travel with a map or a Smartphone with mapping software on it. Good luck!
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Want to find out more about Travel in Bangkok, then visit Blake West's site on Southeast Asia travel.
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