Bangkok Getting Around

Getting Around Bangkok - A super efficient skytrain system
Bangkok's traffic is notorious and gridlocked roads can occur at any time of the day, yet thankfully the city does have modern public transport systems in place that is surprisingly easy to navigate. It is wise to arm yourself with a good city map and to plan your journey ahead of time as it is sprawling city that, due to heat and humidity, is not the most comfortable for walking. The Bangkok Transit System or Skytrain is an elevated rail system which traverses the whole city and covers most of the important areas for sightseeing, entertainment and shopping.  Services are generally efficient and frequent and there are interchanges that connect with the equally user friendly MRT underground system.

Getting Around Bangkok - Tour the city streets by traditional tuk-tuk
The MRT is a modern underground system that is punctual and cheap and has train services every 5 minutes throughout the day.  It has come a long way in helping reduce the infamous traffic congestion on Bangkok roads and interior carriages are comfortable and air conditioned. Day and weekly tickets are available which can be used on the skytrain and bus system. When travelling by road, the most enjoyable way is to take a traditional tuk-tuk. They resemble a motorised rickshaw and are a great way for getting around Bangkok and soaking up the chaotic street life. They can be chartered for the day or for an individual journey and are especially popular with visiting tourists.

Getting Around Bangkok - A city of funky coloured taxis
The Bangkok bus network is incredibly extensive and virtually covers every square inch of the city.  It is also the cheapest mode of transport but much more time consuming than the MRT. Many services run all night long and there is a good frequency of services to towns and villages on the outskirts of the city, including several interesting destinations for sightseeing. Getting around Bangkok by taxi is the most convenient way and there seems to be no shortage of cabs at any time of day and night. Bangkok taxis are known for their bright and often garish paintwork and you may see taxis sporting bright orange, pink or electric blue bodywork. Always insist on using a metered cab for single journeys within Bangkok.