The biggest question of all, how do I get around this massive city?? There are many options when it comes to traveling in Bangkok, everything from hopping in a taxi to taking the MRT or a TukTuk.
Tuk Tuk's
These small "trucks" are all over Bangkok. They are cute and definitely make for a fun ride compared to any other option. Because they are fun to ride, especially for tourists, the drivers will try and hike up the price. You NEED to learn to haggle if you plan on visiting Thailand. If you want to go from point A to point B, and you are a local, it may cost 100 baht, but for a tourist they will ask you for 300-400 baht. In this case, you can most likely haggle it down to about 150 baht, but be stern!
When standing outside of major locations, such as the Grand Palace, Hotels, Temples, etc. they will jack up the price, so when trying to leave these locations a Taxi is always better.
Sometimes they will try and tell you there is a traffic jam which is why they are charging you more, but this is simply a scam that they all say, even the taxi drivers, so don't fall for it. Keep haggling or give up on that driver and try a new one. While taxis may be cheaper, Tuk Tuks are smaller and can weave in and out of traffic easier, so you will get to your location much quicker.
Taxi's
In the long run, Taxis usually provide the better deal when comparing to Tuk Tuk's. Make sure before you get in the taxi you say "Meter" and be sure the driver says "yes" and turns the meter on. Bangkok taxis do not run on both miles and time, but instead only miles so the drivers usually prefer to try and bargain with you for a flat rate (200 baht for example) but if you use the meter you may make it to your destination for only 70 baht. Always say you want the meter!
Renting a Motorbike
Renting a Motorbike in Thailand can be a great way to see the city you are in on your own terms and on your own schedule. If you plan to visit Chiang Mai or Phi Phi you can rent bikes here as well. We rented our motorbikes in Chiang Mai.
See below for some important tips:
Take photos of your bike! Some places will try and charge you for scratches or damages that were already on the bike before you ever rented it, so take as may photos as you can before getting on the bike.
You will need to put down a deposit, but you will get this back when you return the bike with no damages.
Check how much gas is currently in the tank before taking the bike out and make sure to ask how much gas the bike needs to be returned with! If you do not return it with the proper amount, they will charge you.
They drive on the other side of the road, so be ready and be alert!
The MRT operates from 6am to Midnight. Trains run about every 5-10 minutes depending on the time of day. This is a convenient and quick way to get around the city. If you are planning to stay in this city for more than 2-3 days than taking the MRT will most likely be the cheaper option. Click here to go to find out more information!
Busses
Busses make up another form of public transportation within this sprawling city. Daily busses run from 5am-11pm. If you don't wave down the driver when standing on the sidewalk, they will not stop. Be sure to signal to them when you want to get on and off of the bus otherwise they will keep going. To learn more click here!
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