Peanuts or Pretzels’ article on getting around Bangkok is a great place for visitors to Bangkok who want to make the most of their time while spending the least amount of it in traffic. They break down each of the different methods for getting around town, be it walking, taking taxis, or trying out the many different types of public transportation. Each explanation is paired nicely with photos to help guide you when flagging a tuk tuk or purchasing Skytrain tickets. Liz and Josh even take the bus – an adventure for the light-of-wallet but not lighthearted!
Some of their best advice includes:
There are so many ways to get around Bangkok that it can be a bit overwhelming to figure it all out. Luckily, we found a helpful website in advance of our visit that helped us to plan out our journeys. The Bangkok Transit website breaks down all the different options available, as well as providing helpful maps and routes. So be sure to take a look well in advance of your trip because you should find accommodations that are convenient to the sights you want to visit, as well as transportation options that are convenient and affordable for you!
Liz then proceeds with breaking down her experience on several different modes of transportation:
Our experience getting around Bangkok by Subway & Sky Train
Bangkok Thailand has a good metro rail system, which consists of a variety of train options that are interconnected, such as the sky train (above ground) and underground subway. When you arrive at the main international airport, Suvarnabhumi, your best option is to take the Sky Train into the city.
The Sky Train is efficient, clean, safe, and relatively inexpensive (especially compared to a taxi!). This really is the best way to get into town because the international airport is a bit outside the city and there isn’t much to do in this area. Once you are in the city center, you can transfer to other trains, including the underground metro.
Purchase your tickets for the Bangkok sky train and metro from the automated machines. First, locate on the map where it is that you want to go. Select that fare, insert your money, and receive the ticket. The machines will only take coins, but if you don’t have coins, you can visit the windows and get change from the attendants. They do this all the time, so they will usually have change counted out and ready to go. After inserting your ticket into the gate to enter, be sure to take the ticket back because you will need it to get back out of the train station!
Using the bus system in Bangkok
To get on the bus, simply wait at one of the signs and they will stop for you. Sometimes you have to flag them down, but not usually. Get on board first and take a seat so they can get moving (traffic moves fast). A person will come around to take your money and give you a ticket. This works the same way as the water taxis. The fares vary by bus, depending on if you have a nice air-conditioned bus or older bus with open windows. We opted for the non-air buses because they were cheaper and worked just fine. We paid 8 baht (about $0.25 cents USD) per person for a one-way trip, regardless of the distance being traveled. Not a bad way to get around town!
To get on the bus, simply wait at one of the signs and they will stop for you. Sometimes you have to flag them down, but not usually. Get on board first and take a seat so they can get moving (traffic moves fast). A person will come around to take your money and give you a ticket. This works the same way as the water taxis. The fares vary by bus, depending on if you have a nice air-conditioned bus or older bus with open windows. We opted for the non-air buses because they were cheaper and worked just fine. We paid 8 baht (about $0.25 cents USD) per person for a one-way trip, regardless of the distance being traveled. Not a bad way to get around town.
To read more advice on taking the subway and Skytrain, water taxi, street taxis, or tuk tuks or going around by foot, check out the full article below.
Read full article:
Getting Around Bangkok Thailand
Reposted from: Peanuts or Pretzels
Picture credits: Peanuts or Pretzels
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