How to get from Bangkok airport to the hotel, to the center? The cheapest transport in bangkok

The essence of traveling is to adapt to a new place and get as close as possible to the lifestyle of the locals. This approach allows you to significantly reduce costs and, accordingly, extend the trip for months. Many tourists coming to new country, protect themselves from the locals and approach everything with condemnation: "it's better here", "it's generally horror-horror here" "how do they even live here?". We try to perceive everything as it is and try to live the same way, without limiting ourselves in almost anything - if the locals drink from the tap, then we can, sit on the floor, why don't we sit down, eat with chopsticks or hands - we will learn also, and we will not discuss the disadvantages of this method of eating.

First of all, upon arrival in Bangkok, we decided to study its public transport. This is a very important part of adapting, because without freedom of movement, you will never be able to properly explore a new city. There are many buses here. different types, skytrain, underground metro, tuk-tuks, motorcycle taxis and ordinary taxis.

I'll start with bus service , because in my opinion, this is the most convenient and cheapest method of moving in this city. First of all, we go to the bookstore and buy just such a card (it costs 69 baht):
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Or:
Not bad free cards Bangkok metro lines and tram lines can be found at Bangkok Airport (addition from lada_wind )
On the streets from time to time there are kiosks "Tourist Info" (or something like that) - from there they smile and give free cards. (addition from LAUGHTER)

The bus route map is an indispensable assistant in moving around Bangkok, without it we are like without legs. I'll show you some footage from this card later on, but it's still a good idea to buy it to use it effectively.

There are many types of buses, there are air-conditioned and not, public, private, large, small, prices are different everywhere, details can be seen in this frame: 2

Now bus routes (how to use all this is described below):

From 38th to 81st (these maps show the same section of the map, but different routes are marked on it):

And a general view of Bangkok with bus routes outside the city:

Airport bus routes:

Map conventions:
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Bus routes passing through popular places:
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Now about that how to use all this stuff.
First, decide where you need to go and try to find this place on the last three frames. For example, we want to go to the MBK shopping center. We find it in the list of markets and shopping centers and see which routes pass near MBK. Suppose we are on Khaosan Road, again we try to find it in the list and find it right above the MBK. Now we just need to find matches between routes, in our case it will be the 15th bus. You can also see a map with directions. It is quite possible that there are the right buses passing within one block of you and it is worth walking 5 minutes to a big intersection than waiting for the only bus near the house.

In general, there are usually at least two routes between two points - Bangkok's bus system is very extensive and convenient, like everything in this modern city. If the place you are going to or the place you are starting from is not listed, then you need to look at the route map and look for matches there. It will be useful to immediately write down all the routes that pass by your guesthouse, if you plan to travel from there often by bus, this will make it twice as easy to find matches. In order not to confuse the side of the road on which you need to get on the bus, it is advisable to have a small compass so that you can always center the map in the north and understand in which direction you need to go. I, as the son of a cartographer, believe that any map is useless if you do not know where the north is. Many people believe that they have what is called "topographical cretinism", but I am sure that this is just because they do not know where north is, and do not consider it necessary to know this when orienting.

There is also a discussion of free buses in the comments.

Masha will tell you about the features of moving on other types of Bangkok public transport:

Skytrain- the same subway in fact (it is called here bts), only located above roads and highways. The thread looks like this.
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In the same picture - taxis, typical for Bangkok, driving on the counter.

And this is what the standard entrances look like, or rather the rises to the BTS, some are equipped with escalators that take you directly from the sidewalk.
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The ticketing system is as follows:
- Rise from the road to the first level (or find yourself on it from the transition above the road or from the shopping center), you see such a machine -
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It accepts only 5 and 10 baht coins, they can be exchanged in an exchanger located somewhere nearby.
On the diagram, look at which range zone from your station (marked with a yellow circle) the station you need belongs to. For example, you need to go to Mo Chit, zone 6. Press the button with the number six. Above the scheme and on the LCD screen, the cost is written, for zone 6 - 40 baht (maximum, by the way). So we put four ten-bath coins (or mixed with five-bat ones) into a special slot in turn until the machine is saturated to the required amount, then it will give you such a ticket -
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Sometimes the picture is slightly different.

We put the ticket with the forward arrow into the turnstile, take the ticket that popped up for ourselves and go through. We save this ticket until the last station, there, when exiting, you will also need to put it in the turnstile, but it will already remain there. If you leave in the wrong zone that you paid for, the ticket will probably not work and you will have to contact the staff.
As we passed through the turnstile, we rise even one level higher, just look at the signs, they indicate the direction of the train in the form of its final station.

Platform.
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On the train.
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If you are at one station, and you need to know in advance how much it will cost to travel from some other station to another, then find this table where you can find out the cost by intersections. And here you can click to view.

BTS has two branches that intersect at Siam Station. You can transfer there. You can get off at the same station if you need to go to Siam Paragon and other mega malls and shopping centers, of which there are about a dozen.
By the way, in order to find out which station you better get off at, or which one is closer to your hotel, do not be too lazy to buy a Bangkok map with BTS and underground metro lines superimposed on it. Such cards are sold both at the airport and in tourist places, and in every bookstore, for example, at the 7eleven minimarket chain. In the meantime, here are links for an approximate schematic knowledge:
- a map on the BTS website, with a metro line and a designation of river bus piers.
- the same map, but there are prices for multiple tickets for BTS with discounts on the page. It can be useful for those who are going to live in Bangkok for a long time.

Pro underground metro, which has one branch that communicates with the branches of the skytrain, we cannot yet write in the same detail, we have not yet tried to navigate on it. But I don't think it's more difficult.
The metro is very convenient, clean and fast (except for queues during peak hours, but in any case there are fewer people than on the skytrain). You can drive to Hua Lampong Station, Bang Sue Station, Chatuchak Market, Lumpini Park and Suan Lum Market. in general, competently complements BTS. (addition from zhushman )

We can tell you more about river communication.
For example, this is how a simple water bus pier looks like.
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Unloading.
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There are, like, three types of river trams. 1) those who travel all over the river Chao Phraya along the city from pier to pier for a long time, as if on a road (13 baht per trip)
2) those that transport just from coast to coast of Chao Phraya (3 baht for the crossing)
3) those that ply the canals in the city
Trams of the first type stick now to one bank, then to the other, are paid on board to the conductor as in a bus, occasionally in advance at the pier. If it sticks to the wrong bank in the area of ​​the river that you need, you can find a pier for type 2 ferry trams nearby. They are already paid for by 3 baht at the entrance to the pier at the turnstile.
In general, river communication is very convenient, although sometimes it takes 20 minutes to wait for a tram in the right direction. But there are no traffic jams and you can go far to the north or south of the city for a penny.
The whole thing works only until dark, i.e. until 18.00.
The piers are numbered and named each in its own way as stops. Their location along the river can also be found in any map of Bangkok for tourists.
3. Trams running along narrow canals are a bit extreme and very fun way to travel. The advantages are the same as on the river - there are no traffic jams and quite quickly. The speed seems great, you need to get out and get in carefully, a little more dangerous than trams on the river, the cost seems to be 10 baht to the end. They go very often. Payment on board. When approaching the pier, the boat is not visible, auto rickshaws begin to assure that today is a holiday, that trams are not working today. Don't believe! It was everyone and we already met each other laughing, I was ahead and shouted: today is a holiday, today the boat does not work. (addition from lada_wind And romx )

Taxi in the city they are required to drive according to the meter, but from Khaosan they often refuse to take it according to the meter. Get away from the area and when getting into a taxi, do not ask for haumach, but simply name the place. The driver himself, without talking, must turn on the meter. It will immediately indicate the minimum amount for some first number of kilometers - 35 baht. It expires pretty quickly, then it is considered difficult depending on the mileage and speed. If the taxi is in a traffic jam, baht also drips. Traffic jams are common in Bangkok. Without them, you can drive through the entire city for 150 baht from edge to edge, baht for 100 with average traffic jams through the center or half the city. With traffic jams, of course, it will be more expensive. Once Olya managed to drive two bus stops by taxi in the center for 120 baht on the meter.
Travel by toll roads(for example, to the airport) is paid by the passenger with a plus for payment by the meter, this should be taken into account. (addition from LAUGHTER)
It is more profitable for three of them to ride in a taxi than in buses for the price and convenience. But taxis travel no faster than buses due to traffic jams. It’s also inexpensive for two, if the budget allows. Our budget is minimal, so we choose buses.

The city is still running motorcycle taxi. Uncles, and sometimes aunts in orange vests and with a spare helmet for the passenger.
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Plus - they will go around all traffic jams, minus - they are still crooks, you need to negotiate and know well approximate prices, otherwise they will ask for at least three times more)

Is there some more tuktuks are small, a la Indian rickshaw.
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Also the price is negotiable, and even rush to foreigners as a welcome prey. So we didn't try. And if you live in the Khaosan area, then even more experienced people do not advise using it, because such tuktuks will first pretty shake your nerves with whining about "we'll go to one store" then "we'll go to another", so that in most cases patience runs out and where you must not arrive. There is a phrase that sometimes helps to forget about shops - "our friends are waiting for us there, they are already standing and waiting."

Besides them, there are bigger tuktuks, with an open body, in which there are two benches, a place to stand and a button on the ceiling to stop. They cost five baht.
These tuktuks are called “Songteo”, literally “two rows” (of benches), “two rows”.
They go along the “route”, and if you know it, or you can explain to the driver where you are going, then he will either say - “yes, let's go” or “no, in the other direction”, then you pay “like locals”. However, they are often not averse to making fun of a tourist, and if they see a tourist, they always “yes, they go”, and then they want “like a taxi”.
Therefore, the way to ride a songthaew is rather troublesome: you sit down without asking, you go to the right direction, if you see that you have turned to the side, you go out, pay 20 baht, and catch the next one.
It works if you know exactly how to drive and imagine the songthaew route.
In Pattaya, songthaews are the only public transport (except for motorcycle taxis), but everything is simple there, since there are exactly two or three routes. (Supplement from romx )

If you have more detailed information, share, we will be glad to additions)

City buses, tuk-tuks, songteos, taxis, motorcycle taxis are in abundance in Bangkok. Public transport very well developed here. But how can an average tourist who is not well trained in moving around the metropolis understand it? Where to run, how to get to right place how to catch a taxi, in the end, or at least where to go to take a break from the hustle and bustle in order to exhale and think? Dealing with these issues on the spot is quite troublesome. So it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the options for moving around the City of Angels in advance. And to understand that everything here is logical, civilized and not at all as difficult as it might seem.

Tip number one: be puzzled in advance if you have a map of the city and it is very desirable in an electronic version. Google maps installed on most modern smartphones is your faithful assistant. If for some reason you do not have the opportunity to use electronic cards, then in many hotels, bookstores or mini markets 7Eleven you can buy a paper version of the map with the indicated sights of Bangkok.

Tip number two: if possible, when planning a route, visit the site www.transitbangkok.com, using which you can find out all types of transport that can take you from point A to point B.

So, the main ways to travel around Bangkok on wheels, that is, by land.

1. Taxi

The most common, easy for a tourist and enough comfortable way travel around Bangkok. Bright yellows, pinks, blues, etc. cars will take you from point A to point B and will not empty your wallet much. Taxi in Bangkok is very popular and well developed, both Thais themselves and tourists use it, because you can get to the right place with maximum comfort without knowing the city. In addition, Bangkok taxi is inexpensive way moving around the city, especially if you are not traveling alone.

Pros: inexpensive, comfortable, air-conditioned, you can not follow the road, they drive around the clock.

Minuses: terrible Bangkok traffic jams can greatly delay the moment of arrival at your destination and increase the fare; not all taxi drivers agree to ride on the meter; You can find cheaper travel options.

Nuances:
Taxis must be taken according to the meter, because. the amount announced by the taxi driver is often overestimated by 2-3 or more times. Therefore, when arranging a trip, immediately inform the driver to turn on the "taxi meter". Some taxi drivers refuse to drive on the meter (which, by the way, is illegal), as, for example, on the street, in this case you say goodbye, catch the next taxi and repeat the procedure.

When boarding a taxi, the number 35 will already be on the meter - this is the standard cost of landing, then the amount will increase depending on the distance, when traveling up to 10 km, the cost of one km is 5.5 baht. When traveling more than 10 km, the cost per kilometer will be increased. In traffic jams, the cost of a kilometer also increases, so try not to use taxi services during rush hour if possible.

If you need to get to a certain hotel or a not very popular attraction in the city, it is best to have the address with you this place and also in Thai. Not all taxi drivers speak English. In addition, it is better to see in advance what popular places are in the area (shopping centers, temples, public transport stops).

Tips for taxi drivers are welcome, but not required. In any case, if you have accumulated 87 baht for the trip, it is likely that “the state will not become poorer”, and you can give 100 baht without change. But this is up to you.

To understand that a taxi is free, you need to look at the windshield: a hot red badge indicates that you can use the services of this taxi.

In order not to catch a car on the street and not waste time and nerves on playing “cheaper / more expensive”, you can always use the service by downloading the application to your phone and ordering a taxi through it.

2. Motobike taxi

In Bangkok, motosai are not as popular as in Pattaya, due, perhaps, to greater distances. So, a ride on a motorbike taxi can be more expensive than on a regular one. However, if you need to drive a couple of blocks, and it’s rush hour in the yard, and you have a taxi rank on mopeds on your way, then you can use their services. Of course, having stipulated the price in advance. The average cost of a trip is 30-60 baht, but you will most likely be told at least 150-200. This is common practice, bargain!

Pros: quickly, traffic jams are not terrible, with a breeze and not boring.

Minuses: out of habit it can be scary; motorbikers do not always bargain well; You can ride together, but it will be a) worse, b) the price will increase by 1.5-2 times, and will not be divided into two, as in a regular taxi.

Nuances: official Bangkok motorbike taxi drivers have a plaque on the back of their vest with information about the driver and his photo. At taxi ranks in Thai, you can often see the price of services depending on the distance. But for those who do not know Thai, this information, of course, will not help much.

3. Tuk tuks and songteos

Traditionally thai look transport. In Bangkok, tuk-tuks are more of a tourist means of transportation, so a tuk-tuk trip will cost more than a taxi. Although sometimes I managed to negotiate with tuk-tuk drivers to get for a ridiculous 20 baht (of course, for ridiculous distances) or for 100 baht from Khaosan Road to Victory Monument (with a taxi meter costing about 80-90 baht). In any case, I think it’s worth it to ride a tuk-tuk in Bangkok at least once in order to feel the authentic Thai spirit.

In non-tourist areas of the city, songteos are quite common - pickups in which benches for passengers are installed instead of the body. This type of transport is popular in Pattaya, although out of ignorance it is called tuk-tuk there. To use this type of public transport in Bangkok, you just need to stretch your hand and stop it, and then quickly dive on board! Songteo has no official stops, so when you reach the right place, you need to press the button, get out and pay the driver through the window.

Of course, it would be better to know the route and the end point where you are going in advance. The locals can help with this. It is better to ask them about the fare, which usually does not exceed 10 baht. So, I learned about songteo from the employees of the Family Mart minimarket when I arrived in.

Pros: It is interesting, unusual to travel by tuk-tuks, you can have fun traveling with a company and make friends with the driver, who are often very sociable. Songteo, on the other hand, is public transport following a certain route, which can take you to the right place just like a breeze, but for ridiculous money.

Minuses: often expensive (due to unusual and uniqueness for tourists), you will collect traffic jams (if any) in the same way as by taxi. To use a songthaew, you will most likely need to ask the locals about its route and fare.

4. City buses

If you are a frugal and fearless tourist, who also actively uses Google maps, which, when plotting a route, will inform you of possible public transport options, then you - I can safely try using a city bus in Bangkok.

There are a lot of bus routes in Bangkok, and there are three ways to find out how to get from your location to the desired point in three ways:

1) google map, which will also help you not to miss the stop if you follow the movement on the navigator. Although you can always ask the conductor to tell you when the desired station will be. The disadvantage of searching for routes through a Google map is that there may be errors, both with the location of the stop and with the bus number, many routes may simply not be displayed. So it is always better to clarify whether you have chosen the route correctly.

2) ask passers-by/workers in booths. But in the first case, the problem may be that none of those standing at the bus stop will know English, in the second case, there will be no booths in the area. However, if you are lucky and you have found someone who understands you and whom you understand, then there is a high probability that they will also guide you and tell you how to get after getting off the bus, and wish you a happy journey.

3) Buy a bus route map from 7Eleven and try your best to figure it out.
Link http://www.transitbangkok.com/lines/bangkok-bus-line/XXX you can see all the stops of a particular route, it is enough to put the number you need instead of XXX.

Travel by city buses is quite cheap: the price ranges from 6.5 to 23 baht, depending on the type of bus and / or the duration of the trip. There are also free trails. The buses themselves can be both comfortable with air conditioning, and colorful collapsing with open windows.

On a bus with open windows from Lumpini Park to Khaosan Road, the trip for two cost 13 baht.

Some red buses are free. So, I accidentally drove from Khaosan Road to the Phaya Thai metro station on bus route 59, or from there across the city to the On Nut metro station on the “deuce”, and no one wanted to take money from me.

Pros: cheap (or completely free), colorful, interesting to look at the city (including non-tourist areas) from an open window.

Minuses: slowly; not immediately clear; you need to keep an eye on the terrain to know where to get off; sometimes it is difficult to find the right stop; traffic jams and circular routes; not very comfortable travel conditions.

As in any major metropolis world, there is a well-developed transport network. Everyone can choose for themselves this or that way of moving around the city, depending on preferences and financial situation.

Tickets for intercity transport

If you need to go outside of Bangkok, then there are bus stations, railway station, Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airports for this. Tickets can also be purchased online. Use the form below.

Bangkok river transport on Chao Phraya

Ferries run along the Chao Phraya River and have certain stops. They are easy to get to the main attractions:,. The central pier, from which ferries depart, is located next to the station ground metro Saphan Taksin. They go quite far down the river, but tourists don't usually go further - popular place, where there are many shops, tour desks and cheap accommodation.

All ferries run from 6 am to 7 pm. The fare depends on the distance and is 10-32 baht. There are special ferries for tourists with an English-speaking guide. They go from Central pier to berth No. 13 (where Khaosan is located), then turn around and follow to reverse direction. Travel time one way is 25-27 minutes. Ticket price - 150 baht.

water taxi

This transport of Bangkok represents motor boats designed for several people. Unlike ferries, which follow a specific route and make specific stops, boats can go anywhere and drop you off anywhere. They may also wait while you take in the sights. Such a taxi is good because you can travel on it along the tributaries of the Chao Phraya River and see how the locals live away from hiking trails. The trip costs around 800 baht. But this is the price for the whole boat, and if there are, for example, 4 people, then each will be 200.

Tuk-tuk taxi

This transport is the symbol of Bangkok, many souvenir shops even sell small models dedicated to him.

Tuk-tuk is a modified three-wheel motorcycle. No more than three people (adults) with suitcases can fit. Their parking lots are everywhere and many people use tuk-tuks as exotics, such as “well, how not to be in Bangkok and not try to ride this miracle”. The cost of the trip is discussed in advance. Bargaining is quite appropriate, albeit within reasonable limits. For a few kilometers you will be charged 15-20 baht, and to cross the whole of Bangkok, you need 200-300. How more people, the cheaper it is, because payment is made not for each passenger, but for the entire tuk-tuk. You can get to almost anywhere in the capital. Tuk-tuk parking lots are located near popular tourist places - shopping malls, attractions, markets.

Moto taxi

This is the most quick out land transport Bangkok, because due to maneuverability you will not be stuck in traffic jams. Plus, he will take you to the place on his own. shortest distance- All sorts of lanes and nooks and crannies.

The passenger sits in the back seat and the trip begins. Sometimes it can fit two people, but driving in this way is dangerous. In general, motorbike-taxi is a rather traumatic type of transport - oops, and crashed at the turn. It is best avoided if possible, although it can be justified in case of urgency and rush hour. The price of the trip depends on the distance and is not much different from the cost of a tuk-tuk - through the whole city you will be charged 200 Thai rubles. Taxi drivers with motorcycles are located at almost every intersection, close to attractions and shopping centers in Bangkok.

This metered taxi. In our opinion, the most best option Bangkok transport (with the exception of rush hours, when you have to stand in traffic jams). Taxis are foreign cars painted in different colors (a lot of pink and green). There is a sign "TAXI-METER" on the roof. The cabin is very comfortable, and the fare will be cheaper (according to the meter) than riding in a tuk-tuk, blown by all the winds. In a taxi, the air temperature is brought by air conditioners to 21-23 degrees. This is very nice considering that outside the window +30…+35.

Bangkok is notorious for its traffic jams and congestion. To avoid them, use the elevated (BTS Skytrain) and underground (MRT) types of metro, or boats to travel along the river and canals of the city.

Bus types

Thousands of buses, hundreds of routes will easily confuse tourists who have come to this city for the first time. The only resource for understanding bus routes is the official BMTA website. It contains almost full list bus routes to English language but no cards. To see which buses go to different attractions, follow this link. Bus routes in Bangkok can be viewed on the Wikipedia website at this link. For orientation, use the MBTA map (available at most bus terminals). Most buses (except night buses) operate from 05:00 to 23:00 daily. All buses are divided into the following types:

Standard bus (cream red), cost 6.50 baht, operating hours: 05:00 - 23:00.
Standard bus (white and blue), cost 7.50 baht, operating hours: 05:00 - 23:00.
express bus(cream red), cost 8.50 baht, opening hours: 05:00 - 23:00.
Night bus(cream red), cost 8 baht, opening hours: 23:00 - 05:00.
Air-conditioned bus (cream blue), fare 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 baht (depending on distance), operating hours: 05:00 - 23:00.
EURO II bus (yellow-orange), cost 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23 baht (depending on distance), opening hours: 05:00 - 23:00.

Most of the city's bus routes are written in Thai. Therefore, be guided by the number, type of bus and its color. Please note that buses with the same number but different colors do not always follow the same route; be guided by the bus number with the corresponding color.

Useful information about buses in Bangkok

The fare is collected by the conductor on the bus.
Always carry small bills with you. A 100-baht note in air-conditioned buses is quite acceptable, but for standard buses or minibuses it is already a large denomination, not to mention 500 and 1000 baht notes.
Keep your ticket until you get off the bus, the bus is checked periodically by controllers.
In air-conditioned buses, the fare depends on the distance. Just tell the conductor where you want to get off and he will tell you how much the trip will cost.
In standard buses, the fare is fixed, usually around 7 - 8 baht.
Many buses only stop when necessary, so wave your hand when you see the bus you need. To warn the driver where you want to get off, press the buzzer in advance (before the bus reaches the stop).
Keep a business card or the name and address of the hotel where you are staying with you at all times. If you get lost, this will help you get back faster.
The newest, most comfortable and spacious bus is EURO II (yellow-orange). Drivers and conductors are polite and, most importantly, the air conditioner is always working.
Buses from the airport allow bulky luggage (backpacks and suitcases) to be brought into the cabin, but not on city buses.
There are also a number of buses and minibuses owned by private operators. These are fairly cramped buses, with no air conditioning or fan, reckless drivers, and flat fares. They are significantly faster than the buses run by the BMTA.

Taxi

In addition to the elevated and underground metro, the easiest and convenient way travel by taxi (unless traffic interferes). Taxis come in a variety of colours, from the traditional yellow-green and red-blue to bright orange, red and even pink. Finding a taxi is not a hassle, especially around hotels, shopping malls and other tourist spots.

All taxis in the capital are required by law to have a meter and air conditioning. When the meter is on, you will see a red number 35 on the dashboard. The fare starts at 35 baht, this is the fare for landing and the first two kilometers. After that, the fare is 5 baht per kilometer. If you get stuck in a traffic jam (when driving at a speed of less than 6 km per hour), an additional payment of 1.25 baht per kilometer. Most rides in the city center cost less than 100 baht. There are no other surcharges, even at night (with the exception of traveling from the airport on a toll freeway). Do not believe drivers who are trying to prove otherwise.

Useful tips about taxis in Bangkok

A glowing red light on the windshield means the taxi is free.
since 1992, all taxis must be metered (tariffs for tuk tuks and motorcycle taxis still depend on an agreement between driver and passenger). If the driver is trying to negotiate a fare instead of using the meter, look for another taxi.
Taxis waiting outside hotels can be considered suspicious. Taxi drivers wait for their customers for two reasons: to take them to a place where they can collect their commissions (jewelry shops, tailors, massage parlors, etc.), and to charge exorbitant prices for a trip without using a meter.
Don't be surprised if the driver refuses to take you where you need to go. There's nothing you can do about it, try again from the next taxi.
Beware of taxi drivers offering to take you to " good places» very cheap, decline such offers. Waste your time in markets, jewelry stores and other unnecessary places.
Taxi drivers know the tourist attractions well, but don't expect them to know every nook and cranny. Carry a map or the name of the place in Thai with you where you are going. Most hotels and guest houses will write the address for you in Thai. Also, try to get your hotel's business card to show the taxi driver in case you get lost.
When you leave the taxi, try to have small bills (100 baht or less), otherwise you risk not getting change at all. Tipping is not required, but if you are satisfied with the service, you can leave. Rounding fares to the nearest 5 or 10 baht is common practice.
Trust your intuition. If the taxi driver did not like something at first sight, catch the next taxi.

Taxi Motorcycles

Most fast way movement around the city - a motorcycle taxi. Despite the dangers, motorcyclists will do their best to get the passenger to their destination quickly, ignoring all the rules. traffic even when driving on sidewalks or in the opposite lane. Since 2003, they have been conducting a system of registrations for the right to work as taxi motorcyclists. Since that time, all drivers have worn distinctive vests with numbers indicating their area of ​​registration. Wearing yellow-orange or red vests, groups of motorcycle taxi drivers are easy to spot at street corners, shopping malls, streets with heavy traffic, near the stations of the elevated and underground metro. Prices start at 10 baht for short trips and vary depending on the length of the trip. Agree on the cost of the trip in advance, otherwise you will pay significantly more.

The law requires both driver and passenger to wear a helmet. The driver is obliged to provide the passenger with a helmet, not only for safety reasons, but also so that the passenger does not receive a fine of up to 1,000 baht, depending on the mood of the traffic police.

The vast majority of motorcycle taxis do not travel long distances, but simply run up and down long lanes (soi) where other forms of public transport do not run.

Knock Knock

Tuk-tuk has become one of the most recognizable features of Bangkok, without which today it is difficult to imagine the appearance of the capital of Thailand. Originating from old rickshaws during the Second World War, the tuk-tuk is essentially a rickshaw, but only equipped with a small engine. It is easy to recognize by its characteristic noise and suffocating smell - a three-wheeled scooter pollutes the air incredibly. In dense traffic, they are more maneuverable, but in general they move much more slowly. For tourists, tuk tuks are one of the most popular means of transportation around. 5-10 minutes of travel is enough to get an idea about this mode of transport and to get to know the flavor of the Asian metropolis.

Useful tips about tuk tuk

Prices depend on the distance traveled, time of day, traffic and the mood of the drivers. Usually a very short trip will cost 30 baht.
Be sure to bargain and agree on the cost of the trip in advance, because drivers always overestimate the cost of the trip for tourists
"Knock Knock Mafia" in tourist areas offers "secret" or "special" trading places. Some of them may offer to be your guide and lead a tour, or they will give you a free ride if they agree to visit clothing and jewelry stores (their owners give tuk-tuk drivers coupons for fuel and a commission for attracted customers). A short "no thanks" answer will save you from being scammed. The same rule applies to taxis.
Avoid taking a tuk-tuk during peak hours (07:00 - 09:00, 16:00 - 19:00) unless you want to get stuck in traffic and breathe in their engine exhaust.
Tuk-tuk is most ideal for short trips. A regular taxi will sometimes cost the same, or even less, but it is much faster.

Water transport

Water transport still functions in Bangkok's public transport system. Using water transport, you can visit historical sites in the city center, explore the canals (klongs) that played such an important role in the past transport system. Express boats, river taxis and longboats ply up and down the Chao Phraya River, with ferries ferrying passengers on both sides of the river.

Chao Phraya River Express

A trip to the Chao Phraya River should be on the agenda of any tourist. The cheapest and most popular option is the Chao Phraya River Express Boat, www.chaophrayaexpressboat.com. This is a kind of analogue of a bus on the water. Prices are cheap, from 11 baht to 30 baht, depending on the distance and type of boat. The fare is paid on board, the boats are designed to carry from 90 to 180 passengers. Opening hours: 06:00 - 19:30. Route types:

Khlong Saen Saep is one of the few remaining channels. Mainly used local residents to get to work. The canal runs parallel to Phetchaburi Road and provides easy access to Golden Mountain, the island and Siam Square. Traveling on this channel, passengers are insured against the notorious traffic jams in the busy center of Bangkok. Disadvantages include heavily polluted canal water and unclear traffic schedules. The 18 km route is served by boats designed for 40-50 passengers and operates from 5:30 am to 8:30 pm daily. Prices from 10 to 20 baht, depending on the distance.

Be careful when embarking and disembarking, as boats do not stop at the pier for a long time. It is better to sit closer to the front of the boat, away from the noisy engine. Press the green button if you want to get off at the next pier, otherwise the boat might just skip it. The berths are signposted in English.

Long tail boat (river taxi)

Longtail boats can be hired at any major marina in the city. This is a rather expensive pleasure, costing from 400 to 500 baht per hour, mainly used by foreign tourists. You can rent a boat from Tha Chang ferry pier next to Grand Palace, or at the pier shopping complex River City (next to Hotel Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers). But keep in mind that the boatman is not a professional guide.

Alternatively, you can take the official canal tour (klongs). Any hotel concierge will assist you with this tour. You can book a tour yourself on the website bangkok.com using this link

Bangkok bus terminals

The largest and most modern north terminal, also known as Mo Chit (Mo Chit) serves the northern and north eastern directions Thailand (Isan, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai). The bus terminal is close to BTS Skytrain Station Mo Chit and MRT Chatuchak Park Underground Station. It takes 15-20 minutes to walk from these metro stations to the terminal. Therefore, the best option is to take a taxi.

Buying a ticket at any of Bangkok's bus terminals is fairly easy, even if you don't speak Thai. You need to find the ticket office with your destination (indicated in Thai and English), pay the fare there and get a ticket for the next available bus flight. The ticket shows the departure time, seat number and, in most cases, the bus number. Please note that blue means 1st class bus, red means 2nd class. If you need assistance, ask the staff at the information desk on the ground floor. Now it remains to find the departure platform. If you have free time, while away it at the eateries at both ends of the main terminal building or KFC, Dunkin' Donuts, 7-Eleven store.

Oriental bus terminal, also known as Ekkamai (Ekkamai) - a relatively compact terminal next to underground station subway station Ekkamai BTS station. It is located at: Sukhumvit Road, soi 40, opposite soi 63. Ekkamai serves the eastern destinations of Thailand, including Pattaya, Rayong, Ban Phe (Ko Samet), Trat, Chonburi. From here you can take a bus to the Cambodian border (Poipet).

The South Bus Terminal, also known as Sai Tai, has a somewhat inconvenient location on the right bank of the river in the Thonburi area. In December 2007, the terminal was moved to a new, even more remote place Address: Phutthamonthon Sai 1 Road. Intercity buses depart from here to the western and southern directions Thailand (including Krabi, Phuket, Surat Thani, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Hat Yai and many others).

Getting to the terminal is not easy, as there is little public transport. The easiest option is to take a taxi, but if you are going there in the evening, especially on weekdays, you should be prepared for a serious traffic jam, it can take 30 minutes or a whole hour from the city center to get there.

From the Victory Monument BTS station, the terminal can be reached by the pale orange 515 bus. Tell the bus conductor Sai Tai. The large bus terminal will be on the left side of the road about 9 km after crossing the river ( large building terminal is hard to miss).

Railway stations

The Kingdom of Thailand has a developed network of railways. Mainly used Japanese trains. They are slower than their European or American counterparts. The relatively slow speed of the train can be seen as a bonus to enjoy natural landscapes and countryside of Thailand.

Hualamphong Station is the central railway station. From here, trains leave for the northern, eastern, northeastern and southern regions Thailand. A large and convenient station was built in 1916. It has 14 platforms and 26 ticket offices. The station serves more than 130 trains and about 60,000 passengers daily. Since 2004, the station has been connected by an underpass to the underground metro station of the same name. Located in the city center at the address: Rama IV Rd, Pathum Wan, close to Bangkok's Chinatown.

Thonburi Train Station is located on the western side of the river in Thonburi (one of the districts on the right bank of the Chao Phraya River). Trains leave for Kanchanaburi from here. The previous station was on the banks of the river and reached it by express boat, but now it has been turned into a museum. New station is located just 800 m from the old station.

Apart from passenger traffic, The State Railway of Thailand runs several day trips to attractions in the suburbs of the Thai capital, such as Kanchanaburi, Hua Hin, Floating Markets Damnoen Saduak, Ampawa and more. There are numerous options for excursions for several days. More details at www.virtualtour.railway.co.th. Unfortunately, not all pages of this site are translated into English. Better go to the official website railway www.railway.co.th. At the bottom of the main page you will see the directions of travel. Clicking on them will open a pdf document with detailed description excursions.

Most cheap look public transport in bangkok

The idea to write a note about the cheapest form of public transport in Bangkok appeared when I arrived for the 5th time in my beloved country and reached the Phaya Thai station by air metro, asked the tuk-tuker how much it costs to get to Khaosan Road. The announced figure of 400 baht shocked me a little (well, this is impudence!). Five months earlier, I took a taxi from Suvarnabhumi to Khaosan for only 350 baht.

Feeling that with such prices I would not last the planned month in Thailand, it was decided to look for more cheap way get to Khaosan, where it was planned to spend the next 5 days, before flying to Chiang Rai.

Smiling at the tuker, I replied that I didn’t have that kind of money, and asked which bus goes to Khaosan. No, he doesn't know. Yes, and would know - did not say, it was clear from his sly smile.

After walking another 5 meters, I asked the fruit seller if he knew the number of the bus going to Khaosan. He began to remember the number, and explain to me how to get to the bus stop. It turned out that there were two buses, he repeated their numbers to me several times, and since I asked again, he wrote them down for me on some kind of cardboard. Thank you Real Man.

The way to the stop was about 100 meters - I doubted whether I was on the right side of the road, but my doubts were dispelled when a couple of farangs who also went to Khaosan joined me. It was hot, but the bus came quickly - in 10 minutes, the trip was another 15-20 minutes.

The air-conditioned bus cost me 13 baht, so I got the first decent savings on this trip 400-13 = 387 baht. In the following days, it turned out that there are many bus routes in Bangkok, and you can leave from anywhere and anywhere. Bookstores even sell mini-books with bus routes(in English) - the cost of the guide is about 100 baht.

So I advise you - ask people how to find desired route and do not be shy, in Bangkok, as in all of Thailand, people are very friendly and helpful.

Detailed information about buses in Bangkok

Buses in Bangkok run from 5 am and finish at 11 pm. There are night routes - operating 24 hours a day.

On bus stops The numbers of all the buses that stop there are written. If you see the right bus approaching the stop, give a sign to the driver that you want to go, otherwise he will pass by.

Buses with a blue sign on the windshield travel on a regular route. Buses with an orange sign are express buses and skip many stops.

Numbers of routes operating 24 hours:

2, 4, 22, 23, 25, 29, 34, 59, 76, 91, 145, 203

Fare

Orange air-conditioned buses 11-24 baht, cost depends on distance;

New yellow air-conditioned buses 10-12 baht;

Buses without air conditioning 8 baht;

Red buses without air conditioning 7 baht;

About half of all red buses are free;

After 10 pm surcharge of 1.5 baht to the ticket price;

The ticket is bought on the bus itself from the conductor, they give change.

Bangkok bus maps