Traveling around Bangkok can be intimidating for the new visitor. The city is large, the streets are convoluted, and the traffic jams are notoriously slow. However, getting around the city doesn’t have to be a headache. Rather, it can be an adventure unto itself.

Bangkok Taxi Cabs are Easy to Use

Taxicabs are ubiquitous in Bangkok and readily recognizable by their bright colors. Rarely all yellow like their Western counterparts, Thai cabs are usually red and blue or green and yellow. Almost all cabs in the city use meters, however you may on occasion come across someone charging a flat rate. If you decide to ride without a meter be sure to determine the cost before getting in. Also try to carry small bills on you, as making change can sometimes be difficult. Not all cab drivers speak English so be sure to know where you’re going or have the destination written down in Thai for you.

Thailand’s Tuk-tuks – An Exciting Ride

Tuk-tuks are open aired three wheeled motorized vehicles that can fit roughly three people in its back. They are sometimes faster than taxicabs as they weave in and out of traffic to get ahead. Tuk-tuks do not have meters so you must decide on the price before getting in. Bargaining is encouraged, as drivers will often name a high price to start off with. Tuk-tuks are popular among tourists and locals but are best used for short rides.

Motorcycle Taxis For Quick Transportation

Groups of motorcycle taxi drivers can often be seen on street corners waiting for a fare. They can be found at the entrances to long sois – the small roads branching off a main road – or near department stores and Skytrain stations. Mainly used by locals, they are fast and cheap to use. Again, make sure to determine the fare ahead of time. If you’re a woman, consider riding like a local – sidesaddle with both legs demurely onto one side.

Travel About on the Skytrain and Subway

Bangkok’s Skytrain and subway are clean, efficient, and modern. The Skytrain has been in operation since 1999 and is excellent for traveling around downtown Bangkok. There are stops to Siam Square, Chatuchak, Lumpini Park, and the Saphan Taksin bridge just to name a few. Using the Skytrain and subway is easy for visitors as the maps at the stations are in English. The maps will say how much the fare is and tickets can be bought from vending machines at the station. The vending machines only take coins – if you find you need to trade in your bills there is an attendant at the station booth to help.

Traveling Around Bangkok by River

Bangkok was once called the “Venice of the East” because of the many canals winding through the city. Before highways and traffic jams, boats were a major form of transportation and are still used to a lesser extant today. Many of the pickup points within the city are unmarked and hard to find, but a visitor can still get a taste of Bangkok’s boat transportation by visiting a pier along the Chao Phraya River. The easiest one to get to is near the Saphan Taksin Skytrain station.