Bangkok is a big city. Really big. It has a population of about 7.1 million residents and it is really spread out. Also, the traffic is notoriously bad and the public transportation infrastructure is not as developed as European and Japanese transportation systems. The difficulty in traveling around the city is acerbated by the fact that taxi drivers are mostly clueless about everything but the main sites.
Bangkok has 5 main sources of transportation that tourists can/should take:
BTS Skytrain: The BTS skytrain is a new method of transportation in Bangkok. It was introduced to the city in 1999. The skytrain is more expensive than buses, but it is far easier and faster to use. Although the sktrain is a fantastic mode of transportation, it does not service all of Bangkok as there are only two lines. Despite the limited footprint, I highly recommend the BTS Skytrain because of it's relative cheapness and ease of use.
MRT (Mass Rapid Transit Network): The MRT, for lack of better word, is the subway system in Bangkok, Thailand. Similar to the BTS Skytrain, it has a limited footprint and does not encompass the entire city. Despite the small footprint, I recommend the MRT because it is inexpensive and easy to use!
River boats: There is a public transportation system of boats that transit the Chao Phraya River. It is an extremely affordable mode of transportation (less than $0.50 for a one-way trip). Not only is it affordable, but it is a great way to see the sites of Bangkok from the water. It also allows you to escape the notoriously bad traffic in Bangkok!
Taxis: Taxis in Bangkok are extremely cheap by western standards. However, the knowledge and English-speaking ability of the drivers varies significantly. Due to the immense size of Bangkok, it is often unlikely that taxi drivers will know locations of specific restaurants, hotels, or bars. Before you get in a taxi, make sure you know how to articulate where exactly you would like to go.
Tuk Tuks: Tuk Tuks are a staple of Asia and Thailand in particular. Make sure you negotiate pricing before you get in, or you will literally be "taken for a ride!" Although taxis are an easier and safer mode of transportation, tuk tuks can be a fun method of transport!
There are a lot of ways to get around Bangkok as the city is so huge! Make sure you do your research beforehand and always travel with a map or a Smartphone with mapping software on it. Good luck!
Bangkok has 5 main sources of transportation that tourists can/should take:
BTS Skytrain: The BTS skytrain is a new method of transportation in Bangkok. It was introduced to the city in 1999. The skytrain is more expensive than buses, but it is far easier and faster to use. Although the sktrain is a fantastic mode of transportation, it does not service all of Bangkok as there are only two lines. Despite the limited footprint, I highly recommend the BTS Skytrain because of it's relative cheapness and ease of use.
MRT (Mass Rapid Transit Network): The MRT, for lack of better word, is the subway system in Bangkok, Thailand. Similar to the BTS Skytrain, it has a limited footprint and does not encompass the entire city. Despite the small footprint, I recommend the MRT because it is inexpensive and easy to use!
River boats: There is a public transportation system of boats that transit the Chao Phraya River. It is an extremely affordable mode of transportation (less than $0.50 for a one-way trip). Not only is it affordable, but it is a great way to see the sites of Bangkok from the water. It also allows you to escape the notoriously bad traffic in Bangkok!
Taxis: Taxis in Bangkok are extremely cheap by western standards. However, the knowledge and English-speaking ability of the drivers varies significantly. Due to the immense size of Bangkok, it is often unlikely that taxi drivers will know locations of specific restaurants, hotels, or bars. Before you get in a taxi, make sure you know how to articulate where exactly you would like to go.
Tuk Tuks: Tuk Tuks are a staple of Asia and Thailand in particular. Make sure you negotiate pricing before you get in, or you will literally be "taken for a ride!" Although taxis are an easier and safer mode of transportation, tuk tuks can be a fun method of transport!
There are a lot of ways to get around Bangkok as the city is so huge! Make sure you do your research beforehand and always travel with a map or a Smartphone with mapping software on it. Good luck!
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