The Thai capital can appear overwhelming at first glance, especially for first-time visitors landing at Suvarnabhumi airport bleary-eyed after a long-haul flight. Bustling Bangkok can be an all-out assault on the senses, but if you take time to explore the city it tends to have a happy habit of growing on you. Even for regular visitors to Bangkok, the ‘City of Angels‘ still retains the capacity to surprise with something new to do and discover on every visit.
Train
The main station is Hua Lamphong. This beautiful 100-year-old building is designed in the shape of an arc. The Italian architect who designed the station was also responsible for the marble Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall. Hua Lamphong serves as a hub for different rail networks that link Bangkok to other provinces in Thailand. For information see www.railway.co.th
Bus
There are two main types of buses in Bangkok, an air-conditioned bus, and non airconditioned bus. Air-conditioned buses and microbuses are only a fraction more expensive
than the regular non-air conditioned buses. The bus regularly runs from 5.00 a.m. – 11.00 p.m. A bus route map is available at most hotels, bookshops and the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s office on Phetchaburi Road, or visit www.bmta.co.th
Subway
The city’s subway system (MRT) connects many of the top tourist attractions with accommodation areas, markets, and the business district. The trains run from 6 a.m. to
midnight, daily. For more information see www.bangkokmetro.co.th
BTS Skytrain
Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) provides safe, inexpensive and rapid rides to popular areas of Bangkok. The service is excellent and the stations and trains are immaculately clean. There are two lines, intersecting at Siam Square. It is the best way to avoid traffic and pollution. The trains run from 6 a.m. to midnight, daily. For
more information see www.bts.co.th
Airport Rail Link
Airport Rail Link transports travellers and commuters from central Bangkok to Suvarnabhumi Airport. There are two routes of service; one being the “Express Line”, taking travellers from the Bangkok City Air Terminal, which is the Makkasan Station to the Suvarnabhumi Station in 15 minutes and run from 6.00 a.m. – 12.00 a.m. everyday. The other service provided is the “City Line”, which offers to take travellers from Phayathai Station to Suvarnabhumi Station, and stops at 6 stations along the way. This route also operates from 6.00 a.m. – 12.00 a.m. everyday. For more information see www.airportraillink.railway.co.th
Taxis
Hotel taxis have set rates. Street taxis known as “Taxi Meters” charge a minimum of 35 baht for the first 2 kilometres and 5 baht for every following kilometre.
River Taxis
Even more unusual, though equally convenient, river taxis ply the Chao Phraya River. While some are just cross river ferries, others serve many piers on both banks and cover a route that goes up as far as the northern suburb of Nonthaburi. for more information see www.chaophrayaboat.co.th
Tuk-Tuk
These 3-wheelers are popular for short journeys. Fares must be bargained in advance. They are not much cheaper than taxis and perhaps the odd mode of transportation is the
attraction.
Motorcycle Taxis
Bangkok is such a busy city with many traffic jams that everyone wants to get to their destination on time and as fast as they could which is why motorcycle taxis are so popular. The fare depends on the distance but is about the same as a taxi.
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