How To Travel In Bangkok: Smooth Travel Tips

Traveling across the busy metropolis of Bangkok doesn’t have to be difficult. Many transit choices are available in this busy capital, and we’re here to assist you with how to travel in Bangkok with a stress-free experience.

How To Travel In Bangkok With Several Types Of Transportation Methods

Traveling through Bangkok during rush hour, which seems to last from dawn to evening, can challenge even the most resilient people. Fortunately, there are vast networks of river taxis, tuk-tuks, skytrains, and so on. 

Skytrain

Also referred to as BTS, the Skytrain is an elevated train. There are two lines at the moment: the dark green Silom line and the light green Sukhumvit line. If you need to travel through the “new Bangkok,” which is the area surrounding Silom, Sukhumvit, and Siam Square, Skytrain is helpful for avoiding the chaotic traffic in Bangkok.

Tickets cost 15 THB (0.41 USD) to 52 THB (1.43 USD) or 140 THB (3.85 USD) for a day pass. Trains frequently operate between 6:00 and midnight. Only coins can be entered into ticket machines; however, ticket offices will exchange your notes for cash.

Metro

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Bangkok’s Metro System

To reach the Hualamphong Train Station, you can use Bangkok’s metro system (MRT) to travel between the Sukhumvit and Silom districts. Located at Chatuchak Park on the MRT line and Mo Chit station on the Sukhumvit BTS line is the well-known Chatuchak Weekend Market. 

It’s a cheap option since one-day passes cost 16 THB (0.40 USD) to 42 THB (1.10 USD) or 120 THB (3.10 USD). The trains operate frequently from 6:00 in the morning till midnight.

Boats

The Chao Phraya River divides Bangkok into two parts, and the west bank (originally Thonburi) still has a sizable network of canals. Taking a boat tour is one of the best (though not always the fastest) methods to see the Grand Palace and Wat Pho Temple, two sites along the river bank. The Saphan Taksin BTS station is connected to the main pier, also known as Central Pier or Tha Sathorn.

Between 6:00 and 19:00, the Chao Phraya Express Boat (orange flag) leaves every 10 to 20 minutes. The boat leaves from most major docks between Wat Rajsingkorn in Bangkok’s south and Nonthaburi in its north. Tickets cost 15 THB (0.40 USD).

From Central Pier, the tourist boat (blue flag) travels to Phra Athit/Banglamphu Pier (shown at number 13 on our map). It leaves every 30 minutes between 9:30 and 17:00, making stops at eight of the route’s principal piers. Tickets are 40 THB (1.10 USD). They are usually not worth the 150 THB (4.20 USD) all-day ticket that touts sell.

Numerous ferries, costing about 3 THB (0.10 USD), cross the river every few minutes throughout the day and into the night.

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Taking a boat tour is one way to embrace Thai’s beauty

Taxi

Taxi travel in Bangkok is surprisingly affordable, often even less expensive than using the Skytrain. How can you travel in Bangkok without trying a taxi? It’s so convenient and comfortable, and the drivers are typically very kind.

Taxis are required to utilize their meters; if the driver won’t, take a different one! Travel to most locations in central Bangkok will cost you between 60 THB (1.70 USD) and 90 THB (2.50 USD). The meter starts at 35 THB (1 USD).

Recall that passengers are responsible for paying tolls. In the event that a cab won’t operate on a meter after hours, you can utilize the following taxi apps: Grab Taxi and All Thai Taxi. You shouldn’t count on your driver knowing English. You can almost certainly find the correct address if the address is written in Thai.

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Always remember to ask the taxi drivers to use their meters

Grab

Bangkok can be easily navigated with this new app-based taxi service. Taxi drivers won’t argue with you or try to haggle over a fixed rate because trips are reserved using a mobile application. The application for the driver accepts cash or card payments.

Tuk Tuk

Both locals and visitors utilize those recognizable motorized rickshaws for quick trips that don’t justify paying for a taxi. Nonetheless, tourists are typically overcharged for these raucous and dirty excursions! Try negotiating the price down to 60 THB (1.70 USD) and go at night when the pollution isn’t as awful (or save this experience for another place!).

In the hopes of making a commission, tuk-tuks that are really inexpensive are typically too good to be true and will transport you to massage parlors and gem shops.

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Tuk tuk is the signature transit means in Thailand

Bikes

Although riding has grown in popularity in Bangkok over the years, there are still a lot of hazards due to reckless drivers, heavy traffic, extreme heat, and pollution (maybe the biking trend will help with that!).

We suggest signing up for a Bike Tour with a guide who can show you the safest spots to cycle if you feel the need to pedal around the Thai city.

Car Rental

A multi-day car rental in Bangkok typically costs approximately 800 THB (22.06 USD) per day. Renting a car is not a budget option because public transportation is more affordable and faster. Moreover, driving in this crowded city may be a nightmare.

Some Tips For Traveling Around Bangkok

Here is the list of strategies to have the best time in Bangkok:

  • Make sure the meter is on in your taxi: When carrying passengers, all taxis must utilize a meter. But instead of using the meter, the majority prefer to charge a higher flat cost, particularly in heavy traffic. Simply leave the area if this occurs and try to get another taxi to activate their meter for you.
  • Negotiate with tuk-tuk drivers: Talk to the tuk-tuk drivers and work out a fixed charge before you travel because they don’t have meters as taxis do. They are quite welcoming, but beware— travelers will be taken advantage of if you behave like a gullible tourist!
  • Take public transit: The vast bus and BTS networks are used by the locals to get to Bangkok. Follow suit to save money. You could pay 120 THB for a 20-minute cab ride, but you could only have to pay 10 THB for the same ride on a bus.
  • Go by boat: Bangkok has a small network of canals that will transport you more quickly (particularly from Khao San Road to Siam Square) and more affordably than the SkyTrain or taxis. Depending on the distance, prices range from 5 to 15 THB.
  • Stay with a local: Couchsurfing links you up with people living nearby who can offer you not just a free place to stay but also their intimate knowledge and counsel. It’s the ideal approach to meet locals and save costs on lodging.
  • Take a free walking tour: While learning about fascinating history and facts, free walking tours help you become familiar with a city. Check out Bangkok Walking Tours or Free Bangkok Walks to explore all the sights and connect with a local guide. And don’t forget to tip your guide at the conclusion!
  • Hard bargaining: Make advantage of your negotiating abilities when you go market shopping. As a general rule, prices will decrease the more you purchase. So to get the best bargains, shop in bulk.
  • Spend less on ridesharing: Grab is Asia’s replacement for Uber, which isn’t accessible in Thailand anymore. The same procedure applies: using the Grab app to hire a local to drive you someplace, and you can pay with cash or the app. You won’t have to worry about being conned, and it’s frequently less expensive than a normal cab.

> Read More: How To Plan A Thailand Tour For The First Time

Conclusion

Navigating through Bangkok, also known as the “city built by the deities”, can be both exciting and challenging due to the heavy traffic. However, with the local tips above and our expert travel advice, you can figure out how to travel effectively in Bangkok and have an authentic travel experience in Thailand.

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