Bangkok : Getting Around
The Don Muang International Airport is located 22 kilometres north of Bangkok. There are two international terminals and one domestic terminal. An airport bus operates on a regular schedule from Bangkok's Don Muang Airport to downtown, with stops at popular areas. The fare is Bt 80. If you don't know your hotel's precise location, a taxi may be tequired from the downtown bus stop to the hotel.
A hardcore budget traveller may want to use the train station across the expressway opposite the Bangkok Airport. A walkway, accessible from the arrival area, crosses die expressway to die Amari Airport hotel. Exit the lobby and the train station is nearby. Make sure you board a southbound train.
Most travellers will opt for taxis and the airport has a good system. A taxi-metre service kiosk is just outside the terminal doors. Tell an attendant your destination and she will record the taxi number on a three-part form. After indicating your taxi, s/he will give one copy of the form to you and one to the taxi driver. Expect an airport fee of Bt 50 to be added to the fare showing on the meter. The taxi driver may ask for your copy of the form. Don't give it to him. It's a reference in case you have problems with the taxi.
Allowing the driver to take the toll way to downtown Bangkok is usually a good idea. It adds between Bt 30-70 to yout fare but can avoid much of Bangkok's traffic. A ride to v hire cars and motorbikes, but you'd probably be better off hiring a taxi or tuk-tuk. If you're particularly desperate or have nerves of steel, hiring a motorcycle taxi is a possibility but the trip can often take on a Kamikaze quality.
Bus Service
Public buses are plentiful and inexpensive, with a 3.5 Bahr minimum and a 20 Baht maximum fare for all places within metropolitan Bangkok. One can travel in Air-conditioned buses within Bangkok for fares ranging from 6, S and IS I Baht. For longer urban journeys, take the red and grey air-conditioned microbuses which cost 20 Baht. If you want a bus route map just approach any hotel desk or a bookshop.
Tuk Tuks
Similar to our very own auto-rickshaws, these three-wheeled taxis are a symbol of Thailand. Bringing them even doser to our autos in India is the way one has to haggle with them and fix the fare for the journey even before we embark on it, as there is no meter. They are popular for short journeys and can cost anywhere from 20 Baht to 150 Baht.
Motorcycle Taxis
If you are looking for the quickest way to get through the menacing traffic in Bangkok, find one of the many motorcycle taxis. Look for the driver with the coloured vest. Similar to the tuk tuks, fares have to be negotiated before you move. And hold on tight.
Skytrain
The Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Limited Company (BTS) is an elevated electric train that runs on two lines - Silom and Sukhumvir line, with an interchange station at Siam Square. It's the best method to stay over Bangkok's traffic congestion. Fares range from 10 Baht to 40 Baht depending on the length of your journey.
River Taxis
There are many types of boats that navigate the Chao raaya River in Bangkok. This city has a huge canal system, which can be touted on the private 'cigarette boats', which generally pretty fast. A 2-hour private tour runs to about t, Public river taxis run from dawn till dusk from Toei to as far north as Nonthaburi for 15 Bahr.
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