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Most taxis in Thailand are metered, i.e., you don't need to negotiate a fare. Just get into a taxi that says "TAXI-METER" on the top. There are a few plain taxis still going around, but the vast majority are either the relatively new taxi-meter fleet or else have converted over.
Taxis are economical in Thailand relative to western countries. As of new rates approved in June 2008, the first revision in taxi rates since 1997, the fare starts at 35 baht (approx. $1) and stays there for the first 1 kilometer, and then the rate creeps up slowly at these rates:
For example, a 20 km (12 mile) trip, which is long by Bangkok standards, would cost 35 + 55 + 44 = 134 baht, or still under $5 in 2008.
Typical taxi fares in town for going a few kilometers run around 50 baht. If traffic is bad, then the timer becomes more significant than the distance. There is a small charge per minute for sitting in traffic. Sorry, I don't know it, but it's small.
It's still very cheap compared to Western countries, though to Thais it's another matter.
Riding a tuk-tuk is more of an experience rather than a
practical way to get around. So, if it's your first time, there's no harm in
giving it a go. Here are some tips to keep in mind before you wave one down:
- Fares vary, depending on the distance travelled, the time of the day, the
traffic, and the mood of the drivers. Normally a very short trip will cost 30
baht.
- Fare negotiating and haggling is a must because the price named by the driver
is always an 'inflated rate' (especially if you're a tourist). The trick is to
negotiate 5 - 15 baht off the proposed fare, and take it from there.
- Be careful of the 'mafia' tuk-tuks around touristy areas, who often boasts
privileged knowledge of 'secret' or 'special' shopping places and things. Some
of them may offer sightseeing tours and unsolicited help to take you places. A
short and sweet "no, thanks" will save you from their scams. The same rule
applies to taxis.
- Avoid taking a tuk-tuk during peak hours (07:00 - 09:00, 16:00 - 19:00). You
don't want to be stuck in traffic for hours, sweating and breathing in the
hazardous fumes from engines all around you.
- Tuk-tuks are most ideal for short trips. (Sometimes it would cost the same, or
even cheaper, to take a cab to the same destination.)
Riding SkyTrain:
http://www.bangkok.com/information-travel-around/bts.html
Buses in Bangkok http://www.bangkok.com/information-travel-around/buses.html
Buses in Bangkok provide an incredibly cheap way to travel from one side of the city to another. It's also a great way to see the real Bangkok you don't often see if you're traveling by other means of transportation. Although buses give you a ringside seat to experience and observe the locals and the city, they're not the most favourite means of getting around. Obnoxious drivers, aggressive bus conductors, bad traffic, pollution and sweaty fellow passengers are some of the things you will inevitably encounter. But this is real, hardcore Bangkok.
The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, is responsible for providing bus services to people living and working in Bangkok and nearby provinces (Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan and Nakhon Pathom). BMTA operates over 100 routes, served by more than 3,000 buses (regular buses and air-conditioned). There are also privately-owned buses, and minibuses (both private and operated by the BMTA)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangkok_Mass_Transit_Authority
http://www.bmta.co.th/en/index.php
http://www.bmta.co.th/en/travel.php
MBK Center |
Service Route |
21, 25, 29, 34, 40, 47, 50, 93, 141, 163 |
Bang Lumpu (Kousan Road) |
Service Route |
3, 6, 9, 56, 64 |
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http://www.thailandguru.com/boats.html