Getting Around in Bangkok
Filed Under Travel
After you arrive in Bangkok, you’ll need to find transport from Suvarnabhumi, the Global airfield, to your hotel. If you have scheduled transport beforehand, your sole chore will be finding your driver in the mass of humanity standing outside the baggage claim area. If you have not already scheduled your ride you have got a few choices. Staying at a 5-star hotel may qualify you for free transport to your hotel but probably you will pay one way or the other.
If you have some time and know where the heck you’re going you can catch a bus to your hotel. This isn’t commended for the 1st time traveler. Most Bangkok forums can endorse a careful driver at a fair rate. The sole difficulty is finding your driver on arrival. If you have his cell phone number and an unlocked, tri-band telephone with a Thai SIM card, you can just call to find his location. If you have not prepared ahead, then you’ll face the taxi mafia right outside of the baggage area. You’ll be hectored by ladies and men with clipboards asking “where you go?” they’re tricky to fight thru if you have 2 cases and carry on bags. However if you endure and pay little attention to them you want to make your way to the down escalator. Arrivals are on the second floor of the airfield, and the official taxi stand is found on the first floor. Just take the escalator down and you’ll see the tables set up to order your ride. These people speak reasonable English and know the majority of the hostels in the town. Just tell them where you are going and they’ll log it and give you an invoice.
You’ll pay fifty baht for this service, it is worthwhile as the taxi drivers are registered. Your taxi is meant to use his meter but he may request that he does not use the meter and will be offering you a cost. You can agree, barter, or insist on the meter. I would recommend you go with the meter and give a small tip for good service. When you become acquainted with Bangkok, you can ride around on the BTS. This is the Bangkok Transport System. It’s the overhead train and can help to save you a gigantic quantity of time bypassing millions of autos on the Bangkok roads. There’s also a tube system for you to ride around in.
Buses are the primary way of transport for the masses in Bangkok. They’re inexpensive but they’re often packed to the gills and do not have air con. Unless you are mud poor, I do not suggest the bus. If you are only going a little distance, walking could be a unique experience in Bangkok. You never can say what’s at the following street corner. A new shopping experience, a food seller, or a new eaterie to try out. I really like to walk around in Thailand and experience the sights, sounds and smells.