Bankok Travel Guide.
Bangkok is a bustling city with so much to see before you may consider heading out to other provinces and states to experience even more! What options do you have to travel that are simple and easy to use.
Tourist options are plentiful and mostly inexpensive when considering your Bangkok travel options.
Bangkok Travel in the capital city of Thailand is exciting as well as being a vibrant city. It’s a bustling metropolis that attracts millions of tourists every year.
As a tourist, getting around Bangkok can be quite challenging, but with the right knowledge, it can be a breeze. In this blog post, we will explore the best options for tourists to get around Bangkok, including the fastest and cheapest options.
We will also highlight travel options that tourists should avoid or be cautious about, and what they can do to be safe while traveling in Thailand.
Best Bangkok Travel Options for Tourists in Bangkok.
Bangkok has an extensive public transport system that includes buses, trains, and boats. The most popular and convenient transport options for tourists are the BTS Skytrain, MRT Subway, and Tuk-tuks.
BTS Skytrain – The fastest way to travel around Bangkok.
The BTS Skytrain is a rapid transit system that runs above the city streets, making it the fastest and most efficient way to get around Bangkok. The system is easy to navigate, with signs and announcements in English, and it covers most of the main tourist areas, including Siam, Sukhumvit, and Silom. Fares start at 15 baht ($0.50) and go up depending on the distance traveled. Tourists can purchase a Rabbit card or a One-Day Pass for unlimited travel on the BTS Skytrain.
MRT Subway – A cheaper alternative to the BTS Skytrain
The MRT Subway is an underground rapid transit system that also covers many of the main tourist areas in Bangkok. The fares are cheaper than the BTS Skytrain, starting at 16 baht ($0.50) for a single journey, and tourists can purchase a stored-value card for more convenient travel. The MRT Subway is especially useful for tourists visiting Chinatown, Chatuchak Weekend Market, and the Ratchada Night Market.
Tuk-tuks – An Iconic way to get around Bangkok.
Tuk-tuks are an iconic mode of transport in Bangkok and a must-try for tourists. They are three-wheeled vehicles that can weave through traffic and get you to your destination quickly. However, tuk-tuks are not the cheapest option, and tourists should always negotiate the fare before getting in. Tuk-tuks are best for short journeys, and it’s worth noting that they can be noisy and uncomfortable, especially in heavy traffic.
Hotel Tour Buses.
Hotels often have their own private drivers that you can book tours with. They will take you from the hotel to a series of pre-planned locations on a planned tindery which you have previously agreed to at the tour desk. These locations are places such as The Royal Palace, reclining Buddha, Rose Garden cultural village and a range of exiting and bustling markets. These are pre planned tours and set up by the tour guides in the better hotels. They are pretty good experiences mostly.
If your back packing and your in a smaller inexpensive hotel the vans and drivers may not be as well maintained as you would like and just be known Tout Busses (more below on tout busses).
Please note the scams below and be prepared to be taken to possibly some dodgy jeweler shops. These will openly and unashamedly rip off tourists with over priced gems or expensive copies.
Just note please that anytime your in a tour van like this they will likely end the day with a trip to somewhere where they can get extra money.
The store owner will pay the van driver a fee if they can convince you to buy something. Just be absolutely steadfast and say “No thank you we don’t want to buy anything. Please just take us back to the hotel now please”.
Bangkok Travell Options Tourists Should Avoid or Be Cautious About.
Although Bangkok has a reliable public transport system, tourists should be aware of certain travel options that may not be safe or reliable.
Taxis – Be careful of scams!
Taxis in Bangkok are plentiful, but tourists should be cautious when taking them. Some taxi drivers may try to overcharge tourists or take them on longer routes to inflate the fare. Tourists should always insist on using the meter and avoid taxis that refuse to use it. It’s also a good idea to have the name and address of your destination written down in Thai, as many taxi drivers don’t speak English.
Motorbike Taxis – Not the safest option.
Motorbike taxis are a popular mode of transport in Bangkok, especially for short journeys. However, they are not the safest option, as riders often weave through traffic at high speeds. Tourists should only use motorbike taxis if they are experienced riders and wear a helmet.
Tout Buses – Not recommended for tourists.
Tout buses are small, privately run buses that operate on certain routes in Bangkok. They are not recommended for tourists, as they are often overcrowded and not well-maintained. Tourists should stick to the public buses or trains for a more comfortable and safe journey.
Tips for Safe Travel in Thailand.
Thailand is a safe and welcoming country, but tourists should take certain precautions to ensure their safety.
What scams to avoid when Traveling in Bangkok?
Unfortunately, like many tourist destinations around the world, Bangkok has its fair share of scams that tourists should be aware of to avoid being taken advantage of. Here are some common scams to watch out for when traveling in Bangkok:
- Tuk-tuk scams – Tuk-tuk drivers may offer to take tourists on a tour of the city for a very low price, but then take them to overpriced shops and restaurants, where they receive a commission for bringing in customers. Tourists should always agree on a price before getting into a tuk-tuk, and if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Gem and jewelry scams – Tourists may be approached by someone claiming to be a government official or a gem expert, who offers to take them to a gem or jewelry store to buy high-quality gems at a low price. In reality, the gems are usually low-quality or fake, and tourists end up overpaying. Tourists should avoid buying gems or jewelry from strangers on the street and should only buy from reputable shops.
- Grand Palace scams – Tourists may be approached by someone claiming that the Grand Palace is closed for the day and instead offers to take them on a tour of other temples or attractions. In reality, the Grand Palace is open every day, and tourists should always check the opening hours before visiting. Tourists should also only use official guides and avoid following strangers who offer to take them on a tour.
- Taxis scams – As mentioned earlier, some taxi drivers in Bangkok may try to overcharge tourists by refusing to use the meter or taking them on longer routes. Tourists should always insist on using the meter and should only use official taxis or reputable taxi companies.
- Fake tourist information centers – Tourists may come across fake tourist information centers, which offer fake or misleading information about attractions, tours, and transport options. Tourists should always use official tourist information centers or websites and should do their research before booking any tours or transport.
To avoid these and other scams, tourists should always be cautious and do their research before making any purchases or agreeing to any tours or services.
It’s always a good idea to ask locals or other tourists for recommendations and to only use official guides, taxis, and tourist information centers.
By staying vigilant and informed, tourists can enjoy a safe and enjoyable trip to Bangkok.
Bangkok Travel Personal Experience.
Traveling to Thailand over the last nearly four decades as a naive tourist I have been caught out by bad taxis a few times for sure.
The best bet for you today is to use GOOGLE MAPS or another favorite app to plan your taxi route. Know where your going and see how closely the taxi driver follows.
Your app may not know all the current road conditions but if your not generally heading where you want to go stop the taxi and speak to a policeman. Don’t let them drive around the block racking up time and money.
You have to be somewhat alert when traveling. Most taxis are great but there are a few rotten apples everywhere we go u fortunately. Be safe.
Tourist police are there to ensure your looked after. Scammers give any country a poor reputation and Thais want you to have a great time, safe time and bring your friends here in the future.
I hope this blog guide will keep you safe and out of trouble as well as help you have a fantastic time in my adopted country. Sawasdee Krup 😀
The Author.
Brendon McAliece, (Aka Gunnie) is a military veteran with 23 years working on Jet Fighters, their weapons systems and ejection seat/module systems as well as munitions and R&D. Involved with flight simulation since the 1980s he has flown all the major flight simulators over the years.
He is an Australian expat who has lived in Malaysia, UK, Saudi Arabia and more recently Thailand. He is a multi-lingual blogger who loves to share his life experiences here on www.LetsFlyVFR.com and www.DreamingGuitar.com, his lifestyle and Travel experiences Blog.
