Getting Around

Bangkok offers a variety of transport options to help navigate the city. Here are some of the most common:

BTS Skytrain: An elevated rapid transit system that is efficient and avoids traffic congestion. It covers many key areas of the city.
MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): The underground metro system that complements the BTS and connects several districts, including some major tourist sites.
Buses: A comprehensive bus network operates throughout the city. It’s an economical option but can be crowded and affected by traffic.
Taxis: Readily available and relatively inexpensive. Ensure the meter is used to avoid overcharging.
Motorbike Taxis: A fast way to navigate through traffic, particularly for short distances. Drivers can be found at designated stands.
Tuk-tuks: Iconic three-wheeled vehicles that are more of a tourist attraction but can also be a fun way to get around for short distances.
River Boats: The Chao Phraya River has a public boat service which is a scenic and efficient way to travel, especially to reach sites along the river.
Walking: In areas with heavy traffic or tourist attractions, walking can sometimes be the quickest way to get around.
Bicycle Rentals: Some parks and areas have bike rentals, providing a leisurely way to explore certain parts of the city.

Each option has its advantages and is suitable for different needs depending on time, budget, and destination.

BTS (Skytrain)

https://www.bts.co.th/eng/

The BTS is also referred to as the Skytrain. There are basically two main lines which meet at SIAM station in the centre of Bangkok. You either need a ticket or a card called a Rabbit card which you touch in and out to gain access. You can buy these (and top them up) at any BTS station although you may need ID (Passport) to buy them. You can buy an all day ticket or a single use ticket without the need for a Rabbit Card

The Silom Line runs fron National Stadium (next to SIAM) and onto Bang Wa. A new Gold line which runs from Krung Thon Buri to Klongsan for those visting Icon Siam)

The Sukhumvit line joins the Silom Line at SIAM and is the only place they meet. This line also connects to the SARL (Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link)

IconSiam is on the gold line with three Stations Krung Thonburi, Chareon Nakhon and Klongsan. It connects with the Silom line at Krung Thonburi

River Crossing Ferries

Not to be confused the River Boats that go up and down the river these little ferries just take you across the river and back again.

They are useful if there isn’t a bridge nearbyand sometimes (like at Wat Arun) you need to use them to get across the river. The fee (as at 2026) is usually 5 baht.

Taxi

Taxi’s are easy to travel around Bangkok and are cheap. Sometimes at rush hour the traffic is very busy and the BTS might be a better options. Ensure you have ample cash and ideally small notes. Taxi’s are not happy to change a 1000 baht note. I always give a small tip.

If you travel on the expressway then then you are liable for the tolls usually 50-100 baht at each toll booth where you have to pay. Again, keep small notes for these tolls.

Ensure the Taxi uses the meter (nearly all will) unless you agree a fee beforehand which is not usual for local trips. Sometimes if the route is busy it’s not cost effective for them to use the meter as they then have to get back to where they are based. This is why they may demand a fixed price. It’s not a con it’s just a choice you have to make. Usually for the few extra baht its well worth it.

Tuk Tuk’s

Tuk Tuk’s can be fun but strangely are usually more expensive and do NOT have a meter so you must negotiate the fee. Unlike Taxi’s they are not air conditioned and you also have to breath in the fumes of the other vehicles. They can be great fun though. Sometimes in Tourist areas the charges can be much higher than a Taxi.

MRT and BRT

Bangkok has a metro or underground system called the MRT https://www.transitbangkok.com/mrt.html It uses a different card to that of the BTS although it works in the same way. It is clean and frequent and often adjoins BTS stations (like at Sala Daeng near Lumpini park)

The BRT is a a Rapid Bus Transport in which Buses runs in special lanes.

Some of the new MRT stations are beautiful and almost works of art. MRT transport is very clean compared with London’s Underground or the Subway in New York.

River Transport

If wanting to travel on the river then the Chaopraya Express Boat is a water bus (think Thames Clipper if from the UK). It usually stops quite early around 7pm however.

Transport up and down the Chaophraya River is primarily using the Chaophraya Express boat but there are other that stop at all stations and there is a tourist version as well. Be aware that they stop running around 7pm.

Shuttle boats dock at the Sathorn Pier to take guests to the major riverside hotels and also to ICONSIAM and Asiatique

There are several types of Chao Phraya Express Boats, each with a different color flag and route.

No Flag: Boats without a flag stop at every pier.
Blue Flag (Tourist Boat): Stops upon request, ideal for tourists exploring the river. Operates from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. You can purchase a one-day pass for unlimited trips. Staff will call out the pier names and stop the boat upon request.
Orange Flag: Stops at main piers
Yellow Flag: Large express boat for commuters during rush hours.
Green Flag: Express boat for commuters during specific hours

Other Useful Information

Markets

Bangkok is renowned for its vibrant markets, each offering unique experiences that cater to a variety of interests. There are floating markets, night markets a flower anf fish markets and many more.