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Transportation in Bangkok
Most Asian countries have problems in their big cities, like Bangkok, with
over-population, traffic congestion and pollution. There are several modes
of transportation in Bangkok, with the automobile being the most popular.
Taxis, samlors (three-wheeled taxis), buses, and boats via the canal are other
modes available in Bangkok. Traveling outside Bangkok and Thailand
is possible due to roads and railways that go from Bangkok to Malaysia, Laos and
Kampuchea (Cambodia). Bangkok's port, which manages most of the imports
and exports in Thailand, is actually a channel that has been made from the mouth
of the river located seventeen miles away.
Bus
The bus can be an inexpensive, but crowded, way to get around Bangkok, but
without a map it can be totally confusing. The air-con bus is easily
confused with the regular public bus and costs a bit more. As the name
implies, the air-con bus is cooler and generally isn't as crowded as its
counterpart.
Taxi
Before going anywhere, a price must be agreed upon for a taxi ride. Taxis
are plentiful, so bargaining for a good price is not too difficult. Most
taxis are air conditioned and for the most part the drivers can speak
English. A 7% government tax is part of the cost of taking a taxi and
depending on when a taxi is needed, the fares will jump up either late at night
or in heavy traffic. Tipping is not customary when taking a taxi.
Additional passengers are not charged, neither is baggage.
Tuk-tuk
The tuk-tuk, a three-wheeled small taxi, is easily distinguishable by its blue
and yellow cab. It is not recommended for long distances, as it will end
up costing more than a regular taxi, but are good for short trips. Agree
upon a price beforehand, if possible, but most drivers don't speak
English. The average cost of taking a tuk-tuk is 20 baht.
Bicycle/Motorcycle Taxi
This way of getting around is best during traffic congestion, as it is small and
easily navigated. The downside is that only one passenger is
allowed. Negotiate a price beforehand, there is no set fee.
Train
Thailand's railway is excellent in that it reaches most major cities in the
country. Air conditioning is available on the diesel trains for first
class passengers, second class passengers get fans to move the air. The
most popular route traveled in Thailand is from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
Air
Domestic flights are available to the major towns in Thailand, with ten flights
available to Chiang Mai and Phuket daily. The airport tax is about 20 baht
on domestic flights. Thai International's domestic flights are centered in
Bangkok. Most major international airlines fly into Bangkok, which is the
center for international discounted tickets.
| Denomination |
Color |
Denomination |
Description |
| 1,000 baht note |
gray |
10 baht coin |
brass encircled with silver |
| 500 baht note |
purple |
5 baht coin |
silver encircled with brass |
| 100 baht note |
red |
1 baht coin |
three coins, but only the smallest fits in public pay
phones. |
| 50 baht note |
blue |
50 satang coin |
two types available |
| 20 baht note |
green |
25 satang coin |
two types available |
| 10 baht note |
brown |
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