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| About the Conference | About Bangkok | Accommodation | Social Program, Tours & Excursions | Getting around Bangkok |
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GETTING AROUND BANGKOK
Bangkok's heaving traffic is legendary, presenting a constant challenge for residents and visitors alike. River and canal boats, along with the BTS skytrain and MRT subway systems, offer some reliable alternatives to getting stuck on the roads. Nonetheless, traffic remains horrendous, particularly mid-week. Below is a guide to inner-city transport choices.
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RAIL (SKYTRAIN)
The Bangkok Transit System, or BTS, is a two-line elevated train network covering the major commercial areas, from up north at Mo Chit all the way past Siam Square to On-Nut and from down-town National Monument all the way over the river to Wongwian Yai. Trains run every few minutes from 6am to midnight, making the BTS a quick and reliable transport option, especially during heavy traffic jams. More information can be found on www.bts.co.th. |
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SUBWAY
Bangkok's Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is another fast and reliable way to get around town. The 18-station line stretches 20kms from Hualamphong (near the central railway station) up to Bang Sue in the north. Subways run from 6am to midnight daily, with trains arriving every 5-7 minutes. The underground connects with the BTS at MRT Silom/BTS Sala Daeng, MRT Sukhumvit/BTS Asok and MRT Chatuchak Park/BTS Mo Chi. More information can be found on www.bangkokmetro.co.th. |
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CANAL BOAT
Khlong Saen Saep canal boats operate from Banglamphu across the city to Ramkhamhaeng University. Canal (khlong) boats tend to be frequent and cost around 10-20 Bahts depending on distance. |
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EXPRESS RIVER BOAT
Bangkok's vast network of inter-city waterways offer a quick and colorful alternative for visiting some of city's top sights, such as the Grand Palace. Express boats ply the Chao Phraya River from Saphan Taksin Bridge up to Nonthaburi, stopping at some 30 main piers along the way. Fares range from around 11 to 32 Bahts depending on the distance, with tickets being purchased either onboard or at the pier, depending on how much time you have. Boats depart every 20 minutes or so between 5:30am and 6:00pm. |
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BUS
Bangkok has an extensive and inexpensive public bus service. Both open-air and air-conditioned vehicles are available. As most destinations are noted only in Thai, it is advisable to get a bus route map, available at hotels, TAT offices and bookshops. Note that for many of the buses you board in the middle set of doors and exit from the front and rear. Tickets sellers will come to you once onboard. |
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TAXI
Bangkok has thousands of metered, air-con taxies available 24 hours. Flag fall is 35 Bahts (for the first 2km) and the fare climbs in 2 Bahts increments from there. For trips to and from the airport, passengers should pay the expressway toll fees. When boarding from the queue outside the terminal, an additional 50 Bahts surcharge is added. |
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TUK-TUK
Those three-wheeled taxis (or 'samlor' in Thai) are best known as tuk-tuks, so named for the steady whirr of their engines. A 10 minute ride should cost around 40 Bahts, but always bargain before boarding. |
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MOTORCYCLE TAXI
In Bangkok's heavy traffic, motorcycle taxis are the fastest, albeit most dangerous, form of road transport. Easily recognizable by their colorful oranges vests, motorbike taxi drivers gather in groups beside department stores, outside restaurants, at the end of long sois or nearby tourist spots. As with tuk-tuks, fares definitely have to be negotiated beforehand. |
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How to Travel from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok
Bangkok is served by an international airport: Suvarnabhumi Airport. Drivellers could travel to and from the airport by a limousine, taxi, or Airport Rail Link Transport (ART). |
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