Getting around Bangkok: Public transport at it's best

Of all the places in the world Bangkok must surely be the most convenient in terms of mass public transport. I sold my car back home in South Africa, and in exchange I have used possibly every means of transport that exists whilst living in Thailand. If you want to go anywhere, at any given moment in time, for whatever fee you are willing to pay, it is most certainly possible here. From cheapest to most expensive, here are the public transport options available to you in 'The Big Mango'.

Songthaew

When I first saw a songthaew I was very confused at what it actually was. Its basically a two-seater truck (or a bakkie as us saffas call it) with seats put in the back to fit about 8 people. This is by far the cheapest way to get around in Bangkok and on the islands. Costing between 5 and 7 Baht depending on how long the route is, its an easy and cheap way to get to where you need to be. My boyfriend and I prefer holding onto the rails right at the back and getting a bit of fresh air. It can actually be quite a fun experience!

Taking risks on the Songthaew

Public Bus

I have always had bad experiences with public buses, which has in turn led to distrust. The confusing schedule, the unknown destination point, the grumpy bus driver, the uncomfortable seats...I could go on! Ever since moving to Bangkok, however, I have a growing appreciation for buses of all kinds. Whether you want to go just down the road or to another city in Thailand, the bus is usually your best bet. Even the super cheap ones (8 or 9 Baht) are efficient and clean, and the driver almost always has a need for speed.

Chao Phraya Express Boat

The express boat is a cheap and fun way to get around when you want to get away from the noisy roads and the traffic. Get to the main Sathorn pier from the Saphan Taksin BTS stop, and make sure that you walk straight past the ticket office selling the tourist boat tickets (for a rip-off price of 100 Baht), and opt for the local orange ferry that only costs 15 Baht. This option is obviously only for when you need to go somewhere close to one of the piers along the Chao Phraya River. The main attractions such as Khao San Road, Chinatown and the famous temples can all be found along specific pier stops.

The local orange express boat

Motorbike Taxi

This is a transport option I have only opted for on two occasions out of sheer desperation and lack of a better choice if I'm honest! If you need to get somewhere fast and feel like an adrenalin rush then motorbike taxi's are for you! The guys operating these motorbikes are fast, and they weave between traffic at an alarming but impressive rate.The most impressive sight is a young Thai girl perched on the back of a motorbike taxi with two legs on the same side, texting on her phone while they ride at 120km per hour-brilliant! The usual cost of a motorbike taxi if you go a reasonable distance is between 40 and 80 Baht, which you can always bargain down. Try it at your own risk!

BTS/MRT

The BTS skytrain (above ground) and the MRT (below ground) channels are by far the most widely used and dependable form of public transport in Bangkok. Arriving at each station every 5 to 10 minutes, speedy and fully air-conditioned, I challenge you to find a better way to travel around the city. The tickets range from 10 Baht to 58 Baht (the highest ticket price for the furthest distance) depending on how far you want to go, and the places of interest are usually always by an MRT or BTS station for obvious reasons. This ever-expanding public transport really is a fantastic first world concept.

The dependable BTS

Tuk-tuk

Oh tuk-tuks, the autehnically Thai transport that every tourist is eager to experience. Those that have done any research on Thailand should have at some point heard a warning about tuk-tuks, and if you haven't then this is it! It could very easily be a generalized opinion on my behalf, but of the few experiences I have had with tuk-tuks whilst in Thailand, all of them have been somewhat stressful and frustrating. Whether the driver tells you one price and then increases it when you get to your destination, or takes you in the wrong direction and asks if you need fuel (wtf would I need fuel for??), or tries to take you to a tourist attraction or a jewelry shop to make some extra cash. These are experiences that both myself and other expat friends have dealt with, and it was not fun at all. I am not saying you should avoid tuk-tuks at all costs, but be smart and be aware when you are in one. Set your price and don't budge, and a helpful hint is to keep google maps open to check the driver is actually going in the right direction. Trust me!

Be wary of tuk-tuks

 Taxi

The good old taxi, always there when you need one at 2am after a few drinks with friends, and there is no other way to get home. Compared to other countries taxi's could still be considered cheap, but not by Thai standards. The best option is to get a pink colored taxi with a red light glowing on the front dash (meaning it is vacant) and opt for the meter to be put on if its not on already. It is ALWAYS better to have the meter on. This is especially difficult later on at night when taxi drivers try to pull a fast one on party-goers that have had one too many. The average taxi rate to get across town or around the main areas should cost you between 60 and 200 Baht.

I hope this was an informative post!as always if you have any questions leave them below. x