Getting Around Bangkok
The best way to get around Bangkok is by Skytrain or Metro, which are fast, affordable, and easily navigable for visitors. The city also offers an extensive network of buses, but these are prone to traffic jams. And while we're on the topic of heavy traffic, don't even think about driving. It will only frustrate you. Taxis are fairly cheap, but again, gridlock is a regular issue. However, taxis are the easiest way to get from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to downtown. The Airport Bus Express is another option. For a scenic view of the city, we suggest hopping aboard a riverboat and floating down the Chao Phraya River.
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Bus |
Bangkok Mass Transit Authority runs an extensive network of buses throughout the city. Vehicles with air-conditioning cost more to ride than those without. That said, tickets range from 6.50 THB (about $.20 USD) to 18 THB (about $.60 USD). Most of the buses run from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., although some run 24 hours a day. You can pick up a bus map for a small fee at one of the many bookstalls in Bangkok. |
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Skytrain and Metro |
Many visitors find the Skytrain to be the most convenient and enjoyable way of traversing the city, even though it's not as extensive as the bus system. Useful tourist routes run parallel to Sukhumvit, Silom, and Phaholyothin roads, all of which are east of the river. Rates run between 15 and 55 THB (about $.50 and $1.75 USD), and one-day passes (which offer unlimited rides for 24 hours) cost 130 THB, which is roughly $4 USD. The Metro (MRT) also canvasses a small section of the city, but it's especially good for getting from downtown to the train stations (Bangkok Railway Station and Bang Sue Railway Station). Fare runs from 15 to 40 THB (about $.50 and $1.25 USD). The mass transit system operates from 6 a.m. till midnight. |
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Taxi |
Taxis are a fairly affordable way of getting around the city, but keep in mind that taxi trips are susceptible to gridlock. Most taxis have meters, and you should avoid any that don't to protect yourself from scams. The first kilometer (roughly 0.5 miles) costs 35 THB (a little over $1 USD), and prices increase by 1 THB per every 55 yards; a three-mile trip will cost about 60 THB ($1.90 USD). |
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Riverboat |
For a scenic view of the city, hop on a public riverboat along the Chao Phraya. These riverboats serve as a great way to get around some of the city's top things to do major sites, since there are stops near Chinatown and Wat Pho. Depending on your route, you can get a ride for about 2.50 THB ($0.07 USD) or an all-day pass for 75 THB ($2.40 USD). |
Exit and Entry Requirements
U.S. citizens can visit Thailand for up to 30 days with a passport that's valid for at least six months beyond entering the country. For longer stays, visitors have to apply for a visa. Upon departure, visitors will have to pay a passenger service charge, but that fee is usually factored into your airfare. For more information, visit the U.S. State Department's website.
Plan Your Trip to Bangkok
