Bangkok
Taxis
: Metered taxis are available in Bangkok. Make sure the
driver turns on the meter, especially if you are
starting from the airport. Make sure you have change, as
taxi drivers often don't! Drivers change shifts at about
3.30-4.00 p.m., and may not accept you unless your
destination is convenient. Passengers must pay tolls in
the case of using an expressway.
If taxis do not have meters, fares must be agreed upon
before starting. The amount will vary depending on the
distance, traffic, weather (if it is raining the fare
will rise) and the negotiating skills of the hirer.
Average fares in Bangkok are between 50 - 200 baht.
Tuk - Tuk:
Three-wheeled open - air vehicles taking two passengers (three or
four at a squeeze), Tuk - tuks offer an 'interesting' ride! Best for
shorter trips during off - peak hours. Settle the fare before
proceeding. It should cost less than the price of a comparable
journey by taxi meter.
Buses: Bangkok has an
extensive bus service with routes serving every part of the city.
There are both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned vehicles,
which provide an extremely cheap way of getting around town.
River Taxi: Taxis
that are even more unusual, though equally convenient, are the river
taxis that ply the Chao Phraya river. Some are just cross river
ferries, but others serve the many landing stages on both banks and
cover a route that goes up as far as the northern suburb of
Nonthaburi.
Out of Bangkok
Air : The Bangkok International Airport and the domestic
airport in Don Muang lie 25 km north of the city. Airport departure
taxes are required at both domestic and international departures
(international passengers: 500 baht/person domestic passengers: 30
baht/person).
Domestic flights are offered by:
Thai Airways International Tel: (662) 280-0060, 628-2000
Bangkok Airways Tel: (662) 229-3434
International flights Information (662) 535-1254 (departures)
(662) 535-1310 (arrivals)
Domestic flights Information (662) 535-1253
Buses : Inter-city
bus services offer a fast means of transport to all corners of the
country. Air-conditioned buses service many provincial areas and
bookings for both regular and tour coaches can be made through major
hotels and travel agents, or at the following bus terminals:
|
Northern Bus Terminal
:
Kampaengphet 2 Rd, Bangkok
Tel: (662) 936-3660, 936-366
|
Eastern Bus Terminal
:
Sukhumvit Rd, Bangkok.
Tel: (662) 391-2504
|
|
Northeastern Bus Terminal
:
Kampaengphet 2 Rd, Bangkok
Tel: (662) 936-0667
|
Southern Bus Terminal
:
Boromratchchonnani Rd, Bangkok
Tel: (662) 435-1200, 434-7192
|
|
Central Bus Terminal
:
Kampaengphet 2 Rd, Bangkok
Tel: (662) 936-1897, 936-1886
|
|
Trains
: An efficient rail service links northern and northeastern towns
with Bangkok (terminus is Hualamphong Station). Regular western and
southern routes out of Bangkok (Thon Buri) Station enable travel by
train to Kanchanaburi province and to southern Thailand.
On express trains, sleepers are available in three classes: first
and second class (air-conditioned), and second class (non
air-conditioned, but with fans).
Advance tickets are available at all principal
stations or the Bangkok Advance Booking Office.
Tel.(662) 225-0300 ext 5200-3.
Hired Car : If you
want to go your own way, there are many car hire firms in Thailand,
including international rental companies such as Hertz and Avis. The
road system is good and well sign - posted. An international driving
license is required.