How to Get Around in Bangkok Like a Local – Your Principal Options for Navigating the City Efficiently

Bangkok is a city that is always engrossing to explore as it has so much to offer to visitors; here, you can experience cultural attractions, sightseeing highlights, shopping opportunities, exciting nightlife and more. However, to reach these alluring attractions, you would need to know how to get about in this city. Your main options for travelling around the Thai capital are described below. 

By Skytrain

 An excellent way to get around the city is to use the rapid and convenient Skytrain; this elevated rail system is also called the BTS. The Skytrain will take you to destinations in ‘new Bangkok’ or in other words, the localities around Sukhumvit, Silom and Siam Square. You may choose to travel on the Sukhumvit (light green coloured) line or the Silom (dark green coloured) line when using the Skytrain. You will find that this mode of transport would enable you to evade the city’s traffic, especially during rush hour, with trains typically running regularly from 6 am to midnight.

By Metro 

Another useful mode of travel is using the city’s MRT or Metro system. This network too could be used for journeying between the districts of Sukhumvit and Silom, including travelling to Hualamphong Train Station. The Metro may be regarded as an inexpensive way to travel and you could avail yourself of a one-day pass if you need to use this system frequently. Like the Skytrain service, you can expect regular Metro services between 6 am and midnight. 

By Boat 

Bangkok happens to be bisected by the Chao Phraya River with its west bank featuring an extensive network of canals; due to these reasons, it is possible to travel to some destinations in the city by boat. You will have the opportunity to use services like the Chao Phraya Express Boat (denoted by an orange flag) which runs regularly from 6 am to 7 pm; it makes stops at many important piers situated between the locations of Wat Rajsingkorn at Bangkok’s south and Nonthaburi at the north. 

By Taxi and Grab

You will find that it is surprisingly affordable to travel by taxi in the capital of Thailand. This mode of transport is also simple and comfortable, with the drivers usually being friendly. Generally, you should insist that the taxi driver activates the meter; if he does not, simply find another taxi. Having the address of your destination written in the local language will be a good idea as well. Another useful service is using the Grab app to obtain rides. When using this system, you will use a mobile application to reserve your journey and the fare will be fixed. You may pay either by card or alternatively in cash. 

By Tuk-tuk and Bus 

Whilst taking a ride on a tuk-tuk may be regarded as an iconic experience in the city, these vehicles are usually used for relatively brief journeys. Whilst travelling by tuk-ruk will be an interesting experience, you should try to negotiate a reasonable fare before setting off. Meanwhile, you may also use the public buses for your transport needs; using this option will be a very cost-effective means of travel as it is mainly the locals who rely on it. For more useful Bangkok travel tips consider insightful online resources like Travel Bangkok Now.

By Vehicle or Bicycle Rental 

Another option to consider is renting a vehicle for your travels in the city. Whilst this will be a comfortable mode of travel, you must keep in mind that the driving conditions in Bangkok are likely to be rather different from those in your native country. Finally, it is also possible to hire a bicycle to explore certain parts of the city. As you might expect, this will be a simple and inexpensive way to get about, but you must remember that you would have to deal with the Thai capital’s lively traffic and the possibly unfamiliar conditions.