How to explore Bangkok
Bangkok is a vast city of modern comforts, retail therapy, entertainment, fine dining set in an ancient backdrop where the yesteryear vibes linger. The wonder lingers in the city’s exquisite architecture and life flows in all its beauty amidst the street markets, the river and canals. Let’s explore the rich offerings of Bangkok.
How to use the BTS and MRT in Bangkok?
BTS skytrain public transport in Bangkok | Image via Unsplash
Bangkok’s BTS soars above traffic, while the MRT whizzes underground, offering shelter from the heat of the day. Hence, it makes sense to use these to get around and find hotels near Asoke BTS or similar. Check out places like the Jono Bangkok Asok for easy access to public transport. Both options are easy to use. You can buy cards for both BTS and MRT and top up at the stations. The maps at the stations are clear, and navigating is easy. The trains indicate the next station above the door at all times.
How to plan ahead for Bangkok travel?
To the uninitiated, Bangkok can feel like a labyrinth. It is easy to feel overwhelmed unless you plan well. Prepare your Bangkok itinerary ahead of time, and buy a good map. Then map out your journeys as well as transport. Try to use the BTS, MRT and Chao Phraya River cruises as often as possible. When you have to use taxis, make it a point to avoid peak hours. A good rule of thumb is to not bite off more than you can chew. Take Bangkok in medium sized bites. Make sure you have plenty of down time to relax. And, try to schedule a street market tour at night.
How to enjoy a Chao Phraya River cruise?
A day of cruising along the river is perhaps the best way to enjoy the main architectural and cultural attractions in the city. Leave your hotel early in the morning and buy an all-day ticket on a river cruise. The blue flagged boats cater specifically to travellers. The boats operate from 9am until 7pm daily. Your one-day pass lets you get off and on boats from the same Company all day long. They employ English speaking announcers to describe approaching stops. All you have to do is get off the boat, explore the area and be back in time for the next boat.
What to carry when you explore Bangkok?
You don’t have to carry your passport around daily, and live in constant fear of losing it. Simply carry a photocopy of your passport. Carry your hotel card with directions written in Thai. This way you can always be sure to get back to the hotel sans hassle. You can show the directions to the driver. And, remember to carry a water bottle, rain boots and an umbrella to stay safe and protected. Wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water and grab snacks whenever hinger pangs strike.
How to use taxis in Bangkok?
Available taxis in Bangkok will have their red vacant light on. Don’t let the taxi colours confuse you. Those are just different taxi companies. Taxi fare starts at 35 Baht for the first two kilometers. Then you need to pay roughly 2 Baht per kilometer. Sometimes, there is a surcharge during traffic hours. This is about 1.25 baht per metre. You can use a translation app to communicate better with the drivers.
How to enjoy an organized tour of Bangkok?
Making your own way in Bangkok is fun, but sometimes an organized tour can do away with logistics headaches. Tour companies offer half day tours as well as tours that span several days. You can mix up adventure with organized tours to experience the best of Bangkok.
