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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 |
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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.
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