Bangkok from Khao San Road

Getting Around Bangkok from Khao San Road

Getting around Bangkok can seem complicated, but it's easy if you know how...

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	Getting around Bangkok can seem complicated, but it's easy if you know how. There are plenty of people who will insist that they know the best and quickest route to your destination - before taking you on a complete tangent. The best thing to do is to figure out where you want to go first. If you get stuck, the travel agents on Khao San Road are a good source of information. Taxis: All taxis are supposed to use the meter. However, some refuse, especially around Khao San Road. Check to make sure that the meter is used and that the fare starts at 35 baht. If not, simply get out and take the next taxi. Many taxi drivers have trouble understanding the Western pronunciation of Thai place names. If your Thai is limited, ask someone at a travel agents or restaurant to write the name in Thai for you. Also bear in mind that taxis with signs saying "I love Farang (foreigners). I can speak English," can be rather misleading! Tuk-tuks: These three wheeled vehicles are more streamlined than a taxi and better at dodging through the traffic. Make sure you negotiate the fare before getting in. Tip: if you are negotiating in English and especially in Western areas of Bangkok such as Khao San Road, the price will be automatically higher, usually by 30-50%. Ask a local the going rate before setting out. Motorbikes: 'Taxi motor-cy': These can work out cheaper than a taxi or a tuk-tuk for short distances, although they are often much more expensive for long journeys. Not for the faint of heart, motorcycle taxis are the quickest way of getting through rush hour traffic, when the daring drivers manage to squeeze through the tiniest of gaps, often narrowly avoiding heads-on collisions. You can easily recognize these guys as they wear bright orange vest with Thai numbers on the back and usually hunt in packs. Buses: There are three main kinds, indicated by colour. The orange or dark blue buses with tinted windows are air-con. These are the most comfortable and typically cost 12-22 baht, depending on your destination. Fan buses are blue and white and cost 8 baht to any destination in and around Bangkok. The red buses have no fans and cost just 7 baht, but they can get pretty hot. The little green buses are also fan free and can feel very cramped - avoid unless absolutely necessary. There are many places around Khao San Road to catch buses. Some good places are around Democracy Monument, near the Phra Sumen Fort or along Samsen Road. Many buses have their destinations written on the side in English. If not, simply find the bus conductor or driver and ask "Bai (name of destination) mai?"
Canal:  The canal starts near Golden Mount and runs along side some tourist places such as Siam, Silom and Pratunam.