Transportation in Bangkok
Most Asian countries have problems in their big cities, like Bangkok, with over-population, traffic congestion and pollution. There are several modes of transportation in Bangkok, with the automobile being the most popular. Taxis, samlors (three-wheeled taxis), buses, and boats via the canal are other modes available in Bangkok. Traveling outside Bangkok and Thailand is possible due to roads and railways that go from Bangkok to Malaysia, Laos and Kampuchea (Cambodia). Bangkok's port, which manages most of the imports and exports in Thailand, is actually a channel that has been made from the mouth of the river located seventeen miles away.
Bus
The bus can be an inexpensive, but crowded, way to get around Bangkok, but without a map it can be totally confusing. The air-con bus is easily confused with the regular public bus and costs a bit more. As the name implies, the air-con bus is cooler and generally isn't as crowded as its counterpart.
Taxi
Before going anywhere, a price must be agreed upon for a taxi ride. Taxis are plentiful, so bargaining for a good price is not too difficult. Most taxis are air conditioned and for the most part the drivers can speak English. A 7% government tax is part of the cost of taking a taxi and depending on when a taxi is needed, the fares will jump up either late at night or in heavy traffic. Tipping is not customary when taking a taxi. Additional passengers are not charged, neither is baggage.
Tuk-tuk
The tuk-tuk, a three-wheeled small taxi, is easily distinguishable by its blue and yellow cab. It is not recommended for long distances, as it will end up costing more than a regular taxi, but are good for short trips. Agree upon a price beforehand, if possible, but most drivers don't speak English. The average cost of taking a tuk-tuk is 20 baht.
Bicycle/Motorcycle Taxi
This way of getting around is best during traffic congestion, as it is small and easily navigated. The downside is that only one passenger is allowed. Negotiate a price beforehand, there is no set fee.
Train
Thailand's railway is excellent in that it reaches most major cities in the country. Air conditioning is available on the diesel trains for first class passengers, second class passengers get fans to move the air. The most popular route traveled in Thailand is from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
Air
Domestic flights are available to the major towns in Thailand, with ten flights available to Chiang Mai and Phuket daily. The airport tax is about 20 baht on domestic flights. Thai International's domestic flights are centered in Bangkok. Most major international airlines fly into Bangkok, which is the center for international discounted tickets.
Denomination
Color
Denomination
Description
1,000 baht note
gray
10 baht coin
brass encircled with silver
500 baht note
purple
5 baht coin
silver encircled with brass
100 baht note
red
1 baht coin
three coins, but only the smallest fits in public pay phones.
50 baht note
blue
50 satang coin
two types available
20 baht note
green
25 satang coin
two types available
10 baht note
brown
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