How to move around Bangkok ? Heavy congestion and difficulty finding parking make driving very painful. Luckily, Bangkok has an excellent public transportation system that you can use to get around the city’s attractions.
BTS (Bangkok Mass Transit System): Also known as Sky-Train, it is ideal for getting around shopping malls, downtown Bangkok and the main river boat terminal. Here is a complete guide on how to use the BTS skytrain in Bangkok.
MRT (Metropolitan Rapid Transit): Primarily underground, this train connects to larger suburban areas. However, it also connects to the BTS, the airport and several popular tourist destinations. Here is a complete guide on how to use the MRT in Bangkok.
Bus: Bangkok has an older bus service that drives around the streets. Unless you’re sure what bus number you need and where it stops, it can be tricky to use. Google maps is your friend as it will show you bus numbers you can use for your preferred route
Taxi: There are brightly colored taxis everywhere in Bangkok. They are metered and are relatively cheap. Drivers don’t always speak English, so having your destination written in Thai can help. Do not accept fixed prices from them as it is a ripoff especially in front of malls or any other tourist hotspots. Best way is to just wave a taxi out of traffic, sit in a taxi, tell then your destination, and ask for a taximeter. If they refuse to turn taximeter just get out of taxi and wave next one.
Bolt/Grab Taxi: What is Uber in most western countries, that is Grab and Bolt in Thailand. Some people prefer it due to convenience but expect to pay little bit more then taximeter especially at peak time and rainy days
Tuk Tuk: Covered three-wheeled motorcycles that can carry two to four or more people over short distances. In Bangkok they are known for jacking up their prices, so decide on a destination/price before you enter.
Mototaxi: an ordinary motorcycle with a man in a brightly colored vest will take you short distances. Prices are often displayed in Thai/English where they meet.
Riverboat: Regular motorized riverboats ply up and down the Chao Phraya River. Avoid the tourist boats for cheaper fares.
Walking: Even with all of the above motorized transport, you’ll probably be walking more than you expect in Bangkok. Switching from the BTS to the MRT may only take 15 minutes.
Train: If the big city gets too much for you, take advantage of Bangkok’s two train stations, Hua Lamphong and Thonburi, for day trips.
Long-distance bus stations: Bangkok has three long-distance bus stations. The Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit), covering northern, central and eastern Thailand. Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai): Covers eastern Thailand. Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai) – Covers southern Thailand. Unfortunately, these bus terminals are difficult to reach with lots of luggage, so save yourself the trouble and take a taxi to get there.