bangkok Travel

Visitors to Thailand who hold valid passports or traveling documents issued by any country included in an officially issued list of eligible countries, are permitted one-month visa-free visits. If planning a longer stay, a Tourist Visa valid for 60 days must be obtained from a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate abroad. Visa extensions can be applied for at the Immigration Department in Bangkok.

By Air
here is no shortage of scheduled flights to Bangkok's Don Muang International Airport from destinations all over the world, with direct services available from most Asian cities, Australia, New Zealand and the UK. The airport lies about 25 km north of central Bangkok, and transport to major hotels and the city center is easy to arrange upon landing. The new express toll way makes the trip to the city fast and much less expensive than bygone days when choking traffic and bad weather conditions meant hours of sitting in the back of a taxi watching the meter climb relentlessly upward! If you have not arranged a courtesy car from your hotel, choose from metered taxis ( one way trip including surcharge and toll way should cost 250 -300 Baht depending on location of your hotel), airport bus (around 40-60Baht for one way trip), limousine ( 500 Baht) or hire car.

By bus
is another method of traveling this route, with Hat Yai in the south of Thailand being the central hub for all connections between Malaysia and Thailand. Long-distance buses and minibuses run services to Bangkok from Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Singapore. Check with the Malaysian and Singaporean Tourist Authorities for timetables and costs.

Taxi
Metered taxis are the most popular form of public transport for visitors to Bangkok. Simply wait roadside for one to appear and wave it down. Most drivers will recognize the names of hotels or tourist areas, but if in doubt, it's always good to have a map handy to show where you are going. Occasionally you might been turned down if the driver is not sure or the location is out of his way (if late in the shift). Always check that the driver has actually turned his meter on - some will try and set a price with you beforehand, and some will feign forgetfulness thereby making it difficult to ascertain how much you should pay when you actually arrive - usually you end up paying too much. Passengers are responsible for toll way fees if using the expressway, and if coming from the airport, a surcharge of 50 Baht is also applied (for taxi's from the official metered taxi rank only).

Tuk-Tuk
Favored by the brave and those who don't mind noise and pollution, these three-wheeled open-air vehicles can get you around local areas, but are not recommended for long distances across town. Tell the driver where you're going and agree on the price before getting in and make sure you have small change to pay the fare (most trips will cost in the vicinity of 20 -80 Baht).

Bus
Because most places of interest around Bangkok are located on one of the numerous public bus routes, bus travel is actually one of the most convenient methods of getting around the city. Armed with a bus route map (available at most book stores) and a lot of loose change, you can get to practically anywhere you want to go within the city for as little as 3.5 Baht for the non-air-conditioned "cram 'em in" variety, or a maximum 30 Baht for an air-conditioned micro bus where seating is guaranteed (but routes are limited). Do beware of pickpockets in crowded buses and observe the specially reserved seats for monks at the bus entrance

River and Canal Boats
Bangkok's former most popular mode of transport, the river boat served those living along the Chao Phraya River and up along the many canals or klongs of the inner city. Still a convenient method of transport from one end of the river to the other, a regular ferry service shuttles up and down the river daily, stopping at piers on both sides of the river, and providing tourists with a glimpse of life on the water.

Canal boats still operate in the inner city areas, but are loosing their appeal to commuters as safer, more convenient modes of public transport develop. Longtail boats can be hired from most piers along the river if you wish to explore the smaller canals at your own leisure. An hour-long tour around the canals will cost around 600 Baht.

Sky
Train Bangkok's newest form of public transport runs above the main streets of the central business area. This elevated rail system offers services from early morning til late at night, providing an efficient, speedy alternative for commutes between areas along Sukhumvit, Siam Square, Silom and out to Mor Chit. Fares range from 15 to 40 Baht and plans have been made to extend the service to outlying areas. Tourists will find the Skytrain a joy to use as most shopping districts lie close to the route, cutting down the necessity to be overexposed to Bangkok's inner city traffic snarls.

Motorcycle
Taxis During the day and night, groups of motorcyclists can be seen lurking on street corners or cruising the streets wearing colored vests and trying to get your attention. These are the motorcycle taxi drivers who will take you anywhere around town for a fee. The price can vary depending on the distance you want to travel and your bargaining skills. Not the safest mode of transport but can be convenient.