Transportation and Accommodation in Bangkok

The transportation and accommodation are quite cheap and convenient in Bangkok as well as Thailand. However, the tips and guides about Bangkok in this blog are not focused on the cheapest way, but we will show you the most convenient and valued way for travelers.

TRANSPORTATION

In general, Bangkok's public transportation will offer you 5 ways:
- Taxi
- BTS & MRT
- Boat
- Bus
- Tuk tuk
- They also have Airport link from/to the airport only.

However, in my opinion, Taxi, BTS & MRT are the best.

BTS, the symbol of Bangkok in my mind!

1. From/To the Airport

You can check the detailed information here: http://www.transitbangkok.com/to_Bangkok_airport.html

At the first times to Bangkok, I chose Airport link because I thought it's cheaper. But I was wrong, especially when we go in group. One way ticket from Airport to the city by Airport link is 150B, and then, you have to take BTS or MRT to go to your place (it charges you 15-40B more). So, each person may have to pay 170-190B with messy route. While a taxi charges you only 200-300B in common places (plus 50B for the management). The taxi from the airport is also secured because they are under the control of the airport.

With the taxi from city to airport, you don't have to pay the management fee for Airport, just make sure that they count in meter.

One more notice: in Bangkok, the taxi driver usually want to go in highway to avoid the traffic jam, and they may ask 20B more for the highway transportation fee.

2. Visit Bangkok's landmarks

I found out that the best way to visit the landmarks such as Wat Po, Wat Arun, and the places near by, is by boat. No matter where you stay in Bangkok (Sukhumvit, Siam, Khao San...), you can easily find a convenient and cheap way to the boat station and start your trip.

Chao Phraya River Express boat offers one day ticket at 150B and you can use it during the day in every boat from/to the piers along the river. With this ticket, you can visit almost landmark spots.

You should start at the Central Pier (it's closed to Saphan Taksin BTS Station), buy a ticket here and ask for a guide book (free). Just follow the book to visit the spots you like.

I don't like Tuk-tuk because it's even more expensive and it's not convenient at all.

3. Go shopping in Bangkok

If you are a shoppaholic, Bangkok is the paradise for you! (You may want to refer another article about shopping malls review). The shopping malls locate in Siam and Silom which are very easy to access by BTS (or taxi). If you go alone, you can use BTS. If you go in group, you should consider to go by taxi.

BTS in Bangkok is not expensive, it charges you about 10-15B for 2 continuous stations. You can buy the ticket at every BTS station. However, you can choose 2 other ways to go by BTS:
- Buy one-day-ticket (150B) and use it as much as you can during one day. This's suitable if you stay in one or a few days.
- Buy smart pass card (Rabbit card) which requires 50B for deposit and topup 375B for 15 trips. This saves much if you go in long way because it counts on trip, not on distance. Some other options for topup: 575B for 25 trips, 840B for 40 trips... This's suitable if you stay longer than 2 days.

MRT is operated under another system so you can't use BTS smart card or one day ticket. However, they also offer stored value card (30B for issuing + 50B for deposit + 150B for travel value).

ACCOMMODATION

Bangkok is quite large with more than 50 districts! But the public transportation is quite good and easy so you don't have to worry much about where to stay. However, there are some main locations for visitors:

- Airport and surrounds
- Siam, Chidlom, Ploenchit, Pratunam (all are located in Sukhumvit road): stay here if you are addicted to shopping.
- Silom: another place for shopping and business
- Chatuchak: stay here if you just like Chatuchak market
- China Town, Khaosan Road & old city: stay here if you want to visit Bangkok's landmarks. This place also has many budget options.
- Riverside: stay here if you want to get some peace and quiet in this crowded city. It's more expensive than other places with many 5* hotels.

However, in my opinion, Siam, Chidlom, Ploenchit and the Sukhumvit is the most convenient. You can easily go shopping and access to BTS from here.

Tips: You can book with AsiaWebDirect or iVIVU (highly recommended for Vietnamese). I bet that they always have the best price for accommodation in Thailand! Sure not because that I'm working for them!