Transport: Bangkok is notorious for the huge volume of traffic and traffic
jams, but this has eased slightly over the years with the
introduction of the elevated monorail, the Skytrain, which
currently has two lines running above Bangkok's central areas and
provides a much quicker and easier alternative to the bus. The
Bangkok Metro, established in 2004, has one route and covers areas
not connected by the Skytrain. The Metro intersects with the
Skytrain at three points and has 18 stations, with frequent
services running until midnight. The extensive bus system has
always been the main form of public transport, and they are the
cheapest, most frequent mode of travel around the city (Bt3.50 to
most destinations), but they should be used with care due to
pickpockets and bag snatchers taking advantage of the squash. The
easiest, fastest and most interesting way to get around is on the
waterways of the Chao Phraya River where numerous river taxis,
long-tail boats and large waterbuses make most tourist sites easily
reachable for about Bt10. Tuk tuks (colourful three-wheelers) are
the standard way of making short journeys and are cheaper and
quicker than regular taxis, but fares should be negotiated before
boarding. Metered and un-metered taxis are air-conditioned, but be
aware that drivers don't carry much change. Any taxi or tuk tuk can
be hired for a day's tour of the sights (Bt500-800). If in a
desperate rush during gridlock, motorcycle taxis can be hired,
which are cheaper and faster, but passengers will need nerves of
steel, and they should only be used for short distances. They can
be recognised by the colourful, numbered vests worn by drivers.
