So you finally made it to Bangkok. The trip by van from Don Muong International Airport to Chulalongkorn University was a nightmare. How can so many cars, trucks and motorbikes travel all over the road without hitting each other? The last thirty minutes were made with your eyes closed. After jet lag and when you feel normal, how are you going to get around to see the sites of Bangkok?
There are several methods of transportation available to you in Bangkok. The easiest and “less hassle” one is to take a taxi. Five years ago, only a handful of tourists would dare take a Bangkok taxi. The reason: no meter - all haggle. If you did not have a good idea where you were going and how much it would cost, you would be taken for “a ride.” With the advent of the MeterTaxi, you've got no problems. Every tourist and every foreigner, as well as Thais, now use the taxi to quickly and conveniently get around Bangkok. The only problem you may run into is when the traffic is heavy and a particular taxi does not want to go where you do because he is running out of time. No problem, just hail another taxi. Taxi drivers are especially good to practice your Thai on. Most are from upcountry and enjoy visiting with foreigners who are trying to speak Thai. Many of the taxi drivers are from my favorite part of Thailand, I-san or the Northeast. If I get one from there, I usually practice a little Lao with him and we visit about the places I have been or better yet, the place he came from. Here are some pictures of getting around by taxi. It is easy and economical as well.
Just get out there on the curb and wave at a taxi. Make sure it has a red light showing in the window. When it stops, get in and tell the driver where you want to go or show him the writing your Thai friend gave you to help you get around. Taxi rates start at 35 baht and charges occur about every quarter mile or so. The taxis are air-conditioned, cheap and safe (really they are, just close your eyes until you reach your destination!).
