Transportation Around Thailand

So you want to get around in Thailand.  There are many different ways that you can choose from and the River Long Boats are 2 examples.  What would you choose?

Driving Yourself – Good choice but now you have to think Opposite.  Everything you are used to at home is opposite.  To begin with, the driver’s wheel is on the Left hand side of the car (as everything else). They drive opposite to us on the roads.  The right way is on the left side. You can no longer make a right hand turn on red but left hand turns are okay. And you have to watch for those pesky little moto-bikes and scooters that keep coming out of nowhere!

Taxi – Safer; someone else is doing the driving.  But which one?

-          Metered Cab – most honest as they have a meter that tells you how much you pay in Baht similar to home. But do they take you the most direct route AND there are 10 million people in Bangkok and they are all trying to get somewhere. That equals traffic jams.

-          Non-metered Cab – You bargain the price to get you to where you want to go and hopefully, they honour that rate.  As the Chris DeBurgh’s song goes; “Don’t Pay the Ferryman Until he gets You to the Other Side.”   And make sure you are actually where you wanted to go.

-          Converted Pick Up Truck – This is basically a Toyota Pick up with a roof over the box and benches to sit on.  There is a step to get in but no door to close.  Seat belts may or may not be present but if you aren’t near the back, you don’t need to worry about falling out.  Another bargain your best rate.

-          Tuk-Tuk – Think of it as a 3 wheel ATV with a canopy and a John Deere 24 horse power Lawn Motor powering it.  They are quick and they are not metered.  Same thing as bargaining.  Listen to their price, subtract 50% and settle in the middle.  Another fun safety fact, no seatbelts.

-          Moto-bike – Yes, if you are on your own, you can choose to rent a moto-bike to take you to the destination of your choice. First you need to find the men with the Orange vests and then get on board. Technically, even if there are 2 of you, you could still get away with having one moto take you around.  Helmets are almost non-existent and it is basically, as the saying goes, “Get in; Hang on; and Close Your Eyes!”  Now it is in and out of traffic at a comfortable 40 km an hour.

Tour Bus – Most recommended.  May cost more but at least you know you are the biggest vehicle out there and it comes with a driver and set fee.

Moto-bikes - There obviously is no direct law in how these things are to be used or driven.  You can ride by yourself; with a passenger; with 2 passengers or even your entire family.  Since there are no trunks on those things, just get a plastic bag and place it over the handle bars OR get your passenger to hold onto it. Helmets seem to be optional and if your a passenger, almost non-existent.  But you can weave in and out of traffic easier!  And don't forget, you can also text as a passenger.