The first time we were in Bangkok a few years ago we were like possums caught in headlights. It can be quite overwhelming for visitors so here are some tips that we followed this time around which made our visit way more enjoyable and stress free.
Master The Transport System
Stay off the roads as much as possible. With 12 million people all trying to get around the city there is major congestion. Look for accommodation which is close to either the BTS or MBK train system and get your head around how to use them. It’s easy once you figure out stations, platforms and the different tracks.
When we arrived at the Don Muang Airport, we caught the A1 bus to the nearest BTS station at Moe Chit for around 35THB each. Our Air BnB accommodation was only approximately 4 stops and cost us 44THB each and then it was a 300 metre walk to apartment. If we had caught a taxi, it would have cost us anywhere between 300-400THB and possible taken hours.
Yes, they do get crowded so take this into account if travelling with luggage. Expect not be able to get on the first train that comes along. Don’t stress as there is another just a few minutes away. Expect to have your personal space invaded and remember that not everyone wears deodorant!
Bangkok Madness
Get a Local Thai Sim Card
I have the Huawai Mate 9 which takes dual sim cards. This has been invaluable as I can switch between sims. The sim card we purchased was DTAC which can be preloaded with data and call time and topped up at selected 7/11 shops. Cost was 600THB for month of data and we added 200THB for calls. We purchased the sim card at the airport on arrival and the staff will set it all up and ensure it’s running smoothly……easy!
Get the Apps
Scotty is the “App Man” and there is pretty much an app for every occasion.
If you absolutely have to use a taxi, we downloaded Grab Taxi. This works similar to Uber so that all you need to do is put in where from and where to, a driver accepts it at a set price, you accept the price and it tracks the taxi. This way if you get caught in traffic, it is still the same price. We used it to get to the train station for the overnight train and it took us an hour to travel around 5 km. It was still only 125THB and we had hours to go until the train left so it was a win/win for us. You also get the choice of a taxi or a private car.
Onward Travel
Our next plan after spending 3 nights in Bangkok was to travel to Koh Samui in the south. We looked into various options and did our study. With time on our hands and with no set agendas made our choices easier.
We firstly used a website called themanonseat61. This is an amazing tool if you are planning any train travel through Asia. It covers all the Asian countries, and includes all sorts of information on train stations, timetables and prices. It certainly gives you enough options to work out how and where you need to be.
Overnight Sleeper Trains
We then had to book our ferry and bus transfers to get to Koh Samui. We used a website called 12goasia. They are a ‘one stop shop’ when it comes to booking any sort of transport. They handle all the bookings for all modes of transport and ensure that everything links up there for the onward transport waits for you to arrive as they are all linked. The extra booking fee is minimal compared to the peace of mind that everything has been taken care of. They physically went across to the train station to uplift our sleeper train tickets so that we could collect everything from a central point. Their offices were also easy to find and close to the train station.
Cost for Overnight Sleeper Train for two $89nz (second class sleeper with A/C) to Suratthani
Bus transfers and ferry ride for two $43nz (bus transfer is around 80km to ferry terminal)
Handy Sites
Here are some links below for the websites and the name of the apps which are available to download onto your phones.
Air BnB (accommodation choices) If you use this coupon to sign up to AirBnB then you get a discount off your booking and so do we.
Booking.com (accommodation choices)
12goasia (one stop shop for all transport bookings)
themanonseat61 (all information regarding trains)
Apps for Phone
Explore Bangkok BTS and MRT map (app not a website for all information on trains in Bangkok)
maps.me (no data required to find your way around – app not a website)
Grab Taxi (app not a website)
Bangkok Transit Guide (extra resource for handy information)