Northern Thailand - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Northern Thailand - page 831

to midnight. Fares vary from 15B to 52B, and most ticket machines only accept coins, but
change is available at the information booths.
Bangkok's metro, or MRT ( www.bangkokmetro.co.th ) , is most helpful for people staying in
the Sukhumvit or Silom areas to reach the train station at Hualamphong. Fares cost 16B to
40B. The trains run frequently from 6am to midnight.
BUS
The city's public bus system is operated by Bangkok Mass Transit Authority ( 0 2246 0973;
www.bmta.co.th ) ; the website is a great source of information on all bus routes, but this
doesn't really help the fact that Bangkok's bus system is confusing and generally lacks
English. If you're determined, fares for ordinary (fan) buses start at 7B and air-condi-
tioned buses at 10B. Smaller privately operated green buses cost 5B.
TAXI
Although many first-time visitors are hesitant to use them, in general, Bangkok's taxis are
new and spacious and the drivers are courteous and helpful, making them an excellent
way to get around. All taxis are required to use their meters, which start at 35B, and fares
to most places within central Bangkok cost 40B to 80B.
It's generally a good idea to get in moving, rather than parked, taxis, as the latter often
refuse to use their meters. Simply exit any taxi that refuses to use the meter.
TÚK-TÚK
Some travellers swear by túk-túk, but most have a hard time bargaining a fair price; know
how much it should cost to your destination before soliciting a fare. A short trip on a túk-
túk should cost at least 60B.
If a túk-túk driver offers to take you on a sightseeing tour, walk away - it's a touting
scheme designed to pressure you into purchasing overpriced goods.