Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
is next to soi 7/2, which could be next to soi 9 and soi 11. House addresses can also follow
this pattern so the house number 33/2 is next to house number 33.
Some sois have a name like Soi Nana Nuea, while others are simply a number, and some
of the larger sois have sois of their own. Major roads like Sukhumvit have different names
every few kilometers in accordance with the neighborhood, so it becomes Phloen Chit in
the Phloen Chit area. The best way to learn to navigate this is to familiarize yourself with
the neighborhoods which will allow you to find your way most effectively.
There are many connections to the airport which can be reached by bus, train and by taxi.
As of April 2014 the Express Line train service to the airport has been halted until April
2015forrail maintenance soconsult the website before planning yourtrip to make sure it is
back up and running. Once you are in the city you have many options for getting around on
foot or by vehicle. There are many taxis, songthaews (trucks for passengers) and tuk-tuks
waiting at major tourist areas and attractions and with some haggling you can easily get to
your next destination. Some taxi drivers know passable English but it is always a good idea
to have the address written in Thai if possible. Be wary of taxi drivers and touts who want
to give you a cheap tour around Bangkok or will give you a free ride to any destination,
there is usually a catch and if it seems too good to be true then it probably is. A popular
misdirection is for taxi drivers or other official-looking persons at an attraction to tell you
that it is closed so if something seems fishy then find another driver.
For a real adventure you can gamble and take a motorcycle taxi to avoid traffic jams. But
keepinmindthatthedriversarenotoriousforignoringtheroadrulesanddrivingthewrong
way down the street. Nasty bike accidents are common and are often not covered by your
insurance. On the river you can take the public ferry or you can opt to hire your own long-
tailed river boat to get around, though it will set you back a fair amount even after you
haggle the price down.
Despite being a huge city Bangkok is surprisingly safe and as long as you take the normal
precautions you shouldn't have any problem getting in and having a great time. Though
there are many opulent areas of the city it is best to avoid wearing expensive jewels or
flashing wads of cash. Keep an eye on your bags as pickpocketing does happen. If you do
find yourself the victim of a crime call the Tourist Police and they will help sort things out,
just call 1155.
While you walk around Silom and Sukhumvit you are going to see elephants begging and
you will be asked to buy bananas to feed the elephants. This is cruel for the elephants and
