How to Get Around Central Thailand

Bangkok is served by the elevated BTS Skytrain and the underground MRT, both fast, cheap and air-conditioned, and they cover most of what a visitor wants. The Chao Phraya express boats are the pleasant way along the river, and the orange-flag boat is the commuter service.

Taxis are metered and cheap; insist on the meter. Grab and Bolt work well and remove the argument. Tuk-tuks are for novelty, cost more, and are the main vehicle for gem-shop scams.

Trains run from Krung Thep Aphiwat and Hua Lamphong to Ayutthaya in about ninety minutes and to Kanchanaburi in under three hours. Both are cheap and easy day trips.

Minivans and buses cover the provincial towns from the Bangkok terminals.

Do not drive in Bangkok. Traffic is among the worst anywhere and parking is impossible; hire a car only for the western hills.