Using the BTS, MRT, River Taxis, and Other Transportation Options

With a rush hour that seems to run from morning until evening, getting around Bangkok can test the strongest nerves. Colorful taxis perpetually clog the city’s major thoroughfares.

Fortunately, there are other options! The BTS (Skytrain), MRT (subway), and river taxi networks are extensive. Unless you’re staying near the Khao San Road area where trains don’t yet reach (but there is a ferry), avoid burning your trip time sitting in gridlocked traffic.

How to Ride the BTS Skytrain

Bangkok public transportation is excellent, and the Skytrain is an easy and efficient way to move between busy areas, particularly along Sukhumvit Road where traffic is frequently at a standstill. Looking down at all those brake lights as you speed by above feels good!

The heart of the Skytrain network is Siam Station, a massive interchange connecting the two BTS lines: Sukhumvit (light green on maps) and Silom (dark green on maps).

• Hours: Trains run every 5-10 minutes from approximately 5:30 a.m. until midnight; schedules vary about 30 minutes, depending on the station. Ticketing offices are open from 6 a.m. to midnight, but big public holidays can affect hours.
• Fares: Prices for single journeys are calculated by distance and range from 17-62 baht (between 50 cents and $1.70). Ticketing machines clearly display the cost from your current station. The average cost of a one-way trip is usually a dollar or less. A one-day pass for 24 hours of unlimited rides costs 150 baht (around $4.10).
• Ticketing: The BTS uses ticket cards available from machines (many only accept coins) or the ticketing window (if it’s open). Tickets aren’t checked on trains, but they are required to exit the turnstiles at your destination, so keep it handy! If you lose your ticket or exceed more than two hours on the “inside,” you’ll need to wait for an attendant and pay the maximum fare.
• Accessibility: Some BTS stations have escalators while others have a lot of stairs to climb. All stations have elevators excluding Saphan Taksin Station, the interchange for the river taxi system.
• Getting to and From the Airport: Phaya Thai Station on the Sukhumvit Line connects to the Airport Rail Link.

Details about individual station schedules and fares can be found on the official BTS website.

How to Ride the MRT Subway

Bangkok’s Metropolitan Rail Transit feels a bit slower than the Skytrain, but it’s every bit as useful—and you can pay by contactless card. Over 400,000 daily passengers use the subway for avoiding traffic on the surface. The MRT currently has two lines—the Blue Line (the busiest) and the Purple Line—and two monorail lines, Yellow and Purple.

The interchange for the Blue Line and Purple Line is Tao Poon Station. The BTS and MTR intersect, too.

• Hours: The MRT runs from approximately 6 a.m. until midnight. Trains run every 5-10 minutes, depending on time of day.
• Fares: Prices are based on distance covered and range from 14-42 baht (between 40 cents and $20). An average-length journey will cost around a dollar or less, or around 2 (71 baht) if you transfer between blue and purple.
• Ticketing: You can pay by contactless card on the MRT. Ticketing machines for the MRT accept small denominations of Thai baht and vend an RFID token that is tapped for entrance to the platforms. The token must be surrendered to exit. If you paid by contactless card, simply tap again to exit.
• Accessibility: All MRT stations have elevators.
• BTS Transfers: The MRT crosses the BTS Skytrain at Sala Daeng, Asok, and Mo Chit. You’ll need to get a new ticket.
• Getting to/from the Airport: Phetchaburi Station is connected to Makkasan Station on the Airport Rail Link to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).

Fares and schedules can be seen on the official MRT website.

Using the Trains in Bangkok

Hua Lamphong Station located near Chinatown served as the hub for the long-haul surface trains and MRT until January 2023. The aging behemoth dates back to 1916 and now houses a small but charming Thai Railway museum. The new station, Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (aka Bang Sue Grand Station), located in Bang Sue, is Southeast Asia’s largest train station. Outside of Bangkok, Hua Lamphong Station is more commonly known as Krungthep (Bangkok) Station.

The expected restrictions—no smoking, eating, and drinking—apply for all trains in Bangkok. All stations are non-smoking. Some visitors are surprised to learn that photography and video are also prohibited.

On all public transportation options in Bangkok, you should be prepared to give up your seat to any monks and of course to pregnant women or anyone who may need a seat.

How to Ride Bangkok’s River Taxi Boats

Unless staying at one of the riverside hotels in Silom, many travelers don’t make use of the riverboat taxis while in Bangkok. The colored-flag system and quick, chaotic loading and unloading at piers (with whistle blowing) can be intimidating at first, but leveraging the mighty Chao Phraya River only makes sense for avoiding traffic. Plus, river taxis are an economical way to cover some distance in Bangkok. Fares for a scenic journey can be as low as 40 cents! An all-day pass costs just $4 (around 150 baht). Sathorn Pier is the stop nearest to a BTS Skytrain station (Saphan Taksin station on the Silom Line).

How to Ride Buses in Bangkok

Bangkok’s soot-choked buses are the slowest, most complicated option for getting around — tourists rarely bother. Pay the conductor on the bus, and have small change available.

Other Transit Options

Going by road is the least efficient way to get around in Bangkok. Regardless, sometimes you have to do it, particularly if staying in a neighborhood such as Banglamphu where public transportation options are limited.

Taxis in Bangkok

With a strong taxi “mafia” in place, you’ll need some luck on your side for a good taxi experience in Bangkok. Finding an honest driver is still possible, but patience is required.

All taxis have meters installed. Many drivers balk at using them because they prefer to keep inflated fares off the record. If a driver quotes you a price rather than switches on the meter, try another. Taxis will often queue behind one another for your business.

• Hail taxis on the move rather than using ones parked in tourist areas.
• Avoid the freelance drivers. Sharply dressed drivers with well-maintained cars are more likely to work for actual taxi companies than the local taxi mafia.
• After hailing a taxi, ensure the driver will use the meter.
• Once in a taxi, follow the route on Google Maps. Doing so can sometimes discourage drivers from taking the long way around because you demanded the meter.
• Tipping isn’t expected, but you can round up the fare for friendly service.
• Passengers are responsible for any tolls.

Note: Never get inside any vehicle in Bangkok without first agreeing to a set fare or use of the meter. Once on your way, you are obligated to pay whatever the driver asks.

Ridesharing Services in Bangkok

Ridesharing services cost slightly more than taxis, but you can avoid much of the hassle and upselling.

Grab works much in the same way as Uber, however, you can opt to pay with cash. This isn’t a bad idea in case you have a dispute with a rogue driver (unusual, but it happens). The fare can still be haggled or refused and won’t automatically be debited to your credit card.

Understand that rideshare drivers often get targeted and hassled by the local taxi mafia. They may want to pick you up in a place more discreet than the front door. Many drivers don’t put a sign on their car.

Tuk-Tuks in Bangkok

Taking a tuk-tuk ride is considered a quintessential Thailand experience. To enjoy, you’ll need to negotiate a fare and decline potential scams. Definitely don’t agree to stop at shops. Tuk-tuks are fun but no cheaper than taking metered taxis, and with no seat belts, they’re less safe.

If you plan to visit Chiang Mai on your trip, you’ll enjoy plenty of opportunities — tuk-tuks greatly outnumber taxis.

Renting a Vehicle

Just don’t. Bangkok’s public transportation is first-rate, fast, and cheap. Renting a car or motorbike to drive in Bangkok would be insane. Seriously, don’t do it. Wait for somewhere more relaxing and less dangerous to enjoy a scooter rental. According to the World Health Organization, Thailand has one of the highest traffic-related death rates in the world.

Tips for Getting Around Bangkok

• Keep your small change. Many ticketing machines for the BTS only accept coins. If you don’t have coins, you’ll have to wait in longer queues for the cashier or at ticketing machines that accept paper currency.
• Use new tickets for transfers. Unfortunately, a common ticketing system for the BTS Skytrain, MRT underground, and Airport Rail Link is still in the works. You’ll need to surrender the old ticket and buy a new one at interchanges when making transfers.
• Buy a card for long stays. If you’ll be in Bangkok long enough, consider purchasing rechargeable smart cards for the BTS and MRT. You can avoid the queues at ticketing machines. People over 60 years old get a 50 percent discount when adding credit to the MRT card.
• Avoid supporting bad practices. Supporting dishonest drivers harms locals through cultural mutation. Local residents sometimes have difficulty hailing taxis because drivers would rather wait for an overpaying tourist who doesn’t demand the meter.

Travelling in winter when you have respiratory issues poses a big challenge. But with these expert tips, you can travel safely and enjoy your winter escapades.

Travelling in winter, especially to mountains with respiratory issues like allergies and asthma is no ballgame. You are exposed to cold air, dryness, and not to mention dust mites and mould, which makes your condition worse and your vacation a disaster. If you want to make the most of your trip and bring back sweet memories instead of a sore throat then here are the top 5 tips for travelling safely and enjoying your winter escapades provided by Dr. Vinod Chauhan, Consultant Chest Physician & Pulmonologists, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani, Navi Mumbai

How To Survive Winter Holidays When You Have Allergies And Asthma

Here are some expert tips on how to avoid flare-ups during your winter holidays when you have allergies and asthma:

Pack Your Medications

“Always have your prescribed inhalers, antihistamines, and decongestants on hand. Just bring extra of everything, in case of delays, and have it all readily available, especially in your carry-on. If necessary, consider wearing a medical alert bracelet,” said Dr Vinod.

Minimise Triggering Environments

“There is dry, cold air that can precipitate asthma symptoms. Be cautious not to stay outdoors too long in really very cold air,” said Dr Vinod. Use a scarf or mask that you cover your nose and mouth with when outdoors. This can help warm the air a little before your lungs receive it.

Choose Allergy-Friendly Accommodations

When booking hotels or rentals, prioritise allergy-friendly options by selecting non-smoking and pet-free locations. This helps minimise allergen exposure. Additionally, if you have specific allergies, request special accommodations, such as hypoallergenic bedding and tailored cleaning services.

Stay Hydrated

Dry winter air can severely irritate your nose and lungs. To combat this, drinking plenty of water is crucial to keep your airways moist. Also, using saline nasal sprays helps maintain open and hydrated nasal passages, further alleviating discomfort. By staying hydrated and using nasal sprays, you can effectively protect yourself from winter’s harsh dryness.

Be Mindful Of Indoor Allergens

“Some allergens, such as the dust mites and mould stirred up by indoor heating, can trigger an asthma attack or allergic reaction. Use of air purifiers and also staying in well-ventilated spaces is recommended. Avoid carpets which are thick and furniture covered with fabrics, which retain allergens,” said Dr Vinod.

Thus, a fun and safe winter vacation is achievable even if you have allergies and asthma using the above tips.

Capturing travel photos is not as difficult as it seems. With these easy tips, we’re sure you’ll be able to take perfect shots and make your Instagram a visual treat for your followers.

Travelling is all about exploring and creating beautiful memories. And the best way to hold onto these memories is by capturing them through the lens of your camera. While travelling, we all like to take countless photos, ensuring we don’t miss out on anything. After all, we’d like to revisit the memories and upload the photos on Instagram once we’re back, right? But imagine scrolling through your phone gallery only to realise your photos didn’t turn out well. They may lack proper lighting, be too zoomed in, or appear blurred. This could be a real bummer, and we’re sure you wouldn’t want to be in such a situation. But don’t worry, you can avoid this in the future. Below are six travel photography tips that will help you take picture-perfect, Instagram-worthy travel shots. The best part? You don’t need a professional camera for this.

Here Are 6 Easy Tips To Take The Perfect Travel Photos:

1. Get To Know Your Camera

Treat your camera like your best friend. Just like how you’d inquire about the details of your friend’s life, do the same with your camera. Figure out the megapixel count of the lens and check if it offers any additional features such as high dynamic range (HDR) or pro mode. By getting to know your camera well, you’ll take a step closer to capturing perfect travel photos. And if you feel confused at any stage, go ahead, and watch a tutorial on YouTube.

2. Use Leading Lines

Leading lines are one of the most popular photography techniques. In this, you use lines in a scene to guide the viewer’s eye toward the subject. For example, if you wish to capture a mountain, use a nearby road or river as your leading line. This helps create depth in the image and adds a unique aesthetic. It also makes the viewer feel like you’re telling a story.

3. Follow The Rule Of Thirds

Another technique to keep in mind while taking travel photos is the rule of thirds. This involves dividing your camera frame into nine equal parts. Now, place your subject off-centre, on one of the intersecting points. By practicing this, you’ll notice that your photos turn out more balanced and visually appealing. The best part? Your phone likely has this feature built in.

4. Make The Most Of Golden Hour

For a photographer, golden hour is the most special time of the day. It’s the brief period just before sunrise or sunset, when the light is softer and warmer compared to the rest of the day. When on vacation, try to take your photos during this magic hour, especially if you’re capturing a popular tourist spot. Trust us, you’ll be amazed at how good your photos turn out.

5. Try Different Angles

The angle at which you take your photo can be a real game-changer. Avoid sticking to the same angle and feel free to experiment. After all, photography is all about being creative, isn’t it? If you wish to make the subject appear larger, try capturing the photo from a low angle. On the other hand, if you want to make it appear smaller, click the photo from a high angle.

6. Don’t Zoom In

Many of us have a habit of zooming in while taking travel photos. While it may work at times, it’s not the best technique for capturing Instagram-worthy photos. Instead, try to move closer to the subject. This way, you’ll be able to capture the intricate details without losing image quality. So, remember to always zoom out and physically move closer to the subject instead.

Capturing travel photos is not as difficult as it seems. With these easy tips, we’re sure you’ll be able to take perfect shots and make your Instagram a visual treat for your followers.

From rebooking to getting a cash refund, here are some pro tips.

Flights may get canceled for any number of reasons, from airline staff shortages to standard weather delays. Unexpected issues could arise any time you fly, but that’s the (small) price you pay for the countless joys of travel. Even when your flight is canceled or delayed, there are a few things you can do to turn the day around. From rebooking to requesting a refund, travel expert Scott Keyes, the founder of Going, shares his tips for surviving hectic times in air travel.

How to Find Out If Your Flight Is Delayed or Canceled

If you’ve provided sufficient contact information, Airlines should notify you about delays and cancellations by email, text, or through their apps, but tech issues may lead to communication mishaps. Always check your flight status on your airline’s website in the 24 hours leading up to your flight. When you’re at the airport, check the departures board for the latest information.

What to Do If Your Flight Has Been Canceled

If your flight is canceled, don’t panic — your airline might automatically rebook you on the next available flight. But there’s always a chance that might not happen, or even if it does, that the new flight won’t work with your schedule. Try visiting your airline’s website to see if it gives you flight options for rebooking. If not, call or text your airline. The wait times might be long, but talking to a customer service agent often gives you the most flexibility.

If your flight gets canceled while you’re at the airport, you might have better luck visiting the airline’s help desk. In fact, Keyes recommends trying both methods at once: “Stand in line and pull out your phone. Gate agents aren’t the only ones who can help re-accommodate you — phone agents can as well,” he says. “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket; you may get through to an agent on the phone before you reach the front of the line at the airport.”

And don’t forget about your checked luggage — if you’ve already checked a bag for a flight that’s been canceled, speak to an airline representative about how to retrieve it.

How to Rebook Your Flight

The three main options for rebooking are in person at an airport help desk, over the phone, and via text. (Some airlines might be able to provide assistance through social media, too.) Bear in mind that the response times can be exceptionally long, so try reaching out by all means possible to find out which method is quickest.

But here’s a hot tip. “The easiest way to get in touch with an airline quickly is to call their international phone lines,” Keyes says. “Take American Airlines. They don’t just have their main U.S. hotline; they’ve got hotlines in Mexico and the United Kingdom and Australia and dozens more. While 99 percent of U.S. passengers call the main U.S. hotline and endure long waits, you’ll typically get right through at a foreign office, and agents there can handle your reservation just the same.”

While airlines always want to rebook you on one of their own flights, Keyes says there is a chance they can rebook you on a different airline. “It’s not common, but in some cases — like, say, it’s the last flight of the day and you’d otherwise have to stay overnight in a connecting city — airlines will do it with a carrier they have an interline agreement with,” he says. “Full-service U.S. airlines have these interline agreements with one another, but budget airlines rarely do. The lack of interline agreements is the primary reason I tend to avoid budget airlines when possible.”

How to Get a Refund, Travel Credit, or Other Compensation

As of April 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation requires airlines to automatically and “promptly” issue refunds for certain travel disruptions. You are now legally entitled to a cash refund if your flight from or within the U.S. has been canceled or delayed. Delays must be at least three hours for domestic flights or six hours for international flights.

“Under federal law, if an airline cancels or significantly changes your flight, you’re entitled to a full cash refund. Period,” Keyes explains. “Doesn’t matter if it was a non-refundable ticket. Doesn’t matter if the cause was bad weather or a global pandemic. You’re entitled to a cash refund if you no longer wish to travel; you don’t have to take a flight credit or travel voucher.”

Whereas airlines have historically been known for making passengers overcome hurdles to get their money back, this law means they must now issue refunds automatically (no pesky paperwork hidden in the depths of their websites) and in cash, not vouchers or travel credits. Other scenarios that might warrant a refund are class downgrades or a change of airport or the number of connections.

You’ll also get your money back for luggage that’s been delayed by 12 hours or more and any other add-on service you purchase that isn’t provided on your trip. These are the rules for flights departing from the U.S. or traveling domestically only. If you’re flying from Europe, a compensation law called EU 261 is in place.

“If you’re traveling in Europe, many delays or cancellations do entitle you to compensation up to 600 euros, in addition to keeping your flight,” Keyes notes.

Can You Avoid Canceled Flights?

There’s no sure way to avoid flight cancellations or delays, but there is one way to increase the chances that your flight departs on time: “The earlier your flight, the better your odds,” Keyes says. “That’s because weather is generally better in the morning, and also because the plane is usually already at the airport, rather than arriving from elsewhere, and thus at risk if that inbound flight were to get canceled.”

Additional Air Travel Tips

Opt for nonstop flights whenever possible, and try not to check a bag. “If your flight gets canceled or you miss a connection, it’s easier to get re-accommodated if the airline doesn’t have to also locate and transport your checked bag to a new flight,” says Keyes.