Bangkok, The Transportations

BTS Sky Train: BTS Sky Train stations can mostly be found in commercial areas of Sukhumvit and Silom, it is fast and safe. The sky train is divided into 2 lines: Sukhumvit line (On Nut Station-Mo Chit Station), and Silom lines (Saphan Taksin Station-National Stadium Station). The sky train has a minimum and maximum fare of 10-40 baht. Tourists may buy 30 day tourist tickets to save money, only 250 baht/10 trips, or day tickets, 100 baht (unlimited trips). The BTS Tourist Information Centers is open daily from 8.00 a.m. - 8.00 p.m. atthe following stations:Siam, Nana and Saphan Taksin. For more information, call: 0-2617-7340.

BMCL Subway: BMCL Subway is another comfortable and fast transportation choice. The beginning of “Chalerm Ratcha Mongkhon” line is Hua Lum Phong station (also the main train station in Bangkok), total of 18 stations, major stations at: The Queen Sirikit's International Convention and Exhibition Center, Silom, Suan Lumpini, Asoke, Ratchada, Ladprao and Pahonyotin road. The Asoke and Silom stations are connected to the the BTS. There are also "Park & Ride" at Ladprao and Phra Ram 9 Stations. BMCL Subway has a minimum and maximum fare of 10-15 baht (For trial period only)The BMCL subway is open daily from 06.00 a.m. - 12.00 midnight. For more information, call: 0-2264-5200.

Buses:

There are a lot of buses offered in Bangkok going to all places, with a fare starting at 3.5 baht for open air buses. Air-conditioned blue buses have minimum and maximum fares from 8 to 16 baht. Euro II or Orange air-conditioned buses charge 10-20 baht. Air-conditioned microbuses charge a flat fare of 20 baht all routes. For more information call 184 or 0-2246-0973.A buses route map is available at bookshops. A free city map can also be picked up at The Bangkok Tourist Division office, Bangkok Tourist Information Booths throughout Bangkok and the TAT office .
Taxis: Taxis in Bangkok are metered. They charge a minimum of 35 baht, for the first 3 kilometers, and approximately 5 baht per kilometer thereafter.When in Traffice the meter is timed and calculated in the fare.

Tuk-Tuk: These three-wheeled 'open-air' motorised taxis are popular for short journeys. Fares must be bargained in advance. Minimum fares, for journeys of up to 3 kilometers, are approximately 30 baht.

Boats: There are various types of boat identified in color flags. Boat service on the Chao Phraya River connects Bangkok with the northern neighbouring province of Nonthaburi, starting from the Tha Nam Non Pier and ending at Saphan Taksin Pier (Sathorn).Boat (no flag) stop at all pier, has a minimum fare of 8 baht.Rapid boat (orang flag) has a fare of 10 baht all routes.Express boat (yellow flag) stop at only on crowded and main piers. The Express boat has a fare of 15 baht all routes. After rush hour, these boat are used for tourist purpose. There are guide boats for travellrs with guide to give information about the riverside. The boat with blue flag, is the fastest stopping only on 3 pier, ThaNamNon Pier, Siriraj Pier and SaphanTaksin (Sathorn) Pier.It has a minimum and maximum fares from 25-35 baht. (For trial period, it just newly had this type)Boats run daily from 06.00 A.M-06.40 P.M.

Motorcycles Taxi: In rush hours, there is a lot of traffic jam, if your late and want to be on time you can try the motorcycle taxi. Fares must be bargained in advance. Minimum fares are 5 baht. You need to bargain the fare before taking the ride.

The Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand

The Grand Palace is an important place which you shouldn’t miss visiting. The Grand Palace was built in 1782. It’s more than 200 years ago. Beside the Rayal Chapel (Wat Phra Kaeaw), where the Emerald Buddha is enshrined, there are the principal audience halls. It consists of :

>> Borom Phiman Hall ( Phra Thinang Borom Phiman) was built in the western style in 1909. At present it is served as the Royal Guest House for heads of State and guests of Thai majesties.>>The Chakri Maha Prasat Hall is an impressive building. The hall was constructed in the plans of a British architect in a Victorian Style, but covered with a roof of pure Thai Style.


>>Phra Maha Montian Hall Group consists of three connecting buildings.The Amarindr Vinichai Hall is the anterior part. Originally, it was the formal audience hall where the King met his offiers for state business. Now, it is used for many ceremonies such as the King’s birthdays and Coronation Day. The Phaisal Thaksin Hall is in the middle of Hall group. The Hall contains gorgeous pavilion on which the King appears on the important ceremonies. T he Chakraphat Phiman Hall, the last of the halls, was originally used as a place of residence.

>> The Dusit Maha Prasat Hall is considered as the finest building inside the Grand Palace, the principal function of the hall has been a hall for the lying-in-state of Kings, Queens, and Royal family.>> Aphorn Phimok Prasat was built entirely of wood by King Rama IV. While four levels of saddle roof cover the north and south arms, the shorter east and west arms have only two levels of saddle roof. A prasat spire rises over the intersection. It was built as a changing room to be used before descending a flight of steps onto a platform to mount a palanquin.

Opening Hours: Open to the public everyday, from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.Admission Fee: Baht 200 for foreigners, and free for Thais. The admission fee also includes admission to the Grand Palace.Dress Code: Visitors are required to dress appropriately. Visitors need to wear a long sleeved t-shirt and long skirt or trouser. Sandals (without ankle or heel straps) can not be worn.

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Bankok History

Bangkok, Thailand's capital, was founded in 1782 by King Rama I (named Yodfa Chulaloke). Bankok is called by the Thais “Krung Thep”, which means “City Of Angels”. Bangkok is located on the low-flat plain of the Chao Phya River which flows from the North down to the Gulf of Thailand. In the old days, Bangkok was just a small agricultural and fishing village where people traveled mainly by rowing boats. After Krung Sri Ayuthaya, an ancient capital of 417 years old, was finally conquered and severely destroyed by the Burmese. With patriotism, a nobleman named "Taksin" led Thai people to fight against the Burmese army, and finally managed to drive them out of the country. After the final victory, General Taksin assumed the throne, he decided to establish the new capital called "Krung Thonburi", because Ayuthaya was too large for his small army to protect. He was later named "King Taksin the Great", and ruled over Krung Thonburi for 14 years. Unfortunately, King Taksin was overthrown and executed by a group of his own noblemen.Bangkok was instituted as the new capital in 1782 by Yodfa Chulaloke. Being a far-sighted man, Yodfa Chulaloke saw that Krung Thonburi would be too small to be a great capital in the future; he then moved the capital to another side of Chao Phya Riverbank. The location was then selected with the consideration as a natural defense from enemies and the richness of water for lives earning. Yodfa Chulaloke succeeded the throne and was the 1st Monarch of the present Chakri Dynasty.

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