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where you're going. If you're just going up and down the Sukumvit road (for example, to Robinson's or McDonald's), you can take the regular bus number 25 or 40. If you're going longer distances, such as to the Grand Palace, you can take the air conditioned bus for less than $.50 (I believe it's bus number 11 that goes to the Grand Palace; check with your hotel).
To catch a bus, you must do so at the bus stop. To find the bus stop, look for a group of Thais who stand on a street corner looking like statues, only to move when it's time to pick their nose (nose picking in public is condoned in Thailand, while picking your teeth is frowned upon - I'm not joking). Or, look for the familiar outdoor bus stand with seats and large advertising posters (usually displaying a photo of a beautiful Thai lady, advertising cosmetics of some sort). There will also be a small sign indicating a bus stop.
As you wait for the bus, be sure to have your change ready (five lbaht in coins) and your running shoes in tact. When the bus approaches the bus stop, it will appear as though his intentions are to run everyone over, and then disappear as quickly as possible. In other words, when the bus approaches the stop, run to get on board as he won't wait for you. When you do climb on board, an attendant will approach you for the fare and hand you a ticket stub. Be aware that the buses will take as many passengers as can fit inside, seats available or not. Good chance you will have to stand if you are going somewhere in
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| To get off the bus, there is a buzzer right above the exit door. Push it and when it rings, the driver will know it's time to stop at the next stand and let you off. Now keep this in mind. The bus drivers drive like maniacs. You would think they win a prize if they make it to the next bus stop faster than everyone else. When you're either getting off or on the bus, you must move very fast. The drivers appear to drive like they're on cocaine and won't wait for you if you.'re moving slow. Move it! Also, watch out when you exit the bus. Although you will be let off usually near the sidewalk, there is always the occasional motorbike driver who will happen to come out of nowhere and bam! Guess who he ran into today. Look both
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