book01

Chapter 2
Welcome to Bang Cock!

(There is a booth right outside the airport terminal for booking a ride with the meter taxis). To be sure, when you get in and the driver starts to go, make sure he turns on the meter. If he does not, tell him to do so.

Here's a very useful travel tip. Most taxi drivers speak little English. When I'm going around Bangkok, I first have my hotel write out in Thai the name of the place I'm going (also write it in English so you can read it and use it again). Then I show it to the taxi driver. It's a hell of a lot easier than trying to tell the driver in English where you want to go. Important: Always carry your hotel cards with you wherever you go. That way, you can just hand a card to any taxi driver wherever you are and he'll know how to get you back to your hotel. There is nothing worse than venturing around the city, then hoping in a taxi and when the driver looks at you with a strange look as you try to pronounce the name of the hotel and he does not understand you.

Although most meter taxis will turn on the meter when you first get in, I always

double check to make sure the driver turns on the meter. The meter is default at 35 baht, minimum fare. You can drive all around the city and spend less than a few dollars. Meter taxis are inexpensive, comfortable (most have great air cons), safe (most cars have safety belts which I highly recommend you use), and efficient. Use them. They're the best deal in town.

4. On rare occasion, while in Bangkok, I will make use of the motorbike taxis. When the traffic is at a dead stop and it's just not going to let up, a motorbike taxi is great as it can weave in and out of the traffic. Most drivers are excellent riders and can get you where you're going in no time flat. However, if the traffic is moving, I suggest you stay away from the motor bikes in Bangkok. When you see how they drive and how the bus drivers give them no consideration, you'll know why I say stay off.

5. You can rent out your own private car in Bangkok, if you like living really dangerously. Be sure you hire your own private driver. Thais drive like maniacs and being unfamiliar with the traffic

By far, the best means of transportation in Bangkok is the meter taxis. To catch one, just wave one down anywhere on the street. The meter is default at 35 bath (minimum fee). Be sure you have your hotel write out in Thai the name of your destination to show to the driver. Most drivers do not speak or understand English at all.