How to get around on Bangkok's buses.

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  Bangkok is pretty much a modern world-class city with buzzing markets, fancy shopping malls, exciting nightlife and many more. Truly the stuff of many travel dreams.
 But it is also a city deeply rooted in culture.
 If you ever want to get a real-life glimpse of this exotic culture mix you should at least take a ride on one the many city buses.
 Although they're not everybody's favourite means of transport, this is the real hardcore Bangkok and the cheapest way to get around for most people including me.






From old to new, many colours and cheap.
It is clear that these buses have been around for a long time but they all seem to be in working order.
They are all different colours and the bus fair seems to fit with the comfort of the bus.  If it is an open air bus you will probably pay around 10 baths. For the air-conditioned buses, it is around  15-20 bath and the really expensive modern hybrid ones are about 25 baths or more. 


Going nowhere slowly or get lost: 
The bus routes cover most of Bangkok, but for getting on a bus  I would suggest you have a  plan where you want to go.
 The city traffic is congested and no matter which mode of road transport you use,  delays are to be expected.  But if you have lots of time on your hands just get on and get "lost" in the city.
However, the destinations on the buses are mainly written in Thai and therefore the best way to figure out which bus goes where is by bus number. Stick with numbers that match colours only.
The best way to stop a bus is to wave downwards with your hand and that will indicate to the driver that you want to get on.

Useful tips ;
* Prepare small change for the bus fare.

* The fare will be collected by the bus conductor.

* Keep your small receipt because sometimes it will be checked.

* Be courteous and offer seats to others in more need.

* Hold on to the rails if you are standing.

* Have the name of your hotel or accommodation on your phone or piece of paper written in Thai
    in case you are not sure where to get off.



Have fun
If you are adventurous at heart, taking the bus could be a fun part of any trip to Bangkok. It can also save you a lot of money compared to what you pay for taxis and tuk-tuks.
Just keep in mind the useful tips above.

M






















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