The buses go everywhere, but are slow, because of the congestion, and somewhat difficult to get to know, because there are so many routes. However, the ordinary buses, which tend to be hot and overcrowded, are so cheap that making a few mistakes hardly matters in terms of cost.

One of the priorities is to obtain a bus map. Such maps are sold by many shops in the travellers' areas, and by many hotels and guest houses. It is worth noting, however, that the TAT office also gives out a map which has bus numbers on it, and that that map is generally better, being more up to date, as well as free, of course.

Ordinary buses come in two principal hues. The blue bus (blue/yellow) is cheaper at 5 baht than the red bus (red/yellow) which costs 7 baht for a fixed price fare. When catching a bus, look at the sign in the front window. If the sign is blue, the bus is operating over the entire route. If it is red, it is operating over only part of the route, so consider where you want to go and whether the bus is likely to go that far. If the sign is yellow, the bus is operating as an express over part of the route, usually by taking the elevated expressway, so there will be no hope of alighting during that part of the journey.

Air-conditioned buses are of two types. The older ones are predominantly dark blue and the newer ones are predominantly orange or sky blue. Both types charge by distance, so, unlike with the ordinary buses, it is necessary to know where you are going. They cost a bit more than the buses mentioned above. When air-conditioned buses were first introduced, they were given their own set of numbers, but later many of the air-conditioned routes simply duplicated the ordinary routes and used the same numbering system. This anomaly has not been corrected, so some air-conditioned buses operate over completely different routes from ordinary buses with the same numbers. Be careful, therefore! For example, air-conditioned 4s travel to, from and via different places from ordinary 4s. It is possible to identify such deviants. Look at the route number. If the air-conditioned bus is travelling the same route as its ordinary counterpart, it will usually bear only the route number. If it has a different route, it will bear the route number preceded by two, and only two, Thai characters. Fortunately, though, when you want to travel from the airport to the city, you will find that air-conditioned 29s or 59s travel the same routes as ordinary 29s or 59s.

Micro buses that are often called purple buses have a fixed fare of 25 baht. They do not allow standing and provide a TV and reading material. They are a good way to cheaply explore the city. Do not be confused with the Green micro bus they are only 4 baht and are driven fast and can be very crowded.

Each bus has a conductor who deals with the fares. Do keep the ticket as it might be inspected. Be careful of pickpockets who are found on some buses. If you are confused just ask someone Thais will be very happy to help you become really lost then just leave the bus and switch to a taxi.

The Bangkok Skytrain is a fast way to travel around parts of Bangkok. The Bangkok Skytrain operates two lines, the Sukhumvit and Silom lines. The Sukhumvit line runs from Mo Chit station, Paholyothin Road (near Chatachuk to the north and the southern end is On Nut Station at Sukhumvit Soi 77. The Silom line runs between Saphan Taksin station on the Chao Phraya River and National Stadium Station on Rama 1 road. The lines meet at Silom Square where you can change by moving up or down a level.

Fares depend on the number of stations but range between 10 and 40 baht. Tickets are purchased at the stations. Single tickets can be bought from ticket machines which only accept 5 and 10 baht coins but will give change. Trains run every few minutes between 0600 and midnight.

Bangkok taxis all have meters and a good way to travel around. They bear the legend 'Taxi Meter' on the roof. The price starts at Bt35.There is no need to tip although is appreciated. To call a taxi phone 02 880 0888; 02 911 5772; 1661;1681 or 02 878 9000, and will cost 20 baht extra. Make sure the meter is switched on as you move off. If the driver refuses leave that taxi or insist that the meter is used. It is illegal not use the meter and you are in within your right to report the taxi driver to the police. For long distance destinations such as the airport the price can be negotiated but is normally cheaper to use the meter.

Tuk-tuks are those charismatic little three-wheelers with a padded bench for two in the semi-open rear. They are two-stroke vehicles, named onomatopoically for the sound made by their engines, which belch out at high volume noxious fumes to pollute even further a city already swimming in carbon monoxide and pummeled by noise. Fares in tuk-tuks are negotiable, which is not to be misinterpreted as meaning that they are cheap. Since customers seem to prefer the comfort and fixed fares of metered taxis these days, it has become even harder to bargain for a reasonable price in a tuk-tuk. The shortest journeys will cost about Bt30, and that will cover only about two kilometres. In general they are no cheaper than metered taxis, although more colourful. If using one, be careful with possessions. Since the rear is only partially enclosed, anything on the extremity of the seat is vulnerable to the hand of a passing motor-cyclist, for example.

Opened on the 3rd July 2004 is the subway or what might start being called the Metro. It runs from Bang Sue to Huahamphong with a series of stations along the way. At Chatuchak, Sukhumvit and Silom there is an interchange with the Skytrain. The fare is between 14 and 36 baht.

These are small pickups and run on the small streets called Sois. They cost about 10 baht and you catch them by flagging them down and useful because they connect the Sois to the main roads. Just press the buzzer when you want to stop.

If in a hurry or late for a tour then motor bike taxis are quick. You must by law wear a helmet which the driver will supply. They are spotted due to the coloured vests and the way they collect at certain points. Fix the price first.

A fun way to travel is to use the river ferries. They run from piers along the river. You can use the larger Chao Phraya Express Boats which have white hulls with red stripes, or private long tailed boats pr the flat shuttle boats with just a few seats. Boats do not stay for long at the pier so be quick but also take great care as they move off suddenly! Fares start at 10 Baht. A good place to try out the ferries is from the Oriental Hotel and from here you can have a good value trip up north to the Grand Palace. This is one of the best value trips in Bangkok.

Long tail boats can be chartered and will cost about 400 Baht per hour depending on your bargaining skill.

Canal boats serve some of Bangkok 's many canals and are cheap. Watch your step when boarding and disembarking. Pay the fare to the ticket collectors who hang onto the outside of the boat. One useful line runs up and down Khlong Saen Saep, parallel to Petchaburi Rd , and provides the easiest access from the city center to the Golden Mount. There's a boarding pier across from the WTC under the bridge where Ratchadamri crosses the khlong near Petchburi.

Many car hire companies are found in Bangkok. Cars can be hired with drivers.

A tram service on Ratanakosin Island that passes by Wat Phra Kaew, Santichai Prakarn Park at 30 minute intervals.