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Published: March 4th 2012
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mini vans -these fit 14 passengers snuggly. They don't leave for their destinations until every seat is filled. There are no schedules for departure or arrival just depends on how fast the vans can fill up. They travel near and far for very cheap. This is the typical method of transport for us to get to Bangkok. We have also taken these for trips up to 4 hours long.
Songtaos -These are regular trucks that have been transformed into a public method of transportation. They have roofed truck beds with rows of seats to sit on either side. Song means two in Thai. So two rowed truck. This is what we take to get around town.
Taxis-Taxis in Thailand are never hard to miss. They come in bright colors like hot pink, lime green, bright red, and purple. Sometimes you must haggle for a price to get to your destination and sometimes they do the meter. It's always best to get the meter but sometimes you don’t get the choice.
Tuk Tuk -Styles can vary region to region but these all are motorbikes with attached passenger compartment. Some are "pimped" out with
song tao
a very nice version of the truck taxis lights and subwoofers and others look like they can fall apart any second. Tuk tuk rides can be wild and crazy as well. They are smaller and more able to zoom in and out of traffic. Always an interesting ride.
Overnight buses -These vary by bus class. You can take V.I.P, first class or second class. V.I.P and first class are pretty identical so it's always smart to go with the first class because it's cheaper. They can provide blankets, refreshments, entertainment (wanted or not wanted), and get you to where you need to go. Some are decked out with speakers inside and out. Sometimes walking on the streets of Mahachai we get the opportunity to see an overnight bus pass by with blaring music for us to hear outside. Why this is done, I am not sure… for show most likely. All I know is, I never want to have a ride in one! I'd get such bad headache from the noise.
Motorbike taxis -This is how we get to work everyday. There are motorbike stations all around town and you can spot one if they are wearing red vests. These guys are
(hopefully) experienced motorbike drivers. They zip through traffic without care for traffic laws and do not provide helmets for passengers. You can sit sideways on them or sit on them normally. I've tried to side saddle it once and felt like I was going to die any second so I have yet to attempt that again. So in an unlady like fashion is sit normal on the bikes in my teaching skirt. Do I care if I unintentionally flash someone as I get on or off? No. Lol. As long as I feel like I can hold on in case something happens.
Boat taxi -This allows you to avoid traffic all together! You hope on a boat taxi and it takes you along the river to all it's stops. This is really nice to get a scenic view while on route to your destination
Regular city bus -There is no air conditioning on these suckers but they are very cheap to take. Nearly impossible to know where each bus actually goes to though.
BTS -This is the sky train in Bangkok. Best way to travel to avoid traffic as well. Very
clean but can get very crowded especially around rush hour. Get ready to feel like a sardine!
MRT -This is the subway of Bangkok. Less used by people but also very efficient to get where you need to go
Regular Trains - A way to step back into time. They go through the country side of Thailand and provide wonderful views. There are sleeper trains and day trains. Fairly cheap and very efficient way to travel. Best way to see the country while moving from city to city.
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MOM &DAD
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WE LIKED THE TRAIN RIDE AND BOAT RIDE, BUT THE OTHERS LOOK LIKE THEY ARE NOT VERY NICE.