Getting Around in Bangkok

Traffic in Bangkok is a nightmare. Literally. I’ve seen things happen on the streets that will haunt my dreams for years to come. For example, on our way back to the hotel yesterday, I saw a couple on a motorcycle, weaving in and out of traffic, carrying a baby between them. How? Well, the woman was on the back of the motorcycle, holding the baby by the waist as the baby stood on the woman’s thighs, between her and the driver. Both the woman and the driver wore helmets; the baby wore a bonnet. No, I am not kidding and I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried.

The main choices for transportation around Bangkok are the SkyTrain (Bangkok's version of the metro) or a taxi. (The tuk-tuk is an option if you don’t mind being in a loud deathtrap on wheels.) Each choice has its pros and cons: The SkyTrain is a quick, inexpensive way of getting from point A to point B. But since the SkyTrain is relatively new and offers only two tracks, just getting to point A requires a bit of a hike. And anything that involves walking around Bangkok also involves sweating A LOT. Taxis, on the other hand, are a bit more expensive (still very affordable compared to taking a taxi in a major U.S. city), but are effortless and air conditioned. So what’s the drawback? Once in the taxi, you have two choices: watch the road and fear for your life, or look away and suffer horrendous motion sickness.