Coconuts recently ran a reader’s survey with a simple question: What’s your favorite way to get around town? For those who don’t drive in Bangkok’s terrible traffic, the city’s got ferries, boats, buses light rail and more. Not too surprisingly, there was a lot of agreement on this one.
1. BTS Skytrain
When the BTS Skytrain first opened for service at the century’s turn, there was a seat for anyone, and some worried it would never take off with commuters.
Today, it’s almost a victim of its own success as expansions creep outward along its two lines, extending its reach far beyond the original stretch of downtown. Despite the crowds, queues and crunch that occur during peak hours (which seems to be all of them) it’s impossible to imagine life without it now, and as long as that air conditioning is set to 11 to wick away the sweat, we agree it is simply the best. Photo: Pietro Motta
2. Metropolitan Rapid Transit
Bangkok’s Metropolitan Rapid Transit system still feels new. While many have to reach for the German-built BTS hanger straps, the MRT’s Japanese dimensions seem a better fit. Its 21 kilometers of tunnels cut their way to places not served by the Skytrain, and the two systems wisely mesh at three locations along its singular route. A few years back they even turned down the volume on its video screens, making for a experience of meditative reflection as you hurtle under the city or just discreetly check out others reflected in the otherwise pointless windows. Photo: Maarten Roggeman
3. Khlong Saen Saeb Express Boat
Until the day Bangkok uncovers its once sprawling network of canals, the Saen Saeb canal boats provide and surprisingly fast reminder of the waterways which once gave the city its romantic reputation as Venice of the East. A great way to zip from downtown westward to the Democracy Monument or east out to Bang Kapi district, the boats offer a back-lot tour of interesting neighborhoods crowding over the waterway’s edge. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a boat ride? Photo: Christophe Archambault / AFP
Photo: Oran Viriyincy
Related:
Best of Bangkok 2014: Getaways!
Best of Bangkok 2014: Nightlife!
