Bangkok occupies a total area
of 1,568square
kilometres.It
is situated on a flat alluvial plain divided by the Chao
Phraya River. Composed of about 50 districts
(Khets),
it is home to one-tenth of the country’s population. Thon
Buri,
a former capital,
is now a district under
the administration of the Bangkok Metropolis.
Bangkok was established as Thailand’s capital in 1782. Over the next two
centuries,
it developed in many ways reflecting the modern dynamism;
however, its ancient glories were
well maintained, especially in the old areas around the Grand Palace.
Today, Bangkok has become the principal Gateway and prime tourist
attraction for both domestic and international travelers.
Public buses are plentiful and cheap, with a minimum fare of 3.50 baht
to most destinations within metropolitan Bangkok. Air-conditioned blue
buses have minimum and maximum fares of 6 and 16 baht respectively.Orange air-conditioned buses charge 8 – 18 baht.Air-conditioned microbuses charge a flat fare of 20 baht all
routes.A Bus Route Map is
available at bookshops and the TAT office.
Taxis
Hotel and airport taxis have fixed rates.Taxis cruising city streets are metered.They charge a minimum of 35 Baht, for the first 3 kms, and
approximately 5 Baht per km thereafter.
Tuk-tuks
These three-wheeled ‘open-air’ motorized taxis are popular for short
journeys.Fares must be
bargained in advance. Minimum fares, for journeys of up to 3 kms, are
approximately 30 Baht.
