Getting Around Bangkok from No.31

Getting around Bangkok is an adventure in itself! From No.31, you are well-positioned to use a variety of transport methods, from modern trains and ride-hailing apps to traditional river boats and local buses. Here’s your complete guide to navigating the city like a pro.

Your Easiest & Most Convenient Options

For door-to-door convenience, especially when it's hot or you're tired, these are your best friends:

📱 Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab)

We highly recommend downloading the Grab app. It works just like Uber and is the most convenient way to book a car or taxi with upfront pricing. You can pay via the app or with cash. This is often the simplest option for tourists.

Download Grab on Google Play

Download Grab on iOS

🚕 Metered Taxis

Taxis are plentiful and affordable. Always insist that the driver uses the meter by politely saying "Meter, na ka/krap?" (ka for female speaker, krap for male).

Key Tips:

• • • • It's very helpful to have your destination address ready in Thai (Google Maps is great for this).

      • Taxis in Bangkok are cash-only. Try to have small bills (like 20, 50, and 100 THB notes) handy.

      • Tipping is not required, but rounding up the fare to the nearest 5 or 10 Baht is a common and appreciated gesture.

🚤 Exploring Bangkok by River: A Guide to the Chao Phraya

The Chao Phraya River is more than just a waterway; it's a living artery of Bangkok, lined with stunning temples, historic landmarks, and modern marvels. Traveling by boat is often faster than by road for riverside destinations and is an unforgettable experience in itself.

From No.31, you have easy access to two main types of boat services. Here’s how to choose the right one for you:

Chao Phraya Tourist Boat (The "Hop-On Hop-Off" Blue Flag Boat)

This service is designed specifically for visitors who want to explore the main sights at their own pace.

Best For: A full day of sightseeing along the river. Perfect if you plan to visit multiple attractions like the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, ICONSIAM, and Khao San Road all in one day.

How it Works: You purchase an All-Day Pass (valid until operating hours end, usually around 8:00 PM). This allows you to get on and off the boat at any of its 9 designated piers as many times as you like. The boats are generally less crowded than local commuter boats and often have English-speaking staff and announcements.

Cross-River Ferries

What They Are: These are small, simple boats whose only job is to shuttle people from one side of the river directly to the other.

Why You'll Use It: The most common use case is getting from Tha Tien Pier (after visiting Wat Pho) across to Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn). It's a journey of only a few minutes.

💰 Estimated Cost: Extremely cheap, usually around 5 THB. Pay at the pier entrance before you board.

⭐ Our Recommendation:

• For a full day of sightseeing: The Hop-On Hop-Off Tourist Boat (Blue Flag) offers great value and convenience.

• For a quick, single A-to-B trip: The Local Express Boat (Orange Flag) is unbeatable for price and speed.

• Pro Tip: Have small notes and coins ready for the local boats and cross-river ferries. Also, check the time for the last boat if you are out late, as services usually stop in the evening.

Local & Adventurous Options

For those looking to travel like a true local and have an adventure!

🚌 Local Buses (The Authentic Experience)

This is the cheapest way to travel and offers a real glimpse into daily Bangkok life. The main roads near No.31 are major bus corridors.

The Key to Success: Download the ViaBus app. It gives you real-time GPS tracking of buses, shows you routes, and tells you which bus numbers to take.

Download Viabus on Google Play

Download Vioabus on iOS

Types of Buses & Fares (Approximate)

Fares are incredibly cheap and are paid in cash directly to the bus conductor who walks around the bus with a metal ticket canister. Try to have small change or 20 THB notes handy.

• Non-Air-Conditioned Buses (Red or Cream/Red): The most basic and cheapest option. Fares are typically a flat rate of around 8 - 10 THB. A true local experience!

• Air-Conditioned Buses (Orange, Yellow, Blue): More comfortable in the Bangkok heat. Fares are based on distance but are usually between 15 - 27 THB.

How to Ride the Bus: A Simple 4-Step Guide

1. Find Your Route (Use the ViaBus App):

Open ViaBus and enter your destination. It will show you which bus numbers to take, where the nearest bus stop is, and where to get off.

2. Flag Down the Bus:

Stand at the bus stop and when you see your bus number approaching, extend your arm to signal for it to stop (like hailing a taxi).

3. Pay the Conductor:

Get on the bus (usually through the middle or back doors). Find a seat or a place to stand. The conductor will approach you. Simply tell them your destination (or point to it on the map) or just hand them your coins/small note. They will give you a tiny paper ticket.

4. Press the Buzzer to Stop:

Keep an eye on your location using your phone's GPS. When you are approaching your stop, press one of the red buzzer buttons located on the ceiling or poles. The driver will then stop at the next designated bus stop.

Example Routes from Pinklao

The main roads near No.31 (Charansanitwong and Borommaratchachonnani) are major bus corridors.

• To Khao San Road / Grand Palace Area: You can use the ViaBus app to find several direct buses from a stop on the main road that will take you there in about 15-20 minutes without traffic.

• To Chatuchak Weekend Market (Mo Chit): You can find routes that take you directly to the Mo Chit bus terminal, right next to the market and the MRT/BTS interchange station.

⭐ Crucial Tips for Riding the Bus Like a Local

You have the basics, but these essential tips will make your bus journey much smoother and help you avoid common frustrations.

1. Your Phone is Your Best Friend (Use the App Religiously)

• • The ViaBus app is non-negotiable. Use it to find your bus stop, but more importantly, to confirm you are on the correct side of the road for your direction of travel.

  • Once you are on the bus, keep your GPS (Google Maps or ViaBus) open to track your journey in real-time. This is the only reliable way to know when your stop is approaching, as announcements are rare and almost never in English.

2. Cash is King, but Small Change is the Ace

• • This is the most important practical tip. Conductors cannot provide change for large notes (like 500 or 1000 THB). Trying to pay for a 15 THB fare with a large bill will cause problems.

  • Always have small change ready: a mix of 5 and 10 THB coins and 20 THB notes is perfect. Having the exact fare is even better.

3. Be Ready: Buses Wait for No One

• • When you see your bus approaching, signal clearly by extending your arm.

  • Be prepared to board quickly, as buses often only stop for a few seconds. They may not pull up perfectly to the curb, so watch your step.

4. Press the Buzzer in Advance

• • Don't wait until you are exactly at your stop to press the buzzer. As you see your stop approaching on your GPS (about 100-200 meters away), press one of the red buzzer buttons on the ceiling or poles. This signals to the driver that you want to get off at the next stop. Once you press it, start moving towards an exit door.

5. Hold On Tight & Be Aware of Your Belongings

• • Buses can be crowded and the ride can be jerky. Always find a handle or pole to hold onto securely.

  • As with any crowded public transport system in the world, keep your bag, wallet, and phone secure and in front of you.

6. Know When to Ride (and When Not To)

• • Best For: Mid-day travel when you're not in a hurry, exploring local neighborhoods, and want an authentic, budget-friendly experience.

  • Maybe Avoid If:

    • You are in a rush. Buses are subject to heavy traffic.

    • You are traveling during peak rush hour (roughly 7:00-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:30 PM) when they can be extremely crowded.

    • You have large luggage, a stroller, or are with multiple young children.

🛺 Tuk-Tuks

A classic Bangkok experience, best for short, fun trips.

CRUCIAL TIP: Always agree on the price before you get in. Fares are negotiated and are often higher than a metered taxi for the same distance. Be wary of offers for very cheap "tours" as they often involve unwanted stops at shops.

🏍️ Motorcycle Taxis (Win Moto-sai)

• The drivers in orange vests are great for zipping through traffic on very short trips (e.g., from the main road down a long soi).

• Best for: Solo travelers with no more than a small backpack.

• Safety: Fares are fixed for common routes (ask the price first). Always wear the helmet the driver provides. Use with caution.

A Note on Walking

While exploring a specific neighborhood on foot is fantastic, Bangkok is a vast city that is generally not very walkable for long distances due to the heat, humidity, and often uneven pavements. It's best to think of walking as the "last mile" of your journey after taking a taxi, MRT, or boat to the area you wish to explore.