Sunday, September 03, 2006

Tak kan naik 'sky train' aje...

Besides the sky train, Bangkok offers an array of colourful taxis, a total of 9 colours we were told, and they are all mostly Toyota cars.

Bangkok taxis all have meters and thus would be a good way to travel around. They bear the legend 'Taxi Meter' on the roof. The price starts at 35 bahts (about Rm3.50) for the first two kilometres and approximately 5 bahts per kilometre thereafter.
(The ladies would look pretty in pink taxis)
There is no need to tip although it is appreciated. To call a taxi phone 02 319 9911 and will cost 20 bahts extra. Make sure the meter is switched on as you move off. If the driver refuses, leave that taxi.
(A metallic saga-red taxi)

For long distance destinations such as the airport the price can be negotiated but it is normally cheaper to use the meter.


(Tuk-tuks in a row)

Tuk-tuks (that’s the correct spelling, Ayumi) are those charismatic little three-wheelers with a padded bench for two in the semi-open rear. They are two-stroke vehicles, named for the sound made by their engines, which belch out at high volume noxious fumes to pollute even further a city already swimming in carbon monoxide. Fares in tuk-tuks are negotiable, which is not to be misinterpreted as meaning that they are cheap. I remember once taking the tuk-tuk back to my hotel, and I was charged 50 bahts, whereas when I took a metered taxi, I had to only pay 350 bahts for the same distance.

Since customers seem to prefer the comfort and fixed fares of metered taxis these days, it has become even harder to bargain for a reasonable price in a tuk-tuk. The shortest journeys will cost about Bt30, and that will cover only about two kilometres. In general they are no cheaper than metered taxis, although more colourful. If using one, be careful with possessions. Since the rear is only partially enclosed, anything on the extremity of the seat is vulnerable to the hand of a passing motor-cyclist, for example.

Much as a ride on the tuk-tuk is an experience not to be missed in Thailand and much as you would also enjoy taking a ride in all those colourful, wonderful metered-taxis, for Pycno, it was nothing less than this to take him round Bangkok in style….he…he…..

(Oh yes, keep on dreaming Pycno....)






8 comments:

Anonymous said...

kakaka (that was laughter), what a post!
:) an interesting angle to your holiday pycno.

ps
the maserati looks nice.

Jamil said...

The taxis over there certainly look more stylish than the ones we have over here. It almost takes away the shame of having to use public transport.

Anonymous said...

"Since the rear is only partially enclosed, anything on the extremity of the seat is vulnerable to the hand of a passing motor-cyclist, for example." <-- Bahaya ni.

As for the tuk tuk, they have similar transport in pakistan/india called the rickshaw. with the horn blaring, they charge into the street at high speed, 'koner lipat' and able to beat the traffic jam by going on the pavement if necessary.

interesting 'orang bujang' holiday you had with no worries of the 'gerabak'.

pycnogenol said...

Mynn - When Pycno goes on holiday, it's always holiday with a difference. ;)

Hiyoshi - They certainly do, Yoshi! I have a confession though....when I first arrived in Bangkok, I took the airport limo to the hotel, and ended up paying 700 bahts. Masa nak balik, I took the metered taxi, and the meter only showed 123 bahts. I was so happy and gave the driver 200 bahts, and ask him to keep the change. So remember when in Bangkok, take the metered-taxi and try to avoid the airport limo.

Ikelah - Memang bahaya! Another thing why I dont quite like the tuk-tuk is, I dont get to see the view....nak kena bongkok-kan badan sikit, baru nampak where the driver is taking me.

Do they really have that in India and Pakistan too? I really would like to go to India....*wink*wink* Ayumi...tak nak ajak Pycno and Bea ke?

And yes ikelah, you would know me by now...not having to worry about the 'gerabak' REALLY gave me the opportunity to have a wonderful, relaxing holiday. Otherwise, I can be all stressed up, even whilst on holiday... :(

ayumi said...

Salaam..

Oh it's tuk-tuk ke? Hehehe.. Thanks for the correct spelling. Nak ajak ke India? Hehe.. I'm too broke to belanja orang yg datang after paying my hostel fees nanti.. Perhaps you'd like another part of India which has more panoramic view than that of Manipal. Our weather is either warm, warmer or warmest. Hehe.

Those taxis just look so stylish. The pink one is sooo good too. Haha.

Waiting for another Thai song to spice up this entry. LOL.

Mama Sarah said...

there's nothing wrong in dreaming.

and at least it's a four door.

dith said...

Pycno- this time you have stretched your 3 hari 2 malam a bit eh?

ikelah- nope I wont ever dream of giving you such a birthday present!! ever!

pycnogenol said...

Ayumi - Tak payah belanja. Jadi 'tourist guide' pun dah cukup. ;)

InsyaAllah, I'll try and find another nice Thai song.

Mama Sarah - Then, Pycno will continue with his dream.....;)

DITH - Yes, indeed. And.....sian kat ikelah. :(