Joe Louis rides the MRT in Bangkok

 

Everything is relatively cheap in Thailand: the food, the lodging, the souvenirs. As a result, when you’re on a vacation, it makes sense to splurge: prioritize enjoyment and convenience over the few dollars you may save from holding back. Want an extra elephant t-shirt for 50 cents more? Go for it.

But the expensive route isn’t the best route in all cases. For example, plenty of people take tuk tuks to get around. But while they may be easy and comfortable, the cabs prevent immersion in the city and isolate you from the surround world teeming with action. I enjoyed riding the MRT, not only because it was cheap (much much cheaper than any taxi option), but moreso because I got to see Thai people in their everyday routines. Children hurry to school and civil servants to work. And sure you may get lost a bit, but isn’t that part of the purpose of traveling?

 

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See what other bloggers are saying about Bangkok:

“There are plenty of transportation options available in Bangkok; taxi, motorbike, canal boats and trains. With out any doubt the most pleasant and most convenient transport you will find is the sky train or metro. You will avoid all traffic, high fees and the heat. The bonus of traveling on one of these trains is that it gives you a rest from the sun, they are very well air conditioned.”
–One Step 4ward

“How to use MRT?
Use a single journey token for one trip which can be issued at TVM or
Use a Stored Value Card for multiple trips for more convenient.”
–Bangkok Metro