The nearest MRT train Station to The Grand Palace- Emerald Buddha is Sanam Chai Station (blue Line), Exit 1. It will take you about 15 minutes’ walk from the station. You may have to get a taxi or Tuktuk from there. Beware of scams!

 

In Bangkok there are very real traffic jams, its best to avoid them as best you can, it can mean the difference between 20 minutes getting somewhere or 2 hours.

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GENERALLY SPEAKING:

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GRAB CABS

PROS: Clean, safe, reliable, pick up from your hotel/location to destination, predetermined price, drivers use google maps. They adhere to ratings so are often very polite.

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CONS: needs to download and configure app.

*Can pay cash or credit card if sync to grab account.

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TAXIS​:

8.00 - 9.45 am is a traffic jam.

5.30 - 7.45 pm is a traffic jam.

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PROS: They cost the same if you have 1-4 people. They pick up from the street. They operate 24 hours a day.

CONS: They cannot communicate well so may take you to the wrong place and do not adhere to a star rating.

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BTS (Bangkok Train System -SKY Train):

7.00 - 9.30 am super packed with people.

5.30 - 7.15 pm super packed with people.

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PROS: They are always on time, safe, clean and quick.

CONS: You have to get to a station, then buy a ticket, then wait for a train. This can take up to 25 minutes before you get on a train.

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MRT (Bangkok Train System -UNDER ground Train):

7.00 - 9.30 am super packed with people.

5.30 - 7.15 pm super packed with people.

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PROS: They are always on time, safe, clean and quick.

CONS: You have to get to a station, then buy a ticket, then wait for a train. This can take up to 25 minutes before you get on a train.

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Helpful Hint: It’s best to take the BTS or MRT as close as you can to a location then to get a taxi.

Helpful Hint: Buy a one day pass or prepaid card with e.g. 300 baht so you can use it whenever you want, This will save you lining up for a ticket each time. Do a bit of research to see what’s best for you.

BTS/MRT hours of operation 06.00 – 24.00.

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BOATS

PROS: No traffic jams, cheap and entertaining.

CONS: You have to get to a BTS train station, then get a ticket, then possibly transfer trains at BTS Siam Station, Then get the boat.

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Helpful Hint: Take the BTS SKYTRAIN to Saphan Taksin stop which is on the Silom line (S6), then a few minutes walk to Sathorn Pier which is basically under the Saphan Taksin station , go out through Exit No. 2, get an orange flag express boat (15 baht paid to collector on the ferry) to Tha Chang Pier (N9) and as you exit the pier walk straight ahead following the large white wall (which will be on your right ) until you reach The Grand Palace entrance 5-7 minutes away. Just remember to ignore all the Touts and scams.

*Tha Tien (N8) takes you to Wat Pho-The Reclining Buddha Bangkok.

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TUK TUKS

9.00-10.00 am is a traffic jam.

5.30 - 7.45 pm is a traffic jam.

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PROS: Can get through traffic easier, can feel the (hot) breeze in your hair.

CONS: The cost is usually more than a taxi, plus with communication and safety issues its usually not the best choice.

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MOTORBIKE TAXIS

PROS: Good to get there on time. Good price.

CONS: Dangerous

Helpful Hint: I would suggest taking these only when late for something and only in traffic jams. This will prevent them going too quickly, which is very dangerous. *always wear a helmet, ask for one (in Thai = Mock)!