does anyone have any suggestions on travel while im out there on taxis buses etc, will i be targeted as a new farang and prices raised any tips appreciated

walk !!!!!!!!

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cab-meter-bangkok/id361373538?mt=8

don't know how good this is in reality but for 99 cents may be worth a try!

I found the taxi's to be pretty honest, its the tuk-tuks that tried to rip me off more than once.

Stay away from tuk tuks. Try to use the skytrain whenever possible as traffic can be insanely bad.

Most taxis are very honest, just bring the address of where you're going in Thai, and make sure they use the meter. There are thousands of taxis, so if one doesn't want to use the meter, get the next one.

Use your hotel reception as well. They can write instructions down for you in Thai, which will (hopefully) save you a lot of headaches.

and if a taxi asks YOU where you want to go without you flagging him down, stay away from them...don't get taxis right outside of a hotel with a map and camera in your hand.

taking bus is more fun ^^

or maybe you can get tuk tuk ..... ask them the price first if you think the price is too high .. you can cut down the price .. if they say no... you just pretend to walk away ... I believe they will try to get you... but if they don't .. you just get a new one...

Most of the drivers wants to serve foreigners not Thais

I agree with SKYWARRIOR that taxi is better ... but at least once you should try Tuk tuk ^^

Stay away from tuk tuks. Try to use the skytrain whenever possible as traffic can be insanely bad.

Most taxis are very honest' date=' just bring the address of where you're going in Thai, and make sure they use the meter. There are thousands of taxis, so if one doesn't want to use the meter, get the next one.

Use your hotel reception as well. They can write instructions down for you in Thai, which will (hopefully) save you a lot of headaches.[/quote']

YES!! this is very true ^^

Or just make friends with an elephant. Problem solved.

I have Marty McFly's old hover board if you want to borrow it...

if your heading for sites near the river or canels use the ferries and boats! fun, relaxing, away from traffic --good value and sometimes saves time too. (plus the Skytrain and Metro )

As a Newbie to Bangkok, I found the Sky Train and underground subway a bit confusing at first, but had an experienced wingman that helped navigate. I found taxis still the best, as long as you use the aforementioned tips on dealing with them, address in Thai, meter on, pass on aggressive drivers, etc. The biggest scam I encountered was at the Grand Palace. We didnt know where the main entrance was, and some Thai guys dressed officially (?) said it was closed for the day and that they would get us transportation back to our hotel. Some tourists busted their scam and got us directed to the main entrance and all was fine.

... and that they would get us transportation back to our hotel.

Had you fallen for this scam, your "hotel" would have turned out to be a (fake) gem store or similar.

thanks for all the tips very much taken on board and appreciated

stramash i would very much like mcflys hover board haha

As a Newbie to Bangkok, I found the Sky Train and underground subway a bit confusing at first...

If you are lucky, you find a free map covering the areas of Skytrain and MRT in one of the Skytrain stations. With this, navigating is much easier - and the size is handy!