I will be back in Bangkok soon and staying in the Ploenchit area

Bangkok is notorious the world over for its traffic congestion. You don’t say when you will be coming but if it’s soon, you need to be aware that there are currently sizeable political protests along Rajdamnoen Avenue, at the Democracy Monument, and Makahawan Rangsan Bridge near the UN building. This is serving to make the traffic problem a whole lot worse.

In a normal situation, I would suggest you take the BTS Skytrain from Ploenchit to Siam, then catch bus number 15. This runs to the old part of Bangkok passing China Town, the Golden Mount, Rajdamnoen Avenue, Sanam Luang and the Grand Palace. With the ongoing protests, the route has been altered to avoid Rajdamneon, but it will still take you to the Grand Palace.

Another option is bus number 2 that runs from Ploenchit to the Grand Palace. Again, the route has changed to avoid the protests, but will bring you to Sanam Luang, the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Tha Tien pier where you can cross on the ferry to the Temple of Dawn. 

Remember to avoid the rush hours. I’d also suggest you take the bus one way only, preferably on your way back to the hotel after dinner at a riverside restaurant or you’ll be unlikely to get a seat. Otherwise, make your bus trip on a Sunday. 

 

 

Hi there,

We will be in Chiang Mai for a week in late December, and want to make a day trip to Chaing Rai by bus (we’re on a tight budget). We need to know how much time we have in Chiang Rai, and where to go for a day. Appreciate your reply. Joey & Jane

 

The Green Bus company is the only service operating between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai that would allow you to do the round trip in a day. In addition to downtown Chiang Rai (the fare is Bt288), there are also services to Mae Sai (Bt364) and the Golden Triangle (Bt241). You need to book tickets at the Arcade Bus Station on Kaew Nawarat Road a few days in advance, as this is the high season and buses will be full.

The direct bus to Mae Sai is great for visits to Doi Tung or Doi Mae Salong. Just ask the driver to drop you on the way, and continue by local song taew. On the way back, you’ll need to charter a song taew down to the town. 

The trip to Chiang Rai city takes about three hours. For a day trip, you need to leave on the first bus of the day at 8am to get to Chiang Rai a little after 11am. The last bus leaves Chiang Rai at 5.15pm so you will have about six hours to visit the town. Popular attractions are the magnificent Wat Rong Khun built by famous Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat and the Black House belonging to another famous local artist Tawan Duchanee. There are many more traditional temples scattered around town. 

Have fun!