If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to get around Bangkok, a motorbike taxi is the way to go.
This will be one of the most thrilling and invigorating things you’ll do in the “Land Of Smiles”.
Don’t forget to purchase traveling insurance before hopping on the back of one of these traffic-dodging speed demons.
Here’s what you need to know about getting a motorbike taxi in Bangkok.
The first thing you need to do is find a motorbike taxi stand.
These are usually located near busy areas such as shopping malls, Skytrain stations, tourist attractions, and busy intersections.
Once you’ve found a stand, simply tell the driver where you want to go and they’ll give you a price.
The fare will depend on the distance of your journey, but it’s usually around 30-60 baht ($0.60-1.20) per kilometer.
You can also negotiate a flat rate if you’re going a long distance.
Once you’ve agreed on a price, the driver will give you a helmet (maybe) and you’ll hop on the back of the motorbike.
Hang on tight and enjoy the ride! Riding on the back of a motorbike in Bangkok is about as thrilling as it gets.
The Best Way To Get A Motorbike Taxi In Bangkok
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Many travelers won’t even consider using this style of transport but it’s by far the most convenient, cheap, and accessible mode of transport in the whole kingdom for city hopping.
Here’s what you need to know about hailing one of these convenient taxis.
First, find a driver wearing a bright orange or yellow vest. They will be more than happy to take you where you need to go. (see featured image top)
If you can’t find a taxi stand, position yourself near the edge of the road with your hand or finger in the air and an attentive motorbike taxi driver will notice and speed over and ask you where you need to go.
Just tell them your destination and they will give you a price. Next, hop on the back of the motorbike and hold on tight!
The driver will zip through traffic and get you to your destination in no time.
Motorbike taxis are a great way to get around Bangkok, especially if you’re in a hurry. Bangkok traffic is horrible.
Just be sure to agree on a price before getting on and hold on tight for a thrilling ride!
Getting A Motorbike Taxi In Bangkok With A Smartphone
If you need to get around Bangkok in a hurry, your best bet is to hail a motorbike taxi.
Motorbike taxis are ubiquitous in the city, and they can get you where you need to go quickly and cheaply.
However, if you’ve never taken a motorbike taxi before, it can be a bit confusing.
Here’s a quick guide to hailing a motorbike taxi in Bangkok from your smartphone.
Download the Grab app or Bolt app from your respective app store.
We’ll cover both apps real quick. I like both. I tend to use the Bolt app more for hailing regular taxis and motorbike taxis and the Grab app for ordering food, and groceries or if I’m too lazy to pop down to the local 7-11 or Family Mart.
Grab App is an all-in-one application. Download the main app and do everything and more mentioned below after linking your credit card details.
Grab App:
- Hire Car, Motorbike, Car Sharing & eScooter
- Get a Set Price per trip before accepting the ride
- Grocery Delivery, Pay Bills, Pay Friends
- Book Hotels & Plan Trips
- Restaurant Take-Away Delivery
Bolt App:
- Hire Car, Motorbike, and Car Sharing
- Pay In Cash For Taxi and Motorbike Taxi Rides
- Set Price per trip
- Delivery services available with a separate app
- Prices for Car and Motorbike trips trend cheaper than the Grab app
Bolt App only covers taxi and motorbike taxi trips. Bolt does have a separate app for food and convenience store deliveries.
I tend to use both apps throughout the course of a busy week.
I’ll order groceries or restaurant take-away with Grab App and I’ll order my taxis and motorbike taxis with the Bolt app.
Having both apps available will greatly increase your chances of getting a ride quickly.
How To Get A Motorbike Taxi In Bangkok (Avoid Tuk-tuks)
When you’re in Bangkok and need to get around, one of the quickest and most convenient ways is to hail a motorbike taxi.
Second in convience is the tuk-tuk.
A “tuk-tuk” isn’t the best choice but more for a nice touristy overpriced ride to only certain areas of the city.
They will probably ask to stop at a gem or tailor shop first.
Decline these requests for side trips at all costs. (drivers get a commission if you buy something from side trip shops, you’ll be overpaying)
Most tuk-tuk drivers try to not take fares that travel too far away from their home range to save fuel on the trip back.
Using a Motorbike Taxi to get the most out of your day.
My favorite thing to do while visiting Bangkok is explore and take photos and videos for this blog and its Facebook Group “We Love Pattaya Thailand”.
To make the best of my time I will have a motorbike taxi driver take me into a particular neighborhood that I want to film or photograph and just drop me off.
I will use the Bolt App to order a motorbike taxi to where I’ve decided I want to film that day.
After an hour of two of soaking up and photographing the local people, culture, and local interests, I will just hail a local motorbike taxi from a taxi stand if available.
If not, I’ll use the Bolt App to order a cheap motorbike taxi to my next destination or back to my room.
When I was younger I would walk from my room to film in various neighborhoods and only get a ride back but these days I tend to catch a ride both ways.
How To Avoid Getting Ripped Off By A Motorbike Taxi In Bangkok
If you’re considering taking a motorbike taxi in Bangkok, there are a few things you should keep in mind to avoid getting ripped off.
First, always agree on a fare before getting on the bike.
Second, if possible, try to avoid peak hours when traffic is heaviest and prices are typically higher.
Thirdly, be aware of your surroundings and don’t let your guard down just because you’re on a motorbike.
Finally, if at all possible use one of the Apps listed above.
If you follow these simple tips, you should be able to avoid getting ripped off by a motorbike taxi in Bangkok.
One Last Tip
Hold on tight and don’t lean too much around corners. These guys are professionals and do this type of riding all day, every day.
Wear the helmet if it’s provided and if you think the driver is going too fast or driving recklessly, ask them nicely to refrain from whatever action is making you uncomfortable.
If that doesn’t change anything, simply ask them nicely to pull over and finish the ride. Pay the driver and find another…
The last thing you want to do is get into a shouting match with your motorbike taxi driver over what you deem reckless driving and what is just a normal day at the office for him.
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