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PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
IN THAILAND
Taking public transportation in Thailand is part of the Thai experience. It may also prove to be a life saver if you are not used to driving on the left side of the road, and in traffic that is akin to chaos. The Tuk-Tuk The Wan Thailand’s tuk-tuks are synonymous with their country. An open-air, three-wheeled vehicle that runs on a tiny engine that emits burps of smoke and an accompanying“tuk-tuk” sound, tuk-tuks are ideal for transporting you home after a day at the open-air market. Akin to a taxi, you hail a tuk-tuk and it will take you where you need to go. Original to Thailand, tuk-tuks are now found in India as well as America, especially in tourist areas.Actually, it’s a van, but in Thailand the “w” is hard to pronounce, hence, “wan”. Wans are used to transport large numbers of tourists around the city and in outlying areas, and are a more comfortable alternative to a bus when going into the large cities. The fact that they are air-conditioned is a plus, and some even serve as a bus in the rural areas. 
Public transportation is efficient and quite inexpensive. It also negates the need for a car and the expense that goes along with owning one. That said, let’s look at the different types of public transportation available throughout Thailand:
The Samlor
A variation of a bicycle, this pedal-taxi is just that: a bicycle with a cart attached. It is more convenient than the local elephant, navigates traffic, and is an easy way to transport people carrying packages and bags. It’s also more comfortable than walking, especially on hot days.
Thailand’s tuk-tuks are synonymous with their country. An open-air, three-wheeled vehicle that runs on a tiny engine that emits burps of smoke and an accompanying
“tuk-tuk” sound, tuk-tuks are ideal for transporting you home after a day at the open-air market. Akin to a taxi, you hail a tuk-tuk and it will take you where you need to go. Original to Thailand, tuk-tuks are now found in India as well as America, especially in tourist areas.
Actually, it’s a van, but in Thailand the “w” is hard to pronounce, hence, “wan”. Wans are used to transport large numbers of tourists around the city and in outlying areas, and are a more comfortable alternative to a bus when going into the large cities. The fact that they are air-conditioned is a plus, and some even serve as a bus in the rural areas.
Motorcycles
The ever popular motorcycle with a side car carries passengers through traffic to their destinations. Not air conditioned and passengers being susceptible to engine fumes, nonetheless, it is a way of getting around a crowded inner-city. In rural areas, the ride is less aromatic, but watch out for the potholes in the roads.
Song Thawes
A pickup truck with a lid and two benches (“song thawe” means two benches) inside, song thawes are the rural town’s main mode of public transportation. Licensed by the government, and color-coded as to their route, song thawes are inexpensive and efficient.
Water Taxis
With the inner-city so clogged, many Bangkok residents have turned to boats running up and down the canals to get to their destinations. Faster and more efficient than land transportation, water-taxis are a popular means of public transportation, and an exciting and refreshing way to tour the city and see its glorious sites.
Buses
There are buses with air conditioning and some without. You just have to find them. The air conditioned buses will usually have curtains over the windows protecting passengers from the rays of the sun. The smaller micro-bus is a luxury van equipped with air conditioning, televisions, and offers reading materials.
Trains
When in Bangkok, you have the option of riding their subway, the Bangkok Metro, or the Bangkok Skytrain to get from one part of the city to another.Just be sure to note where you got on so you can get off at the same place if you use the Skytrain to tour the city of Bangkok.
Within the country of Thailand, the government runs a very efficient rail system connecting the outlying areas. Sleeper cars are available for long journeys, and one of the fun aspects of traveling a long distance is stopping in the villages along the way and buying some of the delicious local food that the vendors offer at most stops.