I'm in Bangkok, now how do I get to Baan Chang Thai?

 E-mail

I've been in Thailand for so long now, I forget that whilst getting around is easy, it can be quite daunting for the first timer. Here's a quick break down of different ways to get to Baan Chang Thai.

Before we start, here's the address:

How to say it in Thai

Whether getting a Taxi, Tuk Tuk or motorcycle, if you can say the directions in Thai you're off to a good start. So when asked, say:

"Bai Ekkemai soi sip, yaek sawng Krap/Ka" (male/female)

Simple as that!

• Bai: Go
• Ekkemai: the street off Sukhumvit, most people know it, so you can call it by name
• Soi:  Side street
• Sip: 10
• Yaek: intersection
• Sawng: 2

Different ways to travel

Depending on the time of day, traffic conditions, budget and safety preference there are several options for getting to Baan Chang Thai. Here are a few, in my order of preference.

Skytrain & motorcycle

If you are staying close to a skytrain station, then this can be the quickest and cheapest way of getting to Baan Chang Thai, especially in rush hour.

1. Get to your nearest Skytrain station.
2. Buy a ticket and ride the train to Ekkemai station.
3. Get off the station on the north side of Sukhumvit (opposite the bus station) and enter Ekkemai Road.
4. Look for a motorcycle and say "Bai Baan Chang Thai Krap/Ka" (male/female)
5. They should take you straight there for 20 baht (15 if you're lucky!)

This way you need to ride a motorcycle taxi from the mouth of Ekkemai Road to Soi 10. It isn't THAT far, but in the heat of day, it can be a sweaty 15 minute walk. In 6 years of living in Bangkok I never had any problems riding the motorcycle taxis, which I put down to being a good passenger and not being a back seat driver (which on a bike is destined for disaster!). But again, this is a risk and a personal choice that you shouldmake for yourself.

Taxi

On days that I've been feeling lazy, and the traffic hasn't been too bad, I've opted to get a metered (make sure they have the meter switched on) taxi. Depending on your origin, the price can vary, but as long as your driver is competent and doesn't take you for a sightseeing ride, the price should be under 100 baht.

1. Hail a taxi and check the meter is switched on when entering.
2. Say "Bai Ekkemai soi sip, yaek sawng Krap/Ka"
3. If he gets you there with no nonsense give him a 10-20 baht tip (or not ;)

Canal Boat & motorcycle

If you live close to canal with the ferry boats operating, then you can probably get one of the canal boats. This is a fun ride and offers an alternative to the busy roads, just make sure you don't fall in, and try not to get splashed by the canal water! Most piers have a map of the canals and piers in Thai and English, so you should figure out where you are, and see how far Ekkemai is.

Find a pier, and work out which direction you're going.

1. Wait for a boat, and jump on when it stops.
2. When one of the boat workers get to you say  "Bai Ekkemai Krap/Ka"
3. Keep an eye on the pier names, and get off at Ekkemai Pier.
4. Look for a motor cycle or taxi and say  "Bai Ekkemai soi sip, yaek sawng Krap/Ka"