Surprised? The most hair raising and often the most expensive way to get around Bangkok. These people even charge more than the taxis. Their favourite trick is to take you to anywhere except where you want to go, usually a bar, porno joint or jewellery shop, where they earn money from the owner. You will be ripped off if you aren't very firm in saying no. But let's face it, you haven't been to Bangkok if you haven't raced in a tuk tuk, so you're going to try it aren't you?

There will be taxi drivers waiting outside most hotels. As long as they use the meter you have nothing to fear. It's a very comfortable way to get around the centre and good if you don't have much time. But if you don't want one don't let them talk you into it. If you want one for the day or half day negotiate a price and pay at the end of the tour. Beware rush hours, especially if you need to be somewhere on time, like the airport!

These are more expensive than the bus, but very clean and convenient for most places. The skytrain gives you a different view of Bangkok. The routes are straightforward, it's easy to find your way around.

There is a huge bus network around the city. It is very cheap, literally pennies, so it's worth finding out from your hotel which number bus you need and giving it a try. There are 2 types of bus, non-air conditioned and air conditioned, get the number of the air conditioned one and you will have a cheap and comfortable ride. The stops are frequent so you should be able to get  close to where you want to go. Have plenty of small change ready.

Two main types of river transport. The long tail tourist boat you hire by the hour or day will take you on a tour of the klongs and stop off anywhere else you would like to see along the way. A must do trip for most people visiting Bangkok. Easiest place to find one is at the end of the skytrain at Charoen, go to the ferry pier under the Taksin bridge.

Public river boats are a great way to get around, the equivalent of the bus on water, with plenty of stops to choose from. There are a lot of boats and the only difference is the colour of the flag on the back. You will pay several dollars or just a few pennies for the same ride so check it out and be careful which one you catch.

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HOW TO AVOID BEING CONNED

If anyone approaches you be polite, but tell them you know where you are going and don't need their help. They can be very persistent, just keep walking and lose them.

Another approach they have is to walk along with you talking as if they just want to practise English or be your friend. They will tell you how they got a great bargain from somewhere, write the address down and have you in a tuk tuk before you know what's hit you. They aren't being nice, they're looking for a percentage, be polite but firm and say you're not interested.

As you approach many tourist sites, particularly the palace, they get even more persistent. They will tell you the place is closed for a special holiday and they can show you something else. Don't believe them, walk on. They will tell you that you can't go in to the Palace because you aren't properly dressed. Ignore this, you can hire appropriate clothing for free inside the palace grounds, no problem. You can avoid many of the touts by walking on the busy side opposite the palace or other tourist site until you get to the front entrance.

Jewellery is a big thing in Bangkok. If you are looking for jewellery try to get advice on who you can trust from people who have been here before. A good tip is to use the shops in the streets near the big expensive hotels, if they have been there for a while they wouldn't dare sell fakes and upset the hotel customers. Drop into the conversation/haggling that you visit Bangkok often, it helps.

Walk purposefully and try to look as if you know where you're going.

It can get distressing to be approached all the time. Just learn the Thai way, joke with them, keep smiling and walk away. Don't lose your cool.

Don't carry too much money around and don't let anyone see how much you have in your wallet. Keep small bundles in different places so no-one knows how much you have. Don't wear expensive jewellery for walking the streets (day or night). Keep in mind that the average Thai earns £4 a day and don't flash your wealth around.

It's tempting to drop your guard because you're on holiday, but keep your wits about you. You wouldn't walk down a lonely dark street at night at home so what makes you think you can do it anywhere else?

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