Klong boats and buses and such are "not for farangs" when they don't take the trouble to learn the system. River boats on the Chao Phya used not to be for farangs before Lonely Planet Guide book discovered they stop near Khao San Road...now they use the same boats specifically for tourists on the same route during non rush hours.

What I have observed with klong boats and non-aircon buses is you need get on and off very quickly, have the right change ready as far as possible and know the name of your destination(get someone to write it down in Thai if necessary) and you will be very welcome. Delays are what pisses off the operators and other passengers...they don't mind sacrificing some sedateness by a little jumping and skating as long as the boat gets them home quickly. Watch the other passengers and do as they do. By the way, avoid the klong boats going east during evening rush hour and going west during morning rush hour unless you board and alight at Pratunam or The Mall. Stand ready to board at the back..it is always the last zone to fill. Last boats depart just after 7pm...the most thrilling ride is at 7pm going to Pratunam from The Mall or Hua Mak (Ta[pier] Mahard Thai) when the boat is almost empty and hardly stops at all and is plowing through the wake of the loaded boats coming in the opposite direction at high speed.

You may also use bus 93 (aircon, yellow) from Surawongse to Hua Mak stadium via Petchaburi. It is quicker than 115 via Prakanong. Also 537 from Victory Monument takes you directly to the swimming pools via Ramkhamhaeng soi 24 just after passing Torpedo sauna on the right. Just ask for Hua Mak when buying your ticket.

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-- I think that my solicitous and uni. friend was more concerned lest I meet pick-pockets and other such unsavory types on the klong boats?
- Thanks for mentioning other choices of 'buses. in getting to Bang Kapi and to other points in that gen'l. area.
-- bibi.. --

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I'm not sure what your friend was on about, but klong boats are no more dangerous than buses. Perhaps he was concerned about your being exposed to black water and stray odors?

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Probably Sextile's friend was more concerned that Sextile would meet too many cute boys on the boats...especialy those who alight/board at Tha Soi 29 stop..it is a soi that only has student accomodation/boarding houses and is opposite Ram uni. It is the first stop going east after The Mall, Ramkhamhaeng (NOT The Mall, Bangkapi). As Icon mentions, the water is dirty but after hundreds of trips on the boats, I have never seen an accident....or had my pockets picked.

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For anyone who hasn't used the service, this site has loads of quite good photos as well as some general advice. Just scroll down a bit when the page opens.

http://thaitransit.blogspot.com/2008...kok-klong.html

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-- Many thanks for this.
- I've had a quick shufti at the info. and pix of the Thonburi Repair Shops and was delighted to see a few steam locos. - some even still railworthy. Time to start mounting another expedition!
-- bibi.. --

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-- Y'day., (thu.), deciding that life as I know it might exist outside my Silom/'BIG C.' universe, I ventured on the klong ferry-boat from Pratunam to The Mall Bangkapi.
- fare: 20.bh.;
- journey time: 35mins..
- I noted that all of the ferry-stops have their names posted, together with the names of the two adjacent stops.
- Yes, PAX. have to be nimble in boarding and in getting-off!
- Most of the PAX. disembarked at 'THE MALL.' Bangkapi - so I followed a gp. of likely-looking lads into the shopping area.
- Internal signage is good and I was able to find my way around w/o. too much difficulty.
- Plenty of eye-candy, especially after 17hrs..
- In gen'l. janitrices busy in their CRs., PLUS Sec. Gds. were paying occasional visits, too. In one CR. some young man invited me to join him; but while I was making up what passes for my mind as to its advisability both a janitrix and a Sec. Gd. entered.
- While I was there not too many in the way of voyeurs, show-offs and suchlike were seen.
- I looked-at the outdoor swimming area, prices and the fact that swim-wear, towels etc. are avail. for hire + refundable deposit.
-I caught a returning ferry to Pratunam just before 19hrs..
- Clearly worth a return visit.
-- Thank you, Yannawa, for your suggestion. -- bibi.. --

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