When moving around Bangkok there is a wide range of transport choices. Outside of the BTS and the subway (MRTA) most people will choose to use taxis. There are four types of taxi in Bangkok, these are river taxis, tuk tuks, motorcycle taxis and car taxis. Having used every method of transport many times in Bangkok there is one that I will try to avoid above all others and that is the motorcycle taxi.

Motorcycle taxis or ‘motos’ are everywhere, but for the most part are not a common method of transport for foreign visitors. They can easily be spotted as the drivers will be wearing an orange or red jacket (different in different places) with a number on it. Generally they are used for short trips or if getting somewhere at break neck speed is imperative and if the passenger has decided that the risk versus gain is worth it. You must agree a rate before the trip or if you know the fare simply give it to the driver at the end of the trip and walk off remember he who hesitates is lost. When you have to agree a rate remember that these should always work out as much cheaper than a tuk tuk or taxi.

The motorcycle taxi is dangerous, really dangerous. In Thailand the third greatest cause of death is road accidents, and it is believed that 80% of all fatal deaths involve motorbikes. Doesn’t make you want to jump on one does it. The law in Bangkok is that all motorcyclists and passengers must wear helmets it is sometimes enforced so you could up with a good fine if caught as a passenger without a helmet. Most drivers will carry helmets so if you ask you shall get some form of basic protection.

The motorcycle taxi is a classic risk versus gain gamble, if you need to quickly get somewhere especially through clogged traffic then they can be a solution. Beware that common practices include: driving on the pavement, driving the wrong way down the road, undertaking vehicles, jumping traffic lights, weaving in and out of traffic and my personal favourite overtaking whilst a vehicle is attempting to turn, they are in general lethal. You will get there quickly or possibly not at all.

I would advise in all cases to avoid this type of transport for any long journey and to use with great care for even the shortest of journeys. Fun they may seem but in truth once you’ve had a couple of near death experiences you should be relatively satisfied that there are better ways to travel.