For those of you that use the Busses in Bangkok, what tools and websites do you find most useful? So far trying google maps and ViaBus. Anything better for trip planning? Trying to understand why Google Maps shows some busses in green and some in blue?

You've already got good app recommendations so I'll add a different angle. The color coding on Google Maps is actually tied to route numbering conventions. Routes with 1-2 digits (like 40 or 73) are the old BMTA core routes, usually green on the map. Three-digit routes and those with prefixes like 2- or 1- are newer joint-service routes, showing up blue. The 2-38 that runs along Rama 9 is a solid option for getting up Soi 71, it turns onto Pattanakarn and drops you within walking distance of most of the sports clubs back there.

For the codes, EV buses are the new electric ones with the green stripe, they run quieter and smoother than the REG diesels. The MINI vans are faster but cramped, and drivers sometimes skip stops if they're full. If you want to practice reading routes, the BMTA website has a PDF route map that's actually legible, just search "BMTA bus route map 2024" and you'll find it. It shows every stop and transfer point in Thai script, but the route numbers are in Arabic numerals so you can match them to what Google shows.

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the green vs blue on google maps is just their color coding for different route types, not super helpful honestly. green are usually the regular BMTA buses (the big ones) and blue are private operators or joint-service routes. the EV stands for electric vehicle (the new air-con buses with the green stripe), MINI is the small white vans that run fixed routes, and REG is just regular diesel bus. for learning the system, i'd ditch google maps and download the Moovit app instead, it's way more accurate for bus routes in bangkok and shows real-time arrivals for most lines. since you're heading up soi 71, look for the 2-38 or 40 buses that run along rama 9 road, they'll get you closer than the ones on petchaburi. the BTS also has a shuttle van from phra khanong that goes up soi 71 if the timing works out

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Yeah so the green and blue thing on Google Maps is just how they color code different route types, green is usually the regular BMTA buses and blue is private operators or joint routes. For the codes, EV is electric bus, MINI is those little white vans, and REG is just the standard diesel ones. Honestly, I'd skip Google Maps for buses and use ViaBus or even Moovit instead, they're way more reliable for actual bus info here. For getting up Soi 71, you might want to look into the 2-38 or 40 buses that run

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Krua Dok Mai Kao is solid but I've always found their som tam a bit tame on the pla ra. If you want the real funky version, try the shophouse spots along Soi Udomsuk 26, near the night market end. They pound it fresh with fermented fish that'll clear your sinuses, and it's like 60 baht. Different style from the On Nut places, more Lao-leaning.

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for som tam specifically i'd say the Isaan spots in Chatuchak are underrated, weekdays only though since the weekend crowd ruins the vibe. there's a stall near gate 2 that does tam pa with fermented bamboo shoots, super sour and funky, not something you see much in On Nut. if you're already heading north for Or Tor Kor anyway its worth the detour.

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honestly the som tam at Krua Dok Mai Kao is good but what got me hooked is their nam prik pla raa dip with the raw veggies, that funk hits way harder than the papaya does. think most people sleep on it cuz they just order the som tam and gai yang. also pro tip, go before noon on weekdays, after that teh pla ra gets milder cuz they batch it for the lunch rush

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