New Route Through Bangkok

Tired commuters in Bangkok will soon have an alternative to tuk tuk fumes and nightmarish traffic jams with the arrival of the Bangkok Metro.

Although the subway is still in its testing stage, Bangkok residents should be able to ride the subway as soon as this summer. The inaugural route includes 18 stations stretching 12 miles from the northern suburbs to the edge of bustling Chinatown.

When all the lines are completed—expected by the end of the decade—the combined subway and above ground system will stretch for 69 miles.

Tickets on the new subway system will cost from 14 to 36 baht (35 to 92 cents), but the BMTA is negotiating with the Bangkok Metro and Skytrain operators in a bid to unite the two systems into an integrated and affordable transport system.

Still too expensive for the average resident, the company wants to eventually integrate the canal boats and buses with the Skytrain and subway on one ticket, allowing unlimited travel for up to three hours at a cost of about 20 baht. more >> See the subway route in blue: more >>

Ewan Mc Gregor and Long Way Round

The actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman, along with the Long Way Round team have begun their three-month motorcycle trip.

Starting in London in April 2004, Ewan and Charley will cross over into mainland Europe, will travel through France, Luxembourg, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Siberia, Alaska, Canada. Their final destination, is New York City.

The group will post new video clips and photos along the way at www.longwayround.com. They also plan to release a book and TV series upon return. more >>.

InsideOut's own Lever Rukhin has already gone around the world on a BMW, to a little less publicity but a lot more true adventure, we'd guess. more >>