Bangkok Travel Guide
Bangkok Travel Guide
Bangkok Travel Guide : With no doubt, Bangkok is one of the beautiful cities in the world. It thrives on contrasts and embraces the weird, the wonderful and the whacky. Its happy essence and vibrant nature is due to the everyday hustle and daily grind of the native people.
Bangkok is a place like no other, enriched with culture and many delights that go beyond a plate of Pad Thai. This city is one of a must visit cities in Asia with a lot to see and experience to remember, from the casual tuk-tuk, market stalls, trendy skycrappers and delicious food, the city harnesses a plethora of appeal.
Bangkok has many popular neighborhoods to explore and plenty of traditional, world class food to taste. Whatever your intentions of visiting, this soulful city delivers a range of experience from romance, adventure and family time. The Soi’s, nightlife, food and spas are the city’s heavyweight. For travelers who need a break from the noise, the city has plenty of greenery at its fingertips, which is contrary to the common belief. The views of Bangkok are not to be missed, offering unrivaled seclusion from the concrete jungle. Climb the Sky Bars at night and be rewarded with a sparkling metropolis twinkling in its glory.
Here is a travel guide to Bangkok to help you when planning your holiday and also know what to expect.
Time Zone – Indochina Time (ICT)
Currency: Baht (BHT) 1.00 US Dollar = 31.145097 Thai Baht
Calling Code: +66
Capital City: Bangkok
Language: Thai
To express gratitude and warm regards, always add Khap for males, or ka for females at the end of everything you say, this will score you brownie points with the locals. Khap or Ka is considered a polite way to show respect.
Here are some of the common Thai Phrases
Hello & Goodbye: Sawasdee (sa- whah- dee) (add: Ka/Khap)
Thank you: Kohp koon (add: Ka/Khap)
Yes: Chı̀ No: Mi (add: Ka/Khap)
I don’t speak Thai: C̄hạn mị̀ phūd p̣hās̄ʹā thịy
I’m lost: C̄hạn h̄lng thāng
I would like: C̄hạn t̂xngkār
Things to Do in Bangkok
Bangkok is a huge city with a population of over 10 million bustling with bold colors and cool vibrations spanning over 50 districts making it impossible to all-in in a single trip. With so much to see and do, this soulful city loves an itinerary and wondering feet, so be ready to trail off the beaten path and throw away the schedule which pays off in dividends.
Bangkok’s Soi “streets and alleys” are well known for their hidden gems. Some have more-pop-ups than a pogo stick, so be prepared to go with the flow delivering the magic you never expected.
Get used to the idea of using the BTS Skytrain and the MRT rail lines so as to get wherever you are heading to on your trip faster. Traffic can be a deadlock, especially at peak hours of the day. Planning your mode of transport a head of time could be the key to unlocking extra time in a mind-blowing city like Bangkok.
The city’s food is haven for travelers who love hearty and flavorsome cooking. With so many dishes to try, do your palate a favor and start off with the following favorites: Khao Soi, Pad Thai, Som Tam, Massaman Curry, Laab, Pak Boong, and Penang Curry. With a mix of unique textures, flavors and culture influences, do not be surprised if you fall deep in love with authentic Thai Cuisine.
Generally the Tai people pride themselves on being respectful and polite, with this you can expect to be greeted with the Wai (Palms together at your chest accompanied with a subtle bow of the head) – reciprocate to share the warm sentiment. It is illegal to defame or insult the king or any members of the royal family. To avoid any misunderstanding, steer clear of any mention of his royal highness.
Best Time to Go
Songkran the “Thai Buddhist New Year” is an eagerly waited for celebration all around the year by the locals. On April 13th, Bangkok city shuts down for a three-day holiday, the locals take on the streets to have what can only be described as the biggest water festival in the world.
If this screams a perfect adventure to you, then don’t forget to pack your brightest floral shirts and your best water gun. Checkout Silom – Bangkok’s neighborhood where the atmosphere is pumping, the roads are closed off and the water barrels are lining the streets.
The easiest way to get there is by hopping on the BTS Skytrain (Silom or dark green line) and following the herds of brightly patterned shirts. Upon exiting the rail station, you will be greeted with some friendly, splashing fun. If having water thrown on you randomly in the streets isn’t your thing, then avoid most parts of this country at this time of the year.
Note: This time of the year is very hot. In fact, April is known for being the hottest month of the year in Thailand, so if you are averse to strong heat and humidity it is better to visit in the cooler months of the year.
Throughout the months of January and February, Bangkok proudly presents the very chilled Concert in the park. Starting at 5:30 pm every Sunday, the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra plays a two-hour set, consisting of stunning compositions from both Thai and Western music. Expect to hear plenty of popular classics from the big moves, musical, and pop band heroes. Do as the local do by taking a blanket or folding chairs, plus your favorite picnic essentials. You will be ready to settle in and soak up the atmosphere.
November to February are generally the cooler months in most parts of Thailand, including Bangkok. However, if you are planning a trip to the beautiful islands from capital it is important to check the weather carefully. Whilst some areas of northern Thailand are determined by the three distinct climates, there are southern regions governed by just two, these areas get more rainfall.
How to Get Around
Bangkok has a number of transport options and choosing the right mode that is fit for your journey is very important.
Trains: The Bts Skytrain is the most convenient way to reach your destination in the shortest time possible. There are sixty –one stations along three main lines, and it is extending every day. Using train is cheaper than taxis and covers all the major Bangkok neighborhoods. Sukhumvit and Silom are the most popular lines for both locals and tourists, with waiting times averaging less than five minutes, you can hop on this friendly services assured of experiencing the convenience of time, as well as air conditioned and clean carriages.
Caution: Be prepared to be “packed in” during peak times. Have cash available to buy instant tickets from the machines or take your passport to purchase a Rabbit Card for a regular use of Skytrain.
The MRT is Bangkok’s rapid underground rail systems. Just like the Skytrain, the MRT has a quick turnaround and covers vast areas of Bangkok, including the old quarters. Take cash to exchange for tokens or cards.
Both BTS and the MRT are interconnected at popular stations for seamless overlaps in city travel.
Taxis: Taxis are everywhere in Bangkok and they come in an array of funky colors, adding a wash of blue, orange, pink, green and yellow to an already bustling scene. Even though the flagging a cab down is relatively easy, depending on the time of day, a 10 minutes journey may end up taking an hour or so. Traffic is relentlessly jammed pretty much everywhere you go, especially during peak times.
Also, it is worth noting that some drivers may not have the meter on when you get in. This happens a lot in tourist areas. Be sure to check and ask for “Meter Kah/Khap? Before you hop in.
Generally, it is very normal for a driver to communicate with you via the passenger window before unlocking the doors and letting you in. Having maps open and your address pinned for easy view speeds up the process.
To Pay for Taxis – carry loose coins and small notes to avoid being short changed (unintentionally). Some drivers may also claim they don’t have small coins/notes to give back to you. When you come to pay, round up your fare to the nearest fiver or 10 baht, this can also make the transaction easier for both parties.
Motorbike Taxis: This is a popular and fun way to traveler in Bangkok for short distances. The bikes can get into the nooks and crannies of the Soi’s and easily duck and dive their way through the hot traffic. Having some basic Thai is recommended, as is being able to communicate your destination.
Note: carrying your own helmet is highly advised, but most will provide one of you ask.
Basic language to learn:
Go Left: Pị thāng ŝāy
Go Right: Pị thāng k̄hwā
Straight on: Trng pị
Stop here: H̄yud trng nī̂
Tuk-Tuk: These are a cultural emblem and still a reliable mode of transport in the heart of Bangkok. Flagging one down shouldn’t be too difficult, especially around the tourist area of Siam.
Weather
Regardless of the time of the year, Bangkok is always very hot and humid. A tropical year round climate meaning you will very rarely need a jacket, but you might need a Poncho.
November through to March is regarded to be the cooler, less humid months. Temperatures can still soar as high as 90 degrees, especially as the day edge closer towards the hottest months of year, April. Bangkok is prone to sporadic showers of the year and guaranteed during the rainy season, where impressive thunderous storms will have you looking for shelter. Throughout the whole year, you can expect up to nine to 10 hours of daylight, with the sun setting between 6-7pm.
The following are average Fahrenheit lows and highs by month:
January: 70°F to 90°F (Cool Season)
February: 73°F to 91°F (Cool Season)
March: 77°F to 93°F (Hot Season)
April: 79°F to 95°F (Hot Season)
May: 79°F to 93°F (Hot Season)
June: 79°F to 91°F (Hot Season)
July: 79°F to 91°F (Monsoon Season)
August: 79°F to 91°F (Monsoon Season)
September: 77°F to 90°F (Monsoon Season)
October: 77°F to 90°F (Monsoon Season)
November: 75°F to 88°F (Cool Season)
December: 70°F to 88°F (Cool Season)
Bangkok Neighborhoods to Know
Sukhumvit: This is the longest road in Thailand, lined with trendy neighborhoods, malls, hotels, bars and resturants. This action-packed area is not only a fantastic transport hub but is also the main commercial and entertainment district in Bangkok. It is home to expats and locals residing in the many high –rise Condominium and side street Soi’s.
Siam: This neighborhood is the old capital of Bangkok, a commercial district with plenty of shopping options and a hub for transport and entertainment. Siam Square is what gives Bangkok its nickname: City of Angels. A place of contrasts, vibrant art, and trendy hangout spots.
Sathorn/Silom: This neighborhood is lively with plenty of hustle and things to see and do. While Silom covers the southside of Lumpini Park and Chao Phraya River, Sathorn is perched on the edge of Silomand is mainly known for being the financial district Chinatown – The Oldest district in Bangkok and famous for its infusion of both Thai and Chinese culture.
Sathorn is known for its bright colors, historical temples, delicious street food and walks that make you feel like you are really exploring the quintessence of Bangkok.
