Bangkok

Bangkok

Same same but different is a summary of Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, a city of contrasts with shrines and vibrant street life along the side of Chao Phraya river. The rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom of Siam can be felt when visiting the dazzling golden temples of the Grand Palace, the reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, and Wat Arun, while modern advances take over other neighborhoods in the form of expansive shopping malls like Central World, MBK Center, Terminal 21, and the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Culinary delights abound on the street and in chic, upscale restaurants when trying classic Thai dishes of Tom Yum Soup, Pad Thai, and Green Curry. The Thai New Year (Songkran) is a special occasion to travel to Bangkok if you are interested in water fight, washing away the bad luck of the old year.

Travel guide

Time to visit

Bangkok always has something for you, no matter what time you arrive:

– For sightseeing: November to March next year: dry, cool, beaches are at its finest.

– For shopping: Mid-June through mid-August when you can find a very good discount from 10% to even 80% for various products.

Accommodation

It’s easy to find accommodation for any budget in Bangkok, with affordable guesthouses and hostels not exceeding more than 20 USD per night. On the other hand, a night in the luxurious Mandarin Oriental or the Siam goes for at least 500 USD per night. Each area of the city has its own attitude, so visitors can choose their accommodation based on their interests, such as staying in Sukhumvit, Chatuchak, or Pratunam for those who love to shop while many historical sites are situated along the Phra Nakorn area of Rattanakosin Island. Make sure to reserve your accommodation from 30-60 days in advance to take advantage of the best promotions on offer.

Food

Bangkok is a paradise for foodie travelers. There is an abundance of things to eat everywhere. Many street food dishes that are worldwide famous can be found at any corner. Along with street food, there are restaurants of all levels that serve both Thai dishes and an extensive range of international cuisine.

Transport

Skytrain (BTS), Airport Rail Link (ARL), Subway (MRT), taxis, motorcycle taxi, subway, tuk-tuk, buses, Grab, boats.

BTS and MRT are the swiftest way to get to the main shopping and business areas at a low cost (4 USD/one-day pass for BTS and 0.5 – 1.5 USD/journey for MRT). Taxis appear on virtually every corner at almost any time, with the price of about 1 USD/km. Or else, Grabs are also good choices due to their popularity and low cost. Express boats can be used if you want to explore historical attractions at the riverside. Although tuk-tuks are slowly disappearing, it is still worth trying at least once.

How to get to Bangkok

Air
Bangkok has two airports, which are 30km away from Bangkok center. Suvarnabhumi Airport is where you arrive if you fly from Europe or North America. Don Muang Airport is a hub for low-cost carriers which mainly serve domestic and regional flights.
Train
Hualamphong Station is the best-know station in Bangkok, where many trains from various provinces arrive at Hualamphong at.
Bus
Bus is an affordable option to get to Bangkok from other regions in Thailand. Some of the most popular bus routes are Chiang Mai – Bangkok, Krabi – Bangkok, Phuket – Bangkok.

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