Bangkok is located on the delta of the Chao Phraya River, about 25 miles (40 km) from the Gulf of Thailand. It was formerly divided into two municipalities—Krung Thep on the
east bank and Thon Buri on the west—connected by several bridges. In 1971 the two were united as a city-province with a single municipal government.
In 1972 the city and the two surrounding provinces were merged into one province, called Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok Metropolis). The metropolis is a bustling,
crowded city, with temples, factories, shops, and homes juxtaposed along its roads and canals. It is also a major tourist destination, noted for bountiful cultural
attractions and a nightlife that includes a flourishing sex trade.
What you need to know about Bangkok
Get there
What is the best way to get there?
Flying:
Bangkok is served by two airports, the Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Muang
Airport (DMK). The latter is a hub for low-cost carriers including Air Asia and
Nok Air and mainly offers domestic and regional flights.
When is the best time to visit?
November through January: Bangkok is hot and steamy no matter what time of year
you visit, however, the very best time to visit is late November to mid-January.
Known as the “cool season,” the temperatures sit around 90 Fahrenheit (36
Celsius).
Get around
Ferry
The ferry on the Chao Phraya river is also convenient — if and only if — you are
heading somewhere close to the river.
Motorcycle taxi
Motorcycle taxis are cheap, fast but can be scary for the uninitiated. Tuk Tuks
are used by both tourists and locals alike; please bargain before jumping on.
Skytrain and subway
The BTS Skytrail and the MRT subway provide another inexpensive way to get
around town. Both train systems are limited and only cover portions of the city,
so definitely map out your route before setting out. Also note that these two
lines of public transportation run separately and don't share a ticketing
system. However, they do have a few connecting stations—which is helpful if you
need to cross from one to the other.
Taxis
The easiest way into the city is through a metered taxi. Do not use the limo or
taxi services offered by touts. They can tend to swarm around you once you have
cleared customs. These touts will charge rates that can be as much as 200% to
300% of normal metered taxi rates.
Local customs need to attention
The King
The king is very highly regarded in Thailand, as evidenced by the pictures
displayed everywhere. Do not say or do anything disrespectful of the king or the
royal family, even to the extent of stomping on a Thai coin or banknote which
has been dropped and is rolling/blowing away. (It bears an image of the King's
head, and is highly insulting to be touched by your feet.)
Royal Anthem
Before each performance at movie theatres, the Thai Royal Anthem - known as
Phleng Sansoen Phra Barami (เพลงสรรเสริญพระบารมี) or sometimes more simply as
"Kha Wora" is played. It is mandatory to stand up during the playing of this
Thai royal anthem.
Hailing taxis
When hailing taxis, it is common to keep your hand horizontal, fingers facing
down. Holding your hand with fingers up is considered rude.
Temples and Monks
When visiting temples, dress conservatively. Women particularly should wear long
skirts or trousers and cover their shoulders and knees. Many temples state as
you enter that photography is not permitted. Even if there is no sign, please be
respectful and consider whether it is appropriate to be taking flash photographs
in a place of worship. Even more so if monks are present worshipping.
Shoes
Always remove your shoes when entering temples (the same rule applies when
entering a person's home), and do not sit with your feet towards the Buddha. Sit
either cross-legged, or with your feet tucked behind you.
Hygiene
One of the most important points of etiquette often overlooked by some
travellers is basic personal hygiene. Thai people take their personal hygiene
and appearance very seriously. Since Thailand is a hot, humid, tropical country,
showering frequently is essential.
Cool heart
Loud or abusive expressions of anger and temper tantrums should be avoided at
all costs. Many things in Thailand often don't go according to plan, and
visitors are advised to take a very calm attitude to various nuisances. Try to
remain calm and smile despite your annoyance, and in the end you will probably
get what you want.
Attractions
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The Grand Palace |
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Train Night Market Ratchada |
Phraprang Wat Arun Ratchawararam |
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Sao Chingcha |
Museum Siam |
Erawan Shrine |
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