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

The Grand Palace		Train Night Market Ratchada		Phraprang Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawora Mahawi
Sao Chingcha		Museum Siam		Erawan Shrine