Introduction

Bangkok is the capital of The Kingdom of Thailand. Set on the Chao Phraya river, Bangkok charms visitors with its energy, cultural treasures, fabulous shopping and delicious cuisine. Bangkok is a large, sprawling city but has no recognizable city centre. The oldest part of the city is around the Grand Palace, near the river, where many historic sites and temples are found. Bangkok seems to be sprawling eastwards with the newer parts around Silom road and Sukhumvit road being the financial and hotel districts.

Travel to Bangkok

Bangkok International Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is 30km east of Bangkok and opened in 2006. Suvarnabhumi, or 'Golden Land' in Thai, is one of the busiest airports in Asia and will be able to cope with 100 million passengers per year after further expansion.

Airport Express Train (under construction) will connect with the BTS (Sky train) at Phaya Thai station and MRT and Phetchaburi station, offering airport-bound passengers a fast 15-minute limited stop journey to the city.

Airport Express Bus connects the airport with 4 airport express bus routes to downtown Bangkok. The buses are air-conditioned with ample luggage space. Buses are available on the first floor of the terminal. [Adult fare is 150 baht]

Airport Taxis are available on the same level as the arrival hall. Ensure the driver uses the meter or negotiate a fixed fare. [Airport to city takes about 30-40 mins, costing 200-400 baht (plus highway tolls of 70 baht).

City Bus operated by Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) serve the airport's dedicated bus terminal. Passengers take a shuttle bus to the public transportation center's bus terminal before boarding a regular city bus. [There are 12 city bus routes at a flat fare of 35 baht to the city]

Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) is Bangkok’s old international airport and is used for some non-connecting domestic flights especially by budget carriers.

Airport Taxis are available outside the arrival hall. Ensure the driver uses the meter or negotiate a fixed fare. [Airport to city takes about 40 mins, costing 300-500 baht, plus highway tolls of 70 baht].

City Transport

Taxis in Bangkok are numerous and inexpensive. Taxis must use the meter so ensure the driver has turned it on before you move off or you will pay more.

Skytrain (BTS) is an elevated train system that operates 2 lines across Bangkok. The Sukhumvit line runs from Mo Chit station (near Chatachuk, in the north) to On Nut Station (the southeast end at Sukhumvit Soi 77). The Silom line runs between Saphan Taksin station on the Chao Phraya River and National Stadium Station on Rama 1 road. The lines meet at the Silom Square interchange. Ticket vending machines are at the stations and the fare depends on the number of stations travelled.

Metro (Underground Railway) stretches for 20 km in a horseshoe shape from Hualamphong Station in the South (near Chinatown) to Bang Sue in the north. Trains operate every five minutes in peak times, every seven minutes at other times. With air-conditioning throughout, it's comfortable as well as quick, and there's also mobile phone coverage. [Adult single ticket from 15 baht, one-day pass 120 baht]

Songtaews are small pickups truck taxis with two plank seats in the back. Signal the driver to stop and negotiate the fare to your destination. Press the buzzer when you want to stop. Generally good for short trips, more convenient than a bus and cheaper than a taxi as you will be sharing with others.

River ferries operate along the Chao Phraya river. The main ferry is the Chao Phraya Express Boat which is very inexpensive and stops at many piers along the river from Central Pier to Rama VIII Bridge. The ferry makes very quick stops with only enough time for passengers to step off and new passengers to step on. Take care when boarding, as soon as the last person has stepped on the ferry, the conductor will signal the driver and the ferry will rapidly accelerate away from the pier. Pay your fare to the conductor. Also be aware that part of the boat is reserved for Buddhist monks.

Motor bike taxis are inexpensive and an exciting ride through the traffic. Negotiate the fare as there is no meter. Passengers must wear a helmet which the driver will supply.

Buses are very inexpensive but generally not recommended for first time visitors as they are crowded and the drivers and conductors may not speak English. When catching a bus, look for the destination sign in the front window. It helps to have your destination written in Thai to show to the driver or conductor and have small change ready.

Tuk-tuks are little three-wheeled vehicles (a motor bike at the front with a padded seat in a semi-open cabin at the rear). The fare is generally negotiable but they are no cheaper than a metered taxi and there is no air-conditioning. The tuk-tuk drivers have a reputation for trying to swindle tourists by taking you to shops on the way and pressuring you to buy something, informing you an attraction is closed today (when it's open) and generally trying to get money out of you in one way or another.

Canal boats operate on some of Bangkok's canals (or Khlongs) and are an inexpensive and exciting way to travel around parts of Bangkok. The canals give a completely different aspect to Bangkok without the hustle and bustle of people and traffic. The canals connect the Chao Phraya river to other parts of the city. Klongs Bang Lamphu and Phadung Krungkasem encircle the old city while the main line runs up and down Khlong San Sap, parallel to Petchaburi Rd, and is the easiest way to access the Golden Mount from the World Trade Centre.

Bangkok Explorer
4 Days / 3 Nights from US$85 per person	per person US$
	Twin	Single
Grand China Princess Hotel	85	170
Baiyoke Sky Hotel	110	210
Pathumwan Princess Hotel	195	390

History

The earliest civilization in Thailand is believed to have been that of the Mons in central Thailand, who brought a Buddhist culture from the Indian subcontinent. The Burmese invaded in the 16th and 18th centuries, capturing Chiang Mai and destroying Ayuthaya. After expelling the Burmese, the Thais moved the capital to Thonburi. In 1782, King Rama I moved the capital to Bangkok. In 1932, a peaceful coup converted the country into a constitutional monarchy and in 1939 Siam became Thailand. After WWII Thailand was dominated by the military until democratic elections in 1979 brought stability and prosperity.

Bangkok Attractions

National Museum is on Na Phra That Road walking distance from Khao San Road.

National Gallery is opposite the National Museum on Chao Fah Road within walking distance of Khao San Road and displays classical and contemporary Thai art, including paintings by the King.

Royal Barge Museum is located near the National Museum on the Chao Phraya river at the entrance of the Bangkok Noi Canal. The museum houses the royal barges that are used on ceremonial occasions.

Wat Pho is located next to the Grand Palace and is one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok. The temple houses the famous Reclining Buddha, 46 m long and 15 m high, making it the largest Reclining Buddha in Thailand.

Grand Palace is in the old city, walking distance from Khao san Road, and is a wonderful palace complex of buildings and golden temples where the King use to live. Visitors must be properly dressed with long trousers, long skirts and long sleeves to visit the Grand Palace. [Open daily, small entrance fee, clothing can be hired to cover up]

Jim Thompson's House - Jim Thompson was a famous American who revived the silk trade in Thailand after World War II. In 1967, while on holiday in the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia, he went for a walk and mysteriously disappeared and no trace of him has ever been found. He built a traditional Thai house on the bank of a canal in Bangkok and that house is now a museum showing his collection of Asian antiques and handicrafts. The house is located on 6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama 1 Road, opposite the National Stadium. [Open daily, 9-5pm, adult 100 baht, child 50 baht, Skytrain National Stadium station]

Siam Ocean World is an aquarium complex located at the Siam Paragon shopping mall in the centre of Bangkok, near Siam BTS Station. Shows include Shark, Sting-ray, Sea Otter and Penguin feeding. Visitors can take the opportunity of a lifetime and dive with the Sharks. [Open daily, 10am-8pm, adults 850baht, child 650baht]

Dream World is a theme park to the North of Bangkok on Rangsit Nakornnayok Road by Bus 188 from the northern bus terminal or Bus number 538 at the Victory monument. [The Dream World Package is best for foreign tourists - one entry with re-riding, Snow Town, Buffet Lunch including Round Trip Transfer from any hotel within Bangkok, THB1000]

Safari World and Marine Park is 25km east of Bangkok and houses natural habitats for African and Asian animals. There is a wildlife feeding show, Orangutan boxing show, white tiger show, water ski show, Hollywood cowboy show and a lot more. [Open daily 9-5pm, coach pickup from hotel]

Wat Saket (Golden Mountain temple) is an artificial hill with a towering gold chedi (pagoda), built around 1850, and is located within walking distance of Khaosan Road. Visitors can climb the 318 steps to the top and obtain a great view of the city. [Open daily 9-5pm, free entrance]

Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) is a 17th century Buddhist temple named after Aruna, the Indian God of the Dawn. The central Khmer-style pagoda is about 80m tall and symbolizes the legendary Mount Meru, center of the universe. It is an impressive sight and major landmark on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. [Open daily 7.30-5.30pm, donation 20 baht, take a ferry to Wat Arun Pier]

Wat Traimit (temple of the Golden Buddha) is a temple, on Tramit Road near Hualampong Railway Station on the edge of Chinatown, which houses the 900 year old world's largest solid-gold Buddha, nearly 10 feet high and weighs over 5 tons. [Open daily 9-5pm, donation 20 baht]

Wat Suthat is a large complex covering 10 acres located near the Democracy Monument. It houses a beautiful 13th-century bronze Buddha over 8m (25ft) tall. [Open daily 9-9pm, donation 20 baht]

Khaosan Road is north of the old city and is within walking distance of the Grand Palace and Wat Po. Khaosan road and the adjacent roads are packed with shops, restaurants, travel agents, market stalls and cheap accommodation which makes the area attractive for backpackers.

Floating Market is a market on boats floating in the canals and river. The floating market at Klong Dao Kanong in Thonburi is the closest to Bangkok. The market at Damnoen Saduak in Ratchaburi Province is larger and is located 110 km west of Bangkok. It’s an attractive place for tourists to see the old style and traditional way of selling and buying fruits, vegetables, etc., from small boats. Many tour operators are available to take visitors to the floating markets.

Snake Farm is on Rama IV Road and is operated by the Red Cross. Every day snakes are milked for their venom to produce anti-venom serum. Visitors can watch a snake milking demonstration.

Lumphini Park is a large park located on Rama IV Road and near Silom road. The park is named after the birthplace of Buddha which is located on the border of India and Nepal. [take Skytrain to Sala Daeng station or MRT to Si Lom station]

Thai Cooking - Some hotels have their own in-house Thai restaurant offering cooking classes to visitors. The cooking class will teach basic skills sufficient to prepare a Thai meal in your own home or even training to professional standards.

Thai Massage & Spa has evolved into a major business in Thailand. A traditional Thai massage starts around 250 baht in one of many massage shops. There are many places to get a massage right up to 5-star hotels/resorts that offer a whole range of spa treatments to guests.

Shopping

Central World is the largest shopping complex in Thailand with 500 stores, 50 restaurants, 21 cinemas and much more. The outdoor square is the official site of the New Year countdown party. [Chitlom or Siam Skytrain stations]

Siam Paragon Shopping Centre a world-class shopping destination, near Siam BTS Skytrain Station. There is the world-class aquarium, Siam Ocean World on the basement floor.

MBK Centre is a large shopping complex of 8 floors with 2,000 shops that sell everything imaginable, near National Stadium Skytrain Station.

The Emporium is a large complex with 7 levels near Phrom Phong Skytrain station.

Siam Center has 4 floors of shopping with about 300 shops, 20 restaurants and a spacious food court, near Siam BTS Skytrain Station.

Siam Discovery is a trendy shopping complex with cinema complex opposite Siam Square.

Gaysorn Bangkok is a luxurious, upmarket white marble and gleaming chrome complex housing exclusively high-end luxury goods and designer labels, Chitlom Skytrain station.

Amarin Plaza is a 5 level shopping plaza at Ratchaprasong Square, near Chidlom Skytrain station.

Pantip Plaza is a multi-storey shopping complex specialising in IT products. Located on Petchaburi Road near the skytrain (BTS) Ratchathewi station.

Chinatown is located between the old city and Hualampong Railway Station. The area is full of crowded, narrow streets with many interesting shops dealing in gold, jewellery, fabrics, food and many other types of goods. A bargain-hunter’s dream!

Suan Chatuchak Weekend Market is the largest market in Bangkok operating only at the weekend and is located near the Northern Bus Terminal and Skytrain terminus. Everything imaginable is sold here and is popular with tourists [open 8am every Saturday and Sunday].

Khaosan Road is in the old city district near the Grand Palace and is bursting with budget shops and street vendors selling everything imaginable.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Siam Square is a high class area where many of the first class hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs are located.

Sukhumvit Road travels east from Siam Square and then turning south-east, and eventually heads south and out of Bangkok to Pattaya and beyond. The area is popular with foreign visitors and there are many hotel, restaurants and bars.

Patpong is a small area within the financial district between Surawong Road and Silom Road. The area is famous for the nightlife such as girly bars, night clubs and a night market.

Soi Cowboy is a nightlife area full of girly bars. Just off Sukhumvit Road, between Asoke Road and Sukhumvit Soi 23 [Skytrain station Asoke, or MRT station Sukhumvit].

Dining

Khaosan Road is in the old city district near the Grand Palace and hosts many inexpensive cafes, restaurants and bars especially catering for the budget and backpacker visitor market.

Sukhumvit Road travels east from Siam Square and is popular with foreign visitors as there are many hotels, restaurants and bars.

Siam Square is a high class area where many of the first class hotels and quality restaurants are located.

The Baiyoke Sky Hotel, in Pratunam, has an international buffet on the 76th floor and a rooftop bar with live music.

Food Courts are located in most of Bangkok's many shopping malls and offer visitors good value meals. Bangkok has most of the usual American fast food chains such as McDonald's and Burger King. Coffee shops such as Starbucks and Gloria Jeans have become common in malls and commercial centers.

Street food vendors are common and can usually be found in places with high amount of pedestrian traffic.

Beyond Bangkok

Pattaya is a popular seaside resort town on the North Gulf Coast of Thailand about 150 km south-east of Bangkok. It is popular for its beach resorts, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and huge selection of outdoor activities such as golf, horse riding, bungee jumping, karting, shooting, scuba diving, jet-skiing, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and more.

River Kwai is located at Kanchanaburi, 130kms northwest of Bangkok, and is the site of the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai and the 'Death Railway', which was built during World War II by prisoners of war. Visit the war cemetery, museum and take a short ride on the original 'Death Railway' and cross the Bridge over the River Kwai.

Tiger Temple is a remote forest temple, near Kanchanaburi, where Buddhist monks live with many wild animals including tigers. Every afternoon the monks take the tigers for a walk providing visitors with the amazing experience of walking and viewing tigers in close proximity.