When you visit Bangkok you discover what this diverse city -an amalgamation of old and new- has to offer. It may be a busy metropolis, but at dawn you can see Buddhist monks clad in yellow robes filling the streets. Like the rest of Thailand, there’s a lot of negotiation and bartering: haggling at markets is the norm, and a language of its own. You’ll find a wide range of activities to amuse yourself, from the historical and religious to shopping, galleries, and spas.

As the political, economic, cultural, culinary, and spiritual capital of Thailand, Bangkok features both old-world charm and modern convenience, at times served up in an apparently chaotic manner, but always with a gracious smile.

For More Information About Bangkok-The official website of Tourism Authority of Thailand

https://www.tourismthailand.org/About-Thailand/Destination/Bangkok



Transportation

Bangkok has probably the most diverse modes of transportation, ranging from motorcycle taxi to the family sized taxi, from underground to sky train.
Please click here for detailed information.

*Airport Taxi

From the Arrival Hall on the second floor, you will need to take an elevator down to the first floor to find the designated taxi stands at Entry Gate 4. Simply queue up and tell your final destination to the booth officer, then a taxi driver will escort you to his vehicle. For Don Muang Airport, public taxi services located in front of the Arrival Halls International & Domestic Passenger Terminals. Please note that you need to pay the driver an extra 50 baht courtesy fee, on top of all tollway fees and the final taxi fare. Taken all these fees into account, it should cost you a total of 350-400 baht (approx. usd 15-20) for a 40-minute ride to downtown Bangkok. Service is available 24 hours.

*Airport Rail Link

The Airport Rail Link runs from Suvarnabhumi International Airport to central Bangkok (Phaya Thai Station) from 06:00 to 24:00 daily. Trains depart every 10 minutes during peak hours (06:00-09:00 and 16:00-20:00) and 15 minutes off peak and weekends. It takes 30 minutes (stopping eight stations) for a fee of Baht 45 (approx. usd 1.5).

*Skytrain

Currently there are two routes, the Sukhumvit Line and the Silom Line, which cover much of the central city and its many commercial, residential and tourist areas. The trains run daily between 06:00 am and 24:00 with frequent services, about every 5 minutes. The fare is based on the distance traveled. 

*Taxi

Bangkok's thousands of brightly colored taxis are a great way to travel as most are new, air-conditioned and have working seatbelts. There is no difference which color of Bangkok taxi you will choose as the meters on all them run by the same metered fare. You can know if the taxi is free or occupied by checking its front window. If the LED sign with 3 red Thai symbols on the front window of taxi is on, the taxi is free and you can take it. However, before you get into the car, ask the driver if he will take you to your desired destination as it might be not on his way and he might refuse bringing you there. In such a case, just stop another free taxi. Typical taxi fares for going a few kilometers are around 57 baht (approx. usd 1.5 - 2) and 10 km trip in good traffic conditions will cost you only 85 baht (approx. usd 2.5).

*Motorcycle

Simply tell your driver where you want to go, negotiate a price, strap on your helmet (if available) and away you go. Although a lot of fun and very efficient, be warned that the driving style and speed of your motorcycle taxi may not be what you’re used to back home, so exercise this transportation option with care.

*River Boat and Ferries

Boats are a great way to get around the famous Riverside area of Bangkok with its many historical monuments, temples and architecture. They’re also great for exploring the khlongs (canals) for a glimpse of Bangkok from yesteryear. Several kinds of boats (express boats, river taxis and long tail boats) run up and down the Chao Phraya River, connecting with the local suburbs on the Thonburi side and along the river, while ferries can be used to cross the river at various points.

River taxis operate up and down the river, the Chao Phraya Express Boat Company has many boat lines and the tourist boat is probably your best option, stopping wherever you request and provides access to attractions like Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn), the Grand Palace, Wat Po and the Royal Barge Museum. The Sathorn Pier is right in front of the Saphan Taksin BTS Skytrain Station. Fares are cheap and differ by distance and boat types, Baht 10 to 100.

*Bus

Whilst not the preferred transport of tourists; public buses are plentiful and cheap and will get you to most destinations in Bangkok. Most buses (except for all-night ones) run between 5am and 11pm daily. Regular buses cost around 8 baht, while the expressway buses cost from 10 baht. Air-conditioned buses (cream-blue) start from 12 baht (depending on the distance traveled). All-night buses (cream-red) are about 9.50 baht. EURO II buses (yellow-orange) cost anything between 13 to 25 baht, depending on the distance traveled.

*Tuk-Tuk

Doing a similar job to the taxi is Thailand’s ubiquitous tuk-tuk. They are occasionally faster than taxis in heavy traffic as weaving in and out is easier, but generally about the same or slower. Without any luggage, three people can fit into one fairly comfortably. Fares always have to be bargained for before departing. Although these vehicles are a fun way to explore the city, they expose passengers to high pollution levels and offer almost no protection in case of an accident.

Climate

The weather in Bangkok is dominated by a tropical monsoon climate which means there are three main seasons: hot season from March to June, rainy season from July to October and cool season between November and February. On our meeting month May is the end of spring in Bangkok. It is another tropical month in Bangkok, Thailand, with an average temperature varying between 26.3°C (79.3°F) and 34.4°C (93.9°F). You can experience warm and humid weather during the day.

Language

The official language of Bangkok is Thai and it is widely spoken throughout Thailand. Most of the people also understand and speak English, but this is more in the main city and the tourist areas. The English spoken by the locals might be broken but it won’t be too difficult to comprehend.

Time

Thailand Standard time is GMT +7; daylight savings time is not observed.

Currency and Credit Cards

The Thai currency is called "Baht". One baht is divided into 100 Satang. Coins consist of 1 Satang, 5 Satang, 10 Satang, 25 Satang, 50 Satang, 1 Baht, 2 Baht, 5 Baht and 10 Baht. Bank notes are in 20 (green), 50 (blue), 100 (red), 500 (purple) and 1,000 (gray) Baht. The exchange centers can be found at airports, most hotels, and in large shopping centers. Major credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, Master and Visa are widely used and accepted.

Electricity

Thailand uses 220V AC electricity. Power outlets most commonly feature two-prong round or flat sockets.

Business Hours

Most commercial concerns in Bangkok operate on a five-day week, usually from 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Many stores open seven days a week from 10.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. Government offices are generally open between 8.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. with a noon to 1.00 p.m. lunch break, Mondays to Fridays except on public holidays. Banks are open Mondays to Fridays from 08.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. except on public holidays.

Shopping

Shopping in Bangkok is an experience to thrill and delight the most discerning of shoppers - whatever it is you're looking for. From the gleaming chrome and towering size of modern, air-conditioned malls, to the hustle and bustle of its famously buzzing street markets, Bangkok has all kinds of places to blow your baht. With everything from antiquities and the latest pair of trainers to designer jewellery available, Bangkok has an equally exhaustive, and potentially exhausting, variety of things to buy.

Tipping

Though not a custom, tipping for good service is appreciated. Normally most hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bills but a tip for waiters is appreciated.

Emergency Numbers

Ambulance and Rescue: 1554
Medical Emergency Call: 1669
Tourist Police: 1155
Police: 191
Fire: 199

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