WHAT TO DO IN BANGKOK

The undisputed kingpin of Southeast Asian tourism and youthful hedonism in Thailand, Bangkok is a heady mix of sounds, smells and sights that awe and overwhelm in equal measure. Most first-time visitors head straight for the famous streets of Banglamphu, where the gaudy and ceaseless movement of Khao San Road continues well into the night. It is spots like these that have driven Bangkok to the forefront of international party tourism, and for many the neon clubs and super-bars of this downtown region have become something of a rite of passage.

But there’s much more to see and do here than meets the eye, and most all Bangkok tour guides would be quick to stress the city’s political importance, standing as it does at the very heart of Thai governance. It’s also home to a countless array of temples, from the opulent Grand Palace to the sparkling Golden Mount.

But it doesn’t stop there; Bangkok has also long-been fabled as the street food king of the world, home to better Pad Thai conjurers than any city in the county and host to some of the most creative culinary outlets going. These can be spotted right across the town, hidden curiously down the backstreets near the Chao Phraya River or steaming endlessly outside the Muay Thai arenas of the center.

Bangkok, Thailand: Annual Weather Averages

Located in South East Asia, Bangkok offers a constant tropical climate though out the year with little variation in temperature. However the hotter months are typically through March and April while the cooler months are typically from November to December. Our Bangkok hotel staff will be happy to provide you with daily weather information!

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April is the hottest month in Bangkok with an average temperature of 30.5°C (87°F) and the coldest is December at 26°C (79°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 9 in December. The wettest month is September with an average of 220mm of rain. The best month to swim in the sea is in April when the average sea temperature is 30°C (86°F).

How about the Bangkok Hotel?

Many luxury hotel chains can be found in Bangkok, such as the Peninsula Bangkok, which in 2006 made the top 10 in Travel and Leisure magazine's top 100 hotels list, coming in at number 4, while the Oriental Hotel claimed the ninth spot. Sukhumvit Road hosts a series of international chains such as JW Marriott, The Landmark, InterContinental, and Sheraton, and many boutique hotels such as Tenface Bangkok, The Davis, and Unico Grande Sukhumvit. The Banyan Tree on Sathon, one of Bangkok's tallest hotels, featured the highest bar and restaurant in the city, Vertigo, until the launch of Sirocco Restaurant on top of State Tower, 247 m (810 ft) up from the streets of Bang Rak.

Bangkok offers many smaller boutique hotels for travelers seeking uniquely designed lodgings and personalized service. There are large numbers of inexpensive hotels scattered throughout the city such as Yaowarat Road, most notably in the backpackers' paradise of Khaosan Road. Motels are uncommon in Bangkok. Bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) adapted to the Asian lifestyle are a fast-growing segment. A variety of these small houses can be found in Phloen Chit, Watthana, and Khlong Toei.

What is the best way to get around Bangkok?

The best way to get around Bangkok is by Skytrain or Metro, which is fast, affordable and easily navigable for visitors. The city also offers an extensive network of buses, but these are prone to traffic jams, which the city is notorious for. Taxis are fairly cheap, but again, gridlock is a regular issue

BANGKOK TRANSPORTATION

GUIDE TO GETTING AROUND ON THE BTS SKYTRAIN, MRT UNDERGROUND METRO, CHAO PHRAYA EXPRESS BOAT, TUK TUKS, BUSES AND TAXIS

Bangkok BTS Metro and MRT Train Map

Map by Zeddlex

Bangkok has some of the worst traffic in the world, but improved public transportation has made it much easier to get around the city. The above-ground trains (the BTS Skytrain) and the underground metro (the MRT) run from 6am to midnight, and although they don’t have the most convenient connections and require separate tickets, are the best ways to reach the central and modern parts of town.

Bangkok Traffic The BTS Skytrain above Bangkok's heavy traffic

Connecting from/to the BTS from/to the MRT involves some walking, as you have to exit one station and look for the other. The connection stations are:

BTS Asok - MRT Sukhumvit

BTS Sala Daeng - MRT Si Lom

BTS Mo Chit - MRT Chatuchak

In the old city, by the river, tourists and locals use the traditional (time-consuming) boats, tuk tuks and taxis.

BTS SKYTRAIN

BTS Skytrain, Bangkok

This clean, safe, fast, air-conditioned, and relatively cheap overground train service is the best way to reach many of the major sites downtown. Unfortunately, although it’s been in operation since 1999, it doesn’t yet cover the whole city, like the old town (Rattanakosin) or the popular Khao San Road.

It has two lines, linking at Siam station, with trains arriving every 3 to 6 minutes, between 6:30am and midnight.

Fares depend on the distance, and the magnetic fare cards can be purchased at all stations. Most ticket machines only take coins, but there are also ticket booths at most stations.

There are single-journey tickets and one-day passes -- if you’re staying downtown and plan on using it several times in one day, the pass is the better option, as it allows unlimited travel.

Signs and announcements are in English as well as Thai, so tourists have no trouble using it.

MRT METRO TRAINS

MRT Trains, Bangkok

Operating since 2004, the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) was Bangkok’s second mass transit system and is still expanding. It’s the underground train service, with three stations connecting with the overground BTS Skytrain (see intro above). It’s convenient for those staying in the modern part of town, and who want to reach Chinatown and the Old City. It also connects to the city’s central train station, at Hua Lamphong. Trains run every 4 to 10 minutes, from 6am to midnight.

CHAO PHRAYA EXPRESS AND TOURIST HOP-ON-HOP-OFF BOATS

Chao Phraya Express Boat, Bangkok

You’ll see different types of boats on the Chao Phraya River -- the long-tail “river taxis,” hotel shuttles, private river cruises, and traditional canal boats. The Chao Phraya Express is the traditional boat service most used by locals to reach the Old City. It operates between 6am and 7pm, stopping at the different piers about every 10 minutes at rush hours, and about every 20 minutes throughout the day. It’s also used by many tourists, on their way to the most historic sites on the riverside. Tickets can be purchased on board, but it’s best to get them at the counter at the pier.

The most useful boats for locals are those with the orange flag, as they’re the most frequent and stop at almost every pier, but tourists are better served by the blue flag boats, which they can hop on and off at the main sightseeing piers -- you can get your tickets here: Unlimited Hop Chao Phraya River All Day All Night Pass

If you’re staying downtown or in any other area away from the river, and want to take any of these boats, head to the Saphan Taksin station of the BTS Skytrain, where you’ll find the Sathorn pier (or “Central Pier”) directly in front. Hold on to your ticket as proof of purchase.

Although it may seem like a slower way to get around, considering the traffic in central Bangkok, you often reach your destination by boat in half the time you would in a taxi.

TAXI

Bangkok Taxi

Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive, but avoid them at peak hours and make sure your driver turns on his meter. Many drivers (illegally) try not to do so, and offer an inflated flat fare instead. In that case, refuse the service and look for another. Those waiting by the Grand Palace, on Khao San Road, and outside the big hotels are least likely to use the meter.

In general, cars are new and comfortable, and the drivers are courteous (but speak little English). To most places within the city, you shouldn’t pay more than 100 or 150 baht (less than 5 US dollars/4 British pounds or euros). Freeway tolls are paid by the passenger.

Tipping is not really a common practice, but you may always round up to the nearest 5 or 10 baht.

RIDESHARING

Bangkok Traffic

Uber no longer operates in Thailand, but you may use the ridesharing service Grab. It works exactly the same, and although it may be slightly more expensive than a regular taxi, it’s still much cheaper than similar journeys in the US or Europe. It can be quite a lifesaver when there are no taxis around, and you avoid the problem of attempting to communicate with a taxi driver who doesn’t speak much English or doesn’t want to turn on the meter. You also know exactly how much you’ll pay for, and don’t have to worry about overcharging.

BUSES

Bangkok bus

We don’t recommend taking buses in Bangkok, as they’re cheap but slow and confusing. And although there are now modern vehicles, many are old, noisy and dirty, and lack air conditioning. If you’re determined to have such an experience, know that bus lines run between 5am and 11pm. Tickets are bought on board, and to let the driver know you want to get off, stand up and approach the door.

TUK TUK

Bangkok Tuk Tuks

If you just want to get to the end of a long street or need to reach the other side of a neighborhood, take a tuk tuk. These noisy three-wheeled vehicles are often hard to resist, but drivers sometimes trap tourists into stopping at tailor or gem shops (that pay them commissions). Refuse any unrequested stops. The price is negotiated in advance, and is often not particularly cheap. If it’s just too unbelievably cheap, you’ll be taken on that “sightseeing” tour with stops at the gemstone dealers and tailors. They usually take as many as three people.

MOTORCYCLE TAXIS

They’re a quick and cheap way to travel short distances in Bangkok, but only for the most adventurous who don’t mind near-death experiences. You’ll see them down most side streets, with drivers wearing orange vests (some also wear green or purple vests). If yours doesn’t provide a helmet, find another who does. The prices for short rides are fixed, but you’ll have to negotiate for longer distances.

ON FOOT

Bangkok isn’t a walkers’ city. It’s hot, humid, and polluted, so it’s best to take local transport between sights. The exceptions are Chinatown and the area around the Grand Palace, which have several attractions within walking distance. In Siam and Ratchaprasong, elevated walkways connect major shopping malls and BTS Skytrain stations, making it easier to go between hotels and different attractions in the area on foot.

AIRPORT LINKS - TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM THE CENTER OF BANGKOK

To know how to go from/to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International and Don Muang airports,

Bangkok has a unique culture

Bangkok’s culture is influenced by the modern day, yet still retains very proud links to its tradition and Buddhist spirituality. This culture can be found on every street corner, in the food, language, music, dance, the arts, and Buddhist temples.

"Bangkokians" are warm and friendly people, generous with their welcoming smile, deeply proud of their "Thai-ness", and normally too polite to show offence, anger or annoyance. Only a fool though, would dare mistake their friendliness for weakness.

There are standards of behaviour that should be upheld at all times in Bangkok, and Thailand more broadly. Thais take great pride in their monarchy, especially the King. Visitors are well-advised to respect the reverence in which Bangkokians hold the Thai Royal family.

Explanation of Thai etiquette

Buddhism is the predominant religion in Bangkok, with monks, temples, spirit houses, Buddha images and statues everywhere you look. It is expected that appropriate clothing be worn in temples, and shoes removed before entering.

There is also a sizeable Muslim minority scattered around the city who are 100% Thai is every respect.

For Bangkokians, maintaining a calm, peaceful and harmonious demeanour at all times is crucial. Outward expressions of bad temper, raised voice, threatening gestures, arguing, or critical comments is universally avoided. Such behaviour serves no useful purpose in polite Thai society.

The famous wai is used as a gesture for both greeting and respect. A Wai requires the person to use both of his hands as if praying in front of his face. In general, it is considered to be a mark of respect to try to keep the head at a lower level than that of a senior or older person when talking to or passing them. Its not advisable for tourists to attempt to Wai others, as there is a complicated protocol involved. A smile or nod is enough to acknowledge a Wai given by hotel staff and so on. 

On entering a private house, it is customary to always remove your shoes. The polite way to address an elder of similar, or older age is to use the title "Khun" before the person's first name.

Most Bangkokians are too polite to comment openly on disrespectful behaviour, but you should be aware that their silence should not be mistaken for it is still offensive. Looks and appearances are important to Bangkokians. Personal hygiene is held in high regard by Thai people, when meeting them, dressing smartly, or at least appropriately, can be interpreted as the degree of respect you hold for them.

Many homes and businesses have spirit houses on the property to allow the placement of alms, flowers, and foodstuffs such as sticky rice and rice whiskey. The purpose of the Spirit House is to provide an appealing shelter for the spirits, or celestial beings, who would otherwise reside in the spaces occupied by human dwellings, large trees, caves, cliffs, waterfalls etc. It is believed that the spirits are finicky and mischievous, demanding respect from humans and capable of doing great harm if they aren't afforded proper respect. This custom perhaps helps shed some light on the spirituality of Thai people in general.