Bangkok visitor’s guide
Glitzy Bangkok draws international travellers year round with its outstanding cultural attractions, naughty nightlife and upscale dining and clubbing as well as its bargain shopping. Gone are the days of endless traffic jams and today’s visitors to the Thai capital can whizz between sights on the underground train network after arriving at the new sleek international airport.
Many visitors are overwhelmed by the choice of hotels and restaurants in the city. From the popular Sukhumit area with its visitor-friendly mid-range hotels and international eateries to the upscale riverside where the best in five-star dining and accommodation resides, visitors to Bangkok are well catered for.
Once you’ve taken in the city’s main cultural sights including its impressive Buddhist temples, you can head for some of the best shopping in the region. There are also a number of easy-to-reach daytrip destinations just outside the city such as the ancient capital of Ayutthaya and the Ancient City where you can see Thailand’s most famous landmarks in miniature size.
Dining in Bangkok: both Thai and international tastes are well catered for in the bustling Thai capital. There is an overwhelming choice of restaurants in the Sukhumvit area, which caters well to visitors. Cheaper fare can be found in the bohemian venues along Khao San Road, a favourite hang out among the backpacker crowd.
If you want to splurge on a memorable meal for two, Bangkok has some impressive choices. Try the rooftop restaurant at the Banyan Tree for some of the best views across the city. The city’s shopping malls are also great places to find reasonably priced fare with their cheap food courts, American style take-away and major chain restaurants. Restaurants in Bangkok
Shopping in Bangkok: Bangkok has a host of modern, air-conditioned shopping malls to keep you entertained. You will find brand name goods at cheaper prices than at home while knock-off bargains can be had in the city’s markets. Siam Paragon leads the way with its entertainment and designer wear while Chatujak weekend market is mostly full of thrifty Thais seeking out the best bargains on everything from clothing to electronics. Chinatown and Pratuman are also worth a look. Shopping in Bangkok
Nightlife in Bangkok: don’t miss sampling Bangkok’s nightlife as this is one city that has something to suit all. Despite its reputation for naughty nightlife, Bangkok has limited its adult entertainment to certain areas such as Silom’s Patpong, Nana Entertainment Plaza and Soi Cowboy in Sukhumvit. It is easy to avoid these areas if you prefer.
The backpacker crowd tends to hang out around Khao San Road, where inexpensive bohemian style bars as well as a handful of discos are found. Sukhumvit has a good collection of bars and clubs around Ekamai but the best nightclub zone is Royal College Avenue, where you will find dozens of sleek clubs with DJs.
Family sights in Bangkok: the city’s amusement parks make for ideal family days out for those travelling with kids. Dreamworld is where to head if roller coasters and other white-knuckle rides appeal to you but for a more relaxed outing, try the Ancient City, a park housing mini re-creations of Thailand’s most famous landmarks.
Animal attractions in the city are also abundant and kids can get up close with crocodile and snakes, to name but a few of the dangerous creatures on display. Safari World takes you on a game drive past African animals such as elephants, giraffe and even tigers. If you need to cool off after all that animal spotting, Siam Water Park offers slides suitable for all ages.
Around Bangkok: day-trippers can head to Koh Kret, an island just north of the city while lies on the Chao Phraya River. This island has been a Mon settlement for centuries and traditional pottery and other crafts can be discovered here. Other ancient wonders of the re-created variety can be found at Ancient City, a family-friendly park on the outskirts of the city that houses mini versions of some of Thailand’s most famous buildings.
For a glimpse at the way shopping was conducted in the past, make a trip to the morning Floating Market where you will see transactions taking place on boats over the water. Culture buffs will not want to miss a daytrip along the river to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam.
Getting around Bangkok: Suvarnabhumi is Bangkok’s new sleek international airport. It offers flights to destinations worldwide and can be reached from the city centre in less than 30 minutes. A limited number of domestic flights arrive at Don Muang, the city’s former international airport.
Excellent underground and overground train networks exist in the capital and using these networks is the best way to get around and save on time and money. For convenience, metered taxis can be hailed in the street and are air-conditioned. Many tourist enjoy riding tuk-tuks (motorised rickshaws) around town but be sure to negotiate the fare in advance. Transportation in Bangkok
Bangkok budget: Bangkok can be as cheap or as expensive as you like depending on your budget. If you are prepared to stay in cheap digs you will get by on 1,000 baht a day, but most visitors prefer the comfortable mid-range offerings around Sukhumvit at 2,000 baht a night. For maximum comfort you will need a healthy budget of 4,000-plus baht a day, which will get you a room at a riverside hotel and a nice meal out.
Bangkok safety: the city poses few threats to visitor safety but it does pay to avoid any political demonstrations and to keep a close eye on personal belongings when shopping. Metered taxis are the best way to get around at night if you don’t want to risk walking alone after dark. Cross roads with caution, using overhead paths when possible.
Bangkok weather: most visitors to Bangkok arrive in the cool season between November and February. This is when temperatures are warm but not unbearable and there is no rain. Things begin to heat up in March, with April seeing temperatures of 40˚C, making sightseeing uncomfortable. The rains cool things down a little but humidity remains high during June, July and August.
