Bangkok

Hotels In:

• Pattaya
• Ayuthaya
• Bangkok
• Chiang Mai
• Chiang Rai
• Hua Hin
• Khon Kaen
• Ko Pha Ngan
• Ko Samui
• Krabi
• Lampang
• Loei
• Phuket
• Sukhothai
• Surin

Bangkok is the kingdom's capital, the urban and cultural heart where all paths meet, and where you can see every aspect of life in Thailand. A city of over 10 million and a financial capital in one of the fastest growing economies in the world, central Bangkok will impress all with its modern shopping centers, and the vast exploration opportunities available to tourists via the subway system, or the elevated sky-train referred to as the BTS. A diverse mix of history meeting the modern world, Bangkok is an impressive balance of historic temples and gleaming high rise sky scrapers. Upon arriving, the city is far more western than what most foreigners commonly expect. But the city proves to be so diverse and sprawled out, that you could spend years trying to find all of its hidden corners.

Lay of the land

A long time ago, you would have seen a bustling Chao Phraya River congested with long tail boats and elaborate royal barges. Heading inland, there are a networked maze of canals (klongs) which are responsible for the name, "Venice of Asia". The historic district, which runs along the river, contains many of the cities historical sites such as the Grand Palace, in addition to many of the oldest temples (wats) which to this day house Monks. Heading south down the river, you will cross the narrow lanes of Bangkok's Chinatown where you can see some of the finest hotels the city has to offer. Heading inland from the river toward Sathorn, Silom and Surawongse roads, you enter the business district. You can see Bangkok's main shopping center in the heart of central Bangkok. Massive shopping complexes such as the World Trade Center and Siam Square serve as the social hub of the city, connecting all of the mass-transportation lines and serving an illustrious first world presence. Heading east of Rama I, Sukhumvit Road is the main ex-pat area of Bangkok. There are acres of condo's attractive to foreign buyers, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife.

Getting around

Getting around Bangkok can be a daunting task for those not familiar. During rush hour, it can take over two hours to get from one side of the city to the other. Taxi's are affordable, but that's no guarantee that they are moving. The preferred forms of transportation are taxis, the skytrain, subway, riverboats, motorcycle taxis and tuk-tuks.

Taxis are everywhere. Around rush hour, it may be difficult to find one that isn't already occupied, but generally a taxi is a safe bet. Many of the drivers who park around the tourist areas can speak a little English, and these drivers will normally proudly post a "we love falang" sign in their window. There is nothing offensive about the term falang. It's taken from the Thai word for 'French', one of the earlier settlers seen in the area. Avoid taxi drivers that want a flat fair. All taxis in Bangkok are metered, and you will almost always pay more off the meter. Depending on where you're going, you may want to have your hotel concierge or an English speaker write down the directions in Thai for where you want to go, just to avoid confusion.

The Bangkok Mass Transit System is an elevated railway system which jets above the traffic jams below. It is fast, inexpensive, and air conditioned. The BTS connects almost all of the major areas of the city, and has many entrances and exits directly into shopping centers and hotels. It also connects with the new subway system at Silom Road, and on Sukhumvit at Asok. The combination of these two transportation systems provide cheap, quick, and easy mobility around the city.

Riverboats are the most scenic way to see the details of the city as you pass through it. Some are intended for tourists, and will be in the theme of a guided tour. Most aren't, and serve as quick transportation along the canals. The boats tend to pick up and drop off rather quickly, so if you are uncomfortable with hopping on and off you may wish to choose another form of transportation.

The tuk-tuk has almost become as much of a symbol of Thailand as the elephant. These noisy, three wheeled carts buzz up and down the street and are normally harder to avoid than find. They tend to be about the same price as taking a taxi, but lack the silence and air conditioning. They are considerably more dangerous, and normally tuk-tuk drivers want to take their patrons on out of the way shopping tours, attempting to make a commission on any gem, silk, or art purchase you may get talked into. Insist on going directly to where you desire, and enforce a no shopping policy and you should be OK.

The motorcycle taxi is by far the most exciting and dangerous form of transportation. It's cheap, fast, and provides a nice rush as you skim by cars trying to remember to pull your knees close in time. It's the quickest way to get anywhere through traffic, and that's really the main reason people take them. Motorcycle taxi drivers can be found on most street corners wearing a vest, and are commonly used for short trips up and down allies (sois).

  Favorite Nighlife in the Area

  Favorite Events in the Area

Thailand Travel Guide Thailand blends the exotic with modern convenience: Bangkok is a gleaming city with a robust traditional cuisine and a culture of devout Buddhism, while the ancient city of Chiang Mai is spa central. When you're done lapping all that up, move on to cloudy mountains or lounge around on the pearlescent sand of those famous beaches.