taste of BANGKOK
Essential Guide to Bangkok: Practical Information, Accommodation, Dining, TRANSPORTATION and More
HOW LONG TO STAY IN BANGKOK?
To visit the most famous places in Bangkok, 3 or at most 4 days would be ideal.
If you are in transit in Bangkok and have only one full day, you can read the article "ONE DAY IN BANGKOK".
If instead, you want a more detailed plan, you can read the article "BANGKOK IN 3 DAYS"
If you are in transit in Bangkok and have only one full day, you can read the article "ONE DAY IN BANGKOK".
If instead, you want a more detailed plan, you can read the article "BANGKOK IN 3 DAYS"
Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Bangkok for Sightseeing:
Here are some tips on where to stay in Bangkok: you can find hostels and budget hotels anywhere in the city, but avoid the Nana area, which is the red-light district. To easily reach all the tourist spots, try to stay near the MRT subway stations or the BTS SkyTrain elevated railway line.
If you are traveling with family, I recommend opting for more residential and convenient areas like On Nut, Ekkamai, or Thonglor.
Another option could be to stay near the river piers, but keep in mind that water transportation is slower than the subway.
If you are looking for a romantic hotel, you could opt for one of the luxurious hotels on the riverside.
Finally, if your goal is to visit the most temples and tourist spots, I suggest staying near Khao San Road or in its vicinity.
If you are traveling with family, I recommend opting for more residential and convenient areas like On Nut, Ekkamai, or Thonglor.
Another option could be to stay near the river piers, but keep in mind that water transportation is slower than the subway.
If you are looking for a romantic hotel, you could opt for one of the luxurious hotels on the riverside.
Finally, if your goal is to visit the most temples and tourist spots, I suggest staying near Khao San Road or in its vicinity.
Where to Find the Best Food in Bangkok:
If you have a limited budget and are looking for economical solutions, you can opt for street food vendors, local markets, or small restaurants frequented by Thais. However, if you prefer not to eat at these places, you can try the food courts in shopping malls.
Here are some markets with great dishes to try:
Here are some markets with great dishes to try:
- Wang Lang Market
- Tha Tian Market
- Asiatique The Riverfront Night Market: offers a free shuttle service from the Sathorn pier from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm. I recommend not going there before 6:00 pm.
- Eat Sight Story Deck with a view of Wat Arun
- Ban Khun Mae on the second floor of MBK Mall
- Khaosan Road: although it has undergone a cleaning process in recent years, I recommend limiting yourself to drinking something on the street. In Rattanakosin, there are better restaurants.
Top Tips for Navigating the Best Floating Markets in Bangkok
- Excursions to the floating market, sold in hotels and on the internet, take visitors to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, the largest and most famous market located 100 km away from Bangkok. The price of excursions starts at least from 33 USD per person and can go up to 90-100 USD for a private tour. If you choose to visit the market by boat, the price increases even further.
- The excursions start around 6-6:30 in the morning and return to Bangkok around 12. Some tours also combine a visit to the Maeklong Railway Market, where a train passes through the market itself.
- Floating markets near Bangkok, such as Song Klong Floating Market and Wat Saphan Floating Market, can be reached by taxi if you decide to go on your own.
Tips for Ensuring Your Safety While Traveling in Bangkok
Tourism represents a great source of livelihood for Thailand. For this reason, a lot of attention is paid to the safety of tourists. Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is considered a safe destination for tourists, but like in all major cities around the world, it is necessary to be careful of thieves, pickpockets, and shoplifters.
- Public transportation is quite safe.
- During the evening hours in crowded tourist areas, be aware of thieves on motorcycles who may take advantage of heavy traffic to escape.
- In Thailand, theft and attempted theft are considered serious crimes and the law provides for imprisonment even for small amounts of money.
- Therefore, when making a purchase, especially at duty-free shops in airports, to avoid any misunderstandings, keep the receipt for a certain period of time after payment.
Electronic Cigarettes in Thailand: Laws and Personal Experience
In Thailand, anyone caught in possession of an electronic cigarette, including foreign tourists visiting for tourism, is punished with a fine equal to five times the value of the property and may also face imprisonment. I also have a personal story with my mother regarding e-cigarettes. Without knowing that they were prohibited, my mother lit her IQOS in a place where smoking was prohibited. A policeman approached immediately and we were taken to the nearest police station. We had a very frustrating experience with the policeman's Google Translate application and ended up paying 50 euros in baht, thinking we had paid the fine. After the shock wore off, we realized we had paid a bribe to get out of the situation. We were able to take our e-cigarettes out of the country by dismantling them into pieces and putting them in different places, so as to go unnoticed at DMK airport.
In Thailand, anyone caught in possession of an electronic cigarette, including foreign tourists visiting for tourism, is punished with a fine equal to five times the value of the property and may also face imprisonment. I also have a personal story with my mother regarding e-cigarettes. Without knowing that they were prohibited, my mother lit her IQOS in a place where smoking was prohibited. A policeman approached immediately and we were taken to the nearest police station. We had a very frustrating experience with the policeman's Google Translate application and ended up paying 50 euros in baht, thinking we had paid the fine. After the shock wore off, we realized we had paid a bribe to get out of the situation. We were able to take our e-cigarettes out of the country by dismantling them into pieces and putting them in different places, so as to go unnoticed at DMK airport.
HOW MUCH TO SPEND IN BANGKOK IN A DAY
Thailand is not an expensive country. They know how to handle tourism well, and for this reason, there are many budget traps. Excluding accommodations and purchases, you should calculate about 50 EUR per day for two people for food, drinks, and sightseeing.
- If you use the subway or skytrain, you will spend at most 3-4 euros a day for transportation. If you prefer taking a taxi, you should calculate 3-4 euros per ride.
- As for accommodation, if you don't necessarily want a big hotel, you can book a room in a clean and highly rated small hotel or private house with a private bathroom, starting from 15-25 euros per night.
- If you eat at a restaurant, the bill for two people will be about 15-20 euros. If you want to eat a lot while spending less, you can opt for the food court in the shopping malls where you can eat abundantly with 150 baht, or for the food stalls on the street if you are an adventurer.
- The massage... You cannot leave Thailand without having a massage. The minimum price for an hour of foot massage or reflexology is 250 baht.
- Visits to palaces and temples are subject to admission fees. Below are the prices of the museums/temples that you must absolutely visit.
MUST-SEE PLACES TO VISIT IN BANGKOK
- Royal Palace. The most beautiful palace in Southeast Asia. Admission fee is 500 baht per person. You shouldn't leave Bangkok without visiting this palace.
- Chao Phraya River Tour. With the Chao Phraya Tourist Express Boat, you can take an affordable tour by choosing the longest route for 60 baht. Or you can pay 150 baht and hop on and off at stops near the palace, Wat Arun temple, Chinatown, and any metro station you want to reach.
- Wat Arun Temple - Admission fee is 100 baht and it's a must-visit place.
- Wat Pho Temple (Reclining Buddha / Yatan Buddha) - Admission fee is 200 baht and it's a place to visit absolutely.
- Golden Mount Temple - Wat Saket. Admission fee is 50 baht. If you're visiting Bangkok for the first time and don't have much time, you can leave it for your next visit.
- Metal Castle - Wat Ratchanatdaram - Free admission. If you're visiting Bangkok for the first time and don't have much time, you can leave it for your next visit.
WHEN TO GO TO BANGKOK?
Bangkok can be visited at any time of the year.
If you have the opportunity to choose the month of your visit, you should opt for the cool season.
The coolest season runs from October to early December and February.
In April and May, the temperature and humidity in Bangkok increase.
The rainy season runs from June to September.
Thais are used to living in the rain, so life doesn't stop as it does when it rains in some other places. However, be aware of storms that follow the rain, especially in the late hours.
If you have the opportunity to choose the month of your visit, you should opt for the cool season.
The coolest season runs from October to early December and February.
In April and May, the temperature and humidity in Bangkok increase.
The rainy season runs from June to September.
Thais are used to living in the rain, so life doesn't stop as it does when it rains in some other places. However, be aware of storms that follow the rain, especially in the late hours.
Thailand Time Zone and Sunset Times:
What You Need to Know Before You Go
Thailand does not adopt daylight saving time, so the time remains constant throughout the year.
Thailand is in the Indochina Time Zone (ICT), which is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
In winter months, if it is 12:00 pm (noon) in London (GMT), it would be 7:00 pm in Bangkok, Thailand.
But during the UK's summer months (when BST is being used), the time difference between Thailand and the UK is 6 hours.
Since Thailand is near the equator, the hours of daylight and darkness are almost equal throughout the year.
The sunset varies between 6:00 pm and 6:50 pm. In December, the sun sets at 6:00 pm, while in July it sets at 6:50 pm.
Often, people underestimate the closing time of some tourist attractions, especially if they are used to seeing darkness late in summer.
But in Thailand, many places close after 6 pm. The so-called "night markets" for example, open immediately after sunset!
Thailand is in the Indochina Time Zone (ICT), which is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
In winter months, if it is 12:00 pm (noon) in London (GMT), it would be 7:00 pm in Bangkok, Thailand.
But during the UK's summer months (when BST is being used), the time difference between Thailand and the UK is 6 hours.
Since Thailand is near the equator, the hours of daylight and darkness are almost equal throughout the year.
The sunset varies between 6:00 pm and 6:50 pm. In December, the sun sets at 6:00 pm, while in July it sets at 6:50 pm.
Often, people underestimate the closing time of some tourist attractions, especially if they are used to seeing darkness late in summer.
But in Thailand, many places close after 6 pm. The so-called "night markets" for example, open immediately after sunset!
Affordable Transportation Options in Bangkok:
A Comprehensive Guide
GETTING AROUND BANGKOK MADE EASY: METRO & SKYTRAIN
Metro and Skytrain are two modern public transport systems that allow you to reach almost anywhere from 06:00 to 24:00 using trains underground and above ground.
The metro system is indicated by the acronym M or MRT, while the code BTS is used for the Skytrain.
These two means of transportation are connected to each other thanks to the proximity of the stations, but the tickets are not interchangeable.
The cost of the ticket varies depending on the distance to be covered for both systems.
For the Skytrain, the cost of a single ticket ranges from a minimum of 16 baht to a maximum of 24 baht.
If you buy an unlimited daily card, the price is 140 baht.
For the metro, the cost of a single ticket for one stop is 17 baht and increases by 2 baht for each subsequent stop.
For longer distances, the maximum cost is 30-40 baht. There is no unlimited daily ticket for the metro.
The Metro and Skytrain in Bangkok are fast, reliable, and convenient modes of transportation. They offer a comfortable and air-conditioned ride and connect to major tourist destinations, shopping areas, and business districts. They are also considered safe, with security personnel present at stations and CCTV cameras monitoring activity. Overall, they are an excellent option for travelers and locals looking for a hassle-free way to get around the city.
DISCOVERING BANGKOK BY WATER: A GUIDE TO RIVER TRANSPORT
The Chao Phraya River is widely used for transportation, with many options available, including fast express ferries and old long-tail boats that stop at every stop.
The best option is to indicate the desired destination to the staff when arriving at the pier (as English may not be spoken).
The tourist ferries called "Chao Phraya Tourist Boat" are a great choice not only for transportation, but also for seeing Bangkok from a different perspective and enjoying the tourist attractions along the Chao Phraya River.
If you buy a single ticket, the cost is 60 baht, while if you pay 150 baht, you can travel unlimited for the whole day and visit historical and tourist sites.
The last maritime transport service is offered around 7pm. After sunset, romantic dinner cruises begin to circulate.
Metro and Skytrain are two modern public transport systems that allow you to reach almost anywhere from 06:00 to 24:00 using trains underground and above ground.
The metro system is indicated by the acronym M or MRT, while the code BTS is used for the Skytrain.
These two means of transportation are connected to each other thanks to the proximity of the stations, but the tickets are not interchangeable.
The cost of the ticket varies depending on the distance to be covered for both systems.
For the Skytrain, the cost of a single ticket ranges from a minimum of 16 baht to a maximum of 24 baht.
If you buy an unlimited daily card, the price is 140 baht.
For the metro, the cost of a single ticket for one stop is 17 baht and increases by 2 baht for each subsequent stop.
For longer distances, the maximum cost is 30-40 baht. There is no unlimited daily ticket for the metro.
The Metro and Skytrain in Bangkok are fast, reliable, and convenient modes of transportation. They offer a comfortable and air-conditioned ride and connect to major tourist destinations, shopping areas, and business districts. They are also considered safe, with security personnel present at stations and CCTV cameras monitoring activity. Overall, they are an excellent option for travelers and locals looking for a hassle-free way to get around the city.
DISCOVERING BANGKOK BY WATER: A GUIDE TO RIVER TRANSPORT
The Chao Phraya River is widely used for transportation, with many options available, including fast express ferries and old long-tail boats that stop at every stop.
The best option is to indicate the desired destination to the staff when arriving at the pier (as English may not be spoken).
The tourist ferries called "Chao Phraya Tourist Boat" are a great choice not only for transportation, but also for seeing Bangkok from a different perspective and enjoying the tourist attractions along the Chao Phraya River.
If you buy a single ticket, the cost is 60 baht, while if you pay 150 baht, you can travel unlimited for the whole day and visit historical and tourist sites.
The last maritime transport service is offered around 7pm. After sunset, romantic dinner cruises begin to circulate.
Chao Phraya Tourist Boat
ips for Using Taxis in Bangkok
When you are in the city and need to take a taxi, make sure the driver turns on the meter. However, there is still a risk of being cheated. If you want to avoid paying more than you should, it's better to call a taxi through an app like Grab or Bolt. Uber has been banned in Thailand since 2018, so it no longer works. Grab is the most widely used, but you may have to wait a little longer. Bolt has fewer drivers, but still has a good presence. When we were there, we called both apps simultaneously to see which taxi arrived first. Taxis are quite cheap, but during peak traffic hours, they may not be the wisest solution.
Exploring Bangkok's Traffic-beating Mototaxis: Tips and Tricks
We have never tried it, but when there is a lot of traffic, motorbike taxis work very well. Although for safety reasons, tourists do not prefer this option, now you can also call a mototaxi from Grab or Bolt.
The cost of mototaxi is less expensive than normal Grab or Bolt calls but the price can vary depending on the distance and the demand. Additionally, during rush hours or heavy traffic, the price of mototaxi can increase slightly due to the longer travel time.
Dress appropriately:
Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs, and wear closed-toe shoes. Wear a helmet which the driver should provide.
Negotiate the price:
If you are not getting a Grab or Bolt mototaxi, make sure you agree on a price that works for both you and the driver.
Check the safety record:
When choosing a mototaxi driver, it's important to check their safety record.
Don't carry too much luggage:
Mototaxis don't have a lot of space, so it's best to only carry a small backpack or bag.
Hold on tight:
Riding on a motorcycle can be a bit bumpy, so make sure you hold on tight to the driver's waist or to the grab handles on the motorcycle.
Be aware of your surroundings:
When riding on a mototaxi, it's important to be aware of your surroundings. Keep your eyes open and be alert to any potential dangers, such as other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles in the road.
The Pros and Cons of Taking a Tuk Tuk in Thailand
The Tuk Tuk is one of the symbols of Thailand and you can't go home without taking a ride and snapping a photo. However, you must agree on the price before getting in because Tuk Tuk drivers are notorious for scamming tourists.
Usually, the price ranges from 30 to 60 baht, but they will never take you for less than 60 baht if you're a tourist.
Additionally, the price is per person, so if you're two and agree to pay 60 baht, the driver may charge you 120 baht upon arrival. It's better to clarify the total price in advance.
If you have to travel long distances, the price will be a bit higher than a taxi, but if you negotiate well, you may get a fair price.
However, without the help of a local person, you may have difficulty getting the right price.
The Tuk Tuk is a lot of fun, but remember that you will be exposed to exhaust fumes and traffic dust, and if it rains, you may get wet and end up in the mud.
However, don't miss the opportunity to try it at least once!
When you are in the city and need to take a taxi, make sure the driver turns on the meter. However, there is still a risk of being cheated. If you want to avoid paying more than you should, it's better to call a taxi through an app like Grab or Bolt. Uber has been banned in Thailand since 2018, so it no longer works. Grab is the most widely used, but you may have to wait a little longer. Bolt has fewer drivers, but still has a good presence. When we were there, we called both apps simultaneously to see which taxi arrived first. Taxis are quite cheap, but during peak traffic hours, they may not be the wisest solution.
Exploring Bangkok's Traffic-beating Mototaxis: Tips and Tricks
We have never tried it, but when there is a lot of traffic, motorbike taxis work very well. Although for safety reasons, tourists do not prefer this option, now you can also call a mototaxi from Grab or Bolt.
The cost of mototaxi is less expensive than normal Grab or Bolt calls but the price can vary depending on the distance and the demand. Additionally, during rush hours or heavy traffic, the price of mototaxi can increase slightly due to the longer travel time.
Dress appropriately:
Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs, and wear closed-toe shoes. Wear a helmet which the driver should provide.
Negotiate the price:
If you are not getting a Grab or Bolt mototaxi, make sure you agree on a price that works for both you and the driver.
Check the safety record:
When choosing a mototaxi driver, it's important to check their safety record.
Don't carry too much luggage:
Mototaxis don't have a lot of space, so it's best to only carry a small backpack or bag.
Hold on tight:
Riding on a motorcycle can be a bit bumpy, so make sure you hold on tight to the driver's waist or to the grab handles on the motorcycle.
Be aware of your surroundings:
When riding on a mototaxi, it's important to be aware of your surroundings. Keep your eyes open and be alert to any potential dangers, such as other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles in the road.
The Pros and Cons of Taking a Tuk Tuk in Thailand
The Tuk Tuk is one of the symbols of Thailand and you can't go home without taking a ride and snapping a photo. However, you must agree on the price before getting in because Tuk Tuk drivers are notorious for scamming tourists.
Usually, the price ranges from 30 to 60 baht, but they will never take you for less than 60 baht if you're a tourist.
Additionally, the price is per person, so if you're two and agree to pay 60 baht, the driver may charge you 120 baht upon arrival. It's better to clarify the total price in advance.
If you have to travel long distances, the price will be a bit higher than a taxi, but if you negotiate well, you may get a fair price.
However, without the help of a local person, you may have difficulty getting the right price.
The Tuk Tuk is a lot of fun, but remember that you will be exposed to exhaust fumes and traffic dust, and if it rains, you may get wet and end up in the mud.
However, don't miss the opportunity to try it at least once!
Tuk Tuk
Tips for Arrival and Transportation at Bangkok Airports
There are two different airports in Bangkok: Suvarnabhumi Airport, code BKK, and Don Mueang International Airport, code DMK.
BKK is mainly used by European airlines, while DMK airport is more frequented by low-cost airlines that operate domestic or intra-Southeast Asian flights.
ADVICE FOR ARRIVAL
If you're not fast, it may take more than an hour and a half to exit the airport. As Thailand is one of the most visited countries in Southeast Asia, there is often a long queue at the police passport controls. Getting off the plane and queuing for passport control before other passengers can be useful to avoid wasting too much time.
CURRENCY/BANK/CREDIT CARD
In the baggage claim area of Bangkok's airports, you can find currency exchange and ATM branches side by side. However, due to the presence of ATMs that may be difficult for tourists to use, many foreigners prefer to withdraw money and then queue to change their currency. To make the most of ATMs, it is important to insert your card and wait a few seconds before selecting a language. It is important to note that the currency exchange offices at Bangkok airports belong to banks and offer less favorable exchange rates than branches in the city. Therefore, if possible, it may be convenient to change currency at another location after leaving the airport.
PHONE/INTERNET
You can buy a SIM card at the airport baggage claim area. The SIM card and internet access are not expensive and represent an investment that will allow you to save on taxi fares. We bought a SIM card with unlimited local calls and SMS and 12 GB of internet valid for a week at a cost of about 8 euros. There are many mobile phone operators both in the baggage claim area and immediately upon exit. All company employees provide SIM card removal and installation, configuration, and activation services. We found the best offer at AIS operator. Next to it was TrueMove, the SIM card most purchased by tourists, but since it had a more limited internet connection, we didn't choose it. You can buy a SIM card in many shops in the city, but it is advisable to do so before leaving the airport, as prices do not vary, and you may need an internet connection to reach your hotel. The airport offers free internet connection, but when you exit the taxi waiting area, the coverage is not sufficient.
TRANSPORTATION FROM BKK AIRPORT TO BANGKOK CITY CENTER
To reach the city from BKK airport, you can take the metro. If your hotel is not near the metro, don't worry: there's always a taxi!
BKK is mainly used by European airlines, while DMK airport is more frequented by low-cost airlines that operate domestic or intra-Southeast Asian flights.
ADVICE FOR ARRIVAL
If you're not fast, it may take more than an hour and a half to exit the airport. As Thailand is one of the most visited countries in Southeast Asia, there is often a long queue at the police passport controls. Getting off the plane and queuing for passport control before other passengers can be useful to avoid wasting too much time.
CURRENCY/BANK/CREDIT CARD
In the baggage claim area of Bangkok's airports, you can find currency exchange and ATM branches side by side. However, due to the presence of ATMs that may be difficult for tourists to use, many foreigners prefer to withdraw money and then queue to change their currency. To make the most of ATMs, it is important to insert your card and wait a few seconds before selecting a language. It is important to note that the currency exchange offices at Bangkok airports belong to banks and offer less favorable exchange rates than branches in the city. Therefore, if possible, it may be convenient to change currency at another location after leaving the airport.
PHONE/INTERNET
You can buy a SIM card at the airport baggage claim area. The SIM card and internet access are not expensive and represent an investment that will allow you to save on taxi fares. We bought a SIM card with unlimited local calls and SMS and 12 GB of internet valid for a week at a cost of about 8 euros. There are many mobile phone operators both in the baggage claim area and immediately upon exit. All company employees provide SIM card removal and installation, configuration, and activation services. We found the best offer at AIS operator. Next to it was TrueMove, the SIM card most purchased by tourists, but since it had a more limited internet connection, we didn't choose it. You can buy a SIM card in many shops in the city, but it is advisable to do so before leaving the airport, as prices do not vary, and you may need an internet connection to reach your hotel. The airport offers free internet connection, but when you exit the taxi waiting area, the coverage is not sufficient.
TRANSPORTATION FROM BKK AIRPORT TO BANGKOK CITY CENTER
To reach the city from BKK airport, you can take the metro. If your hotel is not near the metro, don't worry: there's always a taxi!
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Just a heads up, at Bangkok airport you'll find plenty of taxi alternatives with "TAXI" signs, but most of them are expensive. If you don't feel like waiting for Grab or Bolt or walking to their pickup points, choose the "public taxi", which are regular taxis. But before getting in, make sure you know the approximate cost of the journey by asking the app or your accommodation. When it's your turn in line for the taxi, press the "get ticket" button on the machine and you'll be given a ticket with the number of the platform where your taxi will arrive. Go to the platform and give it to the driver, indicating the address. Even if the driver speaks English, the Thai alphabet is very different, so it's better to show the address written in Thai instead of reading it out loud.
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Essential Tips for Handling Currency and ATMs in Thailand.Currency is the BAHT. Fractions are called SATANG. 1 baht is approximately equal to 30-35 EUR/USD. ATMs work differently than in our countries. You will have to insert your card first and then select your language. Since every time you withdraw money from the ATM, a commission of at least 200 baht will be charged, it is better to withdraw enough money to meet your needs in one go. Although credit cards are accepted everywhere, if your PIN code has only 5 digits, be careful. Most POS terminals in shops only accept PINs of 4 or 6 digits. |
Mobile Operators and Wi-Fi Connectivity in ThailandTruemove and DTAC are the three major mobile operators in Thailand. When you buy a SIM card, it is not necessary to add the international prefix +66 to make local calls, just dial the initial zero of the number. In almost all places in the city, including the subway, there are no problems with internet connection or phone line. Wi-Fi is free in most places, such as museums, cafes, and shopping centers. |