Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok has been Thailand's capital since 1782. Famous for its fabulous shopping, excellent food and frenetic pace it has preserved its cultural heritage and amidst the melee that is city life, hundreds of temples are poignant reminders of more peaceful pursuits. No other city in Asia offers as much as Bangkok and it is truly one of the great capitals of the east.
What To See
The Grand Palace makes up Bangkok's most impressive attraction and is a must for all visitors. The Grand Palace complex, which includes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is the most important and sacred of all Thai monuments and the residence of the early Kings of Siam. Nearby Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) is the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok and houses an enormous gold-plated Reclining Buddha. Another notable temple is Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, which is decorated with multi-colored ceramic tiles.
Damnoan Saduak Floating Market, 50 miles west of Bangkok, is a colorful floating market which has not been turned into a tourist attraction, unlike the one in Bangkok itself. In the early morning, locals in Thai style canoes laden with fruits, vegetables and meats ply their way through the canals selling as they go.
Bangkok is famous for Thai Boxing (Muay Thai), the traditional sport of kick-boxing. Fights are held every night of the week around the city, particularly at Ratchadamnoen and Lumphini Stadiums.
If time permits take a day out to visit Kanchanaburi, site of the infamous Bridge over the Kwai Yai River located 76 miles from Bangkok. Built by Allied PoWs during World War II, this is an area of exceptional natural beauty, with two immaculate war cemeteries dedicated to the many allied servicemen who died during the construction of the notorious Death Railway. The nearby J.E.A.T.H War Museum is an accurate reconstruction of the terrible conditions in the PoW camps.
Stretching north of Bangkok are the fertile Central Plains. In the heart of this region is Ayutthaya, the former Thai capital until its destruction in 1767, and the ruins of numerous temples offer a wonderful insight into what was once the largest, most magnificent city in the Orient.
Food & Drink
One of the great pleasures of visiting Thailand is the food. Thai food is renowned world wide for its virtually addictive flavors and variety, and for the freshness of ingredients. Eating out in Thailand, in general, is cheap for both Thai cuisine and Western fare. Be aware, the phrase 'Mai Phet' may come in handy when ordering Thai food, meaning not hot!!
A unique fact in Thailand is the quality provided by street kitchens. For just 15 to 40 Baht, one can get a full meal at a street kitchen, and while the food there is cheap, its quality is extremely high too. The simplest of vendors carry their wares in balancing rattan baskets slung on a pole, which is carried across the back. If street food isn't your choice, you can find great standard Thai food and western restaurants absolutely everywhere.
Bangkok, aside from having many restaurants famous for the originality of their food, also has one of the most originally named restaurants in the world - Cabbages and Condoms. The restaurant is run by Mr Mechai who is world famous for the open manner in which he propagates condoms. To name this restaurant Cabbages and Condoms was just one more publicity stunt of Mr Mechai. Although the restaurant name is a bit off putting, the food is truly delicious and well worth a visit.
On the other hand imported beer is relatively expensive due to heavy taxes. In simple restaurants, a small bottle of beer costs more than the meal itself. It's a tax levied especially on foreigners in the kingdom as Thais prefer the national beverage Mekong, a whiskey more reasonably priced than beer.
Shopping
Bangkok is the capital of shopping malls, open-air markets, road-side vendors, charming side street antique shops and art galleries. And best of all, Thai handicrafts, the most famous of which is Thai silk.
Bangkok offers extensive shopping malls, department stores and markets. The city is also a bargain hunter's paradise and haggling with street vendors is to be expected and all part of the fun. The Silom Road area is one of the main shopping centers, with numerous specialist shops, department stores and shopping plazas, whilst The Emporium on Sukhumvit offers brand-name clothing, as well as cinemas, supermarkets and restaurants. However, the famous outdoor markets are the cheapest places to shop and most visitors should head to one of these for their colorful atmosphere. There are many street markets and they are busiest at night, the most notable being the Sukhumvit Road area, Patpong and Chatuchak Market, the largest and probably the best of the lot.
Activities
As most people are aware, Bangkok's varied and lively nightlife is a major draw. There is a massive selection of pubs, bars and nightclubs, along with the neon-lit adult entertainment areas. Much of Bangkok's nightlife is concentrated in the two red light districts of Bangkok - Patpong and Soi Cowboy. Although Bangkok's sex industry is as blatant as ever, there are many excellent cocktail bars and restaurants and, at night, the area is always packed with people. As one of South East Asia's most important cities, if an international event is going on in the region, chances are it will go to Bangkok too.
GENERAL INFORMATION (A-Z)
Airport
Bangkok's Don Muang International Airport (BKK) is Thailand's main international gateway located 15 miles north of the city connected by the city's expressways.
Thai Airways International and Bangkok Airways offer extensive services to over 20 domestic airports from Bangkok including Phuket (HKT), Koh Samui (USM) and Chiang Mai (CNX). Departure tax is THB500 (International) and THB20 (Domestic).
Climate
Bangkok is hot throughout the year, but the coolest and driest months are November to March. April is hotter but dry, whilst the rains begin in May and continue through to October. Traveling during the rainy season needn't be unpleasant, since rainfall is usually in short and heavy bursts with dry, cloud-free days in between. The worst months for flooding are often September and October.
Clothing
Thai's are deeply religious and Buddhist temples have strict dress codes - shorts and sleeveless tops are considered inappropriate and shoes are never worn in temples. At the Grand Palace Complex, for example, visitors wearing shorts, mini-skirts, sleeveless shirts or flip-flops will be refused entry, however it is possible to hire trousers and shoes.
Currency
Thai Baht (THB) (approx. THB73 to £1).
Electricity
The current is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are in use.
Flying Time
Approximately 11 hours from London.
Getting Around
Taxis and three-wheeled 'tuk tuks' are everywhere, but not always quickest. River boats are a useful alternative and are very cheap and fast in comparison. Motorcycle taxis are a good but hair-raising option as they can manoeuvre between the gridlocked streets to reach their destination more quickly. The new Skytrain is Bangkok's pride and joy and for the areas it goes to, makes getting about quick and easy. In addition work is nearing completion on a 12-mile subway system.
Health
Recommended: Typhoid, Polio, Cholera, Malaria and Tetnus. For the latest immunization requirements please contact your GP
Holidays
Public Holidays: Jan 1 2005 New Year's Day. Feb 17 Magha Bucha Day. Apr 6 Chakri Day. Apr 13-15 Songkran (Thai New Year). May 1 Labour Day. May 5 Coronation Day. May 23* Visakha Bucha. Jul 1 Mid Year Bank Holiday. July 22* Khao Phansa Day (Buddhist Lent). Aug 12 HM The Queen's Birthday. Oct 23 Chulalongkorn Day. Dec 5 HM The King's Birthday. Dec 10 Constitution Day. Dec 31 New Year's Eve.
Note: *The religious festivals are determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and therefore are difficult to predict. The dates provided here are estimates.
Language
Thai.
Opening Hours
Banks - Open Monday to Friday 9.30am-3.30pm
Time
GMT + 7.
Tipping
Most hotels and restaurants will add 10% service charge and 11% government tax to the bill. Taxi drivers are not tipped.
Tourist Board
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (UK). Tel: 0207 900 2007.
Top Tips
The Thai royal family are much respected and revered by their people. Never insult or joke about the king or royal family. It is a serious offence. Touching a Thai on the head, a spot considered sacred or pointing to or showing the soles of feet may cause offence.
Visa Requirements
None for UK passport holders (for stays of less than 30 days), but passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the return date.
