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If you’re embarking on your first trip to Bangkok, there are essential things to know to make the most of your visit! Exploring Bangkok for the first time can be overwhelming, as the city reveals itself gradually.
Planning a trip to Bangkok can be quite a challenge due to the abundance of attractions and activities. The city effortlessly blends ancient traditions, culinary delights, and vibrant nightlife!
Whether you’re a novice traveler to Thailand or seeking practical tips for navigating Bangkok, you’ve come to the right place. Join me as we dive into the wonders of this captivating city and ensure you have an unforgettable experience!
Where to Stay in Bangkok?
As you would expect from a major travel destination in Southeast Asia, Bangkok has no shortage of options when it comes to accommodation. As always, I’d suggest you stay somewhere central, to make accessing all the attractions as easy as possible.
Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok: We chose to stay in the heart of the most modern neighbourhood in Bangkok, Sukhumvit! Our hotel is Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok – located within 2 minutes walking distance from Phrom Phong station! Near the hotel, you can find plenty of bars, restaurants, malls and everything you need! Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok is a 5-star hotel in Bangkok’s trendy Em district and is the perfect urban escape for all types of travelers.
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Prime Location: Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok boasts an enviable location in the heart of Bangkok’s vibrant Sukhumvit district. Situated on Sukhumvit Road, one of the city’s main thoroughfares, the hotel offers convenient access to renowned shopping malls, exciting nightlife, and a plethora of dining options. You’ll be within walking distance of the BTS Skytrain, making it easy to explore the city’s attractions, such as the Grand Palace and Chatuchak Weekend Market.
- Luxurious Accommodations: Experience true comfort and elegance at Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok. The hotel features well-appointed rooms and suites with modern amenities and stylish decor. Whether you choose a spacious guest room or indulge in a luxurious suite, you can expect impeccable service and a restful retreat after a day of exploring the city. Take advantage of the hotel’s exceptional facilities, including a rooftop infinity pool, fitness center, and rejuvenating spa.
- Culinary Delights: Food enthusiasts will delight in the dining options available at Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok. The hotel is home to several acclaimed restaurants, each offering a unique culinary experience. From savoring authentic Thai flavors at Scalini restaurant to enjoying international cuisine at Mondo restaurant, your taste buds will be treated to a delightful journey. Don’t miss the opportunity to relax with a refreshing cocktail at the hotel’s rooftop bar, showcasing stunning views of the city skyline.
Begin your search for the perfect accommodation now while the excitement is still fresh in your mind. Discover stylish and affordable options, and find the best accommodations at the lowest prices:
Explore a wide range of hotels in Thailand here (Booking.com)
Explore a wide range of hotels in Thailand here (Tripadvisor)
Explore a wide range of hotels in Thailand here (Agoda)
Discover affordable hostels in Thailand here (Hostelworld)
Easily compare prices and book hotels in Thailand here (Hotellook)
Quick Facts about Bangkok
Population: 8.280.925
Official Name of Bangkok: Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasi
Meaning: In Thailand, Bangkok is known as Krung Thep, which means “City of Angels”. Bangkok was the original site for the capital city and was located west of the Chao Phraya river (Thonburi). Bangkok means “village of wild plum trees”.
Symbol: Ficus Benjamina, commonly known as weeping fig.
Spoken Languages: Isan, Kam Mueang, Pak Tail
Religion: Buddhism 95 %, Christianity 1,2 %, Islam 4,3 %, Hinduism 0,03 %
Electrical: 220V AC, 50 Hertz
Currency: 38 TNB = 1 EUR
Venice of the East: Bangkok is fondly referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’ due to the many canals like Venice in Italy.
Bangkok: Best Time to Visit
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- The best time to visit Bangkok is during the cool and dry season, which typically runs from November to February. The weather during this period is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 32 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for exploring the city’s attractions comfortably.
- December and January are particularly popular months to visit Bangkok due to the festive atmosphere and vibrant celebrations during the holiday season. The city comes alive with colorful decorations, lively street markets, and dazzling fireworks displays.
- If you prefer fewer crowds and cheaper accommodation rates, consider visiting Bangkok during the shoulder seasons of March to May and September to October. Although the weather can be slightly hotter and more humid, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the city with fewer tourists and enjoy some great deals.
- It’s important to note that Bangkok experiences a rainy season from June to October. While rainfall can be heavy at times, it’s often in short bursts, and the city remains bustling with activities. If you don’t mind occasional showers and want to experience Bangkok in a more relaxed ambiance, this can be an interesting time to visit.
What Vaccinations Do I Need?
Do you need any vaccinations for Bangkok these days? Well, I think it’s up to you and your own piece of mind and it also depends on where you are going and what you are doing. Bangkok is much more developed than other regions in Thailand when it comes to hygiene. I, personally, would not travel to Southeast Asia without some basic vaccines like Typhoid, Hepatitis A + B, as well as Diphtheria and Tetanus. But the same vaccinations are important for travelling anywhere in the World!
Whatever you decide to do with your vaccinations, you should start planning at least 7 weeks before departure – some vaccines need to be done twice, e.g.
Typhoid and Malaria do occur but there are rare cases in Bangkok. Dengue Fever can be an issue too. But as far as I know, there is still no vaccine against Dengue Fever so you have to prevent mosquito bites as far as you can (with 50% DEET spray!). The same thing is with Malaria – there is no vaccination available. Malaria could be a problem if you’re hiking through the jungle or doing mountain trekking outside Bangkok during the rainy seasons. The best solution: use 50% DEET spray, wear long sleeves and trousers, and sleep inside mosquito nets.
Money Matters in Bangkok
Thai Baht will make you feel a bit richer than you feel in Europe or in the USA!
1€ = 38 THB
1$ = 33 THB
1 £ = 42 THB
1 A$ = 24 THB
Make sure you have enough cash during your stay in Bangkok! You will need cash for Taxi, Tuk-Tuk, Massage, Temple Fee, Streets Food, Night Markets, BTS & MRT tickets, etc.
Exchanging money in Bangkok can be tricky – always check your money twice! The Baht notes look very similar.
ATMs: Since 2014, most of Thai banks charge a 200 baht fee for ALL withdrawals! … Which is about the price of six Thai meals or 5 beers! In Bangkok, Citibank ATMs do not charge a 200 baht fee.
Although everything looked kind of cheaper than in Europe, we ended up spending about 30 % of our whole budget for 4 days in Bangkok (out of 24 days spent in Thailand).
Bangkok is expensive!
You can and you should bargain, but do it respectfully! Busing something on the streets can be an experience for somebody like me, who hates bargaining … But it will be expected. So for example, when somebody wants 160 THB for a t-shirt, start bargaining with 80 (respectful!), not with 10 THB. It is about the act of bargaining, just don’t push it! You will always get your -30% off. And you’ll know when you have reached the limit of your vendor – they won’t get any lower.
Stay Connected in Bangkok
Pick up your SIM Card at Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Muang Airport. There are many SIM Card options that allow local 3G/4G internet connection anywhere in Thailand.
Staying Safe
Don’t drink the water! It is not potable. Water from the tap will make you sick and that is definitely the last thing you want during your trip to Bangkok!
Don’t do drugs! Technically, an imprisonment of anywhere from 1-20 years and 20,000-400,000 baht may be applied.
Although it is not unusual to see people smoking e-cigarettes in Thailand, this is technically breaking the law as possession and smoking of e-cigarette is illegal.
Vaping is illegal!
Whatever happens: in case of emergencies call 1555 for police and 1724 for the ambulance.
The Roads of Bangkok are Hell on Earth! Millions of vehicles, snatch-thefts, crazy drivers … Although you have to wear a helmet by law, many drive without it!
Be aware of the Sun! Like the rain in Bangkok, the sun is also something different from the sun we know in Europe … Always wear sunscreen with 50+ SPF! Not kidding, it will heart if you don’t!
Avoid Scammers! If anyone tries to tell you (mostly Tuk-Tuk drivers) that a major attraction is closed e.g. “The Grand Palace is closed this afternoon but I can take you to another beautiful temple or you can go shopping” – this is a scam!!!
Carrying a photocopy of your passport is a must in Thailand! Just make a photo with your phone and you’re good to go!
Bangkok’s Regions: Where to Stay and Where to Go?
Old Town, Khaosan Road: The best place for walking tours. Here you can visit the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, the Temple of Emerald Buddha and the Golden Mountain Temple. There is no good connection to the Airport. The atmosphere is relaxed and the accommodations are cheap. The best place for Backpackers.
Siam, Sukhumvit: Siam is the modern Bangkok! Sukhumvit has something to offer for all visitors. Great for shopping. Great connection with the Airport. BTS Skytrain connection. Many hotels, sky bars, and restaurants.
Silom: Perfect place for business stay and nightlife! Great restaurant and bar choice. Here is also the red-light district of Bangkok. BTS and Metro connection. Here is the best place for the best getaway in Bangkok – Lumpini Park, also known as “The Green Lung of Bangkok”.
Pratunam: Good central connection with BTS and Skytrain. Good for shopping. Here you will find many cheap but good restaurants and also the cheapest Hotels in the modern part of Bangkok.
Ekkamai, Thonglor: Bangkok’s hippest and party district. Here you can find the best Japanese Cuisine. Plenty of fancy cafes and restaurants.
Chao Praya Riverside: The romantic side of Bangkok. Accommodations with amazing views. Close to many sightseeings. Here you can book a 5***** hotel and visit the most expensive restaurants.
Chinatown: Busy and loud but the best place for foodies! Here you can also find the best gold shops in Bangkok. Great street life and cheap accommodations.
Bangkok Accommodations
There are plenty of accommodations in Bangkok and there is no need to book in advance, BUT I don’t recommend it, especially during the high season! Depending on your time to stay in Bangkok I would consider booking online beforehand if you have only 2 weeks, for example. It is less stressful and you can get some great offers when booking with Booking.com.
Bangkok: Getting Around
BTS & MRT: My favourite transportation in Bangkok! Skytrain and MRT are the most agreeable option for travelling from A to B! Easy, cheap, fast, fixed rates and air conditioning! But … some attractions, such as the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, require the use of a Taxi or Grab.
Grab: Travelling by Grab Taxi was, again, the most convenient option after BTS and MRT! You have to download the Grab App and that’s it! You can order your Grab Taxi any time of the day. Grab ensures the driver knows the destination before picking up your trip! The price for the ride is fixed so you don’t have to bargain with the taxi driver over using the meter!
Tuk-Tuk: What I learned about the Tuk-Tuks in Thailand will Blow your mind! The very first Tuk-Tuk drive cost us about 250 Baht from the Old Town to Siam, which was bargained from 500 Baht! On the next day, a local guy told us that 80 % of all Tuk-Tuks are fake! The real Tuk-Tuk drivers are government employees! One hour of drive costs ONLY 30 Baht!!! And you can go wherever you want! The real Tuk-Tuks have the Royal sign on the windshield, see below:
Boat: They are two boat services operating in Bangkok – Chao Phraya Express Boat used mostly by tourists (cruising in Chao Phraya River) and the Saen Saep Express Boat which is used mostly by locals.
Taxi: My very last option, if I have to choose! Driving by taxi can be tricky and expensive! Make sure they use the meter from the very beginning! If the driver refuses to use the meter, just get off the vehicle! The Pink taxis are very reliable.
Airport Transportation: The best way to get to the city centre is by BTS Skytrain. There are two lines running between the Airport and Bangkok – the Airport Express and the City Line. If you’re staying in the Silom area here is the best option: catch the Airport Link to Makkasan station (35 baht) and then take the Petchaburi MRT station and buy another ticket to Silom (26 baht). If you have to travel by taxi or Grab, it should cost between 300 and 400 Baht plus the additional fee of 50 Baht for the highway.
Expect crowds
The total population of Bangkok is above 8 Million and about 20 Million tourists visited Bangkok in 2017! By comparison, London had 19.9 million visitors while Paris had 18 million in 2017.
Bangkok was named the most popular city for international tourists in 2017 and is probably the most visited spot on Earth. So you can expect crowds for sure! Most of the crowds are in the Old Town, China Town, and Siam. But beyond the tourist centres and especially near the Grand Palace and Khaosan Road you can still enjoy a lot of chilled-out areas and secluded corners without tourists.
What to pack for Bangkok
Umbrella or Raincoat: Because of its tropical location, there are three main seasons in Bangkok: the hot (dry) season is from March to June, the rainy (wet) season is from July to October and the cool season is from November to February. Whenever you travel to Bangkok, you will see some afternoon raindrops during your stay for sure! Thailand is a tropical country so escaping the rain and humidity is not really possible. So you better bring an umbrella or raincoat every time you travel to Bangkok.
50% DEET Spray: There is no vaccination against malaria or dengue fever so you have to prevent the mosquito bites as far as you can. Malaria could be a problem if you’re hiking through the jungle or mountain trekking during the rainy seasons. The best solution: use 50% DEET spray, wear long sleeves and trousers and sleep inside mosquito nets.
International power adapter: They use quite a few different electrical outlets in Thailand so you’ll likely find that you need an international power adapter
Sunscreen: Sunscreen is more expensive in Bangkok than in Europe! 100 ml costs about 13 €, so make sure you have enough in your bag. Be aware of the Sun! The sun is also something different from the sun we know in Europe … Always wear sunscreen with 50+ SPF! Not kidding, it will heart if you don’t!
Medicaments: Traveller’s diarrhoea is a common problem too. I would recommend you to choose what and where you eat more carefully, and also to bring some anti-diarrheal pills (like Imodium) with you.
Nappies, Sanitary Towels, Panty Liners, and Tampons: These are also more expensive than in Europe but not difficult to get find in Bangkok.
Sarong: You should definitely bring a sarong to Bangkok, or even better – buy one here! You’ll need it as a cover-up when visiting the Buddhist Temples.
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Planning a trip to Thailand?
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Begin your search for the perfect accommodation now while the excitement is still fresh in your mind. Discover stylish and affordable options, and find the best accommodations at the lowest prices:
- Explore a wide range of hotels in Thailand by clicking here (Booking.com)
- Explore a wide range of hotels in Thailand by clicking here (Tripadvisor)
- Explore a wide range of hotels in Thailand by clicking here (Agoda)
- Discover affordable hostels in Thailand by clicking here (Hostelworld)
- Easily compare prices and book hotels in Thailand by clicking here (Hotellook).
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Make the most of your trip by finding the most affordable flights. We highly recommend using Kiwi.com, a reliable flight comparison site. Click here to compare and book cheap flights to Thailand.
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Travel Insurance
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Enjoy the day!
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