Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is one of the most visited destinations in Southeast Asia. Known for its vibrant nightlife, delicious cuisine, and beautiful temples, Bangkok has something to offer for everyone. In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to visit Bangkok, including things to do, how to get there, visa requirements, what to eat, everyday phrases, how to get around, scams to look out for, and the weather.
How to Get There
The most convenient way to get to Bangkok is by flying. Bangkok has two international airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Muang Airport. Suvarnabhumi is the main international airport and is served by most major airlines. Don Muang airport mainly caters to low-cost carriers. US citizens can enter Thailand without a visa for up to 30 days, provided they have a valid passport and a return ticket. However, it is always advisable to check the latest visa requirements before traveling, as they may change.
Things to Do
Bangkok has a plethora of attractions, including temples, markets, and cultural landmarks. Here are some of the must-visit places:
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The Grand Palace: The Grand Palace is a beautiful complex of buildings that served as the residence of the Kings of Siam. The palace is famous for its intricate design and beautiful architecture.
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Wat Phra Kaew: Located within the Grand Palace complex, Wat Phra Kaew is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Thailand. The temple houses the famous Emerald Buddha, a statue carved from a single block of jade.
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Chatuchak Weekend Market: The Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the largest markets in the world. With over 8,000 stalls, the market sells everything from clothing to souvenirs to street food.
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Wat Arun: Wat Arun is a beautiful temple located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The temple is famous for its stunning views of the city skyline.
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Khao San Road: Khao San Road is the backpacker hub of Bangkok. The street is lined with bars, restaurants, and hostels, making it a popular spot for travelers.
There are several great day trips from Bangkok that you can take to explore the surrounding areas and experience more of Thailand's culture and history. Here are some of the top day trips from Bangkok:
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Ayutthaya: Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once the capital of Thailand. The ancient ruins of this former city are located about 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bangkok and can be easily reached by train or bus. You can spend the day exploring the ancient temples and ruins, learning about the history of this fascinating city.
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Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is a traditional Thai market where vendors sell their goods from small boats along the canal. The market is located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) southwest of Bangkok and can be reached by car or bus. It's a unique and colorful experience that is worth the trip.
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Kanchanaburi: Kanchanaburi is a town located about 130 kilometers (81 miles) west of Bangkok. It's known for its beautiful natural scenery, including waterfalls and national parks. You can visit the famous Bridge on the River Kwai, learn about the area's history during World War II, and take a boat ride on the river.
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Amphawa Floating Market: The Amphawa Floating Market is another traditional Thai market located about 90 kilometers (56 miles) southwest of Bangkok. It's less crowded than the Damnoen Saduak market and is known for its delicious seafood and local products.
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Khao Yai National Park: Khao Yai National Park is a beautiful nature reserve located about 180 kilometers (112 miles) northeast of Bangkok. It's known for its stunning scenery, including waterfalls, hiking trails, and wildlife. You can spend the day hiking, exploring the park, and seeing animals like elephants, gibbons, and tigers.
These are just a few of the many day trips you can take from Bangkok. There are plenty of other options, so be sure to do your research and find the best option for you.
What to Eat
Thai cuisine is famous for its bold flavors, including sour, sweet, salty, and spicy. Here are some of the must-try dishes:
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Pad Thai: Pad Thai is a stir-fried noodle dish with eggs, tofu, shrimp, and vegetables, topped with peanuts and chili flakes.
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Tom Yum Goong: Tom Yum Goong is a spicy and sour soup made with lemongrass, chili, lime juice, and shrimp.
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Green Curry: Green Curry is a spicy and creamy curry made with green chilies, coconut milk, and chicken or vegetables.
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Mango Sticky Rice: Mango Sticky Rice is a sweet and savory dessert made with sticky rice, coconut milk, and ripe mango.
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Som Tam: This is a refreshing and spicy green papaya salad that is made with shredded papaya, lime juice, fish sauce, chili peppers, and other seasonings. It's a popular street food in Thailand that is often eaten as a side dish or snack.
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Khao Pad: This is a flavorful and filling dish of fried rice that is made with your choice of protein (such as chicken, shrimp, or vegetables), egg, and seasonings.
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Massaman Curry: This is a mild and sweet curry that is made with potatoes, peanuts, and your choice of protein (such as chicken, beef, or tofu). It's often served with rice and is a popular dish in Thailand.
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Khao Soi: This is a spicy and creamy coconut-based curry soup that is served with egg noodles, meat (often chicken or beef), and a variety of toppings such as pickled mustard greens, crispy noodles, and shallots. It's a rich and flavorful dish that is unique to the Northern region of Thailand but can be found in Bangkok as well.
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Kai Jeow: Kai Jeow is a Thai omelet that is made with eggs, fish sauce, soy sauce, and vegetables such as onions and tomatoes. It's a simple and tasty dish that is often served with rice.
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Moo Ping: Moo Ping is a popular Thai street food that consists of marinated pork skewers that are grilled over charcoal. It's a tasty and affordable snack that is perfect for on-the-go eating.
Everyday Phrases
Learning a few phrases in Thai can go a long way in interacting with the locals. Here are a few basic phrases:
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Sawadee krap/ka (Hello)
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Khob khun krap/ka (Thank you)
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Mai pen rai (No problem)
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Chai (Yes)
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Mai chai (No)
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mai pet (not spicy)
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mai waan (not sweet)
How to Get Around
Bangkok has an extensive public transportation system, including the BTS Skytrain, MRT subway, buses, and taxis.
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BTS Skytrain: The BTS Skytrain is a rapid transit system that operates above ground and connects many popular areas of Bangkok. It's an affordable and convenient way to get around the city, and tickets can be purchased at the station using cash or a stored value card.
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MRT Subway: The MRT Subway is an underground rail system that connects the central business district with the northern and western suburbs of Bangkok. It's another affordable and convenient option for getting around the city.
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Taxis: Taxis are a common way to get around Bangkok, but be sure to use only licensed taxis that have a meter. It's a good idea to have your destination written down in Thai, as some drivers may not speak English.
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Tuk-tuks: Tuk-tuks are a fun and unique way to get around Bangkok, but be aware that they can be more expensive than other forms of transportation. Negotiate the fare before getting in, and be wary of tuk-tuk scams.
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Motorbikes: Motorbikes are a popular mode of transportation in Bangkok, especially for short trips. However, they can be dangerous and are not recommended for inexperienced riders.
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Buses: Bangkok has a comprehensive bus network, but it can be confusing for visitors to navigate. It's best to use a map or ask for assistance when using the bus system.
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Boat: Bangkok is known as the "Venice of the East" due to its network of canals and waterways. Taking a boat ride is a unique way to see the city and can be a convenient option for getting around certain areas.
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Ride-hailing apps: Grab and inDriver are both popular ride-hailing apps that are widely used in Bangkok. They offer a convenient and affordable alternative to traditional taxis and tuk-tuks.
To use these apps, you'll need to download them onto your smartphone and set up an account with a valid phone number and payment method. Once you've done that, you can use the app to request a ride from your current location to your desired destination.
One advantage of using Grab or inDriver is that the fare is calculated upfront, so you won't have to negotiate with the driver or worry about being overcharged. You can also track your driver's progress in real-time and rate your experience after the ride is over.
Scams to Look Out For
As with any popular tourist destination, there are scams to be aware of in Bangkok. Here are some common ones to look out for:
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Tuk-tuk scams: Tuk-tuks are a popular mode of transportation in Bangkok, but some drivers may overcharge tourists or take them to tourist traps instead of their intended destination. Always negotiate the fare before getting in a tuk-tuk and avoid tuk-tuks that approach you on the street.
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Gem scams: Be wary of anyone offering to sell you gems or jewelry at a bargain price. These items are often fake or of poor quality.
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Grand Palace scams: Be cautious of anyone telling you that the Grand Palace is closed or offering to take you on a private tour. The Grand Palace is open to the public, and official guides are available if you want a tour.
Weather
Bangkok has a tropical climate with hot and humid weather year-round. The hottest months are March to May, with temperatures often reaching 90°F (32°C) or higher. The rainy season is from May to October, with heavy rain and occasional flooding. The best time to visit Bangkok is from November to February when the weather is cooler and drier.
Conclusion
Bangkok is a vibrant and exciting city with a rich culture and history. From its beautiful temples to its delicious cuisine, there is no shortage of things to see and do in Bangkok. By following these tips and being aware of potential scams, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to this amazing city.
