Bangkok, Thailand is known for its ornate shrines and vibrant street life. The city is easy to navigate and public transportation (skytrain & BTS) are reliable and safe. This busy city will entertain anyone who visits.
Arriving at Bangkok international airport.
In the airplane you will be given a customs form to fill out, fill out the entire form even the piece you will keep to present upon exiting Thailand. This will make your life a lot easier. Pass through customs and passports and look for signs to the skytrain. It will be on the bottom floor of the concourse. Grab a free map on your way to the train.
Skytrain to downtown Bangkok:
You will need to purchase a token from the automated machines and there is an attendant there to assist you. Select your destination, insert cash and it will give you a token.
Pass through the "turnstiles" by scanning your token over the indicated area, you may now pass through.
Keep your token on you, in your wallet or pocket because when you exit the skytrain dispense your token in the exit "turnstile".
Bangkok BTS/MRT
If you are transferring from the skytrain you will likely take the BTS. A very easy system of above ground rails that will take you to the most popular of destinations. You will need coin cash for this system.
Refer to the pricing signage for how much to pay.
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| Pricing chart to the right. 1. Select price assigned to station. 2. Pay with coins 3. Take ticket 4. Take change |
Select the button that refers to how much to pay, insert coins, and it will dispense a swipe card. A day pass is available at the booth for 120BHT or a 3 day pass for 230BHT.
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| Swipe card |
When to go
Thailand is so close to the equator it keeps an average temperature of 75 degrees F. It's hot and humid here, so bring light cotton clothes.
Rainy season falls in the months of May, June, July, August, September and October. And dry periods in January and December. The hottest months are April and May.
Sonkran is the Thai new year celebrated by water gun fights on the streets. It's fun to experience once and prepare to be soaked all three days. It's just like the calendar new year, like we know it, only with a lot of water and for three days!
Where to stay
There are many hostels and hotels to choose from in Bangkok, it just depends on what part of town you want to stay in. Here are a few good options:
The Blocks Hostel
This hostel provides dormitories for 4 - 6 people, but also private rooms for 2 - 3 people per room. Personal lockers are provided in each room for your belongings. There is a great rooftop terrace, a space where you can sit, drink, and have a great time with both old and new friends. The hostel also has various weekly/monthly events such as pub crawls, film night parties, and dining out nights. Short walking distance from the train, bars and shopping. BTS station Nana.
WH Hostel
WH hostel is located in the city centre of Bangkok (Sukhumvit Rd.). Just 5 mins to Siam centre and MBK shopping centre via BTS sky train and 10-15 mins walk from our hub to BTS sky train station. There are 2 types room with 6 beds room and 4 beds room. If your looking for a quiet private place, this is a good option.
What to do
Chatuchak Weekend Market
This is where you want to do your souvenir shopping! Spend the morning walking though over 8,000 stalls filled with items such as jewelry, clothes, antiques, books, ceramics, buddhas, textiles, and all prices are negotiable! You will not be disappointed. Also, grab some yummy street food at the market and keep hydrated! How to get there: Take the skytrain to Mo Chit station exit no. 1 and follow the crowd of people to the market. OR the subway (MRT) to Chatuchak Park Station exit no. 1. The market is open on Saturdays and Sundays, 9am-6pm and Fridays 6pm-Midnight.
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| Map of market |
Grand Palace & Wat Pra Keaw
Built in 1782, and for 150 years the home of Thai Kinds and the Royal court, the Grand Palace continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail. Set a guided tour ahead of time if possible, this place is gigantic! Wat Phra Kaew is regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand and holds the highly revered Buddhist image carved from a single block of jade. This place is very impressive. Open from 8:30am-3:30pm. 400 baht entry fee. There is a very strict dress code, men must wear long pants and shirts with sleeves (no tank tops), and no bare feet (wear your tennis shoes this day). Women must be similarly modestly dressed, properly covered, no see-through clothes, bare shoulders, etc.
Wat Pho
There is more to Wat Pho than the gigantic reclining Buddha. There is a fantastic collection of murals, inscriptions and sculptures that delve into various subjects from warfare to astronomy to archeology. The highlight for most people visiting Wat Pho is the Reclining Buddha. The figures here are impressive: 50 feet tall, 150 feet long, so large it feels like it has been squeezed into the building. Its beneficial if you set up a private tour beforehand to fully understand the significance of this beautiful place. If you don't have a tour guide, take the printed guide, don't take their guided tour (it was led a drunk man when I was there). Open from 8am-5pm. 100 baht is the entry fee, well worth it!
Floating Market
Dozens of wooden row boats floating by, each laden to the brim with farm-fresh fruits, vegetables or flowers. Food vendors fill their boats with cauldrons and charcoal grills ready to whip up a bowl of ‘boat noodle’ or seafood skewers. There are several popular floating markets such as Khlong Lat Mayom, Damneon, and Amphawa markets. Use your bargaining skills to get the best deal on your coconut, bananas, or bowl of noodles. I have heard of people getting a private tour of the floating markets to fully understand this significant experience.
There is so much to see and do in Bangkok from Temples to Palaces and Mansions to the Canals and Khlongs and the streets of China Town. Get your fill of Buddhist culture, Thai food, shopping and amazing nightlife (if your up to it, check out a ladyboy show!) I suggest at least a week to get your fill of Bangkok.
Looking for more to do around Bangkok? Read more about my day trip to Ayutthaya for $20! Click HERE!
