Thailand’s cosmopolitan capital Bangkok can be a chaotic, complex and confounding city – until you cruise the Chao Phraya River, discover the Old City and its glittering pagodas and gleaming spires, and explore the quiet canals. For many visitors Bangkok is little more than a shopping stop punctuating a beach holiday. Yes, there’s cheap accommodation and dirt-cheap street food, but there are also beautiful boutique hotels, heady cafés and buzzy bars, and brilliant restaurants serving inventive Thai food – not to mention new art and design destinations, a rejuvenated riverside, and a rapidly gentrifying Chinatown. Go now.

One Day

Itinerary

Two Day

Itinerary

WHEN TO GO

Nov–Feb The temeratures in Bangkok don’t vary much, it’s the humidity and change of rain that varies, this is the best time to travel and it’s crowded.
Mar–Jun Weather This shoulder season is less crowded but the chance of rain is higher.
Jul–Oct Wet season commences and while it’s a little less crowded, the storms
can be ferocious.

Health

Bangkok has excellent healthcare facilities, in fact it’s where most people in Southeast Asia head for medical treatment if they can afford it and is a medical tourism destination. It’s still of great importance that you get full medical insurance for your visit. Recommended Vaccinations

Visas

Nationals of most countries can get a free tourist visa on arrrival in Thailand, it’s the length of the visa that varies and can range from 15 days to 90 days. Overstaying visas incurrs daily fines and rules can change overnight so be aware. Some visas can be extended, check the Thai Immigration website.

CURRENCY

CURRENT EXCHANGE RATES

$1.00 USD = 33.27 THB
$1.00 AUD = 25.00 THB
€1.00 EUR = 38.59 THB
£1.00 GBP = 45.71 THB

The Thai currency (THB) is called the ‘Baht’, and it’s the only currency used in the country. In touristy areas they may acccept USD but and give change in THB but you’ll suffer an unfavourable exchange rate. It is, however, easy to change most major currencies into THB.

LANGUAGE

THAI IS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF THAILAND.

ELECTRICITY

ELECTRICITY IN THAILAND IS 220 VOLTS. 50 CYCLES/SEC.

LOCAL TIME

CURRENT BANGKOK TIME

Bangkok’s Time Zone is (GMT+7)
Bangkok has never utilised daylight saving.

WEATHER

CURRENT BANGKOK WEATHER

TRANSPORTATION

AIR/LAND/SEA

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) caters to domestic and international flights. The airport is only 3km southwest of the old city. Local carriers such as Nok Air and regional carrier Air Asia can fly from Bangkok for as little as US$35. Internaltionally, the main desinations are Kuala Lumpur, Luang Prabang and Vientiane. To get around the city, it’s best to use Sŏrng·tăa·ou or Rót daang which are red trucks two rows of seats in the back. You can hire them like a taxi or get on board with other passengers heading the same direction.

Budget

Daily Budget Up To:

US$30

• Guesthouse dorm room: US$3–10
• Cheap restaurants, street food: US$0.5–3
• BTS Daily Ticket: US$3:60

Mid Range

Daily Budget From:

US$31–200

• Air-con hotel room: US$20–45
• Good local restaurant meal: US$5–15
• Medium distance taxi ride: US$4:50

Luxury

Daily Budget From:

US$201+

• Boutique hotel or resort: US$80–500
• Degustation meal without drinks: US$50+
• Private airport transfer: US$80+