Bangkok

Orientation

Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is also acclaimed as the city of angels. With harmonious blend of east and west, Thailand retains its unique culture and tradition. With a population of ten million, Thailand can be alarmingly chaotic but this is more than compensated for by the friendliness and charm of the Thai people.

City Facts

• Bangkok Population : 7,221,000 (Source: UN Population Division 2000 estimate)
• Thailand Population : 60,495,000 (Source: UN Population Division 2000 estimate)
• Currency : Thai Baht (THB)
• Time Zone : GMT + 7
• Language : Thai, with English as a second language.
  

Weather

Weather Forecast

Climate

Hot and humid is the best description for the climate of Bangkok. The temperature often reaches 35 degree Celsius during the whole year. The hottest month in Bangkok is April while the wettest in the city is October. The best time to visit the city is between November and February.

Travel Tips

Customs

Monarchy and religion are the two most sacred things to Thai people. Although the King has little political power, Thai people consider him the "Father of the people". Highly regarding the King, Thai people put his image everywhere. Everyone visiting the temple in Thailand is recommended to be suitably dressed, which means no shorts or singlets. Moreover, visitors are always requested to remove their shoes and avoid pointing their feet at any religious statues inside the temple.

Dining

People, beaches and food in Thailand impress most of the visitors from around the globe. Thai cuisine, whether from a top restaurant or a street stall, has a worldwide reputation for excellence. Since international cuisine is widely available in Bangkok, visitors try to eat as many dishes as they can during their journey in Bangkok.

Tipping Advice

Tipping is not very common in Thailand. However, service charge is usually added in up-market hotels.

Transportation

Thailand has an excellent domestic flight network, which also serves Bangkok very well. For travelers, air travel is probably the best means of transport in Thailand. Moreover, Bangkok can also be reached from Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur by railway.

Arriving by Air

The busy and modern Bangkok International Airport is the most important airport in Thailand.

Getting Around Bangkok

If you want to travel around Bangkok centre, take either standard air-conditioned taxis or fast-moving three-wheeled open taxis, tuk-tuk's. If you want to travel up the main Chao Phraya River, you are highly recommended to try water taxis.

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