Bangkok
Overview of Bangkok
Chaotic, carnal and congested, Thailand’s capital is divided by the Chao Phraya River and is nestled in one of the world’s most fertile rice-producing deltas. Bangkok’s 605 square miles (1,568 sq km) are criss-crossed by a series of canals carrying passengers and cargo, its roads clotted with endless traffic jams, while the city sprawls in all directions with a hodgepodge of urban, commercial and industrial buildings. An overland metropolitan railway speeds above the city, providing visitors with a relaxed and efficient way to observe the hustle and bustle below.
Despite its pollution and overcrowding, Bangkok is undoubtedly one of Asia’s most exciting cities, and one of the world’s largest, promising to reveal to each traveller the wild and untamed mysteries of the east. Khao San Road is one of the city’s most vibrant streets, and is probably one of the best examples in the world of a backpacker’s ‘ghetto’. Day and night the short stretch of road is abuzz with activity. On the banks of the Chao Phraya, visitors will find the Grand Palace as well as Wat Phra Kaew, the palace temple housing the Emerald Buddha, constructed entirely from translucent green jade. Slightly upriver are the exquisitely ornamented Royal Barges, still used today for special floating processions.
Of the 30 or so temples in Bangkok, the largest is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, which houses an impressive statue of the deity. The famous Floating Market is a delight to visitors and well worth a visit. As the sun lurches towards the horizon in the west and the sweat cools, this city of royalty and religion comes alive with a palpable decadence. Music and dazzling neon advertise a plethora of trendy bars and nightclubs, as well as the notorious ‘girlie joints’ that have ensured the Patpong district its reputation for hedonism.
Though the city’s frenetic pace and infamous congestion can be overwhelming, a holiday in Bangkok is a must for anyone travelling in Thailand.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Thai is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Passport/Visa:
Travellers entering Thailand must have sufficient funds to cover the length of their stay, and are recommended to hold documentation for return or onward travel. Visitors who are using the 30-day visa exemption must enter Thailand by air or land; it is highly recommended that passports are valid for six months beyond travel.
- Currency:
The unit of currency is the Baht (THB), which is divided into 100 satang. Currency can be exchanged at the airport, banks, hotels, and bureaux de change. Banks are open Monday to Friday. ATMs are available in most cities and tourist resorts, but there is a surcharge for each withdrawal. Most major credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger businesses.
- Electricity:
- 220 volts, 50Hz. Both flat and round two-pin plugs are used.
Travel to Bangkok
Climate for Bangkok
Bangkok has a hot, tropical climate with average high temperatures ranging between 88F (31C) and 93F (3°C) all year. November to February is the driest time of year and the most popular with tourists. March, April and May are the hottest months, and the rainy season runs from May to October. During the wet season, short showers are likely during the afternoon, though sometimes it will rain all day.
7 day forecast for Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand
| Saturday Dec. 20, 2024 | Sunday Dec. 21, 2024 | Monday Dec. 22, 2024 | Tuesday Dec. 23, 2024 | Wednesday Dec. 24, 2024 | Thursday Dec. 25, 2024 | Friday Dec. 26, 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hi: 88°F Lo: 67°F  Cloudy | Hi: 85°F Lo: 65°F Overcast | Hi: 86°F Lo: 65°F Overcast | Hi: 88°F Lo: 67°F Overcast | Hi: 86°F Lo: 70°F  Mostly cloudy | Hi: 90°F Lo: 72°F Cloudy | Hi: 92°F Lo: 74°F Cloudy |
Health Notes when travelling to Thailand
There is no risk of malaria in major tourist resorts or in the cities of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pattaya, Ko Samui, and Ko Phangan, but preventions against malaria are recommended in rural and forested areas that border Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, and Laos. Immunisation against hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid fever is also advised; yellow fever vaccination certificates are required for travellers from infected areas. Rabid dogs are fairly common, so travellers should consider rabies vaccination before visiting. Everyone 16 years of age and older should get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before travel.
There has been an increase in reported cases of dengue fever, particularly in the south, and vaccination against Japanese encephalitis is also recommended. Outbreaks of leptospirosis occur during the rainy season and after flooding. Travellers should drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks, and seek immediate medical attention if they suffer from diarrhoea during their visit. Medical facilities are good in major cities, but good medical insurance is vital.
Safety Notes when travelling to Thailand
Though most visits to Thailand are trouble-free, tourists should avoid all political gatherings and marches, and stay well informed about the political situation in the country before and during their stay.
Like many parts of the world, South East Asia has been a victim of terrorism, so travellers should be vigilant in public places. They should also avoid the border regions and shouldn’t camp in undesignated areas in national parks. The security situation in the southern provinces near the Malaysian border is unstable and travel to Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat and Songkhla is to be avoided.
Visitors to major cities are advised to secure their passports and credit cards and not carry too much money or jewellery. In Bangkok, visitors should be aware of scams, often involving gems recommended by kind strangers. In tourist areas, particularly at Full Moon Parties on Ko Phan Ngan, travellers should be careful about accepting drinks from strangers, as there have been reports of drinks being drugged. Incidents of sexual assault do occur and female travellers should be cautious.
The monsoon season in September and October (November to March on Koh Samui) brings about flooding in the north, northeast and central regions, causing mudslides and flash floods; visitors planning to trek in the jungle during this time should check conditions with licensed tour guides before leaving.
Customs in Thailand
While Thais are well known for their friendliness, they frown on public displays of affection. Visitors must save their beachwear for the beach and respect the custom of taking off shoes when entering a home. Many shops and restaurants will also expect tourists to remove their footwear.
Foreigners should avoid putting their feet on tables or chairs, or pointing their foot toward anyone. The touching of others’ hair or heads (rubbing a child’s hair, for example) should also be avoided. Thais rarely shake hands, instead using the wai as a way to say hello, to apologise, or show respect. The wai is a prayer-like gesture, made with raised hands. Thais are generally calm and softly spoken people, and tourists should avoid arguing loudly or raising their voices, even when haggling in markets, as this is considered crude and disrespectful.
The Thai royal family is revered and any image of Buddha, large or small, is considered sacred. Partygoers should note that drugs are illegal throughout the country, and that the possession of small quantities can land them in prison.
Duty Free in Thailand
Travellers to Thailand do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 250g tobacco or equivalent amount of cigars or 1 litre of alcohol. Goods to the value of THB 20,000 per person for holders of tourist visas are allowed; family allowances are double the individual allowances. Prohibited items include firearms and ammunition, fireworks, and drugs, and trafficking in drugs carries the maximum penalty. Restrictions apply to meat imported from countries affected by BSE or mad cow and foot-and-mouth diseases. Antiques or objects of art and religious articles may not be exported without a license.
Doing Business in Thailand
Business culture in Thailand is considerably more relaxed than other Asian countries within the region. However, Thailand shares its neighbours’ work ethic and value systems, as well as their emphasis on hierarchy and building relationships. Senior managers must be consulted on all matters and decisions. Appearance and age are important in Thai business culture, as they illustrate social standing and status. Older individuals are generally afforded a great deal of regard in Thailand and business people should become properly acquainted with their associates before they start negotiating.
The concept of ‘face’ and saving face is important in Thailand. So, if travellers make a mistake, they shouldn’t expect it to be pointed out to them, and if a local business associate makes a mistake, it is impolite to draw attention to it or correct them.
English is the language of business in Thailand, but translators are often needed. Business hours are from 8am to 5pm or 9am to 6pm, with an hour for lunch. Dress styles tend to be quite formal, but due to the humid climate, heavy suits are rare. However, meetings with senior management tend to be slightly more formal and jackets are usually worn. Men generally wear shirts, slacks and a tie, while women wear below-the-knee skirts and blouses. Pantsuits for women are quite rare.
Shaking hands is not a popular form of greeting and the wai (putting a prayer-like gesture in front of oneself and bowing slightly) is more acceptable. The higher the hands compared to the face when bowing, the more respect is meant by the wai. It is customary to wai first to those older than oneself. When addressing others, Thais use first names rather than surnames, preceded by Kuhn for both men and women. As with many Asian nations, giving gifts to business associates is generally a good idea. When receiving gifts, foreigners shouldn’t open them in front of the giver. They should also wait to be introduced to others, as it is an indication of rank. Often the hierarchical structures favour the elders in a group and respect must be given accordingly.
Communication in Thailand
The international country dialling code for Thailand is +66. The outgoing code is 001, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00144 for the United Kingdom). Travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones, and WiFi is available in cities and holiday resorts.
Tipping in Thailand
Tipping is becoming more common in places frequented by tourists. If a service charge is not included in a restaurant bill, customers should add 10 to 15 percent as a tip. Porters and hotel staff will expect a tip; taxi drivers generally won’t.
Passport/Visa Note
Travellers entering Thailand must have sufficient funds to cover the length of their stay, and are recommended to hold documentation for return or onward travel. Visitors who are using the 30-day visa exemption must enter Thailand by air or land; it is highly recommended that passports are valid for six months beyond travel.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US passports must be valid for six months beyond date of arrival. No visa is required for tourist stays of up to 30 days.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian Passports must be valid for six months beyond date of arrival. No visa is needed for touristic stays of up to 30 days.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
Passports must be valid for six months beyond date of arrival. British nationals with passports endorsed ‘British Citizen’ or ‘British National (Overseas)’ do not require a visa for stays of up to 30 days. British travellers carrying passports with other endorsements should check official requirements.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian passports must be valid for six months beyond date of arrival. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to 45 days. APEC Business Travel Card holders endorsed for travel to Thailand may stay up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish passports must be valid for six months beyond date of arrival. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
Passports from New Zealand must be valid for six months beyond date of arrival. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to 45 days. Holders of APEC Business Travel Cards endorsed for travel to Thailand may stay up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African passports must be valid for six months beyond date of arrival. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to 30 days.
Getting around in Bangkok, Thailand
The Skytrain (BTS) and Metro (MRT) network is a fast and affordable way to get around Bangkok. The system is easy to navigate and runs from 5.30am until midnight. There is also an extensive network of buses, but these are prone to Bangkok’s notorious traffic jams. The most interesting way to get around is on the waterways of the Chao Phraya River, where numerous river taxis, long-tail boats and large waterbuses make most tourist sites easily reachable. Tuk tuks (colourful three-wheelers) are the standard way of making short journeys by road and are cheaper and quicker than regular taxis, but fares should be negotiated before boarding. Metered and un-metered taxis are air-conditioned, but passengers should be aware that drivers don’t carry much change. Any taxi or tuk tuk can be hired for a day’s tour of the sights; ridesharing options inlcude Uber, Lyft and Ola. Bangkok also has free bikes for tourists for two set routes along the river; the east side goes past some of the biggest temples, while the west side goes through more residential areas.
Nightlife in Bangkok, Thailand
Neon lights, go-go bars, ladyboys and mysterious cocktails: Bangkok’s nightlife enjoys an international reputation for wild abandon. Go-go bars in Soi Cowboy, Nana Plaza and in the strip clubs surrounding Pat Pong night market aren’t only the territory of the unscrupulous, but are also expat hangouts with cheap drinks and an open-air feel. The bright lights, cat calls, costumed patrons and scandalous behaviour will make one’s head start to swim. Hip clubs around Sukhumvit and Silom offer hip-hop beats and electro rhythms (often at the same place), and vie for hot spot coolness. Ratchadapisek (RCA) sports a block of trendy and densely packed clubs for young party goers. Khao San road is known more as a backpacker hangout but, underneath, are popular Thai clubs with a cavernous appeal and trance music mixing with the Billboard’s top ten. Up and down Bangkok there are also the standard assortment of pubs, chic hotel lounges and bars. Many foreigners prefer sections closer to Sukhumvit Road but parts of Banglamphu (Khao San excluded) and Ratchadeaphiseck have more trendy local bars. Giant beer gardens are always a fun way to sample the local brew and entertainment.
Shopping in Bangkok, Thailand
Anyone who’s been to Thailand will know that the shopping in Bangkok is second to none. Prices are cheap, markets line the streets touting everything from fake designer wares to cheap leather sandals and tourist t-shirts, bargains are endless and haggling is a way of life. Many of the items for sale are the same throughout all the markets in Thailand, so it’s best to scout around for some original-looking buys. Patpong night market is a must and great fun to wander through on a balmy Bangkok evening, though visitors should bear in mind this market is situated in the red light district of the city, and shouldn’t be alarmed at the touts and half-naked ladies outside the bars. Khao San road is also brimming with stalls selling all kinds of counterfeit clobber. Plenty of snacks and eats can also be found on the side of the road stalls, but travellers should watch out for some of the more unconventional Thai delicacies, such as deep-fried locusts. The biggest market in Bangkok is the Chatuchak Weekend Market, which has more than 15,000 stalls and sells spices, leather goods, and practically everything under the sun that can fit inside a tourist’s backpack. The MBK Shopping Centre in Bangkok offers more expensive and better quality wares than the markets on the sides of the streets, and prices there, when converted, are not much cheaper than in other countries. Other popular shopping malls include Central World, Erawan, and Panthip Plaza. Sukhumvit Road is the place to go for fashion, designer goods and custom-made suits. Many shops are open seven days a week and 12 hours a day, while street markets have longer hours, often staying open until 11pm. VAT in Thailand is seven percent and this can be refunded on goods bought to the value of THB 2,000 (including VAT) in shops labelled ‘VAT refund for tourists’. Forms must be completed at the point of purchase and passports must be shown. Shoppers can obtain their cash refunds on goods of the minimum total value of THB 5,000 in the airport departure hall.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
