When to go
The best time to visit Bangkok is during the November to February "cool" season, when temperatures
plunge to just below 30&gdeg;C. Peak season is over the Christmas and New Year holidays. Temperatures
start to climb from March on through to the start of the rainy season in June. Visitors
who brave the hot season in mid-April can enjoy the mayhem of Thai New Year or Songkhran,
when the whole city becomes the a huge water battlefield.
From the airport
Eventually the BTS monorail will extend all the way to the airport, but until then
the best way to get into central Bangkok is still by taxi.
You can take a pre-paid taxi with an English speaking driver from the arrivals hall, but they are somewhat over-priced.
If you take the escalators up to the 2nd floor departures you can grab a cab that's dropping
someone off. Try and get the driver to put the meter on, or agree on a price of below 300B
before setting off (during rush hours this may be cheaper than going on the meter).
It's a huge help if you can tell the driver the area you want to go clearly - if it is not
a major street or hotel address, you should try to have it written in Thai, or at least have
map.
Getting around town
BTS Skyline
The nicest, quietest, cleanest way to get around Bangkok. It currently connects the
shopping and entertainment areas, and some sightseeing spots. There are plans for its
expansion to other parts of the city (and to the airport), which will help ease traffic
congestion a little by keeping the middle and upper class out of
the pollution. The BTS has been criticized as being too expensive for the majority of
Bangkok locals, costing 30-50B per trip. It runs until midnight.
Motorcycle taxis
Fast, convenient, and occssionally exciting. They will even give you a helmet to wear if
you want.
River taxi
Cheap (10-20B per trip) and cool way to get to places located along
the river and view some of the sights from the water.
River tours in the morning along the small neighborhood canals as well as night tours
along the river to see all the sights in bright lights is worthwhile. Travel agents and
main ferry stops can book these tours.
Tuk-tuk Iconic form of Thai transport is the noisiest thing on earth and
often more expensive than a meter taxi. They are also less comfortable, but remain popular.
Bus
There are three kinds, they are the cheapest way to get around, but slow and stop running
at 8:30pm.
Meter taxi
Averages about 50-100baht per short trip. Air-conditioned, clean and drivers are friendly.
Where to stayWhere to stay
To choose a good hotel without having been to Bangkok before, have a look at
Asiahotels.com. On the site, you can choose one of the many hotels listed by reading
reviews written by other travelers. The pictures are also useful and the online booking
service is fast and easy.
If you are traveling on your own and want to meet up with other travelers, the friendliest
(and cheapest) place to stay is in Banglamphu, (Kao San Road). Here there are a wide range of
budget hotels providing rooms from the most basic to rooms with en suite bathrooms, air-conditioning,
and TV.
If you are coming to Bangkok for shopping and clubbing, stay in the Sukhumvit or Siam
areas. If you want to stay somewhere quieter, choose a hotel along the Chao Phraya River. But if you want to be nearer to the airport choose a hotel near the expressway (Victory Monument) which will shorten the trip by meter taxi to 20min for about 200B $1/¥:120= 40-50 Thai Baht instead of 40+ minutes (400B) if staying in the center of town.
It's well worth considering a hotel with a pool (even a small one). It's a great way to
combat the heat and humidity, and help you chill after a day among the noise and grime of
the city.
Internet Resources
Bangkok Metro
Monthly online magazine. Informative site aimed at a hip and active audience.
www.apmforum.com
The latest information on pubs, clubs and eats along busy Sukhumvit Road.
Siam Travel
Well laid out site with information about Bangkok and Thailand in general (including
accommodation).
Lonely
Planet's Thorn Tree
Bulletin board written by travelers for travelers, with up to the minute info.
Travelers and residents ask questions, trade stories, concerns, and wisdom about
destinations all over the world.
The Bangkok Post
Bangkok's major English daily newspaper online.
Maps
Navigating your way around town by local transport is easier with one of the many maps
available in English which illustrates areas of interest as well as bus numbers and ferry
stops. You can pick these maps up at the airport, bookstores, and everywhere along Kao
San Rd.
Guidebooks
Getting a guidebook before you go can help you familiarize yourself with the names and
aeas of interest.
| Click on the pictures to order these books from Amazon.com |
Mini Rough Guide
Nice and small, good maps. |
Lonely Planet Bangkok
Very popular, that covers places of interest to around Bangkok. |
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Groovy Map Guides
Pocket-sized maps that highlight different areas with recommended places in detail on
the back.
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