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Bangkok is the capital and largest city of Thailand, located on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, near the Gulf of Thailand. Krung Thep has been the short form of the name of the city for more than two centuries. Nonetheless, Bangkok, which actually refers only to one district of the city, is the name by which most foreigners know the Thai capital. Bangkok is the wealthiest and most populous city in Thailand, as well as the 22nd most populous city in the world.

Although Bangkok now has roughly 7 million registered inhabitants, the actual population is much higher, and including commuters from the surrounding areas, may reach an estimated 15 million people during the day time, making the city one of the most densely populated in the world. Recently, the value of Bangkok's economic output has matched that of Singapore, making Bangkok a major economic and financial center in Southeast Asia. Bangkok has one of the fastest rates in the world for construction of high rise buildings. The World Meteorological Organization has dubbed Bangkok the world's hottest large city.

The city's wealth of cultural sites makes it one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. Bangkok is the economic center of Thailand, dominating the country's economy and dwarfing other urban centers. Due to the large amount of foreign representation, Thailand has for several years been a mainstay of the Southeast Asian economy and a key center in Asian business. Tourism is a significant contributor to Thailand's economy, providing about 5 percent of GDP.

Bangkok is Thailand's principal international gateway, the major transit point, and a destination in its own right. Bangkok is considered to be one of the world's top tourist hotspots and is currently Asia's top tourist destination - the third in the world according to Travel and Leisure magazine.

The city boasts some of the country's most visted historical venues such as the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, the various monuments and shopping malls. There are numerous projects to maintain Bangkok's historic sites such as the Rattanakosin area and river districts. Bangkok is Thailand's major tourist gateway, which means that the majority of foreign tourists arrive in Bangkok. An estimated 15 million foreigners arrive in Bangkok every year and many are lured back for a second visit due to the cheap cost of life and the quality of services provided.

Thailand has a variety of shopping experiences from street markets to malls. Tourists have historically always preferred markets and bazaars to the other forms of shopping. The Chatuchak weekend market is one of the largest shopping destinations in Bangkok. Water markets are gradually disappearing but remain strong tourist attractions as many tours are offered through the canals the market is located on. The huge new shopping complex known as Siam Paragon in Bangkok's city center is one of the biggest and most luxurious malls in south east Asia; it truly is a Asian marvel.

Bangkok also includes over 15 world class malls situated around Bangkok including Fashion Island Rangsit and Future Park. Bangkok unlike other Eastern cities notable Tokyo, Beijing and Seoul, does not have as much a stressing gloom over the city. Although, it is one of Asia's most important cities economically, the urban pace of the city is somewhat relaxed.

Bangkok offers a widely varied nightlife.

GO THERE FOR

The Food – Food, glorious food! The Thais love to eat and it’s no wonder with the sheer variety and assortment of flavours to dazzle your taste buds. Whether in the most upmarket dining destinations, or the lowliest street stall, there’s a vast choice for the devoted epicurean - some argue the latter is where the tastiest meals are to be had and at THB 20 a pop for a bowl of noodles, it won’t hurt your wallet to consider their point. As a true international city, fine dining from China, Japan and Europe has also found its way to Bangkok – you’ll be cursing the limits of your time and stomach.

The Temples – Although it’s a throbbing modern metropolis replete with skyscrapers, shopping malls and atrocious traffic, Bangkok remains a Buddhist city dotted with hundreds of working temples. The most spectacular of these are the popular Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Wat Pho, which houses the impressive reclining Buddha (and is the reputed birthplace of Thai Massage).

The Spas – It’s not just Thai massage that garners Thailand’s reputation for top notch spas. Most hotels boast exquisite in-house spas, but the favourites are The Oriental Spa, the I.Sawan, Baan Thai and the Banyan Tree. Independent establishments like S Medical Spa and DVN are also making a name for themselves. Travellers on a budget won’t have a hard time finding fantastic places for body wraps and facials – one way to spot an above board establishment is seeing rows of happy customers having foot rubs by the windows. One of our budget favourites is Health Land, which offers two hours of Thai massage in a clean, pleasant private room for just THB 450.

Shopping – Locals go crazy for their shopping malls: three of the best include the hyper luxurious Siam Paragon, the Emporium and the teen friendly MBK. But visitors will no doubt prefer trawling the length and breadth of the epic Chatuchak Weekend Market, The Night Bazaar by Lumpini Park and the world famous floating markets. Popular souvenirs include Thai silk and handicrafts, as well as silver and clothing – just don’t pass up the chance to sample the variety of food served hot off vendors’ griddles. 

The Day Trips – Bangkok’s buzzing lifestyle is its main charm, but for those wanting to get out of the urban jungle for a while, it also offers a wide variety of destinations just a few hours out of the city. Visit the ruins of the ancient capital city Ayutthaya and the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace; wander the rustic Ko Kret; head to the beach on Ko Samet; relive history at the bridge over the River Kwai and stroke the tigers at Tiger Temple.


DON’T MISS

Grand Palace and Wat Pho – Formerly the official royal residence and the seat of the government administration, the Grand Palace is a sprawling complex containing magnificent halls, chedis, statues and more. Less than half are open to the public today, but that’s still more than enough to feast your eyes on. The highlight is the Emerald Buddha (actually made of jade), housed in Wat Phra Kaew, which is dressed in gold costumes to match the Thai seasons. The Buddha’s dresser is no less exalted than the King himself. Nearby is Wat Pho, the oldest temple in Bangkok, which houses the 46-metre-long reclining Buddha, the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand, and the country’s original Thai massage school.

Muay Thai – The Thai national sport is often touted as the most effective martial art in the world, and as anyone who’s seen Ong Bak can attest, it’s a visual extravaganza of flying fists, bone crushing kicks (one of the “eight limbs” being used for contact being the shin), and gravity defying leaps. The best places to watch Muay Thai are Lumpini Stadium and Rajadamnern Stadium, where the country’s leading champions fight for a place at the top. 

Drinks at Sky Bar – Okay, the drinks are extortionate and it’s recently overrun by gawping tourists and ladies of the night, but nothing will dampen the wow-factor when you first step out on the terrace and take in that view. Try to get there in time for sunset.  

Afternoon Tea at The Veranda – Located in the original building of The Oriental, the Veranda is all cream rattan furnishings and colonial elegance. Book early. 

Thai Massage – The birthplace of this popular therapy, Bangkok offers the best Thai massage to be had. Clients don a pair of loose pyjamas and lie down on a low bed, where the therapist kneads, stretches and twists them into blissful relaxation.

BASICS

Telephone - Country Code: + 66 
Telephone - City Code: 2
Emergency Services: English Speaking Emergency (Tourist Police) 1155,Thai Police: 191, Thai Medical: 1669, Thai Fire: 199 
Electricity: 220V/50Hz; 2-blade plug
Language: Thai
Currency: Baht (THB)
Exchange Rate: GBP 1 = THB 49.56, 1 THB = .02 GBP (Subject to change)
Time: Thai (UTC +7)
Suvarnabhumi Airport:
General Enquiries: +66 (0) 2132-1888
Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Nong Prue, Bang Phli, Samut Prakan 10540, Thailand
http://www.suvarnabhumiairport.com/


GETTING AROUND

From the Airport…
Bangkok’s new airport, Suvarnabhumi, is located about 25km from downtown Bangkok.  

Taxis - Taxis are available outside the first floor of the airport and it should cost between THB 300-400 to get to the city (40-60 minutes depending on traffic).  

Limousines - Limousines are available through AOT Limousine or by contacting the Limousine Service Counter on the second floor of the airport. Most cost around THB 800-1000 to get to the city.

Around Town…
BTS Skytrain - The Skytrain runs from 6am - 12am every day with two main lines: Sukhumvit and Silom lines. The interchange between the two lines is at Siam Centre. Fares range from THB 15-45 depending on the distance travelled. Day passes and monthly passes are also available. The Skytrain is typically the fastest mode of transportation within the infamously traffic saturated city – and it’s air-conditioned.

Bangkok Metro (MRT) - The MRT is a one-line subway that connects with the Skytrain at Silom, Sukhumvit, and Chatuchak stations. Fares range from THB 15-39 depending on the distance travelled.  

Taxis - The minimum fare is THB 35 which covers up to 2km. The rates are then THB 4.50/km for the next 10km, THB 5/km for 13-20km, and THB 5.50/km for anything over 20km. There is also a charge of THB 1.25/minute for traffic congestion when the taxi moves slower than 6km/hour. A THB 40 expressway toll must be paid by the passenger if they choose to take the highway. All stated rates apply to trips within the city limits of Bangkok. Always insist on the meter. 

Samlo (Tuk-Tuk) - These are the famous three-wheeled open-air taxis. Fares must be negotiated beforehand as there are no meters, but are normally less expensive than taxis. These are great for that SE Asia feeling – but can get pretty dirty in the open streets. 

WHEN TO GO

There are three seasons in Bangkok: the cool season lasts from November to February, the hot season lasts from March to May, and the rainy season lasts from June to October. The temperature ranges from 35°C in April to 26°C in December. The best times to visit are in April-May for the summer and Thai New Year Festival, and December-January for the cooler temperatures.

Public Holidays and Dates of Interests:
1st January – New Year’s Day
Variable (February) – Magha Puja
6th April – Chakri Memorial Day
13 – 15th April – Songkran Festival
5th May – Coronation Day
Variable (May) – Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day
Variable (May) – Vesak
Variable (July) – Asalha Puja
Variable (July) – Beginning of Vassa
12th August – HM the Queen’s Birthday
23rd October – Chulalongkom Day
5th December – HM the King’s Birthday
10th December – Constitution Day
31st December - New Year’s Eve