Bangkok Hotels

Bangkok is hot – in more ways than one. Hemmed in by high-rises, cornered by crowds there’s a feeling of claustrophobia in the narrow streets that adds to the prevailing sense of urgency. But while the ‘City of Angels’ is famous for its devilish side – take a bow, Patpong – it’s also a city of paradoxes.

From Ratchadaphisek, where the locals go for nightlife and entertainment, to Yaowarat and Phahurat, where you’ll find Bangkok’s Chinatown and Indian Quarter respectively, you’re just as likely to be scammed by pushy vendors as you are to meet a host of friendly and soft-spoken Thai people.

With Bangkok, you’ve got to take the rough with the smooth. That way, you’ll be able to satisfy all your desires, be they cultural, religious, culinary – or sensual.

BANGKOK’S TOP 10

Bangkok Local

Siam SquareIf you’re a shopping extremist, or even if you just enjoy air-conditioning, Siam Square, which is the closest thing Bangkok has to a city centre, is the place for you. You’ll find Siam Center, Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery Center and CentralWorld Plaza here, where big labels cost a fraction of the price they do in the West. If you’d rather focus less on labels and more on stores and stalls (plus very cheap electronics), try the MBK shopping centre.

Silom

If you’d rather ditch the duds altogether and make bling your thing, ignore Siam Square and head for Silom. Formerly the main trading district, it’s still the place where jewellery and gems swap hands – not always legally. Silom is also Bangkok’s financial area. Soi Patpong region of Silom.

Go-go bars, brothels, strip clubs and ping-pong shows abound. Sticking around isn’t for the faint-hearted, but if you’ve got a broad mind and a sense of adventure, it can be loads of fun. For something a little different Silom Soi 2 and 4 make up Bangkok’s gay district and are home to some happening nightclubs.

Khao San

Khao San Road is the backpacker area, so head here if you’re on a budget. Get a cheap suit made at one of the many tailors or pick up a more portable bargain in the street market. Chow down on Pad Thai – or fried bugs, if you’re brave – at one of the little carts set up on the street to line your stomach before a big night in the many bars, pubs and clubs. If you need to get a message home or update your Facebook status from ‘drunk’ to ‘seriously drunk’, Internet café’s abound. Tattoo parlours are also there (for when you reach ‘incomprehensibly drunk’ level). Just don’t get a tattoo of a Buddha (now illegal in Thailand). And don’t get hepatitis B, either. Rattanakosin

Rattanakosin is the historic hub of Bangkok, and the Grand Palace and many of the main temples can be found in this district. Other than the well-known Wat Pho and Wat Arun, other temples include Wat Saket and the Golden Mount and Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing. Visit to understand the meaning behind the fantastic names, but remember to be appropriately dressed when doing so. In particular, cover up your shoulders and legs.

DusitThe political centre of Bangkok, Dusit is also its European core. If you visited the Grand Palace in Rattanakosin, your ticket also includes entry to Dusit Palace. The palace itself isn’t as spectacular as the Grand Palace, but the daily traditional Thai dances (10am and 2pm) certainly are. Dusit is also home to a variety of museums, including the Ancient Cloth and Silk Museumand the Royal Ceremonial Photography Museum.

Bangkok Eats

Although Bangkok eateries tend to be more expensive than elsewhere in Thailand, they are still comparatively cheap internationally. Plus, because there are more of them, the quality and variety is much greater. Relish in Thai fusion meals or international fine dining.

Bangkok Events

In January or February, join in the festivities during the Chinese New Year Festival. To make the most of it, head to Chinatown.

Songkran (Thai New Year) is in April. It’s water, water everywhere, so expect to get drenched.

In May, the Royal Ploughing Ceremony at Sanam Laung predicts whether the approaching growing season will be bountiful.

The Festival of Lights, Loi Krathong, usually takes place in November. Float a krathong (made of banana tree trunk, bread or styrofoam), lit up with candles and incense, down a river.

The King’s birthday is on December 5, transforming Bangkok into an exciting city filled with festivities and patriotism. Sneak a peak of the King as he is driven from Sanam Laung to the Chitralada Palace.

When To Go

Located a mere 14 degrees north of the Equator, Bangkok usually has a steady temperature of around 30°C (86°F).

The best time to visit is during the cool season, which lasts from around November to February.

Around March and April, the hot season kicks in. It can get scorching and the rain is close to non-existent.

The wet season lasts from May to October, where you’ll be faced with heavy rain and horribly high humidity.

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Getting There and Around

Most international airlines include a route to Bangkok. Luckily, Thai Airways is also a praiseworthy airline to consider. Part of their service is to present you with a lovely purple orchid that you can pin on yourself.

Within Bangkok, choose between public transport or taxis. The BTS (Bangkok Mass Transit System) Skytrain is very clean and quick, but it doesn’t reach all the nooks and crannies. The train fare will cost you between 15 and 40 baht. Public buses (from 6.50 baht and up) are not as reliable as the Skytrain, but a cheaper and more comprehensive option. Opting for the Chao Phraya Express Boat System will cost from 9 baht. You can also take taxis, but make sure the cab driver has the meter on. Lastly, there are the tuk-tuks, which are fun, but not always the safest or the cheapest.

What To Miss

Beware of tuk-tuk drivers at Khao San Road – they’ll try to get you to go on a gem tour or another tourist destination and they’re also likely to over-charge you.

Traffic congestion in Bangkok is getting worse. So avoid taxis when you can. A taxi driver may even just drop you at a BTS station if he thinks the traffic isn’t worth it.

If you’re on a tight budget, avoid the malls and stick to the backpacker areas for shopping, food, and entertainment.

Never make fun of Thailand’s king – even as a joke. It’s a quick way to end up in prison.

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