An Intro to Bangkok for First-Timers

[Heena Adwani]

Thailand's capital has the proverbial something for everyone - a mix of exotic traditional culture, cuisine and shopping with no shortage of fun from tame to notoriously naughty. Days are sunny and beautiful, nights are exciting, and there's never a dearth of things to do. It's perhaps for this amazing versatility that Bangkok is often referred to as a tourist paradise. The city of course also serves as a gateway to many other parts of Thailand, including Phuket and the other islands and beach destinations; Chiang Mai; Koh Samui; and other popular destinations.

 

Best Times to Visit

Bangkok, known to be the hottest city in the world climate wise as well. Located 14 degrees from the Equator, it's sunny almost every day of the year, but summer and even the spring are sweltering even for locals. Also, between May and October is monsoon season, and downpours and flooding are common. So it's best to visit from late fall through winter - November through February.

 

Getting Here

By Air: Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Muang Airport connect Bangkok to the rest of the world. Suvarnabhumi Airport is used by all airlines in Thailand except for Nok Air, Orient Thai, and Air Asia, which use the old Don Muang Airport. Both these airports are about 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the city center. From these airports you can get the Airport Rail Link in order to reach the center.

By Train: The State Railway of Thailand serves Bangkok with railway lines from all four directions of Thailand. Hualamphong Train Station connects Bangkok to the rest of Thailand. It's a big and convenient station that was built during the reign of King Rama VI.

By Bus: Buses to and from other parts of Thailand including Pattaya, Krabi, Phuket and Ko Samui and also to neighboring countries operate from three major bus terminals in Bangkok; the Northern Bus Terminal, also known as Mo Chit, the Eastern Bus Terminal, also known as Ekkamai and the Southern Bus Terminal, also known as Sai Tai.

 

How to Get Around

By Taxi: Hiring a taxi is the most comfortable way to get around Bangkok. The prices remain affordable for visitors. However, do keep in mind that Bangkok is a really crowded city to drive around.

By BTS: The Bangkok Transit System has been in service for a couple of years. The BTS connects you easily with most places of interest in the city.

By MRT: Also like the BTS the Mass Rail Transportation System has been operating for a couple of years. The Metro has one line which connects you from the train station Hualomphong to Bang Sue.

By Motorbike Taxi: If you know how to drive a bike then it is a great alternative for a short distance ride since they get through between the cars. They are cheap, quick and adventurous.

By Tuk Tuk: Tuks Tuks are the local transport systems available in Bangkok. They are cheap and you can get them from anywhere in the city.

 

Top Attractions

Dusit Palace Park which with its green surrounding and subtle ambiance will only make your trip more memorable for
you. Follow it with a visit to Dusit Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in Thailand. The place is known to accommodate a vast variety of animals that are well kept. The vibrancy and zest in the air are just so palpable here.

Chatuchak Market: This bustling marketplace will let you in for a nice shopping spree, where with a little bit of bargaining you can get anything. End the journey with a dine-in Smooth Curry and taste the authentic flavors of the town. 

Jim Thompson House: The residence of a pioneering personality in the Bangkok’ silk industry and know more about him. Follow it with a visit to Lumpini Park and spend some quiet time in its placid surroundings.

Patpong Night Market that will enthrall you with its vast variety of products and items, considered one of the best ways to see Bangkok.

Riverside Terrace covers it for you. Then comes the Tien Pier, a popular place famous for its fresh fishes and bustling environment.

Wat Pho Temple and Wat Arun: Follow these with a visit to Pak Klong Flower Market. With its vast variety of orchids, roses and what not, the place will surely entice you during your visit. Spend the rest of the afternoon in MBK City Mall and spend some leisurely time strolling and shopping.


Festivals of Bangkok:

Songkran: For one week every April, Thailand celebrates Buddhist New Year and Bangkok transforms into an almost traffic-free city as the entire country participates in friendly water fights. 

The King’s Birthday: Celebrated on July 28, this festival celebrates the birthday of their monarch, who has been King of Thailand since 2016. Fireworks are traditionally released near the Grand Palace in an impressive display, and the streets of the city’s center are decorated in his honor. 

Loy Krathong: On the night of the first full moon in November, the Thai people send small decorative floats, often on banana leaves, into the water as a symbolic offering to the gods to cleanse bad luck.

International Festival of Music & Dance: Starting in mid-September or early October (depending on the year), this annual arts festival brings acclaimed opera, ballet, jazz, and performance artists from around the world to Thailand.

Chinese New Year: A weeklong celebration in late January, the Lunar New Year brings together the Thai-Chinese people. Visitors during this time who stop by Chinatown will find traditional dragon parades, acrobat performances, and firework shows.

For more details, see also Bthese Bangkok itineraries.