Bangkok is Thailand’s largest city with a population of more than 10 million and is a hugely popular destination for tourists. This article is a brief guide for first time visitors to the city.
Climate
Bangkok is a hot and humid city all year round but for those planning a Bangkok holiday, the best time of year to visit is probably between November and February. This is when the city is at its driest and coolest (only averaging 28°C!). March to May is the hot season and temperatures can reach an oppressive 40°C, whilst frequent, torrential downpours and flooding are commonplace during the rainy season between June and September.
Eating
Both Thai and Western food is widely available in Bangkok. Whilst there are many excellent air conditioned restaurants to choose from, many locals choose to eat from the numerous food carts and stalls found around the city. Thai food is typically spicy with curries and stir fries being favourites. Many dishes use fish sauce or shrimp paste along with plenty of chillies, lime juice and lemon grass and are usually served with rice, a staple component of Thai cuisine. For the adventurous, you will also find stalls selling fried insects on Bangkok’s streets, with black water beetles being a particular favourite. Food in Bangkok is relatively inexpensive and you can expect to pay between 50 and 100 baht (approximately £0.80 - £1.50) for a plate of food and a soft drink.
Getting Around
Possibly the best way to travel around the city for Bangkok holiday makers is the Skytrain. As the name suggests, this is a train that travels above the city. It is a very efficient way to get around and stops at many of Bangkok’s popular tourist attractions. Single tickets are available although if you are making more than a couple of journeys an unlimited one day ticket is probably a better idea and is available for around 100 baht (£1.50). Another good way to get around is by metered taxi. If the traffic is moving in your favour it is a comfortable and quick way to get around. The buses are cheap, but crowded and challenging as the routes are numerous and are often marked only in Thai and the infamous three wheeled tuk-tuks are not worth the charge for anything other than a five or ten minute journey or the experience.
Sightseeing
Bangkok’s temples are some of its most popular tourist attractions with the majestic Grand Palace being perhaps the most famous and a must see. The palace was formerly home to the king and the entire Thai government until the turn of the twentieth century. Entrance to the Grand Palace costs 200 baht (about 3 pounds). The main focus for many visitors to the Grand Palace is the emerald Buddha, a 45cm tall statue carved out of Jade. The Buddha is the most revered image in Thailand and is the centre of national religious pride. It is really worth hiring a guide to visit the Grand Palace as without one you may miss quite a lot. Visitors to the Grand Palace should note that there is a strict dress code enforced. Men should wear long trousers and sleeved shirts, whilst women should ensure their shoulders are covered and clothing is opaque. Bare feet are also disallowed so if you are wearing sandals or flip-flops, socks must be worn as well.
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