Travel Guide Bangkok
The city of Bangkok navigates between oriental traditions and modernity, it is essential to your trip in Thailand. The City of Angels is torn on both sides of the Chao Phraya River, between a bank made of ancestral heritages and a city of South Asia where high tech seems to impose itself and where skyscrapers grow. It is not uncommon, during a stroll in small picturesque and silent soi, these alleys out of time where we still find traces of the Siam of yesteryear, to be won by the deafening noise of the big arteries and their traffic jams filled with cabs, only a few hundred meters away. Whichever way you choose to visit Bangkok; on foot, by tuk-tuk, by bicycle or by boat, the wonder will prevail. Discover the Buddhist culture between the multiple temples and the presence of the reclining Buddha, the emerald Buddha (Wat Arun, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho), the Grand Palace or the flower market. The food will not be only spiritual because in the street food, or that of the most starred restaurants, you will find even more than what you expected when you arrived. Notice to the bon vivants, the nightlife is very present in Bangkok, known for its festivities, you will find the most beautiful places to party. Do not miss a stroll on the canals to contemplate the extraordinary cultural richness of the capital of Thailand. Shop at one of Bangkok's floating markets or, for the more modern-minded, at one of the city's large shopping malls (where you can discover Thai massages) and let yourself be carried away rather than overwhelmed by its extraordinary density.
What to visit Bangkok?
Suggested addresses Bangkok
When to go to Bangkok?
From October to February, it is the dry and cool season in Bangkok, Thailand and the best time to go to Bangkok; the weather is sunny and the temperatures oscillate around 25 °C. In March, begins a very hot off-season (around 35 °C) which lasts until the end of May with alternating tropical rains. From June, it is the rainy season in Bangkok and it lasts until October, September being to be avoided (heavy rainfall). If you go to Bangkok in April, don't miss the water festival, or Songkran, which celebrates the Buddhist New Year, everyone waters themselves in the streets, laughter guaranteed!
Weather at the moment
The average temperature in Bangkok is 28°C. The lowest temperatures are reached in December with an average of 25°C during the day and a little more during the high tourist season from October to February. April is one of the hottest months with peaks above 30°C. As in the rest of Thailand, there is a rainy season in Bangkok between June and October, the low tourist season. It happens that because of these rains, the Chao Phraya River overflows its bed!
This is one of the big advantages of Thailand and also of Bangkok, the standard of living is much lower than in a European country like France, 60% on average. One can easily eat in restaurants and sleep in guesthouses for a modest sum in Bangkok and even in luxury hotels for an excellent quality-price ratio. The currency is the baht, and it is easy to change money and pay by credit card. Tipping is customary but not mandatory.
No need to pay a visa for Thailand and thus Bangkok if you stay less than 30 days. And a return trip to the border (Laos, Myanmar or Cambodia...) is enough to renew this 15 days authorization to stay in Bangkok, renewable only 4 times, after that you have to take an additional plane each time you leave.
No mandatory vaccines for Bangkok and Thailand in general but DT-Polio, typhoid, hepatitis A and B vaccines are recommended. An anti-malaria treatment is officially recommended, but a protection against insects is sufficient except if you go in the north which is more at risk. Water is not drinkable in Bangkok, it is recommended to drink bottled water and to avoid raw vegetables and seafood in popular shops.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
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How to go to Bangkok? Our advice & tips
Bangkok and Thailand in general have long been very touristy destinations, taken by storm by many tour operators but not all offers are equal. Take the time to choose the different packages offered according to your travel desires and do not hesitate to compare the services. Beware of low prices, they do not always include transfers, drinks and meals in Bangkok.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationFlights to Bangkok, both domestic and international, are concentrated at Suvarnabhumi, located 35 km east of downtown. The price of airplane tickets varies according to the airline companies, but it is necessary to take it in advance to obtain affordable tickets. There are no particular security risks for people traveling alone in Bangkok, the country is generally safe, but you should be careful with your personal belongings in the tourist areas of Bangkok as theft can occur. Finally, don't have fun using drugs in Bangkok, you will be sent to prison for at least 10 years.
In Bangkok, it is very easy to get around on foot, by public transport (metro or bus) but also by cab and tuk-tuk, probably the most picturesque means of transport in Bangkok. Other ways to get around: the Chao Praya Express which sails on the river and the shuttles on the small canals of Bangkok.
