July 16th, 2023 at 07:50 am
Bangkok Travel Guide 2023
Thailand’s capital and its commercial, economic, and political hub is Bangkok. Bangkok initially seems like your standard heavily developed metropolis, yet a deeper look reveals it retains a strong connection to its past.
Few Facts to Know about Bangkok
- Language: Thai
- Currency: Thai Baht (THB, ฿)
- Timezone: UTC+07:00 (ICT – Indochina Time)
- Religion: Buddhism is the predominant religion, practiced by almost 93% of the population. Most others identify with Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Confucianism.
- Modes of payment: Cash
Where to Stay in Bangkok
Many of the major attractions in Bangkok are dispersed due to the size of the city. Fortunately, there are also lots of areas that make great locations to stay. What’s best for you will depend on your primary reason for visiting Bangkok.
- SIAM and SILOM have a fantastic assortment of hostels and inexpensive hotels if you’re on a tight budget.
- Also, the KHAO SAN neighborhood ought to be your first pick whether you’re traveling on a budget or want to experience Bangkok’s raucous nightlife.
- Likewise, the PRATUNAM and SIAM areas are the best if you’re coming to shop ’til you drop off because there are so many discount stores and shopping malls nearby.
- Aside from that, the SUKHUMVIT district of Bangkok offers a wide variety of dining, shopping, and nightlife options, including several of the city’s renowned rooftop bars.
- Lastly, if you’re a foodie, some of the best but most reasonably priced restaurants in the city may be found in SILOM and CHINATOWN.
Top Budget Hotels & Hostels in Bangkok
Some of the best-rated hostels and low-cost hotels are listed below:
- Tamni, near Hua Lamphong Station & Chinatown
- Siam Eco Hostel, Siam
- Daraya Hostel, Siam
- Kinnon Deluxe Hostel, Silom
- Baan Kun Mhor Hostel, Chatuchak
- HOSTEL URBY, Chinatown
- LOBSUEK Hostel หลบศึก โฮสเทล, Khao San Area
- Lub d Bangkok Siam Hostel, Siam
- VIX Bangkok @ Victory Monument
Top Mid-Range/Upscale Hotels in Bangkok
- Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, Siam/Silom
- Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Bangkok, Sukhumvit
- Carlton Hotel Bangkok, Sukhumvit
- Old Capital Bike Inn, Khao San area
- ASAI Bangkok Chinatown
- Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit
- Ago Hotel Chinatown
How to Get Around Bangkok
- Train (BTS Skytrain/MRT): Bangkok’s train system is quick and dependable, and it can transport you to a lot of the city’s attractions.
- Boat: The Chao Phraya Express Boat, which travels up and down the Chao Phraya River and is popular with tourists because it makes stops at several of the city’s most popular monuments, and the Saen Saep Express Boat, which is primarily used by locals traveling to work.
- Taxi/Grab: Simply call a cab if your location is too far from a train or boat terminal. While more expensive than in Manila, fares in Hong Kong and Singapore are still significantly higher.
- Tuktuk: They are incredibly pricey—even more expensive than cabs—and many of them—it’s difficult to say all—are con artists.
Things to DO In & Around Bangkok
You can choose from the following attractions in Bangkok and Phuket:
- Mahanakhon Skywalk
- Safari World
- SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World
- Siam Amazing Park
- Madame Tussauds Bangkok
- Sanctuary of Truth
- Dream World
- Pororo Aquapark
- Frost Magical Ice of Siam
- Ancient City Museum
- Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
- Underwater World
- Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha
- One More Thai Massage
- Chao Phara Princess Dinner Cruise
- Wat Pho & Wat Arun Walking Tour
Where to Shop in Bangkok
Here are some of the best areas to satiate your inner shopaholic!
1. Pratunam
The most well-liked shopping area in Bangkok. In the blocks between its bustling alleys are even busier shops selling largely clothing and accessories. Two enormous malls, Platinum Shopping Mall and Palladium World Shopping, are located directly in the center of the neighborhood and are both stuffed to the gills with deals.
2. Chatuchak (Weekend Market)
If your trip to Bangkok falls on a weekend, make time for this. The labyrinth of shops that makes up this shopping wonderland was formerly popular exclusively with wholesale sellers but has since become a top tourist destination. Almost anything you may imagine can be found here, including street food, flowers, clothes, souvenirs, and furniture.
3. Siam Square
Siam Square does not hide behind pretenses of being culturally significant to gain more popularity among foreigners as the setting for the blockbuster film The Love of Siam. Aside from that, it is a hub for shopping and entertainment.
4. Ratchada (Train Night Market)
Your bellies will be satisfied by the diverse assortment of inexpensive Thai cuisine and international foods available at Ratchada (New Rot Fai Market), including snacks, street food, sweets, unusual delicacies, and milk teas! The market also has a wide selection of reasonably priced clothing, accessories, shoes, and more!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BANGKOK
1. What are the travel requirements for COVID-19 in Thailand?
The COVID-19 travel restrictions have been revoked by the Thai government. The only documentation required at the border is a passport (and, if necessary, a visa). No vaccination record is necessary.
However, travel insurance is a must if your next stop is a nation that demands an RT-PCR COVID test (such as China or India). It must also cover the entire expected stay in Thailand plus an additional seven days.
2. Is Bangkok safe to travel?
Yes, Bangkok is generally safe and tourist-friendly. Of course, you should still use common sense at all times and don’t flash your gadgets in the open or leave your valuables unattended.
3. What are some typical scams in Bangkok?
Scams in Bangkok are more sophisticated than they seem. One common tactic involves persons lingering around temple gates (or other tourist attractions) and approaching visitors. Be cautious and watchful, just like in any other city. Anything that seems too good to be true probably is.
4. What time of year is ideal for visiting Bangkok?
When it comes to temperature and precipitation, the best time is from November to February. But it’s also the busiest time of year due to the wonderful weather. The peak travel period is from November to Songkran Festival (April 13–15), when it ceases. Prepare to share the city with many other tourists if you visit during this time.
5. In Bangkok, where can I exchange money?
Although there are many money exchangers in Bangkok, especially at the airport, the majority of them offer subpar exchange rates. If you absolutely must exchange money at the airport, do it just in amounts sufficient to bring you to the city core.
6. Is a visa required to enter Thailand?
Visa-free entry to Thailand is available to visitors with passports from the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and more than 40 other nations, as long as their stay is less than 30 days.
7. Do I need to have 10,000 baht in cash on hand at immigration?
Yes, in theory. The rule applies. However, it isn’t always put into practice. They have been a little stricter recently. A family should receive 20,000 baht or 10,000 baht per person. It does not need to be in baht. Any currency may be used as long as it has an equivalent value.
Visit Newsnowgh.com for the most up-to-date information on changes to visa criteria, prospective paths to obtaining legal residency, and others.