Bangkok

• History of Bangkok - Bangkok, in Thai known as Krung Thep, started as a small fishing village on the banks of the Chao Praya River. People were primarily engaged in farming, but Bangkok developed a waterway and transitioned throughout the 15th and 16th centuries. In 1782, the city was named Thailand's capital, and the Wat Phra Kaew, Thailand's most revered Buddhist temple, was built there. As a result, the city was modernized, and it became one of the major trading cities. Bangkok grew over time eventually earning the title of Thailand's economic capital. The city is rich in culture and religion, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations. Various temples and landmarks in Bangkok make it exciting and unique.
• Geography and climate - Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. It is also the country's largest and most populous city. It is located near the Gulf of Thailand, on the Chao Phraya River's delta. The River divides the city, and some of Bangkok's most iconic landmarks are located on its banks. The same as the whole of Thailand, Bangkok is under Indochina Time, which follows UTC+07:00. 
• Climate - The city has a tropical monsoon climate, which means it’s mostly hot in Bangkok. There are three seasons characteristic for this area: hot season from March to June, rainy season from July to October, and cool season between November and February. The average maximum temperature is around 30°C/86°F. Most of the tourists choose not to visit Bangkok during monsoons, between May and October.
• Demography - Bangkok is a very multicultural city. This metropolis, which has a population of 10.7 million people other than Thais, is home to primarily Japan, China, and other Asian countries. In addition, there are many Europeans, Australians, Africans, and Americans who live here. To put it another way, Bangkok is an actual multicultural city.
• Tradition and culture - What is this city unique for? - People who visit Bangkok are amazed at how this city manages to be the most developed while simultaneously maintaining its tradition and ancient culture. Bangkok's name means "land of the free" in Thai, which says a lot about the city's spirit. In Bangkok, you can see more than 400 ancient wats - temples, which are not to be missed.

• Official Language and other languages spoken - The official language in Bangkok is Thai, but a lot of people understand and speak English, especially in tourist areas.
• Currency - The official currency of Bangkok, the same as the whole Kingdom of Thailand, is The Thai Baht - ฿ (1 THB is composed of 100 satangs). 100 THB equals around €2.6 and about $3.03.
• Entering the city: Procedures and requirements - Check whether you require a visa or only a passport before traveling to Thailand. You will need to contact the Thai Embassy in your country for more information. Except that there’s no particular procedure for entering Bangkok.

• Dialing Code Prefix for the whole country is +66.
• Thai police - 191 or 123
• Ambulance and Rescue - 1554
• Fire - 199
• Crime - 1195
• Medical Emergency - 1669
• Bumrungrad Hospital - 02 667 1175
• Bangkok Hospital - 02 310 3001 
• Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital - 02 711 8191

• If you are a backpack type of tourist, your daily budget in Bangkok would be around 800–1.200 baht ($35–$50). But, if you want to stay in more luxury hotels, eat in expensive restaurants, and so on, 1.800–3.000 baht ($75–$125) should suffice for a day of your staying in Bangkok. 
• Leaving a tip in Bangkok is not mandatory. Don’t feel bad if you do not want to tip a waiter, but a 20 baht tip would be the maximum if you wish to do so. 
• Traveling out of season could save you a lot of money, since hotels and excursions are cheaper then, and fewer tourists visit Bangkok during that period.
• You should haggle when in Bangkok. It’s a common thing in Bangkok, and you can try haggling at any place, from street markets to taxi services. 
• Buy a Rabbit Travel Card. This card will allow you to use public transport for a lower price than when buying a single ticket every time. 

• Amazing Thailand - We could say this is a perfect all-in-one app if you are traveling to Bangkok for the first time. It will provide you with useful information on public transport timetables, directions, accommodation, and fun and new events and activities you can attend.
• Eatigo - This is an app for all the foodies that want to try outstanding Thai cuisine. Browse through this app to find the best restaurants and cafes, see prices and make reservations.
• IHG Translator -Use IHG Translator's voice-to-voice option if you encounter a Thai person you'd like to talk with but don't know the language. You can also use IGH Translator to translate a sentence or a word you heard on the street. On your journey to Bangkok, this translating app will come in handy.
• XE Currency Exchange is a free app that can convert currencies and calculate foreign exchange rates in real-time.
• Nostra Map - Traffic jams are a common problem in Bangkok. And if you don+t want to get stuck in traffic yourself, this app will be of great help. It will show you which route is the best to take, which public transport to hop on, or even where the wet spots are during April’s New Year’s celebration.
• Grab Car & Taxi - If you are in a rush and need a taxi, Grab Car & Taxi app will provide you with a driver in no time. You just have to mark your current location and final destination. The taxi will be at your address in no time. 

• Plane - Bangkok operates with two airports. The main, Suvarnabhumi Airport, serves many international as well as domestic flights. The other one, Don Muang, is also the older one. This airport is mainly used for low-cost airlines that primarily serve Asia's domestic and regional flights. 
• Train - Most passengers who prefer trains to buses and flights will see Hualamphong Station, located in Chinatown in downtown Bangkok and serves as the hub for Thailand's long-distance railway network. For information on timetables and tickets, you can visit the State Railway of Thailand official website. Don’t worry, you can switch the language of the website to English.  
• Bus - There are three main terminals in Bangkok for buses and minibusses that come to the city. The largest is Morchit, then Sai Tai Mai and Ekkamai. They can be used to reach Bangkok from any side of the kingdom. 
• Car - If you plan to travel by car, use Google Maps or any other app that will help you find the best route. Plan your trip ahead and try to avoid rush hours, because of the jams in the city.

Best tours

• Go Snoop - We found this fascinating tour you anyone who feels adventurous and wants to discover the city unusually. To solve a case, you'll be provided a map and clues that are linked to famous Bangkok locations. You'll also get a booklet with interesting facts about the city's attractions. To solve a mystery and learn a lot about Bangkok, you'd have to go through all of the clues. This is one of the less expensive tours, but it is still a fantastic and enjoyable one. 
• Tuk Tuk Ride -We already mentioned that this is one of Bangkok's must-see attractions. If you want to get to know the city from a closer perspective, this is the chance. Three-wheeled tuk tuk’s will take you on a ride that can last for more than 4 hours. During that time you will go through the most important landmarks of the city. Lean back and let your tuk tuk driver take you on a pleasant sightseeing ride.
• Bangkok city, temples and The Grand Palace - This tour will take you to see Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaew and The Grand Palace. Spend around 4 hours exploring some of the most noted symbols of Bangkok. For this adventure, you would get a guided tour and transportation to all the sites. 
• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market - Floating Market is a well-known attraction we are sure you won’t miss if you go to Bangkok. Instead of just wandering through the market, take a chance to get a guided tour. You will get dozens of useful and interesting information. You will learn about goods people are selling and ways of barging with vendors. 

Best Shopping

• Chatuchak Weekend Market - You will recognize it easily by its colorful stands. This is the biggest market you can find in Bangkok. On more than 14 hectares, you have a chance to visit more than 8.000 stalls. And in there you can find anything. Clothes, ceramics, accessories, books, pets, food, art, just name it. 
• Night Markets - Beside Chatuchak Weekend Market, there are numerous others. And they are all open during the night. You can choose between Chang Chui Bangkok Plane Night Market, Khaosan Road, Patpong Night Market, and many others. Find the one that suits you the most and let the fun begin. Just beware of the pickpocketers. Keep your money safe at any time. 
• Floating Markets - Take a longtail boat ride and explore everything this kind of market has to offer. You can buy many goods and different types of food. Many of them may be new and exotic to you. Some of the markets we recommend you are, of course, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, and then Amphawa Floating Market, Taling Chan Floating Market or Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market.
• Siam Square - If you search for a more luxurious but still local shopping experience, go to Siam Square. This place is full of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Visit a mall full of great stores that send branded clothes, or find a lovely jewelry and accessories store. After that, take a break and a lunch in one of the numerous restaurants. You can spend there a whole day if you feel like it. 

Events and festivals

• Songkran Festival - This is, for sure, the most famous festival in Bangkok. It takes place from 13th till 15th of April. During this period, people splash water on each other on city streets. You can use any type of bucket, water gun, anything you find to splash water with. There are many public taps you can take water from. Put on light clothes and enjoy water games during these hot April days in Bangkok.
• Christmas and New Year - It is customary to celebrate Christmas and New Year all over the world. Bangkok does it as well. The city is all covered in lights and Christmas decorations, people go shopping, and everyone is in a celebration mood. At Central World square, there is a traditional countdown held and many concerts and activities that will make New Year even more exciting.
• Chinese New Year - Yes, you will get a chance to celebrate New Year twice. Enjoy dragon parade and other shows and performances in Chinatown during the period of the Chinese New Year. 
• Loy Krathong - This is one of the most beautiful festivals in Bangkok. It is held on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. This event is dedicated to the goddess of water who made harvest season fruitful. Boats, usually made out of banana peels, take candles down the rivers, making them flickering and shiny. This is a beautiful event that should not be missed.
• Lantern Festival - held on the same day as Loy Krathong, this is also a shiny event. Thousands of people assemble along the Peng River's banks to release lit paper lanterns into the sky. This tradition is believed to bring good luck to your life. If your lantern doesn’t fly or crashes for some reason, it’s a sign of a bad next year for you. However, you should attend this festival.

• Wat Pho - Temples, temples, temples. You will find them anywhere. And you can choose which one to visit, and which one to save for another trip to Bali. Whatever you decide, you just mustn’t miss temple Pho. This on of the top attractions in Bangkok. This is the home to a 47-meters long and 15-meter high statue of Reclining Buddha. Apart from enjoying the decorations and the look of the temple, you can get a traditional Thai massage. 
• Chatuchak Weekend Market - We already mentioned this one, but it’s worth it. You can find plenty of things for yourself, clothes, food, souvenirs, and presents for your loved ones at this market. This one is a must-see, but if you decide, you can explore other markets as well. 
• The Grand Palace - just near the Wat Pho, you can visit this monument structure. This palace hides many temples you can visit once entered. The ticket is a bit expensive, regarding Bangkok standards. You should pay around 500 baht to see what once used to be the royal residence. When entering this attraction and all the temples, keep in mind to dress modestly, without bare shoulders and short skirts/pants.
• Wat Traimit - This is the temple of the Golden Buddha. A 5.5-tonne statue on a place dating from the 13th century. Here you can also buy souvenirs and visit two schools that work within this temple. The ticket price is 100 Baht.
• Jim Thompson House Museum - This place preserves a story about an American trader who disappeared during his travel to Malaysia. Museum gives an insight into his life and work, as well as the prosperous Thai silk industry. The regular ticket price is 200 baht.
• Khao San Road - This is a well-known backpacker district and a meeting point for all adventurous travelers. Here you can find many stores and stalls that sell traditional Thai food, clothes, and souvenirs. It’s a vivid place, full of cafes and restaurants where you can take a break after shopping in this district. 
• Bangkok National Museum - Until the 1970s, this was Thailand’s only museum. Knowing that you can imagine how many relics and antiques are kept in here. You can follow exhibitions in English, so don’t be afraid that you may miss getting to know this amazing place. Entering fee for non-Thais is 200 Baht.
• Wat Suthat - Within this temple stands the famous 21-meter tall red swing you can see on many postcards from Bangkok. Men would fling themselves from the top of the swing in the hopes of reaching a bag of gold dangling from the top during an old Brahman festival. This temple also has 28 Chinese pagodas, which represent the 28 Buddhas that were born on Earth.
• Wat Arun - Also known as the Temple of Dawn, this temple shows its particular beauty, especially during dawn and night. Its five towers covered with porcelain and ceramic tiles are visible from the river. It’s no wonder this is considered one of the most beautiful temples of Bangkok. The entering fee to this temple is 100 baht.

• Hotels - Many hotels in Bangkok offer excellent and luxury services. There you can get a traditional Thai massage or enjoy a big pool or jacuzzi. For the most elegant and delicate staying in Bangkok, we recommend 5-star hotels such as Capella Bangkok, Mandarin Oriental or Four Seasons Hotel. Prices per night vary from 15.000 baht to 35.000 baht in peak season.
• Rooms and Apartments - Find a room or an apartment that meets your needs using applications like Airbnb, Booking, or others. Of course, costs vary depending on the season, but you can generally find lodging for around 1.000 baht per night. This is a cheap option if you consider the fact you get a private room or an apartment, usually more than well equipped.
• Hostels and budget accommodation - And now, this is a real low-priced option if you are searching for a place to spend the night at. Around 500 baht would be sufficient to find a decent place in a good part of the city. Try using Booking also for this, it will help you a lot, and save you additional money. 

Where to eat

Where to go out

• Skytrain - Also known as BTS, it is a great way to get around the city. This train has two lines that connect two parts of the city over the River. BTS is also connected to the metro at some points, but if you switch to it, you will have to purchase a new ticket. You can reach Suvarnabhumi Airport using BTS. Here you can see the map of the Skytrain lines. The ticket price goes up from 16 Thai baht.
• Metro  - Bangkok metro also has who lines. The Blue and Purple line. The Blue line is a better option for exploring the city since it passes a lot of landmarks in Bangkok, such as Chinatown, Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Pho. There are no tickets for single rides, however black chips can be purchased at vending machines that accept banknotes and coins. Counters are mostly used for gathering information, but they can also be used to sell chips. The cost will be determined by the route you take. You should put money in the machine to get the chip. Here you can see the map of the metro lines. The regular ticket price starts at 16 baht, up to 42 baht, depending on the line and duration of the route. 
• Chao Phraya Express - Since a river divides the city in two, you can use a boat to get around the city. This is also a great way to explore Bangkok and see it from a different angle. Tickets can be purchased directly on board, and the ticket price is from 15 to 35 baht, depending on the duration of your trip. Here is the map of the Chao Phraya Express Boats. The ticket price is 50 Baht for a single trip.
• Bus - This may not always be the best solution for transportation, you guessed, because of the traffic jams. Anyway, this is a cheap option. Buses are not well organized and you will need time to get used to it. Tickets can be purchased once onboard. Make sure to have a translation app that will help you, since most drivers do not speak English. The regular ticket price is around 8 baht.
• Tuk Tuk - This is a real treat for every tourist that comes to Bangkok. You will easily recognize this loud, three-wheeled vehicle that you have to take when in the city. They are good if you need to pass by other vehicles since they are smaller. And before taking the ride, remember to negotiate the fare. Also, remember that you are allowed to huggle. Taking a tuk tuk will cost you around 150 baht per ride.
• Taxi - A taxi is a cheaper option than a tuk tuk, and also more comfortable. But keep in mind that taxis can be stuck in traffic. If they are available, you will notice the word wang in the red light. Taxies should start their meter when you take them, but if not, insist. They will charge you more if they don’t have their meter on. For a taxi ride, the basic fee is 35 baht, and the kilometer price is 5 baht.