Bangkok, Thailand is the perfect mix of past and present with the ancient temples and Buddhist monks as well as modern shopping malls and the red light district. The capital of Thailand attracts millions of visitors a year and the food, culture, and historical landmarks are just a few of the reasons to travel to the city. Here’s what you should know before visiting Bangkok.
Best Time to Visit
November to March are the best times to visit Bangkok as the heat and humidity are at their lowest. Regardless of the time of year, the tropical climate of Thailand can bring temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Bear in mind that monsoon season is from May until late September or early November.
How to Get Around
The best way to get around the city is by Skytrain or Metro. The city has buses, but it’s often for them to get stuck in traffic jams. Taxis are also an option and they’re cheap, but traffic jams are an issue as well.
Where to Stay
The Okura Prestige Bangkok
This 5-star hotel has three restaurants, a full-service spa, two lounges/bars, and an outdoor pool. There are 10 categories of Prestige accommodations to choose between.
The Siam
Another 5-star hotel option is The Siam which is smoke-free and has two restaurants, a marina, an outdoor pool, three acres of gardens, and a full-service spa. The hotel offers a free full breakfast as well as a free cruise terminal shuttle.
Amari Watergate Bangkok
Amari Watergate Bangkok is a 5-star hotel with a full-service spa and outdoor pool, and two restaurants. There are 564 rooms that have floor-to-ceiling windows for breathtaking views of the city.
What to Do
Wat Pho
The Temple of the Reclining Budha is known for its gold-plated “Reclining Buddha” sculpture. The Buddha is the largest reclining Buddha statue in Thailand at 151 feet long and 50 meters tall. The temple has 394 Buddhas, which is the most Buddhas in Thailand.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
This market is one of the biggest street markets in the world, sprawling more than 35 acres with over 15,000 shops and vendors. There’s everything from puppies and clothing to fruits and antiques. The market is spread into 27 sections, which can make it both overwhelming and exciting.
Grand Palace
This complex was once the residence of Thai kings, their royal courts, and branches of government. Within the palace, you’ll find ornate structures that have a mix of Thai and European-style architecture and the Wat Phra Kaew temple that’s home to a sacred emerald Buddha statue.
What to Eat
Som Tum
This papaya salad is one of the most special Thai dishes. It includes the moth watering ingredients of garlic, sugar, fish sauce, lime, tamarind juice, green papaya, carrots, chillies, peanuts, tomatoes, and sticky rice.
Pad Thai
We’re sure you’ve head Pad Thai before, but there’s nothing like Pad Thai from Thailand. You can find this dish at restaurants or markets and it’s made with rice noodles, chicken, beef, or tofu, peanuts, a scrambled egg, and bean sprouts.
Kaeng Mus Sa Mun
Massaman curry is one of the most popular curries in Thailand and it’s made with curry paste, potatoes, onions, and coconut milk, and chicken or beef and it’s served over rice.
