A Beginner’s Guide to Traveling to Bangkok

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Bangkok is the capital and largest city in the Kingdom of Thailand, with over 10 million inhabitants. With about 21.5 million tourists in 2016, Bangkok is also one of the top 3 most visited cities in the world, ahead of some of the major world capitals such as Paris and London. 

Bangkok is a busy city, with many events that last all night long. At the same time, this is a Buddhist center where many people seek peace by visiting one of the many temples. Bangkok is home to more than 400 magnificent temples. They are the most recognizable symbol of the city. In addition, the city is known for its floating markets, which you should not miss. Seeing the main sights that depict the character of the city, allows you to get to know Bangkok and its people in a more pleasant way.

The city offers many activities, and you can be sure that you will find everything you need for a fun and exciting trip.

Every traveler can take part in various activities in Bangkok. This place has something for everyone, whether you want to go shopping or attend one of the world’s liveliest festivals.

1. Know Your Travel Options

You should visit Bangkok from November to March when the heat and humidity are at their lowest. But if you want to take advantage of some fantastic offers for accommodation and excursions, going to Bangkok from May to October is the perfect option. Although it is the monsoon period in Thailand, and there are not many tourists at that time, there are still many things to do and see. One of the places you must visit in Koh Samui. 

Koh Samui is an island of hospitable Thais, with beautiful beaches for relaxation, delicious Asian fruit, and a wide range of attractions, and it is perfect for a peaceful vacation.

You can get to Koh Samui in just an hour by plane according to this Bangkok travel guide. The main thing is to take into account that planes fly from Bangkok to Koh Samui only during the day, from 6 am to 9 pm local time. If you want to get to the island as quickly as possible, you need to plan your flight carefully, so that you do not arrive in Bangkok at night. 

2. Know the Laws

If you plan to travel to Thailand, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the country’s laws and customs. For example, it’s illegal to leave the house without wearing underwear in Thailand. This may seem like a minor infraction, but you could be fined if you’re caught violating this law. Also, be aware that public displays of affection are frowned upon in Thailand. 

So, if you plan on kissing or hugging your partner in public, you could end up getting in trouble with the law. Finally, keep in mind that it’s illegal to smoke in many public places in Thailand. If you’re caught smoking in a non-designated smoking area, you could be fined. So, before you travel to Thailand, make sure you know the laws and customs of the country. That way, you can avoid any unwanted legal problems during your trip.

3. Popular Sights to Visit

Wat Pho 

Temples, temples, temples. You will find them everywhere. And you can choose which one to visit and which one to save for another trip to Bangkok. Whatever you decide, you simply must not miss the Pho Temple. This is one of the best attractions in Bangkok. It is home to a 47-meter-long and 15-meter-high statue of the Reclining Buddha. In addition to enjoying the decoration and appearance of the temple, you can also get a traditional Thai massage.

Grand Palace 

Located near Wat Pho, you should visit this monumental structure. This palace hides many temples that you can visit when you enter. The ticket is a bit expensive, given Bangkok’s standards. You should pay about 500 baht to see the royal residence. When entering this attraction and all the temples, keep in mind to dress modestly and cover your arms and legs.

Jim Thompson House Museum 

This location preserves the story of an American merchant who went missing during a trip to Malaysia. The museum provides insight into his life and work, as well as the prosperous Thai silk industry. The regular ticket price is 200 baht.

4. Understand the Culture

Thai culture has evolved greatly over time, absorbing influences from all over Asia. 

Buddhism and Westernization also play a significant role in shaping modern culture. Thai national culture is identified differently across the regions of Thailand, where it has also integrated different regional cultures. 

5. Accommodation

Although Bangkok is considered an expensive city, it is still cheaper than many European capitals. You can find decent accommodation at a reasonable price. 

Hotels 

Many hotels in Bangkok offer excellent and luxurious services, including massages and extravagant pools. There are many options to choose from, but for the best travel experience, make sure to choose only 5-star hotels. 

Rooms and suites 

Use apps like Airbnb to find a room or apartment that suits your needs. The prices are a bit lower compared to hotels. 

Hostels and cheap accommodation 

Hostels are the cheapest option in Bangkok if you are looking for a place to spend the night. About 500 baht would be enough to find a decent place in a good part of the city. Try using Booking.com for this option too, it will help you a lot and save you some extra money.