Bangkok is a place for an open mind with the fewest expectations, as the city has a lot to offer. It might be overwhelming at first, but when you learn about the culture and get along with the locals, you will surely want to stay long in the Land of Smiles.
Geography of Bangkok
Bangkok is about 1,500 km² (600 square miles) at 14 degrees North latitude. The Chao Phraya River divides Bangkok in half down the center, separating the east side and west side of the province. Several bridges connect these two areas, including the Rama IX Bridge, Rama II Bridge, King Thaksin the Great Bridge, Phra Pokklao Bridge, Phra Phutthayotfa Bridge, Somdet Phra Pinklao Bridge, Rama VIII, Krung Thon Bridge, and Rama VII Bridge.
Bangkok has approximately the same latitude as Manila, Madras, Khartoum, and Guatemala. The longest north-south distance is about 1900 kilometers, but the unusual shape of Thailand makes distances of 1000 kilometers or less between any two destinations. Since the whole country spans 16 latitudinal degrees, the climate varies relatively widely, giving Thailand the most diverse climate in Southern Asia.
Bangkok's climate
Being the most popular destination for tourists, especially for backpackers, Thailand has an estimated 41 million travelers. The gleaming taxis, modern hotels, cheap foods, and smiling faces of Thais keep these tourists coming back. The place is a year-round destination, so here is a heads-up for you to choose when it is likely perfect to visit Thailand:
January to February
It's the city's best weather yet. The streets are filled with tourists, and the weather is pleasant. Nights are colder, and the temperature is around 21 to 32 degrees Celsius. You may enjoy the cool evening breeze, cold beer, and city night lights.
March to May
The scorching heat of the sun rises to over 40 degrees Celsius during this season. However, there are many tourists visiting as the whole country celebrates the Buddhist New Year, popularly known as the Songkran Festival. The water festival is the trip highlight during this season. During these certain months, make sure to be hydrated, as it is also a season for fatigue and heatstroke.
Aside from the festival, it is also Bangkok's sale season. You may enjoy all the discounts and midnight sales.
June to October
Tourism slows down during these months as monsoon rains occur. However, this doesn't change the chaotic traffic on streets due to the rainfall. Moreover, many airfares, hotels, and attractions have discounts during these months.
It is also the best time to shop in the most popular shopping centers, such as Pratunam and MBK.
November to December
This season is the highest peak for tourists as the weather is much cooler. Hotel rates began to rise, and tourists started to flock, as this is considered the best time to visit Bangkok. Streets become alive, especially with the nightlife, bars, and clubs.
Social life in Bangkok
Thais are slightly conservative in most aspects of their lives due to their Buddhist faith, which preaches humility and modesty. They know the world around them and the differences in opinions and behaviors. They are quite understanding of different cultures, so unusual behaviors are generally accepted.
Common misconceptions in Thailand
All Thai food is spicy
There are lots of food choices in Bangkok, and the world doesn't revolve around spicy food. Bangkok also has sweet, sour, and a quintessential mix of tastes, which makes it popular when it comes to gastronomic galore.
Chopsticks are used all the time
Thais do not depend solely on chopsticks. In fact, they use a spoon and fork as their most popular cutlery. They use chopsticks only with noodles.
People are poor
This is a very funny misconception as Thais who are in the middle class in Bangkok are well dressed and drive cars. It is a developing country, and poverty is present, but not all of the people are poor.
Everything is cheap
People have the impression that Bangkok is cheap. Street foods and bazaars are cheap, but the restaurants in the malls triple the price. There are also some premium areas, which will make you think twice about spending.
Cost of living
One of the main reasons why people move to Thailand is because it is 'cheap'. Housing is very affordable, and food is very inexpensive. On average, you can live luxuriously in Bangkok with THB 50,000 per month if you are single. For couples, around THB 80,000 per month will be used. These already include rent, food, internet access, leisure, and shopping. If you plan to live on basic necessities, THB 30,000 per month will pay for it.
Arrival in Bangkok
Your arrival at the airport can be intimidating due to the number of tourists and travelers roaming around. Here are some of the tips once you get off the plane:
Once you have arrived at the Suvarnabhumi Airport, follow the signs going to Immigration. Take note that Suvarnabhumi is a large airport; expecting that it would be a long walk, but thankfully, they have moving walkways to ease the effort.
After you have reached Immigration, they will stamp your arrival date and let you proceed with the Baggage Claim followed by the Customs. Expect a long queue if you're arriving in Bangkok during the peak seasons (March to May; November to January).
As soon as you pass through Customs, you are cleared and ready to explore and discover Bangkok's beauty.
Good to know:
The airport offers free Wi-Fi, so you can log in. Add the details needed, as you must register before having access. You may also buy SIM cards, as they are all available in the arrival area.
There are many taxis outside the terminal, and if you are planning to explore the city, you may take the ARL (Airport Rail Link) train to the lower ground floor.
There are several stalls for money exchange. It would be better not to change everything to Baht, as the rate in airports is very low. You can change the money in SuperRich, the best branch being at BTS Asok station along the Sukhumvit line.
Best hostels/hotels in Bangkok
Here are the best spots to stay to avoid the hassle or traffic if you're planning to explore and discover Bangkok:
Siam area
The commercial atmosphere and accessible range of shops will save you from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok's traffic. There are lots of street foods and malls to visit in this area, greatly recommended for families to stay in.
Sukhumvit area
If you want to stay near the nightlife, book your hotels and hostels near the Sukhumvit area. This area has popular nightlife zones such as Soi Nana, Soi Cowboy, and Patpong.
Chinatown area or Yaowarat
It is one of the favorite areas of foodies. If you want to go over the delicious and exotic street foods of Bangkok, then this is the place to be.
Dos and don'ts for a first-timer in Bangkok
Dos
- Do take off shoes when visiting the temples;
- Do haggle;
- Do respect the Royal Family;
- Do wear long pants or skirts and shirts that don't reveal too much skin when visiting a temple;
- Do stop what you're doing and stand up (if sitting down) when the national anthem is being played.
Don'ts
- Do not touch or sit next to a monk;
- Do not touch or pat anyone's head, and do not raise or put your feet up;
- Do not raise your voice or pick a fight with the locals;
- Do not take a taxi if they refuse to have the meter on;
- Do not disrespect the Buddha statues.
Food in Bangkok
Thai food can be described as flavorful, exotic, traditional, and mouthwatering. It is amazing and spicy if you have not informed the vendor not to put too much chili. There is a variety of delicious foods, and the price is very low. Bring your empty stomach to the streets and enjoy the fruits, noodles, curries, and ready-to-eat dishes.
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