Getting started: About Bangkok
Bangkok is a big city with much to see. Since we only have three days, we’ll list some of the highlights of places to visit in Bangkok.
- Thailand is sometimes called the ‘Land of Smiles’.
- Bangkok’s population is around 11 million as of 2023.
- Bangkok has 50 districts within 12 ‘clusters’ and is bisected by the Chao Phraya River.
- Bangkok addresses will include the cluster or district, the main road and the ‘soi’, a smaller road or cross street branching off a major road.
- Bangkok has a robust public transportation system.
- Turkish Airlines offers multiple direct flights from İstanbul to Bangkok every day of the week. You can visit the Bangkok flight ticket page for more information.
When to visit Bangkok
Bangkok has a tropical climate, so it is never ‘cold’. There are three main seasons: The rainy (monsoon) season, which runs from July to October, and the relatively cooler winter season from November to February. The summer season usually begins in March and concludes in June. April is generally the hottest and most humid time of the year. That being said, the Thai new year – Songkran –takes place in mid-April; if you can handle the heat, it’s a great time to be in the city!
Things to see and do in Bangkok
The Grand Palace
Bangkok’s Grand Palace complex includes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Royal Residence, the former home of the Thai Royal Family. Royal ceremonies are still held on the grounds of the Grand Palace. The complex now houses many state offices. It takes around 90 minutes to tour the entire complex, which also features gardens and shrines. Visitors are requested to wear black or white to show condolences to the late King Rama IX.
Historic City of Ayutthaya
Established in 1350, Ayutthaya served as the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom until its destruction in 1767 by Burmese armies. The city was built on an island surrounded by three rivers that connected the city to the Gulf of Siam, thus Ayutthaya was a thriving commercial, cultural and diplomatic center. Now an archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Historic City of Ayutthaya is about 75 km from Bangkok.
Bangkok Chinatown
With labyrinthine streets and row upon row of food, textile, gold, jewelry and other shops, the Chinatown district is densely packed and enormously interesting whether you’re visiting during the day or in the evening. Food tours of the neighborhood are available and well worth joining.
Chatuchak Market
One of the most popular places to visit in Bangkok is Chatuchak Market. Open only on Saturdays and Sundays, Chatuchak Market is considered one of the world’s largest open-air markets. Divided into 27 sections and with more than 15,000 stalls, Chatuchak Market offers a dizzying array of products ranging from clothing to electronics and from household goods to plants and pets. You’ll also find numerous food, snack and drink stalls. The Market is less crowded in the mornings – and you can always take a break in the adjacent Chatuchak Park.
Sukhumvit
Sukhumvit Road is one of Bangkok’s main arteries, extending even beyond the city. The stretch between the Nana and Ekkamai neighborhoods is home to countless hotels, shopping malls, nightclubs and restaurants.
Dining in Bangkok
Thai cuisine is rich and diverse, featuring dishes and ingredients specific to region, season and class. Some of the country’s most well-known dishes include the following:
- Pad Thai (Thai-style noodles): Although a relatively modern creation, pad thai has become an iconic street dish around the country. It consists of chewy rice noodles stir fried with eggs and tofu, and flavored with tamarind juice, fish sauce, dried shrimp, garlic and shallots. Usually served with lime wedges and crushed roasted peanuts, the dish can also contain chicken or shrimp.
- Som tam (green papaya salad): A sweet and very spicy salad made with julienned green papaya, tomatoes, chili peppers and lime juice.
- Tom yum goong (a type of hot and sour soup): A flavorful soup with a clear or coconut milk-based broth featuring lemongrass, ginger and lime leaves, as well as mushrooms and a protein such as shrimp or chicken.
- Mango sticky rice: This delicious dessert consists of a sliced ripe mango served alongside glutinous, slightly sweet, coconut milk-infused rice.
Transportation in Bangkok
Bangkok airport transportation
The city center is around 25 km from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). A metro operates between the airport and Makkasan station, close to the city center, with stops in between. The ride from the airport to Makkasan takes around 25 minutes. Taxis are also available.
Urban transportation in Bangkok
Bangkok has an extensive public transport system consisting of buses, the subway and the Skytrain. In addition, there are metered taxis and, for shorter distances, motorcycle taxis or tuk-tuks (auto rickshaws), which are three-wheeled vehicles with an open-framed passenger compartment.
Important phone numbers and information
Official language: Thai
Currency: Thai Baht
Socket type: C, A
Area Code: +66
Emergency Assistance: 112
