Bangkok is located in Central Thailand, downstream of the Chao Phraya River, and not far from Pattaya beach and other famous landmarks such as Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi. After Ayutthaya was pillaged by the Burmese, the Royal Thai moved to the south and decided to build the new capital in the lower section of Chao Praya.
Bangkok has a tropical monsoon climate, typically having two main seasons: the dry season from October to March and the rainy season from April to September. However, drought has frequently occurred in recent years, so you can visit Bangkok at any time of the year.
All major international airlines have flights to Thailand, which are much cheaper than other cities in Southeast Asia (about 560 dollars for a one-way flight). Your job is to choose your favorite airline. In Vietnam, I choose the flight of AirAsia with two flights a day and the fare is $40 for a one-way flight.
Public transportation in Bangkok is highly advanced: buses, subways, overhead trains. However, they are always crowded and noisy.
Taxi: The cost for each person is the same as the fare when going by elevated railway. There are a lot of taxis which are safe in Bangkok, and the drivers are courteous and able to understand English. You can went by taxi in 2 days and it cost no more than 50 dollars.
Tuk-tuk: This is Bangkok’s traditional means of transport, it is very cute and colorful. However, the cost for each ride is negotiated by tourists and the driver. So whether the price is high or low depends on your ability to make a bargain.
Motorbike taxi: It is also popular in Bangkok, especially during peak hours. It is the most expensive of the four vehicles.
Bangkok has so many destinations to visit that you may have visited Bangkok many times but have not explored all the corners of this interesting city. In a short trip, you should focus on discovering Bangkok in two aspects: traditional and modern.
Grand Palace
This is the most famous to visit in Bangkok. You can be considered as not visiting Bangkok if you do not go to this place. The palace was built in 1782 with Thai, Italian and French architecture.
The ticket fare is $13. When entering the Grand Palace you must wear trousers over your knees and over your shoulders. It’s also important to remember to put on shoes and hats when entering its pagodas.
Grand Palace has two main areas: the Royal Palace and Wat Prakeo National Citadel where stands the emerald Buddha statue. Temples in Thailand are mostly decorated with elaborate designs and have a large space. In particular, the stupas containing royal relics are magnificently gilded. Theravada Buddhism is the national religion of Thailand. Monks are highly respected and adolescent males are expected to attend a refresher course for one or two years.
Wat Arun Temple
It is the largest temple on the banks of the Chao Praya River and one of the symbols of the city of Bangkok. The yellowish glittering temple in many tourist brochures is Wat Arun. Wat Arun in Thai means Temple of Dawn, which welcomes the very first rays of sunlight which are reflected on the sacred river Chao Praya.
Unlike other temples, the largest stupa is paved with colorful pottery pieces instead of gold. To visit Wat Arun, you have to take a 3-baht ferry. Ferries will take you to a section of the river, then to the temple.
Khao San Road
Khao San Road, formerly known as the rice street, is now a bustling entertainment district for young people with a wide range of bars, pubs, food courts and massage services and saunas. Prices are low but the atmosphere is bustling. Khao San is a place that attracts backpackers when they visit the Thai capital. You can rent hotels near Khao San area like Ibis Style Khao San so that it is easy to go and have fun at night.
Shopping and entertainment areas
Pratunam: located on the eastern edge of the city. This is crowded with immigrants from India and Malaysia. However, security is guaranteed. Pratunam has a lot of cheap shopping areas, especially with fashion items made in Thailand. It costs only $2 for a T-shirt. Pratunam Market is the wholesale market, so the more you buy the easier you can bargain for the items.
Terminal 21: This is a shopping mall with many famous brands, from Zara, H & M to high-level brands like Gucci, Prada. The center also has many shops selling flavors, decorations, and various options for food.
Asiatique: an entertainment area on the banks of the Chao Praya River. You also have to take the ferry to this center. There is a 60-meter high circle where you can watch Bangkok from above.
Bangkok is one of the cities which possesses the most diverse cuisine in the world. Popular dishes such as Tom Yum, Som Tum, Pad Thai have become the tourism brand of this country. The best Thai food is found in food streets which you can find anywhere in Bangkok. You have to pay no more than $2 for a meal in Thailand.
When you are thirsty, you can try smoothies in the streets, with a wide variety of fruits such as orange, lemon, pomegranate, coconut,…
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3 star: Vic3 hotel, Furama Xclusive Sathorn.
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4 star: Novotel Sukhumvit, Century Park.
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You can exchange money in the street shops with all kinds of currency and the exchange rate is also very reasonable.
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Thai people are very friendly and lovely. Everyone will smile when they communicate with you.
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The weather in Bangkok is quite erratic, so remember to bring a raincoat or an umbrella to protect the camera.
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The bare essentials such as toothpaste, soap, SIM cards are all available at 7/11 convenience store.