Bangkok is a bustling metropolis where ancient temples are juxtaposed with ultra-modern neighborhoods and high-rises. And next to giant shopping centers lurk narrow alleys with traditional markets. We tell you everything important and useful about the contrasting capital of Thailand.
History of Bangkok
The city was founded in 1782 by Rama I, the first monarch of the Chakri dynasty, after the previous capital Ayutthaya was destroyed by Burmese troops. The current look of the city took shape under Kings Rama IV and Rama V Chulalongkorn in the late 19th century, when sidewalks and neighborhoods were built in the spirit of European architecture.
In the 20th century, the city continued to grow and became a metropolis with skyscrapers and landscaped neighborhoods. Today it is one of the largest and fastest growing cities in Southeast Asia: 11.2 million people live in Bangkok and its environs – 15% of the total population of the kingdom.
By the way, Bangkok is called the capital of Thailand mainly by foreigners. Locals prefer Krung Thep. In this case, the official name of the capital consists of 168 letters and 20 words, it begins with the definition of “city of angels”. But, of course, no one uses this name in everyday speech.
Climate in Bangkok: best time to travel
Bangkok is located in a tropical climate zone. This means that there are high temperatures and humidity all year round. However, there are three main seasons in Thailand.
Hot (February to May). During this period, the temperature stays between +30 and +40°C and the heat is even more intense due to the high humidity. If you decide to come to Bangkok in this season, plan your walks in the mornings and evenings, when the sun is not so scorching. During the day, it is better to visit air-conditioned shopping centers or museums.
Rainy (May to November). During this period, the thermometer ranges from +25 to +35°C. Be prepared for sudden and intense downpours. Plan your itinerary so that you can wait out the weather under a roof. On the plus side, the city is less crowded during the rainy season and hotel prices are lower.
Cool (November to mid-February). Relatively comfortable temperatures of +20 to +30°C are established. This is an ideal time for city walks, boat trips on the river canals and visits to ancient temples. However, it is worth bearing in mind that accommodation prices are high and local monasteries and palaces have many visitors.
How Bangkok works and where to stay
The Chao Phraya River divides Bangkok into two parts. In the east, the main historical sites, business districts, large shopping malls and famous restaurants are concentrated, so it is better to choose accommodation here.
The Rattanakosin area is home to the Royal Palace and many ancient temples, all within walking distance. However, there are not many hotels here and they are more expensive than in other parts of the city.
Sukhumvit is a district with modern construction in the center of Bangkok, which will suit those who love shopping and nightlife. Plus – excellent transportation accessibility: there are several metro stations here, so it is convenient to get to other parts of the metropolis.
Those who prefer a quiet atmosphere but still want to stay in the center of the city should consider the Silom districtbusiness . It has restaurants, bars, massage parlors, stores and large shopping malls. You can find affordable hotels with good value for money.
The center of attraction for budget travelers and partygoers is the pedestrian street of Kaosan in the Banglampu district. Most of the accommodation options here are modest rooms in buildings above the bars. You should only stay here if you want to party every night, as the noise makes it hard to sleep.
How to get around Bangkok
Bangkok is huge, chaotic and incredibly diverse, so there are ways to get around.
Tuk-tuks, three-wheeled bikes with a sidecar, are a popular mode of transportation and a trademark of the city. On the one hand, they don’t look safe, but on the other hand, they’re a convenient way to avoid traffic jams and a fun ride that makes you feel like an action movie hero. Be prepared to haggle before the ride: the driver can easily inflate the price, especially if he sees a foreigner.
There are also motorcycle cabs in Bangkok, which are bikes for two people. They are suitable for those who dare to speed through the narrow streets. A helmet is provided, but otherwise it’s a matter of trusting the skill of the driver.
You can get around the city in a classic cab. In Bangkok they are brightly colored: pink, orange, blue and yellow. You can catch any car, there is no difference in price. The trip will be cheaper if you ask the driver to turn on the meter when boarding.
City buses in Bangkok are the most budget-friendly way to get around. However, for travelers it is often a quest, as it is not always possible to understand the confusing system of routes. In addition, the capital of Thailand is known for its traffic jams, which can drag on for hours, and being in a hot cabin all this time is not a pleasant prospect.
For those who don’t like chaos, Bangkok has a subway (designated MRT) and a surface train system (BTS or SkyTrain). It’s clean, fast, and trains arrive without delay. The network has hundreds of stations and extends throughout the city.
Water public transportation is also available in Bangkok. The boats usually take you from one side of the Chao Phraya River to the other. Such a trip in the evening is a special pleasure: coolness, fresh breeze and a magnificent view of temples and modern high-rises.
Interesting things to do in Bangkok
Bangkok is home to hundreds of Buddhist temples. They are adjacent to museums, business centers and cozy parks. Let’s tell you about a few points that should be on the itinerary of any traveler.
Grand Palace
On the territory of the royal palace there are 100 buildings: throne halls, temples, stupas (buildings where relics are kept, such as prayer scrolls or ashes of monks), museums, libraries. The complex occupies an impressive area of 218 thousand m². Half of the territory is open to the public, the other half contains administrative buildings.
One of the most remarkable buildings is the Grand Chakri Palace, built in 1882, which combines elements of Thai and European architecture: the lower part of the building is in neoclassical style, and the roof is decorated with three oriental pagoda towers. This is where the kings of Thailand lived until 1945. But after the death of Rama VIII, his successor decided to move the royal residence to another part of Bangkok.
Today, representatives of the ruling dynasty come here only during official ceremonies. A part of the first floor with a weapons museum is open to visitors.
Another famous building of the palace is the Temple of Emerald Buddha. It houses the main relic of the state – a figure of Buddha (which, contrary to its name, is made of jasper). It is quite small – 66 centimeters in height, but its importance for the Thais is incommensurably great: it is believed that the statue brings prosperity and well-being to the country. Three times a year, the king personally dresses the sculpture according to the season: in winter – in a long tunic, in spring and summer – in light suits decorated with diamonds.
Wat Pho (Temple of the Lying Buddha)
Address: 2 Sanamchai Road
The Wat Pho complex includes 30 buildings. In one of the temples there is a world-famous huge gilded sculpture of Buddha 46 meters long and 15 meters high. The deity is depicted in a reclining pose. The statue is believed to symbolize the Buddha’s attainment of enlightenment and the beginning of his entry into Nirvana.
There are many other interesting objects in the monastery complex. The walls of the temples are decorated with 400 colorful frescoes with images of Buddha and scenes from the holy book “Tripitaka”. And also on the territory of Wat Pho you can see four stupas, in which the ashes of the most revered Thai kings are kept.
The monastery is also home to the country’s oldest massage school, where you can even get a session. But you should come early, as during the day there is a long queue of people wishing to relax.
Wat Pho complex – Huge sculpture of Buddha – Stupas with ashes of Thai kings – Photo: Shutterstock
Wat Arun (Morning Dawn Temple)
Address: 158 Thanon Wang Doem (landmark)
One of the most impressive religious buildings in Bangkok. It is a Buddhist temple, but its architecture is influenced by Hindu traditions. Even the name comes from Aruna, the charioteer of the sun god Surya from Vedic mythology.
The dominant feature of the temple is the central prang tower, 79 meters high. It is surrounded by four stupas at the corners. The structures are decorated with millions of pieces of porcelain and colored ceramic tiles, which are folded into complex ornaments.
To get to the top of the prang, you have to climb narrow and steep stairs. The climb may seem daunting, but it is rewarded with a magnificent panorama of the Chao Phraya River, the Royal Palace and the historic part of the city.
Paradoxically, although Wat Arun is the Temple of Dawn, its beauty is truly revealed in the hours of sunset, when the ceramic cladding is painted with warm sunlight and shimmers with thousands of colors, and the river begins to reflect the bright orange and golden hues of the sky.
Mahanakkhon Skyscraper
Address: 114 Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Road
One of the most impressive skyscrapers in Bangkok with a height of 314 meters. It is known also for its unusual architecture: it seems that part of the glass blocks, with which it was clad, is missing. Because of this, the building is popularly called “Pixel” and “Tetris”.
The 78 floors house hotel rooms, apartments, spas, bars and restaurants. However, the Mahanakhon is known primarily for its observation decks. The first observation deck is located on the 74th floor and is equipped with panoramic windows, through which you can admire the city without going out into the open space. On the 78th floor there is an attraction for people with iron nerves: a glass floor on which you feel yourself literally floating above the city. The view from here is stunning – the entire metropolis is in the palm of your hand.
Lumpini Park
A green oasis in the center of business Bangkok. It is surrounded on all sides by skyscrapers, so many travelers are reminded of Central Park in New York.
During the hot season, the shade of the trees provides a place to escape the scorching sun, making the park perfect for picnics, walks and sports. The park is especially crowded on Saturdays and Sundays, when the Lumpini hosts symphony orchestras.
Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha)
Address: 661 Charoen Krung Road
This temple may outwardly appear modest compared to other monasteries in the center of Bangkok. However, its main relic, the Sitting Buddha, stands in stark contrast to the minimalist architecture. It is the world’s largest Buddha statue, made entirely of solid gold, nearly four meters high and weighing 5.5 tons.
The exact date of casting of the statue is unknown, historians assume that it was created in the XII or XIII century. The relic was originally kept in the ancient capital of Siam, Ayutthaya. But when the Burmese invasion threatened in the 1400s, the figure was hidden under several layers of plaster. The enemies sacked Ayutthaya, but the statue remained intact thanks to the protective coating. After the founding of the new capital, the figure, along with many other sculptures, was moved to Bangkok.
For a long time, no one realized the true value of the statue. That all changed in 1954, when workers accidentally damaged the top layer. The impact cracked the plaster, revealing gleaming metal underneath. The protective layer was removed, and the Golden Buddha statue has been attracting pilgrims from all over the world ever since. It is believed that if you make a wish near it, it will definitely come true.
Erawan Museum
Address: 99/9 Moo 1 Samut Prakarn
This museum on the outskirts of Bangkok is dedicated to Erawan (Airawat), a three-headed elephant from ancient Indian mythology, ridden by the thunder god Indra. A gigantic copper statue of the elephant is installed on the roof, which is as high as a nine-storey building (29 meters). The monument looks beautiful from afar, and up close it makes a stunning impression.
The museum consists of three levels. The first floor symbolizes the underworld: antique furniture and Chinese ceramics from the Ming and Qing dynasties are displayed in the hall, and all this wealth is guarded by the figure of Yama, the god of death. The second level represents the world of people, and this part of the museum impresses with artistic details: a staircase in the form of a wriggling dragon and multicolored stained glass ceiling attract attention. The third hall of the museum is located inside the figure of an elephant and symbolizes the heavenly realm where the gods live. A small room displays sculptures of Buddha, the oldest dating back to the 14th century.
Where and what to eat in Bangkok
Bangkok is often called the new gastronomic capital of the world: here Michelin restaurants neighbor with street snack bars and food markets, but you can eat delicious food both.
Street food
Street food in Bangkok is primarily associated with makashnis (mobile cart kitchens), where woks boil, shrimp fry, and the air next to them is filled with the aromas of spices. When you get hungry, pay attention to the queues: if there are a lot of locals around, chances are the food is tasty and safe.
Chinatown is one of the main areas to explore Bangkok’s cuisine. From the world-famous pad thai to spicy seafood soups, this is the place to go for all the most popular Thai and Chinese dishes. Other neighborhoods famous for their mobile cafes include Sukhumvit, Banglamphu, Sathorn, Sanam Luang and Chatuchak.
The choice of street food in Bangkok is not limited to Thai food. The Phahurat neighborhood, known as “little India,” is home to many Indian curry restaurants. Soi Arab Street is famous for its Middle Eastern cafes serving falafel, kebabs and hummus.
Haute cuisine
Bangkok has many cafes and restaurants geared towards foreigners. They offer a more relaxed environment for those who are not ready to eat out. The food in cafes is usually not as spicy.
The Silom district, the city’s business center, is famous for its selection of upscale Thai restaurants. And Sukhumvit is home to a range of international cuisines, from French and Japanese to Indian and Lebanese. Stylish bars can also be found in the area.
What to try
Thai cuisine is known for combinations of ingredients that at first glance may seem incompatible. For example, papaya slices are mixed with meat, and garlic is combined with sugar. And all of this is generously seasoned with hot chili peppers.
Let’s talk about popular Thai dishes that you can try both in restaurants and on the street:
- Tom yum is a famous sour spicy soup with chili paste, coconut milk, vegetables and seafood
- Tom kha is a milder version of the soup with coconut milk and chicken
- Curry (yellow, red or green) is a spicy soup flavored with curry and other spices, usually with shrimp, fish, chicken and vegetables, served with rice
- Pad Thai is a classic rice noodle dish with peanuts, wheat germ and a sweet and sour sauce made from candied pressed beans
- Som tam – spicy papaya salad with lime juice, tomatoes, peanuts and fish sauce
- Shish kebabs satay – marinated chicken with peanut sauce cooked on the grill
- Khao nyao ma muang is Bangkok’s premier dessert: steamed sticky rice with thick coconut milk sauce and ripe mangoes
- Khanom babin – patties made of young coconut shavings, rice flour, coconut milk, sugar and eggs
- Roti pancakes – these are often made with various fillings, the most popular of which is chocolate paste with banana
What to bring back from Bangkok
There are tons of things to find in Bangkok that will be a nice reminder of your trip or a treasured gift for loved ones. Here are a few ideas.
Thai cosmetics are famous for their natural ingredients. Massage oils scented with jasmine, coconut or lemongrass, cold-pressed coconut oil, organic creams and soaps with mangosteen or aloe can all be found on store shelves.
Spicy Thai cuisine is one of the main discoveries for travelers to Bangkok. To reproduce these flavors at home, you can bring red and green curry pastes and spices: dried chilies, lemongrass, tamarind, kaffir lime leaves, galangal. It is also worth buying ready-made sauces made from spicy chilies or vacuum-packed shrimp paste.
Travelers often bring fresh mangoes, papaya, lychee, pita haia (dragon fruit), exotic mangosteens and rambutans. Remember that you can’t take durian, whole coconuts, melons and watermelons on the airplane. There are various reasons for this: durian gives off a pungent odor, coconuts are not visible during inspection, and watermelons and melons may burst at altitude due to pressure differences.
Bangkok is a great place to shop for silver and gold jewelry. Boutiques and jewelry stores offer stylish bracelets, rings and earrings with traditional Thai designs and natural stones.
Bangkok markets such as Chatuchak or Pratunam offer lightweight cotton shirts with colorful patterns, beach dresses and wide Thai pants that are perfect for yoga or just for home. For more elegant items, go to shopping centers or showrooms of local designers.
How to pay for purchases
In Thailand, only the local currency, the baht, is allowed for payment. When you arrive in Bangkok, you will have to change money. You can do this at banks or street exchange offices.
Conclusion
Bangkok is a modern metropolis with many leisure options. You can explore ancient temple architecture, explore museums and parks, take a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River, party till dawn on Kaosan Road and, of course, sample delicious food. And to get a deeper understanding of this diverse city, we recommend contacting local guides. They will reveal to you the secret corners of the metropolis that you won’t find in guidebooks.
