Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Bangkok, The City of Angels


images8_thumb1Bangkok is the humming capital and primary city of Thailand. Known as Krung Thep in Thai, meaning City of Angels. Though the first impression of Bangkok with its congested traffic, naughty nightlife and excessive heat could turn you off, but its here that you will find amazing Buddhist temples, shrines, canals, busy markets, traditions and acts of kindness. So, of the famous and infamous, the best feature of the city is the intermingling of opposites. Some say you either love it or hate it. Getting around in Bangkok is easy with metered taxis and the Tuk Tuks are a unique riding experience. The population of Bangkok is made up of mainly Thai Chinese.

 

Some General Information

images4_thumb1Country : Thailand

Official Language : Thai

Religion : Buddhism

Currency : Baht

Time Zone : + 7 Hours GMT

Temperature : Bangkok is basically intensely hot. The rainy season sees extremely heavy downpours. Temperatures rarely drop below 25° C.

download1_thumb1Sightseeing : Bangkok is an exotic city with beautiful temples, gardens and beaches. The old and exotic surrounded by modern buildings. The must see sights is Bangkok are Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi (Bridge over River Kwai), Chao Phraya cruise, Safari World, Dream World, Siam Ocean World, Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha, Floating Market, Wat Arun Tour, Rose Garden, Rice Barge River Cruise, Canal and City tour, Night tour, Crocodile Farm, Pattaya and many many more.

 

Getting There

Air

Served by 2 international airports, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang International Airport. If you have a connection between the 2 airports, allow at least 3 hours.

Airports

download_thumb1Suvarnabhumi, the new airport is Bangkok’s main airport, is a vast glass and concrete construction. It is used by all airlines except a couple since 2006, which still use the old airport. There is just one terminal which is really huge and covers the domestic and international traffic. It offers all the facilities of any international airport – ATM’s, restaurants, cafes, shops, transit hotel and the shopping experience on the other side of immigration is just superb. You will think you are in a mall.images9_thumb1

Don Mueang was the main airport in Bangkok till 2006. It now handles only 2 carriers – NOK air and One-Two-GO and is mainly limited to charters and general aviation.

 

 

 

Tourist Information

images5_thumb1Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
First Floor, 1600 New Phetburi Road
Makkasan, Rajatevee
Tel: (02) 250 5500.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1630.

The TAT Call Centre (tel: 1672) is open daily 0800-2000. The tourist police provide 24-hour assistance for complaints and emergencies through the toll-free hotline (tel: 1155).

 

Travel Tips

images1_thumb11. Thai people love their Royal Family. Show respect.

2. Thai people consider loud people impolite. So be soft spoken. Also during festivals expect to be jostled in crowds.

3. Driving in Thailand is Left sided, instead of right. So be careful if you are on a road trip, the trucks and buses can be intimidating.

4. Avoid ice in drinks at street stalls, and avoid food left in sun for too long, also peeled fruit and salads.

5. Jewellery frauds are common in Bangkok. Solo women should avoid the beach at night.

6. Avoid the cheapest price, whether its a boat trip, a tour or a flight. If there is a marked difference, then there is reason to be suspicious.

 

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