Bangkok

General Information

Bangkok, also known as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or ‘City of Angels’, is the capital and most populated city of Thailand. Located in the heart of South-East Asia, nuzzled between Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and Laos, Thailand’s capital is one of the continents most bustling central cities. Being approximately 1/12^th of Sydney’s land size in square kilometers, Bangkok houses a total of 8.5 million in its heart and an extra 3.5 million in its surrounding areas making it a hub for extreme urban cultivation in a country grounded in vibrant tradition. Coming into the city be prepared for hot temperatures and humidity and arm yourself with the Thai Baht (THB) to peruse the manning shopping destinations Bangkok has to offer!

 

Language and Culture

Thai language is the official language throughout Thailand but rest assured that most if not all large Thai tourist spots are very accommodating to foreigners – street signs will have English translations and venders will often be able to speak basic English and Chinese.
Thailand itself has a strong cultural presence and even in a city as modern as Bangkok, you’ll find old and gleaming Buddhist temples nestled between skyscrapers and multiplexes. But maybe the number one cultural aspect of Bangkok and Thailand that not only attracts but has people falling in love, is the people, the mannerisms and societal norms that have Bangkok and Thailand dubbed as the city and land of smiles. From the bowing, kindness and humility and hard-working nature of the citizens of Bangkok and Thailand, you’ll definitely find yourself enthralled by Bangkok’s many contrasting lifestyles.

 

Points of Interest

Bangkok has a lot to offer as the capital city but there are a few sites and scenes that you’ll be unable to find anywhere else in Thailand.

- Chao Phraya River

Being a river that runs through the city and many of it’s bustling hot spots, taking a ferry on the river will not only have you enjoying a scenic ride with locals who commute but will also enable you to stop at various central points without having to worry about traffic.

- Siam Paragon, Central World and Platinum Fashion Mall

If you want shopping then this is some of the best Bangkok has to offer! Siam Paragon is one of the biggest shopping centers in Asia and boasts international luxury brands from Burberry to Celine as well as an aquarium and a concert hall. If you’re looking for quality and a peak of the grander of Bangkok’s high society life this is the place to go! Central World on the other hand is a more mid-range experience direct to Bangkok with Royal stores selling products endorsed by the Royal Family and with 7 levels of stores and restaurants there is something here for everyone. But perhaps the most unique to Bangkok is Platinum Fashion Mall that is the ultimate Thai shopping experience with over 2,000 individual wholesale stores that will stimulate nor only your wallet but also your bargaining power. And the best part is all three are in walking distance along Petchaburi Road!

- Amazing temples

There is no shortage of Buddhist temples that are open to you when you arrive in Bangkok. Just in about every place you look there will be a gleaming mosaic of glass tiles and golden points that will have you awed at the intricacy and detail involved in this unique architecture. Some of the best include Wat Pho, Wat Traimit, Wat Ratchanatdaram Woravihara and Wat Erawan.

- Chatuchak Flower Market and Khao San Road.

For souvenirs and items you’ll only be able to find in Bangkok and Thailand, your go to place should be the two aforementioned names. Not only are these markets both wholesale but the venders on the street will allow for bargaining and will give you that experience of Thai hospitality – not to mention the amazing food stalls will leave you full and energized.

- Yaowaraj or Chinatown

Bangkok has a diverse range of people from a wide range of backgrounds and often you’ll find small pockets of a whole different culture permeated in Thai society and Yaowaraj is one of the best. Offering colourful stalls of toys and souvenirs, Yaowaraj is a neighbourhood of cuisine evolved from generations of Chinese immigrants growing up with a Thai palette.

- Sukhumvit Road

If you’re looking for nightlife then Sukhumvit is where you want to be. Nightclubs and bars galore, if you’re up after hours this is where you won’t sleep till the sun comes up and the markets get set up.

 

Cuisine

Thai cuisine is one of the most recognizable in the world and Bangkok will offer you the best of both worlds from street vendors with authentic flavors to glamorous restaurants that offer fusion food unlike anything you’ll ever have. The best piece of advice to offer is that you keep an open mind! Some of the most celebrated cuisine in Bangkok are those run on the side of the street or by the train station and you’ll have an entirely new perspective of Thai cuisine once you’ve tasted all that there is to offer. There’s much more to Thai cuisine than Pad Thai and Green Curry but there’s also a reason why Thai cuisine is one of the most universally recognized and loved.

 

Travel Tips

- Get to know a local. It sounds potentially difficult but through new applications like HelloTalk you can meet locals and gain an abundance of knowledge that is more valuable than anything from any travel book.

- Learn the value of 7/11

7/11 in Bangkok and Thailand is a cultural phenomenon unlike in any country. There will literally be a 7/11 on every street you visit and it is a trustworthy source for cheap quality food and is a lifesaver for when you’re hungry and tired. There convenience meals are also microwaved for you upon purchase so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
- Stay safe and cautious

Thailand in the general is safe but of course in such a largely populated city like Bangkok you get pick-pocketing so be careful of where you put your valuables and be careful of backpacks and bags that can be easily accessible.