If it’s glitzy, glamorous and caters to a range of shop-a-holics, it’s Bangkok. Thailand’s bustling capital city continues to lure travelers from all over the world. Tourists book flights to Bangkok eager to explore the city’s ancient palaces and temples, but most travelers also come prepared to experience a bit of Thailand’s legendary nightlife.
Bangkok has served as Thailand’s culture center since the 18th century and it continues to thrive in this capacity. Look closely behind the glass buildings and ritzy restaurants and you’ll find small Thai villages content with their peaceful lifestyle. But if you’re looking for a little fun, you’ve booked a flight to the right place. Bangkok is nothing if not known for its wild ways. Take a walk through downtown Bangkok and experience some of the best nightlife the world has to offer. For tamer travelers, there’s always shopping. Bangkok is a shopper's heaven – from designer duds to art, antiques and jewels, there’s no leaving this city without a souvenir. Don’t worry about sleeping, there is plenty of time for that once your board the Bangkok flight back home. Book a trip to Bangkok and you'll soon understand the meaning behind the proverbial lyric, “One night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster…”
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Bangkok has a tropical climate with annual temperatures averaging 75 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit. March through May have the highest temperatures and humidity, and approximately June through October is monsoon season, and November through February is cooler and less humid. Keep in mind though, that the monsoon season varies throughout the country, so there may be rain in May and November and floods in October.
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Peak Season:
November to March is the best time to take flights to Bangkok. The temperature is in the mid 80s (Fahrenheit) and the humidity is at its lowest. Bangkok flights and hotel rooms can be priced twice as high as in the off season, and hotels are often fully booked.
Off Season:
The off-season prices are appealing, especially if you like it hot and humid and rainy. The least-crowded months tend to be May, June, and September.
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Bangkok can be negotiated on foot, but you may want to limit pedestrian activity. Pedestrian traffic doesn’t move quickly, just ambles along. Because the city is huge, and the roads are very big and always full it can be intimidating trying to cross them. It is almost always easier to take a taxi or tuk-tuk, which will only have a minimal cost.
It’s not recommended that you drive in Bangkok. Traffic is crazy, cabbies and truck drivers are very aggressive, and you’ll be driving on the left side of the road. For the convenience of having your own car, hire a driver and car for the day.
Public transportation is also an option. As well as taxis or tuk-tuks you can take the BTS sky train, subway, bus, or river taxi.
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- The Joe Louis Theater holds nightly puppet theater performances. Each puppet is manipulated by three puppet masters, who are on stage and an integral part of the show. The puppeteers are trained dancers and the performances mesmerizing.
- Muaythai, Thai Boxing, is the national sport and, if you have the stomach for it, can be an entertaining evening. It’s an entire performance, including the pageantry of the pre-bout rituals, frenetic gambling and live musical performances.
- About 95 percent of the population is Buddhist. Ablutions at a temple involve bowing three times, placing the forehead on the ground at the foot of the Buddha, lighting candles and incense and chanting. Tourists are welcome to participate in any capacity, and small monetary contributions are appreciated.
- The National Museum is a good place to learn about the history of Thailand. The Grand Palace, one of the most famous attractions, is the major architectural symbol of The Thai Royal Family and is still used for ceremonies. Bangkok’s oldest, largest, and most famous temple is Wat Pho, Temple of the Reclining Buddha. The Reclining Buddha statue (157-feet long and 49-feet high) is gold plated and inlaid with mother-of-pearl on the soles of its feet.
- For a look at history through Thai residences, the Jim Thompson house is an excellent example of Thai architecture, with an impressive collection of Oriental art and antiques.
- When taking a taxi, make sure it’s metered and the meter is running. Most cabbies speak some English, but have someone write your destination in Thai to avoid any misinterpretations. At night cabbies often try to barter a flat rate; insist that they use the meter as it will cost less.
- Nearly every visitor to Bangkok wants to take a tuk-tuk at least once. Be forewarned! All tuk-tuk fares are negotiated; do not get into the tuk-tuk until you have settled on the fare. Tuk-tuk drivers are notorious for trying to talk tourists into going on special shopping trips. Sometimes they’ll insist that the attraction you want to see is closed or offer to take you for free, as long as you drop in on their friend’s shop on the way. These special trips are scams. The driver gets a cut of whatever you spend and it’s almost impossible to get out of the shop without buying something at an over-inflated price.
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