Cheap flights to Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok has a tropical climate with annual temperatures averaging 75 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit. March through May have the highest temperatures and humidity, 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.

There are many different ways to navigate through the busy, crowded streets of Bangkok. Hop aboard the Skytrain, which runs on a raised monorail, for great views of the financial and shopping districts. The train is connected with the underground, which is easy to use and covers the parts of Bangkok not connected to the Skytrain. Buses crisscross the city, but the system can be confusing to navigate. You’re better off taking a taxi or tuk-tuk, both of which are inexpensive. Don’t rent a car for your stay. You’ll learn quickly that Bangkok drivers are very aggressive and traffic is a nightmare. If you really want your own car, hire a car and driver for the day instead. Heading out on foot is doable, but you’ll move slowly. Foot traffic crawls along, which is great if you want to experience the color of the city, but slow-going if you’re trying to get somewhere. The water taxis lining the Chao Praya River are another popular tourist option. You’ll also find that Bangkok is the center of Thai travel, so you can find a bus, train or flight to almost anywhere else you’re looking to go.

• 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.