Bangkok Travel Tips
While Bangkok has a reputation as a destination for sinful night life and for being a backpacker hotspot, its historical sites and vibrant culture make it a well-rounded and fascinating place to visit.





What to Expect in Bangkok

What to Expect in Bangkok

  • Language: Thai is the local language, although all young people are taught basic English at school, and many signs are written in English.
  • Currency: Thai Baht is the local currency, exchanging at around 32 baht per dollar.
  • Credit Cards and Banks: ATMs are common, and while credit card acceptance is common, it is wise to use cash where possible as card fraud can be a big problem.
  • Climate: Bangkok is hot and humid throughout the year, with average highs above thirty degrees throughout the year.
Rainy Season: Rain is most common between May and October, meaning most visitors come between November and April.
Bangkok Map

Getting Around in Bangkok

Bangkok is separated into many different districts and neighborhoods; each offering a unique flavor of the city! The most popular communities worth visiting are:
  • Sukhumvit: Home to the upmarket business center of the city and many of the most popular night life venues, while the Khlong Toei Market is an authentic Thai food market off the tourist trail.
  • Khao San Road: This is backpacker central in Bangkok, and is home to some popular cheap hostels, a range of stalls and bars, along with the historic Phra Sumen Fort which is one of the oldest remaining fortifications in the city. Take a peak and explore this famous area, but don’t stay too long. It’s a total tourist trap!
  • Rattanakosin: This is where many of the historic sights of the city are located, including the Grand Palace and the amazing Buddha statue at Wat Pho. There are also several other palaces and museums in this traditional central district of Bangkok.
  • Silom: During the day this part of the city is another busy financial district, but at night it transforms, with the vibrant and illicit night life which makes Bangkok both popular and notorious.
  • Dusit: This grand area of the city is where King Rama V built his sprawling Dusit Palace complex, while the district is home to most of the political and administrative buildings of the government, along with a wide range of museums and temples.

  • Budget Accommodation in Bangkok

    • Lub D Siam Square (Best Hostel):  Great Location, clean rooms, dorm beds. With dorm beds available from 750 baht, Lub D has a great central location, with friendly staff and clean, bright rooms that provide a great base from which to explore the city.
    • Loy La Long (Budget Bohemian B&B): Stunning design, Free Wi-Fi, Air Conditioning.With a great location facing on to the river, Loy La Long is a stylish and modern place to stay with rooms available from 2,100 baht. 
    • Dream Hotel (Trendy and Sophisticated Budget Hotel): Modern ammenities, Wi-Fi, Spa. This five-star central Bangkok hotel lies in the heart of Sukhumvit- the Thai capital’s stylish epicentre for fashion, entertainment, and nightlife. Best thing about Dream Hotel? Rooms from 2,100 baht.
      • “I LOVE Dream Hotel. It is my go-to and typically you can get pretty good deals on Agoda. They have a roof top pool, comfy beds and coveted bath tubs in some rooms! Their breakfast buffet is decent, they have spa specials before noon (think 2 hour treatments for 1900 baht) and are centrally located in the heart of Sukhimvit near the train, heaps of great food, bars and clubs.”
      - Diana of d travels ’round
    • Cape House (Affordable Luxury Apartments): Serviced Apartments, Central Location, Gym & Swimming Pool. The stylish Cape House apartments are luxurious and well appointed, and enjoy great views, balconies and a range of facilities.

    The Best of Bangkok Accommodation

    • Lebua (Best Luxury): With superb luxury suites that are amazingly appointed on the upper floors of the State Tower, Lebua offers an amazing experience with its own rooftop bar and an open air Mediterranean restaurant.
    • Mandarin Oriental Bangkok (Epitome of Opulence): A spectacular luxury hotel with its own gardens, waterfront location and sumptuously decorated rooms, theMandarin Oriental is the top end luxury hotel in Bangkok.
    • Banyan Tree (Legendary Hospitality): An amazing resort at the heart of the city, the Banyan Tree has wonderful views from the rooftop restaurant, luxury rooms and an amazing health center and outdoor swimming pool with its own great city views.









Helpful Tip:

When the cab driver or anyone asks if you’ve been to Thailand before, say YES! Know in advance as best as possible what things like the taxi ride from the airport costs or you can get the “tourist price.” With that being said, also be respectful of the local culture and don’t try to haggle too aggressively.