Bangkok

Bangkok has two airports: Suvarnabhumi (BKK) for most international and domestic flights, and Don Mueang (DMK) for budget carriers like Air Asia, Nok Air, and Scoot. From Suvarnabhumi, the Airport Rail Link connects to the city. Long-distance buses depart from three main terminals: Mo Chit (north/northeast), Ekkamai (east), and Sai Tai Mai (south/west). Trains arrive at Hua Lamphong or the new Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal.

Bangkok's public transport includes the BTS Skytrain, MRT subway, Chao Phraya Express Boat, and Saen Saep Canal boat. A taxi from the airport to the city costs around 300-400 baht. The BTS and MRT are efficient; single fares range from 16 to 62 baht. Motorbike taxis and tuk-tuks are common but agree on price beforehand. Traffic is notorious, so avoid taxis during peak hours.

The best time is the cool season (Nov–Feb) with daytime temperatures around 32°C and lower humidity. The hot season (Mar–Apr) is scorching with heat indices up to 48°C. The wet season (May–Oct) brings heavy but short afternoon showers; extreme rainfall occurs Sep–Oct, so avoid those months.

Khao San Road is the backpacker hub, with dorms and cheap guesthouses. Riverside Silom and Thonburi host luxury hotels like The Oriental and The Peninsula. Sukhumvit and Siam Square offer mid-range options. Budget double rooms with air-con start around 500 baht/night; mid-range doubles are about 1,500 baht. Always check online rates, which can be 30% cheaper than walk-in.

Bangkok has 50,000 places to eat. Street stalls serve simple Thai dishes for as little as 30 baht. A good meal in a restaurant is unlikely to exceed 300 baht. Sukhumvit and Silom are packed with international cuisine. Vegetarian food (jay) is widely available. For halal, try the Haroon Mosque area. Nightlife is infamous, with districts like Silom (Patpong), Sukhumvit (Thong Lo), Khao San Road, and RCA. Most bars close at strictly enforced times; smoking is banned in all venues.

Must-see temples include the Grand Palace (with Wat Phra Kaew and the Emerald Buddha), Wat Pho (reclining Buddha), and Wat Arun (porcelain-decorated prang). Other sights: Jim Thompson's House, National Museum, and the Golden Mount. Cycling tours like Co van Kessel and Grasshopper Adventures explore unseen parts of the city. Dinner cruises on the Chao Phraya River offer food and views.

Bangkok is safe from violent crime, but scams are common: never take a tuk-tuk if a stranger pushes you, and watch out for overcharging. Motorbikes on pavements are a danger. Keep your passport for ID checks; drug tests occur in high-society bars. E-cigarettes (vapes) are illegal and can lead to fines or imprisonment.

Temples require covered legs and upper arms. Remove shoes before entering temple buildings. Showing respect to monks and Buddha images is expected. The wai greeting is common but not necessary for foreigners. Avoid touching people's heads and pointing feet at sacred objects.

Convenience stores and street stalls are everywhere. Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafes. SIM cards are available at airports and 7-Eleven, but specific providers are not listed in this article.

A budget backpacker can get by on 1,000–1,500 baht per day: street food meals from 30 baht, dorm beds from 250 baht, and local transport. A decent double room with air-con starts at 500 baht/night. Convenience store drinks cost as little as 10 baht.

Common onward destinations include Ayutthaya (historic ruins, 1–2 hours by train), Kanchanaburi (Bridge on the River Kwai, 2–3 hours), Pattaya (beaches, 2 hours by bus), and the northern city of Chiang Mai (overnight train or 1-hour flight).