Where to stay
Some people find it hard to decide where to stay in Bangkok. After all, there are 50 districts within the city, all offering unique experiences. You can live like royalty in the Old City, home of the Grand Palace. Alternatively, you’ll find 24-hour fun at Prantuan and resort-like hotels at Riverside.
These districts are just some of the best areas to stay in Bangkok. Not only do they offer a good mix of high-end, mid-range, and affordable hotel options, but they're also close to several landmarks that you can check out during your stay.
Things to do
There are so many things to do in Bangkok that filling your days with activities is easy. From visiting floating markets in the morning to exploring the temples and palaces in the afternoon, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to learn about the city's vivid past. Between sightseeing excursions, try a spot of shopping and dining with the smiling locals.
Travel tips
Whether it's your first or your fifth visit, keep these Bangkok travel tips in mind.
First, only drink bottled water, rather than from the tap. Don’t worry about ice in drinks though, as this is generally made with purified water and is therefore safe. Second, if you're staying in Thailand for more than a few days, consider getting a SIM card from a convenience store for cheaper mobile communication. Third, check with your doctor to see if they recommend any immunisations for travelling to Bangkok.
Finally, keep in mind the following basic pieces of Bangkok travel advice.
Getting Around
From tiny tuk-tuks to the massive BTS trains, there are many Bangkok transport options to choose from. Which one best suits will depend on factors such as time of day, distance to travel, and your destination. For instance, if you have time to spare and are going to a district across the Chao Phraya, a river bus is the way to go. If you're in a real hurry, a motorbike taxi is a faster option to get to your destination. Here are some popular ways to get around Bangkok.""From tiny tuk-tuks to the massive BTS trains, there are many Bangkok transport options to choose from. Which one best suits...
Where to eat
Wondering where to eat in Bangkok, a mecca for food lovers? You can find eateries on practically every corner of the city. Grab a quick bite from a street food stall, or sit down for a meal in a shopping centre food court. For more special occasions, indulge in fine-dining by the river....
Shopping
Even if you don't consider yourself a shopaholic, you shouldn't miss the Bangkok shopping experience. Thailand's capital has plenty of shopping centres, open-air markets, boutique shops, and street stalls where you'll find stylish clothes, accessories, original handmade items, and plenty more.
Make sure you put Thai silk and products that are handmade by local artisans at the top of your souvenir list. Known for their beauty and high quality, these make the perfect gifts.
Many items are affordable and haggling is accepted in some markets, so you can try to get an even lower price.
Best time to travel
The weather in Bangkok is often warm and sunny with occasional rain showers that don't last for long. This is because Thailand lies close to the equator, giving it a tropical climate and three seasons instead of Australia's four.
The hot season starts in March and gives way to the rainy season around June. Then, in December, winds from the north cool down the country, making this one of the best times to visit Bangkok.
Here are a couple of weather-related considerations to keep in mind when planning your trip to Bangkok.
Parks
To take a break from the hustle and bustle of this modern city, head to one of Bangkok's parks or gardens. Join the locals and head to the shady Saranrom Royal Garden, hire a paddle boat at Benjakiti Park, or stroll the grassy grounds of Sanam Luang.
Peaceful parks can be found near many of Bangkok's landmarks, so you’ll always be close to one when you need a respite from the city or a quiet space for a picnic. Just keep in mind that most of the parks here prohibit smoking, drinking, and the removal of footwear.
