Bangkok certainly lives up to its reputation as a travel hot spot in Southeast Asia. The 'City of Angels' has funky markets, upmarket malls, a riverside full of surprises, a vibrant nightlife scene, many fabulous sights and attractions that reflect its unique heritage, and much, much more…
Bangkok Information
Bangkok has a registered population of 9,100,000 residents. The capital is part of the heavily urbanized triangle of central and eastern Thailand which stretches from Nakhon Ratchasima along Bangkok to the heavily Industrialized Eastern Seaboard. Bangkok borders five other provinces: Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon and Nakhon Pathom, and all five provinces are joined in the conurbation of the Bangkok Metropolitan Area.
The city's wealth of cultural landmarks and attractions in addition to its notorious entertainment venues has made it synonymous with exoticism. Its historic wealth coincides with its rapid modernization, reflected in the cityscape and the urban society. The Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Vimanmek Palace Complex, its thousands of temples, and the city's notorious red-light districts combine to draw nearly 10 million international visitors each year.
Bangkok has 50 districts or khet, which further subdivided into 169 khwaeng.
Currency
The baht (sign: ฿; code: THB) is the currency of Thailand. It is subdivided into 100 satang. 1 U.S. dollar is about 30 Thai baht
Language
The official language of Thailand is Thai, a Kradai language closely related to Lao, Shan in Burma. It is the principal language of education and government and spoken throughout the country.
English is a mandatory school subject, but the number of fluent speakers remains very low, especially outside the cities.
Religion
The national religion is Theravada Buddhism. Muslims are the second largest religious group in Thailand about 4.6%.
Airport
Bangkok is one of Asia's most important air transport hubs. Suvarnabhumi Airport is an international airport serving Bangkok, Thailand. Suvarnabhumi is the 5th busiest airport in Asia, having handled 40.5 million passengers in 2009, and is also a major air cargo hub.
The airport is located in Racha Thewa in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan Province, about 25 kilometres (16 mi) east of downtown Bangkok. There is an airport rail link which connected the airport to the Bangkok city center, operating from 6 a.m. to midnight. Airport Express bus and taxi are also available.
For more information : http://www.suvarnabhumiairport.com/
Thai Cuisine
Thai food, the national cuisine of Thailand is well-known for its tasty. Thai cuisine places emphasis on lightly prepared dishes with strong aromatic components. Thai cuisine is known for being spicy. Balance, detail and variety are important to Thai cooking. Thai food is known for its balance of the five fundamental taste senses in each dish or the overall meal: hot (spicy), sour, sweet, salty, and (optional) bitter.
Transportation in Bangkok
Bus
The buses go everywhere, but are slow, because of the congestion, and somewhat difficult to get to know, because there are so many routes. However, the ordinary buses are so cheap. The bus maps can be obtained by buying or receiving from TAT office which is free.Each bus has a conductor who deals with the fares. Do keep the ticket as it might be inspected. Be careful of pickpockets who are found on some buses. If you are confused just ask someone Thais will be very happy to help you become really lost then just leave the bus and switch to a taxi.
Skytrain
The Bangkok Skytrain is a fast way to travel around parts of Bangkok. The Bangkok Skytrain operates two lines, the Sukhumvit and Silom lines. The lines meet at Silom Square where you can change by moving up or down a level. Fares depend on the number of stations but range between 10 and 40 baht. Tickets are purchased at the stations. Trains run every few minutes between 06.00 and midnight.
Taxi
Bangkok taxis all have meters and a good way to travel around. They bear the legend 'Taxi Meter' on the roof. The price starts at Bt35. There is no need to tip although is appreciated. To call a taxi phone 1661;1681 or 02-878-9000 and will cost 20 baht extra. Make sure the meter is switched on as you move off. If the driver refuses leave that taxi or insist that the meter is used. It is illegal not use the meter and you are in within your right to report the taxi driver to the police. For long distance destinations such as the airport the price can be negotiated but is normally cheaper to use the meter.
Tuk-Tuks
Tuk-tuks are those charismatic little three-wheelers with a padded bench for two in the semi-open rear. Fares in tuk-tuks are negotiable, which is not to be misinterpreted as meaning that they are cheap. Since customers seem to prefer the comfort and fixed fares of metered taxis these days, it has become even harder to bargain for a reasonable price in a tuk-tuk. The shortest journeys will cost about Bt30, and that will cover only about two kilometres.
Subway
It runs from Bang Sue to Huahamphong with a series of stations along the way. At Chatuchak, Sukhumvit and Silom there is an interchange with the Skytrain. The fare is between 14 and 36 baht.
River Ferries
A fun way to travel is to use the river ferries. They run from piers along the river. Boats do not stay for long at the pier so be quick but also take great care as they move off suddenly! Fares start at 10 Baht. This is one of the best value trips in Bangkok.
Ratanakosin Tram
A tram service on Ratanakosin Island that passes by Wat Phra Kaew, Santichai Prakarn Park at 30 minute intervals.
Attractions Around Silom Area
Lumpini Park
Lumpini Park was created in the 1920s by King Rama VI on royal property. A statue of the king stands at the southwestern entrance to the park. It was named for Lumpini , the birthplace of the Buddha in Nepal, and at the time of its creation stood on the outskirts of the city.
Lumphini Park is a 360-rai (57.6-hectare (142-acre)) park in Bangkok, thailand. This park offers rare open public space, trees and playgrounds in the Thai capital and contains an artificial lake where visitors can rent a variety of boats. Paths around the park totaling approximately 2.5 km in length are a popular area for evening joggers. Officially, cycling is only permitted during the day between the times of 5am to 3pm. There is a smoking ban throughout the park, and dogs are not allowed.
Hindu Temple
Sri Mahamariamman Temple, the holy temple for Hindu, is located in the most business area in Bangkok. Many Hindus and tourists come here to pray and worship with good spirits and gods. Visitor have to take their shoes off and cleanse themselves before entering. Certain areas are strictly off-limit to the public.
The Silom Galleria
The Silom Galleria is known to many as “Art & Craft Center”, as it is home to such a vast array of superb quality artistic and antique pieces. The Silom Galleria is the largest shopping center on Silom road, one of Bangkok’s busiest, and with its massive trove of antique and jewelry. Products represented in The Silom Galleria include:
Jewelry: The fine Thai skill in the jewelry industry is well documented around the world. In The Silom Galleria, the most precious gemstones from around the Kingdom are available for your selection.
Antique: Inherited eastern arts and Thai art products that reflect traditional Thai ways of life and design ideas.
Arts: Many Thai artists paintings are exhibited here, showcasing the artistic potential of this country’s artwork. International pieces are also on display.
Amulet: As Buddhism is Thailand’s national religion ; the Amulet Club has been built on the basis of this faith.
Pasteur Institute (snake Farm)
The Snake Farm at the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute (Thai Red Cross Society) was the second snake farm in the world opened in 1923 by Queen Sawang vadhana, the president of her Thai Red Cross Society. This facility is manufacturing antivenoms effective in treating snake bite victims. You can watch the assistants milking the snakes for venom or feeding them with small animals. Or you may even get to hold a 2-m long Python! Admission is 200 baht, children 50 baht Open to the public every day from 8.30 am to 4.00 pm on weekdays, and 8.30 am to 12.00 am on weekends and public holidays
Soi Lalai Sap
Soi Lalai Sap or Soi Silom 5 located at Silom Road near Bangkok Bank Headquater Silom, Bangrak District. You can find many good shops and products such as clothing, upholstery, accessories and brand name products in this place. Especially, it based in business area, so working women and men easily come and shop here. From 11.00 a.m. to 1.00 a.m., this time is the best for shopping because it is a break time for most offices around there. You will enjoy to see and buy products here!
Phat Phong
If you want to enjoy the full-night life, you must not forget to visit Phat Phong. Many pubs and bars are ready to welcome all foreigners to enjoy and relax here. It is also has many shop with cheep products. Please select carefully and you will get one which you want most.