About Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital of the country of Thailand. It is one of the most recognized cities in Southeast Asia and one of the more renowned places among travelers around the world. It is the most concentrated and developed city which makes it the most populated province of Thailand. Malaysia is a country between Bangkok and Singapore and it would share borders with both countries, therefore from Singapore, tourists can drive cars through Malaysia and continue their journey to Bangkok.
The human population in Bangkok is more than 8 million people or about 12.6% of the country's population, while more than 14 million others or 22.2% live around the Bangkok Metropolitan area.
Thai residents recognize Bangkok as Krung Thep Maga Nakhon or simply as Krung Thep. Bangkok dates from the 15th century during the reign of the Ayutthaya Empire, where it started off from the just barter trading post. It later developed and became home to two main capital cities, Thonburi and Rattanakosin. Bangkok is the center of all modernity in Siam. Siam is Thailand's name before it was renamed as Thailand in the 19th century. Bangkok then continued to grow from 1960 to 1980.
There are many tourist attractions in Bangkok that bring in many tourists to the city of Bangkok. In 2016, MasterCard has recognized Bangkok as a major destination among the international travelers with a total of 21 million overnight tourists. Attractions that are popular among tourists are the Royal Palace, temples and museums. Apart from that, Bangkok is also famous for shopping activities for goods at very low prices. In addition, there are many tourists that come here to enjoy a very good and cheap Thai meal.
Like Singapore, Bangkok and other regions in Thailand have a tropical climate influenced by the Southeast Asian monsoon system. It has 3 seasons of heat, rain and cold. Most of the time of the year, Bangkok is hot with temperatures of 22.0 °C to 35.4 °C. Temperatures in Bangkok have once reached as high as 40.1 °C in 2013 and have fallen to as low as 9.9 °C in 1955. Residents in Bangkok find themselves speaking in their national language, Thai. But since Bangkok is an international hub, English is also widely used here. All the city signs are also written in Thai. Regarding the time difference, Singapore is 1 hour earlier than Bangkok.
How to Reach Bangkok?
For those of you who want to visit Bangkok, you can board a plane at Singapore International Airport (IATA: SIN). Airports in Bangkok are Suvarnabhumi International Airport (IATA: BKK). It is located at Racha Thewa in the Bang Phli area of Samut Prakan. It is about 30 km east of the city. The airport replaced Don Mueang Airport in 2006. Now Suvarnabhumi is an airport that allows international flights while Don Mueang Airport reopens in 2007 for some domestic flights.
Then from the airport, getting to the city by taxi is the best way. You are advised to use the registered taxi at the airport exit. By taking a taxi from these registered counters, they will calculate fares based on your destination and travelers will not be charged too much. There is a shuttle bus service that takes passengers from the airport to the city. You can buy tickets from the bus counter at the Transport Center. The bus terminal will list the destinations they offer along with stops for each trip. You can recognize these bases based on the numbers indicated on the bus. The bus fares range around 35 baht or SGD 1.50 for one way trips. The shuttle bus service operates 24 hours daily.
Suvarnabhumi Airport is connected to the Rail Commuter called Bangkok Airport Rail Link. Nearby commuter stations are Phaya Tai Station (BTS) and Makkasan Station (Phechaburi MRT). The commuter operates from 6 am to 12 midnight. The train moves every 10 minutes in peak time and 15 minutes in regular time and on weekends. Ticket price is between 15 baht to 45 baht or SGD 0.60 to SGD 2.
For those who rent a car to the city of Bangkok, you can go to Bangkok city using several highways such as Bangkok Expressway - Chonburi, Kingkaew Hanging Expressway, Bangna - Trad Highway, Onnuj Street and Jalan Kingkaew. The distance between Suvarnabhumi Airport and Bangkok city is about 25 kilometers.
To move around Bangkok is very easy. There is an efficient public transport network to most of the city's attractions. However, like most other developing cities, the city is experiencing serious traffic congestion on a regular basis throughout the day. In peak times, consider combining different types of public transport methods. Among the frequent use of transport are the Tuk Tuk and Metro trains to Bangkok's major attractions.
Things to Do in Bangkok?
Bangkok is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. Many would come here to visit this city or to make it a transit city before they travel to another city. Bangkok is known as a shopping paradise; there are plenty of large shopping malls where you can shop as much as you can. In addition, it is also known for the price of goods and also very cheap food. The city of Bangkok offers many interesting tourist attractions, whether for stunning architecture, unique cultural art, savory food fest or the rich history. Some of the places are also perfect for a honeymoon trip.
Bangkok National Museum
Thailand is a city full of history. Thus all of these artifacts are housed in one place, the National Museum of Bangkok. The museum was opened by King Rama V for displaying all the gifts he received from his father's giving. In addition to that, there are Chinese weapons, gems, shirts and Khon masks exhibited at this museum. On Thursdays, the museum would organize tours in English.
Chao Phraya River
Many have heard of the river called the Chao Phraya River. Certainly, it is famous because it is the largest river in Bangkok. The river flows from Bangkok and into the other states in Thailand. People in Bangkok also rely heavily on these rivers to find income and become their source of living. A lot of locals work on the ferry and are always carrying passengers down the river. Tourists can take the ferry and see the atmosphere of Bangkok from another perspective. Tourists can also make a stop and board the ferry again at any checkpoints along the river.
Chatuchak Market
Bangkok is not known as a shopping paradise unless for the many markets that operate here. The Chatuchak Market is one of the must-see markets when you come to Bangkok. Here, there are nearly 8000 booths covering nearly 27 acres of the area making it one of the largest markets in the world. It is open every Saturday and Sunday and approximately 200,000 tourists would come here in one day. There are various types of goods being sold here and the price is according to local prices.
Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is the former residence of the King of Thailand and also the place where the Thai government performs their duties. The size of this castle is 214,000 square feet. Travelers who come here can spend a lot of time exploring each room and pathways within this castle.
Wat Pho, The Reclining Buddha
The main religion in Bangkok is Buddhism hence it is not uncommon to find a lot of decorative Buddhist temples and religious places here. Yet there is an attraction where the lying Buddha statue with the height as high as 15 meters and 46 meters long has been built. Her legs would reach 5 meters and all this is covered with gold leaf. Inside this temple, there are 108 bowls where tourists can buy coins to put in this bowl. Travelers can also get massage sessions here.
What to Eat?
Bangkok is well-known as one of the places where tourists will come to enjoy a variety of tasty and inexpensive delicacies and local food. Travelers can try local food in luxury restaurants, street restaurants or in booths or markets along the street. There are now plenty of cafes open for those who like to take pictures while enjoying a delicious meal.
Tom Yam Goong
Tom Yam Goong is a spicy and sour soup and is based on vegetables and seafood or chicken and meat. It is very famous in Thailand. Tom Yam is usually matched with white rice but now this dish is modified where it is fried with rice or eaten with noodles. Many people love this dish because of its spicy flavor and the spiciness can be adjusted too, according to your preferences. It is best to enjoy the dish with the whole family!
Mango Glutinous Rice
Mango glutinous rice is Thailand's most famous dessert. Since Thailand is also famous for mangoes, they have produced desserts that mainly use this fruit, among them this particular dish, in which the mango fruit is matched with steamed glutinous rice. Then the coconut milk will be poured into the glutinous rice and the fruit to make it more appealing.
Green Curry
Green curry is yet another renowned Thai dish. The curry would get its name from the green chillies used to give the green color. It is made of coconut milk and green chilli. It is also sweet and not spicy like regular curry. This dish is also commonly eaten together with white rice.
Weekend Getaways from Bangkok
Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi is a very quiet rural city in Bangkok. It is a place where many will go to seek peace after a day of the hustle and bustle of the city of Bangkok. It is located in the west of Bangkok. It is a place where three rivers are merged and many guest houses would be built along this river. The city also has a fascinating history from the Second World War era. Here lies the pathway of a deadly train that sacrifices many lives in its building process. Travelers who want to get here can take a bus or train. It will take around 2 to 5 hours to get here. It is one of the famous weekend getaways in the country.
Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is an ancient city where it houses many fallen temples and headless Buddha statues. By train, you can reach the city within 2 hours. You can also rent a bicycle to explore the place. It is famous for the temple arts as well as seeing archaeological sites. Tourists can learn the history of the temple there. Tourists can explore any area in Ayutthaya including the lesser known temple areas.
Ratchaburi
The city is famous for its floating market of Damnoen Saduak. Here tourists can ride the boat and sail along the river. When they see something they like, they can stop next to the salesperson and deal with him or her themselves. Apart from that, the city also has many limestone hills where many stalactites and stalagmites are formed there. There are also a lot of bats and an interesting phenomenon happening here when four bats go out of the hill for food. You can take the train to Ratchaburi as it is only 80 kilometers from the western part of Bangkok.
Flight and Ticket Packages to Bangkok
With the flight and hotel ticket package available at Traveloka Malaysia, you can visit Bangkok more easily and cheaper. Choose a variety of tour packages that we offer, and modify as you like to get the combination you want.
Arrange your own Bangkok travel plan ideas.
Day 1 Tour Ideas
- Arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Take the Rail Link Express train to the Phaya Tai station. From there, take a ride to the hotel. Check in and take a break.
- The first destinations are the Royal Palace and Wat Pho. Here, you can see the history of the formation of Thailand and also the majestic view of the great Buddha statue in the reclining position.
- The journey will go on to China Town. This area is close to the river and tourists can see buildings with elements from China and buy some fruits.
- In the evening, visit Chatuchak Market for shopping while enjoying the dishes at the stalls.
- Return to the hotel and rest.
Day 2 Tour Ideas
- Visit the Bangkok National Museum to learn a little about the customs and cultures in the country.
- Next, go to Wat Saket located on a small hilltop. You have to climb stairs with 344 steps to get there.
- Enjoy Pad Thai dishes in this temple area. While eating Thai pads, you can sip a special orange juice made just for you.
- You can go to Kao San Road. Here you can walk through many stalls selling a variety of unique items and foods such as fried insects, shirts and books.
- Return to the hotel and rest.
Day 3 Tour Ideas
- After two days of sightseeing, this morning may be aimed at enjoying the hotel's facilities such as the swimming pool.
- Lunch at Bangrak. It is a modern café serving local delicacies.
- Next, visit Lumphini Park. It is the largest park in Bangkok. You can paddle on the lake to burn a little fat.
- In the evening, you can go to the Rooftop Bar for a drink while watching the views of the city of Bangkok from the high floor.
- Return to the hotel and rest.
