BANGKOK 101

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Bangkok is one the most visited cities in the world. It is considered to be the center of tourism and backpacking hub of South East Asia. This is the most exotic and exciting capital city in this part of the globe. It is bustling, dynamic, vibrant, and cosmopolitan metropolis incomparable to any Western or Asian cities.

 

This article will get you informed about before you start your adventure in Bangkok, or if you have been in this city, to convince you to revisit the city as the adventure is unlimited.

 

The Longest Official City Name

 

Did you know that Bangkok is the city of angels?! Local Thai call Bangkok as “Krungtep” which means “City of Angels”.

 

But, what most tourists don’t know that, it has the longest official name of the city in the world - Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.

 

But let’s not burden ourselves with this long name, but if you want to show off to the Thai people, I’ll bet that saying this to a local would surely be a great start.

 

 

How big is Bangkok?!?

 

According to official data by the census as of 2017, the city has an approximate population of more than 8 million people living in the city and more 14.5 million in total in surrounding Bangkok Metropolitan Region including suburbs. That’s a lot of people in one city, right?

 

It is the biggest city in Thailand dwarfing other cities in the country combined. But because Bangkok is the center of  economic, financial, cultural, and politics in Thailand so that explains why it is so populated and the numbers are growing as more people from other provinces and neighboring countries like Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia are coming to Bangkok to seek better lives.

 

 

What are the demographics in this city?

 

Bangkok is highly cosmopolitan city, and is home to people around the world. Japanese, Chinese, and other Asian countries are the three biggest nationalities in Bangkok followed by Europeans, Americans and Australians. Most of the people in this city are of Thai ethnicity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Need to know more about the history of Bangkok?!

 

This is relatively a new capital city as compared to those its counterparts in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Ayutthaya, is a city 80 km away from Bangkok, was used to be the capital of Siamese Kingdom (now Thailand) after its downfall because of wars with the Burmese, a new capital was established at Thonburi, across the Chao Phraya from the present capital, Bangkok. On April 21 of 1782, the City Pillar was erected and is regarded the founding date of the present Bangkok.

 

 

 

 

Who governs Bangkok?

 

Bangkok is governed and managed by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. It is considered as a special administrative region whose governor is elected to serve a four-year term. Bangkok as the capital is the seat of the national government and the site of the Grand Palace and Chitralada Villa, the official and de facto residences of the King of Thailand.

 

Thailand’s national system of government is constitutional monarchy, whereby the prime minister is the head of government and a hereditary monarch is head of state. However in 2014, the 2007 constitution was revoked and the Thailand has been under the rule of military organization called National Council for Peace and Order.

 

When is the best time to visit Bangkok?

 

Actually, anytime is a good time to visit Thailand. The city experiences three seasons, hot, rainy, and cool seasons. Although, the weather is fair and warm throughout the year but November to February is considered the cooler months of the year.

 

Rainy season begins around May and ends on October. So bring your raincoats or umbrellas with you all the time.

 

And the hottest months is from March to May.

 

What are the best clothes to wear in Bangkok?

 

Generally you can wear any comfortable clothes made of cotton which are appropriate for warm tropical countries. Bangkok is a highly cosmopolitan city and people are more tolerant to other cultures but please don’t wear any clothes that are too skimpy that calls so much attention to the public. Try to blend in with the locals as much as possible. And you MUST wear appropriate clothes when you plan to visit a temple, though the Thai are very friendly people, they are religious too, and wearing super sexy clothes (the does not cover your shoulders or knees, or show some sensitive areas of your bodies) are frowned upon. Respect the culture it’s basic!

 

 

 

Is Bangkok a rich city?

 

Yes and No. Thailand as a nation is a newly industrialized country as its economy is heavily export dependent. Its economy is the eight largest in Asia, and the second biggest in Southeast Asian region.

 

Bangkok is not only the center of economic activity of Thailand but also it is where the heart of the country’s financial and development. The Thailand Stock Exchange (SET) is located also in Bangkok.

 

Expect skyscrapers, big malls, and numerous shopping centers spread around the city. 

 

But there has been major issue with income inequality between the unskilled lower income immigrants from the rural provinces and neighboring countries, and the middle-class, educated, and business elites.

 

 

How is Tourism in Bangkok?

 

Bangkok is one of the touristiest cities in the world. Tourism accounts 6-8% of the GDP of Thailand.

 

There are more than 21 million tourists visits Thailand every year and has been consistently ranked as one of the World’s Best City to travel by some major travel and leisure magazines. There are lots of hotels, hostel, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and Airbnb rooms for tourists. Big shopping malls, shopping districts, and weekend markets are found everywhere in the city. Restaurants and street foods in Bangkok are one of the bests in the Asia and in the world.

 

 

Thailand’s culture and religions

 

There is a strong Chinese, Indian, and Southeast Asian influences in the Thai culture. Buddhism is the majority religion and plays a significant role in the daily lives of the locals. Muslim accounts 6% of the population, and Christians and other religions are 1% of the population.

 

Greetings by using hands in prayer-like gesture or slightly bowing of the head are considered to be respectful and always practiced. Public displays of affection are not common in Thai society, especially between lovers.

 

Touching someone’s head may be considered rude and inappropriate. Pointing by feet to other people especially to religious figures is considered to be disrespectful as the Thai people considered the foot to be the dirtiest and lowliest part of the body.

 

Thai are considered to be one of the most gentlest and serene people in the world. Hence, conflict and display of anger are frowned upon in Thai culture.

 

Don’t speak anything bad about the monarchy especially about the King as Thai people have deep reverence to their monarchy. They have a penal law against speaking-ill to the members of the royal family.

 

 

I heard the food especially street food is one of the bests in the world?

 

True! And is one of the cheapest too. For less than $1 you have a decent and quality meal. Thai cuisine uses lots of herbs and gives emphasis not only to aroma but also to complexity of flavors especially on the spicy side. In 2017, in CNN Travel survey, there are seven Thai dishes appeared on the list of World’s best foods, the most in any other country.

 

There are lots of Michelin-starred restaurants in Bangkok hence, it is also considered one the world food cities. So don’t miss the chance to try the street foods and eat on one of the Michelin-starred restaurants while visiting Bangkok.

 

What to do and where to go at night?

 

Nightlife in Bangkok can be described in one word, “CRAZY”! From the swanky rooftop bars in Silom and Sathorn, exotic shows and lady boys in Soi Cowboy and Patpong, lively night clubs at Soi Nana, party scenes in Khao San, hippy cocktail bars in Sukhumvit, and biggest night and weekend markets in Ratchada and Chatuchak. You choose!

 

 

How is the crime rate in Bangkok in general?

 

Bangkok is considered a generally safe city as compared to other tourist destinations in the region. But beware of pickpockets especially in crowded areas.

 

Though Bangkok is considered to be “The Amsterdam of Asia” because of its tolerant and relaxed nature but unlike Amsterdam where drugs or marijuana may be allowed, Thailand has one of the strictest laws against drugs and you don’t want to end up in one of the notorious prisons in the world. So please don’t bring any drugs when you enter Thailand.

 

 

What the most famous festivals and events in the city?

 

Songkran which is considered as Thai New Year, which is officially celebrated from April 13 to 15 each year is an important holiday in Bangkok. Locals and tourists celebrate it with boisterous water throwing on the streets. Loi Krathong is also a big and wonderful festival in Thailand. It is usually held on early November, a small raft made of folded banana leaves and including candles, flowers, and small offerings are floated away on the water. This is a symbolic means of letting go of the pasts, old grudges and angers and starting a life anew.

 

 

Is it easy to travel around the city?

 

Yes.  Though Bangkok’s population is growing the transport infrastructures of getting people from/to their destinations is catching up. The city is served by multiple modes of transport system – waterways, roads, subways and elevated tracks. Rapid transits, buses, tuk tuks, and motorcycles are very popular form of public transportation. Expect traffic jams and crowded trains during rush hours though.

 

How do I enter Bangkok?

 

Bangkok is one of Asia’s busiest road and transport hubs. You can enter Bangkok or Thailand from the land borders countries such as Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia by buses or trains.

 

There are two commercial airports that serve the city, the older Don Mueang International Airport and the new international airport or the Suvamabhumi International Airport.

 

There are lots of low cost airlines operating in Bangkok that flies directly to other Southeast Asian countries making this city as the launching-pad for tourist and backpackers that want to explore mainland Southeast Asia.

 

 

Where to stay in Bangkok?

 

There are lots of hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and Airbnb rooms that cater for tourists depending in which of part (local, swanky, or business district) of the city or what kind of activities (shopping, sightseeing, eating) you are interested in during your stay in Bangkok. But the ones most accessible are those located within the walking distance from/to the train stations. GUYASUKA Hostel in Bang Na and especially GUYASUKA in Ratchada are within the walking distance from/to major rapid transits in Bangkok and most accessible to any shopping, night life, weekend & night markets, business, and touristy areas in Bangkok.

 

Please feel free to contact team GUYASUKA using the contact information listed.  The team will be willing help you discover Bangkok and offer you with comfortable accommodation on a budget price.

 

 

So pack your bag and book a trip to Bangkok!

 

See you!