About Bangkok

Bangkok. The very name is evocative of the Orient. Visitors to Bangkok today may however be perplexed to find a huge, sprawling city with at least 10 million inhabitants, a forest of glass-and-concrete skyscrapers, endless shopping malls, luxury hotels, expensive condominiums, overhead expressways, and suburbs that never seem to end.

Those same visitors, as they travel around the city, will also be intrigued when they find that the old way of life still exists and is still as important as it ever was. The peaceful temples, the canals, the old markets, the warm and smiling hospitality of the Thai people; they are all still there, making this city one of the most fascinating anywhere in the world.

Founded in 1782, Bangkok was originally a small village on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. For several centuries the capital had been upriver at Ayutthaya, but the Burmese had sacked the city in 1767, destroying it so utterly that after they were driven out shortly afterwards, King Taksin decided to build a new capital at Thonburi. His successor, King Rama I, decided that the opposite bank of the river was a better site, and so he re-established the capital at Bangkok, building the Grand Palace and naming the city Krung Thep, or City of Angels.

Staying in Bangkok and exploring the city is one of the great Asian experiences. There are hotels to suit every budget, and the concentration of luxury hotels is unrivalled in the region. Dining out offers endless possibilities, from ritzy restaurants to humble noodle stalls, with every stage in between. The nightlife is legendary. Shopping is of the "until-you-drop" quality. Sports lovers are well catered for. Getting around is easy.

When to go

Thailand's climate is tropical, high both in temperature and humidity, and dominated by monsoons.

April and May are the hottest months of the year, while June sees the beginning of the southwest monsoon, bringing with it the rainy season that continues until the end of October.

From November to the end of February, when the northeast monsoon is blowing cool, dry breezes, the climate is cooler with a reduction in the humidity level. This period sees the main tourist season.

Season -From a climate point of view, the best time to visit Thailand is from November to February. During this cool season, the temperature ranges from 18 deg C to 32 deg C in Bangkok.

Airport

Bangkok has two airports, Bangkok International Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang International Airport. Don Mueang was the city's original international airport, but was replaced by the newly constructed Suvarnabhumi in late 2006. Don Mueang is now used for charter flights and non-connecting domestic commercial flights. Bangkok International Suvarnabhumi Airport is located 30 kilometers east of Bangkok, with fast highway connections to the city centre.

Thai International has a limousine service that will take visitors anywhere in Bangkok, and a mini bus service to major hotels. The booking desk is located in the arrivals hall.  Fares are charged per distance, with 800 baht being an average fare to the city centre.

Public taxis can be booked at a desk near the front exit. Fare paid is as per the meter plus a 50 baht airport surcharge and tollway charges. Total cost would usually be between 400 and 500 baht.

Airport Express provides an air-conditioned bus service to first-class Bangkok hotels, operating from 5:00am to midnight. The cost is 150 baht for the entire route.

The Suvarnabhumi Airport Link is an airport rail link currently under construction from the airport to the new City Air Terminal in Makkasan, Bangkok.

Convention Centres

There are several exhibition and convention centres where there is almost always some kind of trade show going on. The Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) is one of the largest trade venues in Thailand. Impact Arena and Exhibition Centre is near Don Mueang International Airport and is the preferred venue for international music acts and major local performances. Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre is centrally locatede and is a major venue for international exhibitions and conferences.