Why visit Bangkok?
A head-on clash between modernity and tradition, Thailand’s capital is arguably Southeast Asia’s most enigmatic city. First-time Pinoy visitors may be a little taken aback by the never-ending traffic, billboard-covered skyscrapers, concrete canyons, pollution and noise. But once you take a few steps away from the crowded main streets, you’ll find that this city is drenched in beauty, culture and delights.
Deemed as one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, it is, after all, an extraordinary cosmopolitan city with a vibrant nightlife, tasty cuisine, busy markets, authentic canals, stunning palaces and magnificent temples. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff or a party lover, Bangkok is truly an urban cornucopia of sights, sounds, tastes and smells that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
_Photo credit: Flickr/bangkok/Roberto Trombetta/CC-BY_
Best time to book a trip to Bangkok
Want to score cheap airline tickets to Bangkok? Based on our superb and reliable data, the best time book a flight to Bangkok from the Philippines is 17 weeks in advance prior to your trip. For the most part, this will save you 19.9% on your airfare. Also, the cheapest month to visit Thailand is November.
Documents needed to travel to Bangkok
Do I need to secure a visa to get to Bangkok? Under the Visa Exemption Rule, Pinoy passport holders, who are traveling to Bangkok for leisure purposes, are allowed to stay in Thailand up to 30 days, when entering the country via an international airport. Likewise, those who are entering the country through a land border checkpoint from a neighboring country (Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos) are permitted to stay up to 15 days in Thailand.
However, you may still have to undergo a quick interview at the immigration counter, as well as present all your supporting documents to the immigration officer. For first-timers, it may take a bit longer to get through the immigration, so you need to check-in early and prepare your documents beforehand. In most cases, these are the things the immigration officer from the airport will ask from you:
- 2-way tickets: A one way ticket will give the immigration officer the impression that you have no intention of going back. To prevent offloads, make sure to present your 2-way tickets upon inspection.
- A valid passport: Your passport should be valid at least 6 months following your departure date.
- A confirmed travel itinerary
- Proof of accommodations: Show them the confirmation receipt of your hostel or hotel accommodations
- Show money: At least 10,000 THB (13,389 PHP) per person and 20,000 THB (26,778 PHP) per family
- Credit card (if you have one)
- Proof of employment/PRC ID
Photo credit: Jerick Parrone
How to get into Bangkok
There are a couple of international airports in Bangkok – the Don Muang (DMK) and Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Suvarnabhumi is used by most airlines in Thailand, except for Orient Thai, Nok Air and Air Asia, which uses the Don Muang Airport. Both airports are about 30 kilometers away from the city center, so get ready for about an hour’s ride to get to downtown Bangkok. Avoid the peak traffic periods or that ride will take much longer. Also there’s an option to take the train if you’re coming from Suvarnabhumi to bypass the traffic.
Kuwait Airways, Thai Airways, Philippine airlines and Cebu Pacific fly from directly to Bangkok from NAIA. For more information about their flight schedules, check out Skyscanner’s flight search tool.
Flight time from NAIA to Bangkok: 3 hours and 20 minutes
Photo credit: Flickr/Philippine passport/Jerick Parrone/CC-BY
When to go & visit Bangkok
Bangkok, as do most cities in Thailand, has three seasons. The best time to visit this city is during its cool season (from mid-November to mid-February), when there’s virtually no rain and the weather is great for being outdoors. The hot season, which starts from mid-February and ends in May, is usually pretty hot and humid, with temperatures that go as a high as 38 °C. This is followed by the region’s rainy season (May to mid-October), when frequent thunderstorms and rain showers. However, in Bangkok, if its raining, just pop into the nearest shopping mall and do some retail therapy while you wait for the rain to stop!
Other things to keep in mind
- Currency – Thai baht. For real-time conversion rates, see OANDA Currency Converter.
- Getting around – Open-sided tuk-tuks are the classic means of transportation in Bangkok, but “tourist prices” and air pollution usually mean the city’s air-conditioned taxi cabs are a better and cheaper option (as long as you insist on the driver using the meter politely). Peak-hour traffic can be terrible, so using the MRT (Subway) or BTS (Skytrain) is a much better way to get around at those times. Also most train stations are connected to a mall or retail space for you to get a quick bite or drink.
- Security – Bangkok isn’t a dangerous place to visit, and it’s safe to walk anywhere there at any time. But, there’s still the usual array on con artists out to prey on naïve and unsuspecting travelers. Common sense is enough to dodge most nasty scammers, but be particularly wary of the tuk-tuk drivers offering you a free ride, as well as the gem merchants offering deals that sound too good to be true.
- Time differential – PH is an hour ahead of Thailand
- Manners – Check out this guide to know more about the Thai customs and etiquette
- Language – Unlike in the Philippines, English isn’t as widely spoken in Thailand, so prepare to do a bit of charades when in Bangkok. Most staff in restaurants and malls can speak some basic English and most modern cafes have English menus so you won’t be lost in translation.
- Wear a comfortable pair of shoes or sandals – Comfortable footwear is highly recommended since the traffic can be rather bad, and you are probably going to do a lot of walking in Bangkok.
- Bring a poncho or umbrella – Bring them if you are traveling to Bangkok during its rainy season.
- Wear light clothes – The city’s humidity can be enervating, and wearing light fabrics will help keep you cool.
Essential contacts
Philippine Embassy
- Address: 760, Sukhumvit Road, Phra Khanong, Bangkok, Thailand
- Phone: +66 2 259 0139
Tourist police
- Sathorn-Silom and central Sukhumvit areas
- Dial 1155
Bangkok Information Center
- Address: 17/1 Phra Athit Road
- Phone: +66 2 225 7612
Photo credit: Flickr/Phone Bank/Onny Carr/CC-BY
Typical Costs in Bangkok
- Food – In Bangkok, you can enjoy a tasty street food meal (som tam, fried rice, pad thai and soup) for as low as 30 THB (40 PHP). Also, for 20 THB (26.71 PHP), you can enjoy a serving of Thai ice tea or a bag of fresh fruits. If you want to enjoy a hearty and mouthwatering meal in Bangkok, you can get a som tam, rice and grilled chicken meal for only 150 THB (200 PHP). Prices for restaurants in the city start at 50 THB (67 PHP) a meal, while Western food will cost over 100 THB (133 PHP). Most of the city’s malls have popular and huge food courts where you can indulge on a filling meal for as low as 40 THB (53 PHP). Many food courts now operate on a cashcard system so you’ll go to a counter and pay around 200 THB then go to the individuals stalls to order your food and tap your card. After you finish your meal, head back to the counter to get your refund on the remaining cash inside.
- Budget hotel – Budget hotels like Alt Hotel Nana cost 500 to 1,700 THB (667 to 2,671 PHP) a night, and most of them include private bathrooms and hot water. Other great options include Red Planet Asoke (near Terminal 21 shopping mall) and Rambuttri Village Plaza (located on a peaceful hippie street near Khao San Road).
- Hostel – Rates for dorm beds starts at 100 THB (133 PHP), while nicer dorms with excellent locations cost around 675 THB (901 PHP). Private rooms in smaller guesthouses, specifically in the backpacker haven Khao San Road, cost 350 THB (467 PHP).
- Transportation – While it’s true that city buses are very crowded, they are nonetheless an inexpensive and convenient option for your transportation. For 10 to 15 THB (13.36 to 20 PHP) only, you can practically travel anywhere in Bangkok. Meanwhile, the Metro and SkyTrain cost 15 to 50 THB (20 to 67 PHP) each trip. Taxis, throughout Thailand’s capital, cost less than 170 THB (227 PHP).
Estimated cost per day: 900 to 2,500 THB (1,200 to 3,400 PHP), excluding admission fees for attractions.
Things not to miss in Bangkok
Grand Palace
No list of the top things to do in Bangkok is complete without the Grand Palace – the most glittering and venerated sight in Thailand. Home to Wat Phra Kaew (the country’s most visited temple), the Grand Palace wow its visitors with its sheer size, intricate detail, beautiful architecture and breathtaking Buddha statues. As a mark of respect to the Buddhist religion and the Thai Royal Family, please do not wear singlets, shorts, mini-skirts, flip flops or anything that would be deemed inappropriate. The perfect outfit for guys would be a polo t-shirt and jeans and for ladies would be a long dress.
Entrance fee: 500 THB (667 PHP)
Wat Po
There’s no combination of the ethereal and corporeal like a leisurely stroll through this surreal temple compound, wherein the enchanting smile of the world renowned Reclining Buddha serves as a cue to go to the school of traditional massage. But, there’s more to Wat Po than its soothing traditional Thai massage treatments and gigantic reclining Buddha. Wat Po boasts a wondrous collection of sculptures, inscriptions and murals that delve into a variety of subjects, from archaeology and astronomy to warfare. Plus, it houses a landscaped garden with stupas and stone sculptures adorned with glazed porcelain.
Entrance fee: 100 THB (133 PHP)
Chinatown
Bangkok’s Chinatown is an exotic, colorful and pleasingly chaotic place, packed with market stalls and cheap buys. During the Vegetarian Festival, Chinese New year and other major festivities, the spirit of celebration and dynamism of this place will spread across the city like wildfire.
Entrance fee: Free
Wat Arun
The remarkable silhouette of Wat Arun’s spire is certainly one of the most famous sights in Southeast Asia. Though it looks impressive from afar, it’s glazed porcelain and towering spires look more stunning up close. If you take the river boat along the Chao Phraya River, this is one great spot for selfies so sit near the edge of the boat when you see it in the distance.
Entrance fee: 100 THB (133 PHP)
Floating Market tour
Damnoen Saduak, the granddaddy of all floating markets, still offers an authentic Thai experience, in spite of its increasingly touristy atmosphere. It’s not a great place to buy stuff as the prices are generally higher, but the area is good for eating and photography – two things most Pinoy travelers love.
Fee: 300 to 600 THB (400 to 800 PHP)
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Chatuchak Weekend Market, once popular only among traders and wholesalers, has now become a must-visit place for anyone visiting Bangkok. Praised for its immense size and diverse collections of merchandise, this weekend market is indeed a paradise for seasoned shoppers and bargain hunters. Be prepared to spend about half a day to a full weekend there depending on how much of the market you wish to cover and how much shopping you wish to do as its one of the largest markets in the entire world!
Entrance fee: Free
Hang out in Khao San Road
Khao San Road is the infamous tourist street and backpacker haven in Bangkok. But, make no mistake about it – this road is more than a transit station for backpackers and travelers. Here, you can find great shopping stalls, excellent food, buzzing parties and even meet some friendly backpackers. There are many spots for great live music – both in Thai and English, some clubs with famous local DJs spinning and other street bars where you can buy buckets of Mojito to share with your friends!
Take a day trip to Ayutthaya
Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991, Ayutthaya is a historic area famed for its ruins and mesmerizing temples like Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit. This city is also famous for its large river shrimps which can be steamed, boiled or grilled so if you’re a fan of seafood, make sure to try it!
Cost: 950 THB (1,200 PHP)
Photo credit: Flickr/Thailand-3135/Dennis Jarvis/CC-BY
Money saving tips
You don’t have to spend a great deal of money to enjoy a sweet, blissful and memorable trip to Bangkok. Here are a few tips to help you experience an affordable and amazing getaway in Thailand’s capital.
- Eat street food – Not only is it supremely affordable, but it’s also the best and most delectable food in the city. For an affordable price of 30 THB (40 PHP), you can treat your palate with a bowl of fried rice or pad thai.
- Skip the drinks in Khao San Road – Although it can be fun, a night out in Khao San Road – the backpacker hub of Bangkok – could burn a big hole in your wallet if you get out of control. In general, stick to the local beer, Chang or Singha or Leo, when drinking and partying in Bangkok. Wine and cocktails are usually imported and have high taxes, meaning that they are way more expensive. If however, cocktail bars are your thing, then head to Thonglor where many locals hangout. Or for a cocktail with a view, head to Sirocco at Lebua Tower, where you can have an amazing birds-eye view of Bangkok.
- Take the boat – Looking for a cheaper alternative to the Sky Train and taxis? There are canal and river boats in Bangkok that offer trips for 5 to 25 THB per ride, depending on the distance.
- Insist on turning on the meter when taking a taxi – All taxi cabs in the city are required to turn on the meter when they have passengers. But, there are some not-so honest drivers who’ll charge a higher flat rate, rather than using the meter, especially when there’s traffic. If the driver won’t turn on the meter, walk away and look for a different cab.
- Use the city’s public transportation – A 20-minute ride on a taxi cab may cost you 120 THB (160 PHP), while a bus ride, with the same origin and destination of your taxi ride, will only cost 10 THB (13 PHP).
- Negotiate with the tuk-tuk drivers – Tuk-tuk drivers, unlike taxi cabs, don’t have meters, so make to agree on a price before taking off. Though they are friendly, they might take advantage of you, if you’re naïve.
- Bring sufficient THB – Exchanging your peso bills to Thai Baht in Bangkok can cost you a bundle. There are a lot of money changers in the city, but most of them offer poor exchange rates for Philippine pesos.
_Photo credit: Flickr/bangkok/Roberto Trombetta/CC-BY_
More information about Bangkok
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