Bangkok information (video)

Bangkok was once the name of a small village on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. In 1782, after the fall of Ayutthaya, King Rama I built a palace on the eastern bank (today Rattanakosin) and renamed the city Krung Thep (City of Angels).

On the west bank (present-day Thonburi) grew Bangkok to the new capital. There is no longer a village. It is now estimated that more than 12 million people live in this gigantic metropolis. This huge crowd of people brings problems, traffic congestion and air pollution are examples of this. Nevertheless, Bangkok is impressive thanks to the splendor of the temples, palaces and other sights.

Bangkok districts

The main districts in Bangkok are:

• Sukhumvit – the long Sukhumvit Road, which changes names to Ploenchit Road and Rama I Road in the west, is Bangkok's modern commercial heart, lined with glittering malls and hotels. The Skytrain intersection at Siam Square is most similar to downtown Bangkok.
• Silom – south of Sukhumvit, the area around Silom Road and Sathorn Road is Thailand's austere financial center during the day, but Bangkok's largest nightlife center when the bars of the infamous Patpong open at sunset.
• Rattanakosin – between the river and Sukhumvit lies the busy, crowded “Old Bangkok”, where the most famous wats (temples) are located. Chinatown and the attractions around the Chao Phraya River are also included, as well as the Mecca of backpackers Khao San Road and the neighboring district of Banglamphu.
• Thon Buri – the quieter west bank of the Chao Phraya River, with many small canals and less visited but interesting attractions.
• Phahonyothin – the area around Phahonyothin Road and Viphavadi Rangsit Road is best known for the Chatuchak Weekend Market and Don Muang Airport.
• Ratchadaphisek – the district north of Sukhumvit centered around Ratchadaphisek Road (one of which is called Asoke) and extending from Phetchaburi Road to Lat Phrao. This area is in strong development since the new metro line goes through Ratchadaphisek Road.

Airports in Bangkok

Bangkok has two operational airports since 2007. Most international flights land at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). A number of domestic flights (including those of Thai Airways) also depart from Suvarnabhumi. Most low-cost airlines fly from the old international airport Don Muang (also written Don Mueang). When booking domestic flights, you should therefore pay close attention to which airport you are flying from or to.

KLM and EVA Air fly daily from Amsterdam directly to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi Airport). Emirates, Qatar Airways and Ethiad and others fly to Bangkok with a stopover.

More information about Bangkok Airport Suvarnabhumi, read here »

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Hualamphong Railway Station

The central station and terminus for the Bangkok Metro line is called Hualamphong and is located right in the center of Bangkok. It is an old-fashioned station that was built in 1916. Tickets for trains departing the same day can be purchased at the counters with the red/green/orange screens.

The entry and exit point for taxis is on the left side of the platforms, as you walk towards the platforms. Here it is usually nice and busy and chaotic. There is also a left-luggage office, seen from the counters right at the back of the main hall. Always handy if you have a few hours to spend and want to see a bit of the city without lugging all your stuff.

More information about traveling by train, read here »

Transportation in Bangkok

For transportation in Bangkok you can choose from:

• Skytrain (BTS)
• Subway (MRT)
• Airport Raillink
• Chao Phraya Express Boat
• The bus
• Taxi
• Tuk-Tuk

The BTS Skytrain and MRTA Metro are the safest, fastest and most comfortable.

More information about the Read BTS Skytrain here »

Hotels in Bangkok

You want to spend those few days that you stay in Bangkok as well as possible. The location of your hotel is important here. Choose a hotel within walking distance of the Metro or Skytrain. Nothing beats the comfort of air conditioning in the hottest city in the world. The Skytrain and metro are not only comfortable, but also cheap and fast.

More information about You can read about booking hotels here »

Sightseeing Bangkok

Most of Bangkok's tourist attractions are located in the Old City Center on Rattanakosin Island. You can admire a number of temples (Thai for temple = Wat). The most famous sights are:

• Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn)
• The Grand Palace, containing Wat Phra Kaew (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
• Wat Pho, with the largest reclining Buddha in the world and famous for the massage school.
• chinatown.
• Of course you should also visit one of the many markets.

More information about places of interest in bangkok »

bangkok videos

The video below provides interesting information about Bangkok: