Many foreign visitors do not have as much time as they would like when they arrive in the Thai capital, Bangkok, and if you only have a few days in which to take in the Bangkok sights, you have come to the right place, as we offer a few tips to help you make the most of your limited time in the Thai capital city.
- Booking a hotel – Choose a 4-star hotel that is located along Sukhumvit Road, as this puts you in the thick of the action, plus you can get on the BTS at any of the stations along the main road. Online booking offers the best rates; you can save up to 30% on the normal rates. When it’s time to leave, order a taxi to come to your hotel, and you will arrive at the airport refreshed and ready for the long flight. Of course, the ideal thing would be to book ที่พักพร้อมสปา (Accommodation with spa) for a real luxury experience! The Internet empowers us to order whatever we desire.
- Choosing tourist attractions – Of course, you won’t be able to experience that many tourist attractions in a few days, so you need to prioritise. If you like rich history and fine architecture, you should visit the Grand Palace, perhaps the most popular of the many attractions, while for buying souvenirs, the weekend market at Jatuchak has to be included. Don’t try to see and do too much, as you will end up tired, and no one wants that! Touring should be a comfortable experience, not rushed, and rooftop bars are great places to unwind, with your favourite cocktail and a cool breeze as you view the city in all its glory.
- Skytrain – Known also as the BTS, this rail network can take you anywhere in the city, cheaply and efficiently. Check online for line maps and stations; you can plan a day out by using the Skytrain. Lines go to all parts of the city, one line takes you directly to Suvarnabhumi Airport, passing through the east of Bangkok. If your skin feels a bit jaded after a day in Bangkok, check out this blog on facials in Bangkok.
- Taxis – As you would expect, there are taxis everywhere in this amazing city; they come in many colours, pink, orange, purple, yellow and a yellow-green combination; the latter is driver-owned and preferable for obvious reasons. Always watch for the driver to hit the meter when you enter the vehicle, and if he does not start the meter, you should insist and politely get out if he does not after being requested. Some taxi drivers see foreigners as an opportunity to negotiate a fare that would be higher than the meter, so they always insist on running the meter.
- The city that never sleeps – Even in the middle of the night, Bangkok is active; market traders are out buying stock, restaurant workers are out buying fresh produce, while shift workers are coming and going. If you really want to party until sunrise, this can be arranged. You will not see empty streets at 3 am; some areas of Bangkok are busier at night than during the If you are into clubbing, you have come to one of the world’s top nightlife spots, and there is something for everyone in the City of Angels, which is Krung Thep in Thai.
A short stay in Bangkok doesn’t give you much time to do anything except sit back, relax and enjoy the views from a rooftop bar. Of course, if you have a couple of weeks, then you can enjoy many of the amazing attractions Bangkok has to offer to foreigners.
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