About Thailand
Short history
Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and, with a population of over eleven million inhabitants. It is one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities with magnificent temples and palaces, authentic canals, busy markets and a vibrant nightlife that has something for everyone.
For years, it was only a small trading post at the banks of the Chao Phraya River, until King Rama I, the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty, turned it into the capital of Siam in 1782, after the burning of Ayutthaya by Burmese invaders. Since then, Bangkok has turned into a national treasure house and functions as Thailand’s spiritual, cultural, political, commercial, educational and diplomatic centre.
Getting around
Skytrain (BTS)
The Skytrain covers most of downtown and is especially convenient for visiting Siam Square, the central shopping district. There are two lines: the light green Sukhumvit Line travels along Sukhumvit Road, Siam Square and then follows Phahonyothin Road up north, where it terminates at Mo Chit (N8), near the Chatuchak Weekend Market. The dark green Silom Line starts in Thonburi, passes the Express Boat pier at Saphan Taksin (S6), goes through the Silom area and ends at National Stadium (W1), right next to MBK Center. Both lines come together at Siam (CEN).
MRT
For now there is only one line, the Blue Line that connects the central Hualamphong Train Station (1) to the northern Bang Sue Train Station (18), running through Silom, Sukhumvit, Ratchadaphisek and area around Chatuchak Weekend Market in Phahonyothin. There are interchanges to the Skytrain at Si Lom (3), Sukhumvit (7) and Chatuchak Park (16) stations. Tourists do not use the metro as much as the Skytrain, but there are some useful stops, such as stopping by Chatuchak Market. These tickets are interchangeable for sky train tickets. Rides start from 15 baht and increases based on distance. A prepaid card is about 1000 baht.
Taxi
Taxis are a quick and comfortable way to get around town. Be careful and insist on using the meter! At this time, the starting fee for the taxi starts at 35 baht. On some occasions, the driver will ask if he can use the toll-way, which saves a tremendous amount of time, but passengers are responsible for the cost at the toll booth.
Food
Cuisine is flourishingly abundant and easily accessible around Bangkok. Best of all, the street food is a must taste! Thai food, ranging from Pad Thai to Kanom Roti.
In Bangkok, all the different categories of ethnic cuisines are present, ranging from central to southern cuisine. Ethnic cuisines can be found in a variety of restaurants throughout town; Indian restaurants, Western restaurants and Chinese restaurants are only steps away from the BTS. Dinner cruises in Chao Praya River are a fun way of enjoying the views of Thailand, as well as Thai cultural performances while enjoying the amazing cuisine.
Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and, with a population of over eleven million inhabitants. It is one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities with magnificent temples and palaces, authentic canals, busy markets and a vibrant nightlife that has something for everyone.
For years, it was only a small trading post at the banks of the Chao Phraya River, until King Rama I, the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty, turned it into the capital of Siam in 1782, after the burning of Ayutthaya by Burmese invaders. Since then, Bangkok has turned into a national treasure house and functions as Thailand’s spiritual, cultural, political, commercial, educational and diplomatic centre.
Getting around
Skytrain (BTS)
The Skytrain covers most of downtown and is especially convenient for visiting Siam Square, the central shopping district. There are two lines: the light green Sukhumvit Line travels along Sukhumvit Road, Siam Square and then follows Phahonyothin Road up north, where it terminates at Mo Chit (N8), near the Chatuchak Weekend Market. The dark green Silom Line starts in Thonburi, passes the Express Boat pier at Saphan Taksin (S6), goes through the Silom area and ends at National Stadium (W1), right next to MBK Center. Both lines come together at Siam (CEN).
MRT
For now there is only one line, the Blue Line that connects the central Hualamphong Train Station (1) to the northern Bang Sue Train Station (18), running through Silom, Sukhumvit, Ratchadaphisek and area around Chatuchak Weekend Market in Phahonyothin. There are interchanges to the Skytrain at Si Lom (3), Sukhumvit (7) and Chatuchak Park (16) stations. Tourists do not use the metro as much as the Skytrain, but there are some useful stops, such as stopping by Chatuchak Market. These tickets are interchangeable for sky train tickets. Rides start from 15 baht and increases based on distance. A prepaid card is about 1000 baht.
Taxi
Taxis are a quick and comfortable way to get around town. Be careful and insist on using the meter! At this time, the starting fee for the taxi starts at 35 baht. On some occasions, the driver will ask if he can use the toll-way, which saves a tremendous amount of time, but passengers are responsible for the cost at the toll booth.
Food
Cuisine is flourishingly abundant and easily accessible around Bangkok. Best of all, the street food is a must taste! Thai food, ranging from Pad Thai to Kanom Roti.
In Bangkok, all the different categories of ethnic cuisines are present, ranging from central to southern cuisine. Ethnic cuisines can be found in a variety of restaurants throughout town; Indian restaurants, Western restaurants and Chinese restaurants are only steps away from the BTS. Dinner cruises in Chao Praya River are a fun way of enjoying the views of Thailand, as well as Thai cultural performances while enjoying the amazing cuisine.