About Bangkok
With around 21.98 million international visitors per year, Bangkok is the most visited city in the world. This vibrant city can offer you everything you can ever think, tourists can visit the glistening temples, wander around Chinatown, eat local dishes in street stalls, take a longtail boat through floating markets, relax in luxury hotels, or party in rooftop bars. Many tourists also come to the city for its world-famous medical facilities. 62% of medical tourists who visit Thailand prefer Bangkok as their destination. Offering the highest standard of medical care (20 JCI accredited hospitals), a wide range of treatments, highly skilled medical practitioners, short waiting times, and affordable costs are some of the reasons why people choose this city as their medical destination. The most popular procedures are Cosmetic Surgery, Dentistry, and orthopedics.
Popular
There are endless things to do and see in Bangkok. With non-stop entertainment, visit the city’s holiest sites, Wat Pho and Wat Arun, to learn more about its culture and history. Tourists who love culture can also wander around the Old City and admire the Grand Royal Palace. If you are into shopping, Siam Square and Chatuchak Market is the right place for you. The city is known for having the world’s best street food, which is why you must experience the street food stalls. At night, the city comes alive with carnival-like night markets and hip bars.
Transport
Bangkok is served by two main airports. Suvarnabhumi International Airport operates international flights to many major cities around the globe and Don Mueang Airport operates domestic flights to many regions within Thailand. Both airports serve budget airlines such as Air Asia, Lion Air, and EastarJet. There are numerous ways to get around the city. If you need to avoid traffic, sky-trains and MRT are the best choices. For short-distance travel opt for a tuk-tuk. Taxis are widely available and metered. Remember to protect yourself from taxi cheats by insisting that the taxi driver uses the meter.
Visas
It is advisable to visit the nearest Thai embassy and consulates to learn more about the procedure to get a visa. However, visa-free travel is granted for citizens of 76 countries (including Australia, Singapore, the UK, and the US), which means the holders of those passports can stay for up to 90 days. Citizens of China, India, and Saudi Arabia can apply for a visa on arrival in 48 Immigration checkpoints in the country.
Weather
Bangkok experiences a tropical monsoon climate with three seasons. The hot season starts from March and ends in June, the wet season lasts from July to October, and the cool season from November until February. The temperatures can reach as high as 35 °C, but the humidity usually intensifies the heat.
Additional Info
- Local Currency: Thai Bhat (THB) is the official currency, and 1 USD will get you around 30.8 THB.
- Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in various shops, hotels, and restaurants. Tipping can be mandatory, generally at 10%.
- Local Language: The local language is Thai, but most people in Bangkok speak and understand English.
- Local Culture and Religion: Buddhism is the official and the largest religion in the city. Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity are in minority groups.
- Public Holidays: The city celebrates many festivals and holidays, including Chinese New Year, Visakha Bucha Day, and Constitution Day.