First time visitors Bangkok many surprise you contradictions who live in the city. The capital of Thailand is the most enigmatic city in Southeast Asia, suspended between the past and the future. With its eight million inhabitants, Bangkok is a city that never sleeps, Fascinating, exciting and truly incredible to visit..
It seems impossible that sky train, a futuristic elevated railway almost 30 km long coexists with the fat fat, the typical three-wheeled taxi that has become one of the symbols of the city. Bangkok is this: old and modern combined to create the most irresistible capital in Southeast Asia.
What to see in Bangkok
Bangkok is a city that offers a lot to tourists, satisfying both modern travelers, who appreciate its cosmopolitan atmosphere, and more traditionalists, who are fascinated by the temples and the Royal Palace.
The city is divided in two by the railway.On one side is the oldest area, full of temples, and on the other is the most modern area, without major tourist attractions.
The oldest temple in the city is Wat Pho, home of the enormous reclining buddha, 15 meters high and 46 meters long, completely covered in gold. He What a bagHowever, the Buddhist temple is located on the top of Monte Dorado, the golden mountain. The climb of 318 steps takes you to a hill where you will find monks and worshipers praying. The view of the entire city is impressive. Other temples to visit are Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, a Chinese-style temple dedicated to Mahayana Buddhism, and the what trait which houses a three-meter-high solid gold Buddha.
The symbol of Bangkok, however, is the Wat phra kaew, a huge complex of temples and palaces, within which we also find the Royal Palace, the former residence of the sovereign. The main attraction of the temple is the Emerald Buddha, among other buildings, the Borombhiman Palace, Amarindra Palace, Chakri Mahaprasat y Dusit Palace.
Plaza Siam It is the center of the modern part of the city, with shopping centers, skyscrapers and main roads that make up the financial center of Bangkok.
Il Park Lumphini It is, on the other hand, the green lung of the city, ideal for spending a few hours relaxing during visits, letting yourself be carried away by the atmosphere of peace and tranquility that is breathed.
In Bangkok there are also museums, the National Museum It is the largest in Southeast Asia, it is also worth visiting siam museum y National Gallery.
bangkok nightlife
it's bangkok also famous for its nightlife. Once upon a time, the city offered above all red light transgression and entertainmentToday, however, Bangkok allows everyone to experience the night to satisfy any need. They range from the night market to rooftop bars, to places where you can have cocktails accompanied by live music.
There are three red zones: Soi Cowboy and Asok, Nana Plaza a Sukhumvit e soi patpong a Silom. Here, between lap dance shows and girls offering themselves to male clientele, the night is spent in the name of the wildest transgression.
If, on the other hand, you are only interested in dancing and having fun, The city is full of restaurants, pubs and clubs where to spend the night The most picturesque neighborhood of all is Chinatown, where you can find a perfect combination of shopping, good food and music.
A fundamental component of Thai nightlife is made up of markets. Here you can not only walk around discovering the colors and aromas of the place, but you can buy what you want, accompanied by music and having a drink.
Do not miss the theaters, where to attend Traditional Khon mask performances or the typical Thai folk dance Likay.. Sports fans can't miss a game Thai boxing, ancient art and very important for the entire country.
Bangkok River Boating
They are also very suggestive. boat tours on the Bangkok river, to explore the city's numerous canals and experience it from another point of view. During the crossing, you will have the opportunity to see a new side of Bangkok and witness scenes of daily life along the river. Exist 5 boat and ferry lines, one of which is exclusively touristic. There are many stops, so you can also use the boats to avoid traffic and get to places to visit.
Excursions to Phuket and Chiang Mai.
From Bangkok it is also possible to do some excursions to nearby Phuket, between golden sand and crystal clear water. This island in Thailand is perfect for relaxing but also for shopping at the Karon Beach covered market, or for visiting one of the approximately forty Buddha statues spread throughout the island.
Another excursion to take is undoubtedly Chiang Mai, which is the second largest city in Thailand. Located in the north, it offers many possibilities to visitors: from elephant back excursions to mini river cruises, from shopping to discovering natural parks. And then temples, night markets and many gastronomic specialties to try.
What you need to know before visiting Bangkok
Before leaving for Bangkok, it is essential to know a few things to avoid finding yourself unprepared once there. Always carry it with you a paper map, so you always have control over where to go and don't worry about the battery of your tablet or smartphone running out.
Bangkok's climate is strongly influenced by the monsoons., the average temperature is around Degrees 31, the minimum never drops below 21 degrees. There are three seasons: the rainy season, from mid-May to the second half of October, the cool season, from mid-October to mid-February, and the warm season, from mid-February to mid-May. The month with the most precipitation is September.
The Bangkok Thai and English spoken., so there are no problems communicating.
The Thai currency is baht, which corresponds approximately $0,026. Bangkok is not very expensive and it is possible to withdraw baht at the city's many ATMs with an international credit card. Check first with your bank about the cost of commissions abroad, so as not to have unpleasant surprises when it comes to your account statement.
How to get to Bangkok
Bangkok airport is Bangkok International Airport, Also called S, which is located approximately 30 kilometers from the city center. One of the quickest ways to get there is the taxi, which is also much cheaper than taxis in Italy. In 40 minutes you will have reached your destination. Otherwise, there are several public buses which, for an approximate cost of 1 euro, will take you to the center, but the journey takes about two hours. the line of private buses It takes 30 minutes and costs about 5,50 euros. However, the quickest way the train. There are three lines that connect Bangkok with the airport, two of them the Express Line and the City Line.
How to travel safely in Thailand
To enter Thailand you need the passport, in which a visa valid for 30 days. Longer visas must be requested, for work or study reasons. to the Thai Embassy or Consulate in Italy. The rest of the information is available on the Farnesina website.
Bangkok It cannot be considered a dangerous city or, at least, no more than many other metropolises. You can easily walk around both day and night without any fear, the danger of being robbed is the same as in any other big city. You should also avoid arguing, raising your voice, and criticizing the king or royal family.
