Culture, party and tradition – the real Thailand
To many, Bangkok is no more than a getaway to the beaches of southern Thailand, a 200-miles-an-hour city with little to offer to those craving the white sand of Samui, Phuket or Pattaya. The first chapter of Alex Garland’s famous novel, The Beach, which describes a crowded metropolis filled with cheap hostels and tourist shops, immediately springs to mind. But, don’t let this image fool you: Bangkok is a fantastic place.
The city’s main appeal is the range of experiences on offer. One minute you can barter down the price of dirt-cheap souvenirs on Khao San Road and the next, be drinking a Whisky Sour at Skybar on the 63rd floor of the State Tower with wealthy businessmen and local hipsters. Bangkok is also the place to soak in Thai culture with temples, museums and historical places – things that are much harder to come by in the beach paradises of the south.
Why go?
Because Bangkok is the heart of today’s Thailand – between modernism and tradition. Yes, it’s fast-paced, but it also remains very authentic. Bangkok has some of the country’s most beautiful temples and monuments; it’s also where you’re most likely to find proper Thai restaurants, catering for the locals, not the tourists.
When to go?
The safest bet to avoid monsoon and scorching temperatures is between November and April, with the December-to-March period being the driest. But, don’t let this put you off visiting during the rest of the year. Patches of rain are often short even during the monsoon. Another idea is to choose dates that coincide with local events: the King’s birthday, Bangkok Jazz Festival and Chinese New Year are all worth the trip.
How to get there?
If you want to fly direct, there are a few options from London Heathrow with Thai Airways, BA, Qantas and EVA Air all offering non-stop flights to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. There are also many indirect options from London and other UK regional airports. These can be cheaper and make the journey more bearable with an opportunity to stretch your legs in the middle. That said, make sure lay-off times are kept to a minimum.
Must see
No one should visit Bangkok without experiencing a tuk-tuk ride. That said, remember that these are overpriced, so get yourself on the sky train, or the riverboats to travel quickly and make the most of your trip. If you have to experience only one Thai massage during your whole Thailand trip, forget the beach huts of the south and head for the Wat Pho Massage School. Far from the seedy stereotypes, it’s a heavenly experience. Don’t miss Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, one of the city’s most impressive monuments.