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Bangkok is a city that thrives on contrasts and embraces the weird, the wonderful, and the whacky.

Its happy essence and vibrant nature is owed to the everyday hustle and daily grind of the people.

Wat Arun big landmark in Bangkok City, Thailand

Credit: Pakin Songmor/Getty Images

This city is a must see and an experience to remember any time you visit.

With many popular neighborhoods to explore and plenty of traditional, world class foods to try.

Whatever you’re here for, this is a destination that delivers romance, adventure, and family time.

People in a ferry in Bangkok

Tessa Desjardins/Travel + Leiusre

In an unreservedly soulful city, you’re free to expect nothing less.

Climb the Sky Bars at night and be rewarded with a sparkling metropolis twinkling in its glory.

On April 13, this metropolitan city shuts down for a three-day holiday.

Best Budget Hotels in Bangkok

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Upon exiting the station, you will be greeted with some friendly, splashin' fun.

FYI: This time of year is HOT, HOT, HOT.

Throughout the months of January and February, Bangkok proudly presents the very chilled Concert in the Park.

Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental

Do as the locals do by taking a blanket or folding chairs, plus your favourite picnic essentials.

You’ll be ready to settle in and soak up the atmosphere.

November to February are generally the cooler months in most parts of Thailand, including Bangkok.

Food from Smokin' Pug

Jason Michael Lang/Courtesy of Smokin' Pug

However, if you’re planning a trip to the islands from the capital do check the weather carefully.

These areas are known for getting more rainfall.

With so much to see and do, this is a city that loves an itinerary.

The main dining room at AESOPS

Goda Sadzevicivte/Courtesy of AESOPS

Bangkok Soi’s (streets/alleys) are well known for their hidden gems.

Traffic can be a deadlock, especially at peak times of the day.

The city is a food haven for anyone who loves hearty and flavorsome cooking.

Beautiful sky and Wat Ratchanatdaram Temple in Bangkok, Thailand. Thai architecture: Wat Ratchanadda, Loha Prasat and Traditional Thai pavilion is among the best of Thailand’s landmarks.

Sutthipong Kongtrakool/Getty Images

And there’s plenty more where they came from.

It is illegal to defame or insult the King or any members of the royal family.

To avoid any misunderstanding, steer clear of any mention of his royal highness.

The Phra Kaew Pavilion in Ancient City Park, Muang Boran, Samut Prakan province, Thailand

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Khap or Ka is considered a polite way to show respect.

There are sixty-one stations along three main lines, and it’s extending every day.

This mode of transport is cheaper than taxis and covers all the major Bangkok neighborhoods.

Exterior of Terminal21 Asok

Courtesy of Terminal21 Asok

Sukhumvit and Silom being the most popular lines for locals and tourists alike.

Be prepared to be ‘packed in’ during peak times.

Your journey will start from around $0.45 for one stop.

Interior of Siam Paragon

Courtesy of Siam Paragon

Sticking $10 on it should have you covered for a while, and you could top up anytime.

Just return it to any Skytrain kiosk.

The MRT is Bangkok’s rapid underground rail system.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Lauren DeCicca/Travel + Leisure

Take cash to exchange for tokens or cards.

Both BTS and the MRT are interconnected at popular stations for seamless overlaps in city travel.

Traffic is relentlessly jammed pretty much everywhere you go, especially during peak times.

Be sure to check and ask for “Meter kah/khap?”

before you hop in.

Having maps open and your address pinned for easy view can speed up the process.

Some drivers may claim they don’t have small coins/notes to give back to you.

Having some basic Thai is recommended, as is being able to communicate your destination.

Carrying your own helmet is highly advised, but most will provide one, if you ask.

Flagging one down shouldn’t be too difficult, especially around the tourist area of Siam.

Prices will vary wildly and a 10-minute spin could set you back around 300baht.

Sharpening up the bartering skills may be essential.

Some hotels will have their own free Tuk-Tuk ready and waiting to drop guests at the nearest BTS/MRT station.

Samutprakarn, 10130 BangkokPhone: 082-995-1150Book Now

An escape from city life and a deep dive into tranquillity.

Besides this, free ice cream is on offer all day!

Each room has been newly refurbished and restored to its original allure.

Throw in the heirloom furniture and you have yourself a charming ambience.

Aside from the lavish rooms, this hotel boasts an award-winning restaurant and an acclaimed speakeasy rooftop bar.

Medini (Italian)

Address: The Continent Hotel Bangkok, 413 Sukhumvit Road.

Famous for its free flow alcohol, pizza, and pasta, all freshly made to order.

Perfect for a lively family night out, a celebration, or a simple shindig with friends.

Great music, lots of dancing on tables, and plate smashing to your heart’s content.

The Flaming Saganaki Cheese is a must try and the Hummus is to die for.

Hidden in the heart of Silom, but accessible from Saladaeng BTS station (Exit 2).

Booking online before you go is essential.

With so much to try, this place could end up being a firm favourite, especially for lunch.

A great choice for wandering feet, as booking a table ahead of time is not really needed.

Don’t miss the Som Tam Thai or Green Curry Spaghetti.

Bag a comfy sofa on the balcony and watch the theater of this vivacious street go by.

For Friday through Saturday reservations, booking ahead is a good idea.

A simple, affordable restaurant that’s easy to find among Sukhumvit’s trendy Thonglor area.

Order a meter-long slab and you’ll be enjoying it for days.

ensure to go early to beat the heat.

Choosing the coolest day from your schedule is advised.

Check the website for the most up to date booking information.

Skip the main meal and go straight for the dessertsthe Dragon’s Fire Breath is a showstopper.

One more cafe left in you?

If yes, pop over to Ekamai and try Blue Dye, a house-turned-cafe.

If you’re lucky, you may catch a chilled gig on the terrace.

Chinatown is the perfect jollity for explorers and adventurous taste buds.

It spans seven uniquely designed floors, with a magnificent collection of wide and varied stores.

Terminal 21, Asok.

Each storey represents an airport departure gate, ready to fly you to different parts of the world.

Siama Whole Paragon

Address: 991, Rama 1 Road Pathum Wan, Siam.

Bangkok 10330 ThailandPhone: +66 2 610 8000Website

An entertainment hub for the whole family.

For some luxurious rest and relaxation, head to the Cineplex and go VIP.

Famous for its sheer size and buzzing atmosphere, no other market in Bangkok can compare.

Wearing comfortable footwear is essential, as is mentally preparing for the weekend crowds.

MBK

Address: 444 8th Fl.

With an indoor market feel, this Mall is legendary for its competitive prices and budget stalls.

Wide-ranging products span across nine floors, from Thai souvenirs to furniture.

Visit one of the many spa treatments parlours to pamper your way through what could be a long day.

A retail and tourism destination in a hub for fabulous dining and entertainment.

Situated downtown, this shopping complex is surprisingly less crowded than the other mega malls.

Look out for the 40-meter-high waterfall and gourmet food stalls on the ground floor.

The cakes and sweet treats are enough to keep your energy levels happy.

This action-packed area is not only a fantastic transport hub but is also the main commercial and entertainment district.

Home to expats and locals residing in the many high-rise Condominium and side street Soi’s.

Siam Square is what gives Bangkok its nickname: City of Angels.

A place of contrasts, vibrant art, and trendy hangout spots.

Sathorn/Silom: A lively area with plenty of hustle and things to see and do.

Weather

Regardless of the time of year, Bangkok is always very hot and humid.

November through to March is regarded to be the cooler, less humid months.

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AirAsia: The second largest airline in Thailand.

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