Local
Time - GMT +7 Hours
Water
- Only consume bottled or boiled water.
Language
- Thai is the national language, but English is widely understood. To be courteous
though try and learn some basic Thai before going. It'll get you a long away
and the people will have a bit more respect for you.
Currency
- The currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht. There are many currency
exchange booths through-out the city so you can exchange your money or Traveller's
Cheques. 100 Satangs = 1 Baht. Also make sure you have plenty of the
lower notes rather than the high as the lower notes are easier to be used.
Getting
Around - Many methods of travel can get you around Bangkok. You
have the choice of Tuk-Tuk, Taxis, Motorbike Taxis, Sky Train, MRT and
Buses. Tuk-Tuks are usually the cheapest form but haggle for a price and
get the price before you start the journey. They may offer to take you to
a few places but do NOT take them up on it. They'll usually take you to Gem
Factories or Tailors where you get pestered into buying thier goods. The best
form though is the Taxi. They are air-conditioned, and safer than Tuk-Tuks.
When using Taxis always tell them to turn their meter on otherwise they'll
try and charge you an extortionate amount.
Where
To Go - Grab a map. You can get them free from Tourist Information
booths. Also make sure you have where you are staying written down in Thai
so that you can show to Taxi/Tuk-Tuk drivers. That way they'll be able to
take you home easier.
Places
To Visit;
Muay
Thai.....
Lumpinee
Boxing Stadium - Rama IV Road
Rajadamnern
Boxing Stadium - Ratchadamneon Nok. Road
Omnoi Boxing
Stadium
One Songchai;
Bangkok Boxing Stadium
Kaewsamrit
Gym
Jitti's
Gym
Sor.Vorapin
Gym
Saspira Gym
Temples.......
The
Grand Palace & Phra Keow Temple - This magnificicent royal
compound and Thailand's grandest temple is a regular venue for important religious
and royal ceremonies. Phra Keow Temple houses the famous Emerald Buddha, the
Thai's most revered object of worship. Open daily from 8.30am to 3.30pm.
Wat
Arun (Temple of Dawn) - One of Thailand's most popular landmarks,
noted for its 20-storey tall main prang (Pagoda) decorated with multi-coloured
Chinese porcelain.
Wat
Benjamabophit (Marble Temple) - Unique Temple built of Italian
marble. European in ecclesiastic details but classic Thai in architecture.
Wat
Phra Kaew - Home to the famous Reclinning Buddha. This emple is
also regarded as Thailand's first University, it is also here that traditional
Thai massage was first taught.
Wat
Trimit - Famous for it's gigantic, three metre tall and 5.5 ton
Buddha image made out of solid gold during the Ayuthaya period.
Please
Note: When visiting Temples a strict dress code must be adhered to. Men's
legs and shulder smust be covered. Women too must have their shoulders covered
and atleast a long skirt to cover the ankles must be worn.
Entertainment...
Koh
San Road - A world-renowned backpacker's haven. This area offers
a great choice of guesthouses, restaurants, bars, Foriegn Exchanges and stalls
selling everything you can think of and more.
Siam
Square - Bangkok's main shopping and entertainment zone. It has
3 shopping centres, many restaurants including The Hard Rock Cafe and also
a few Cinemas.
Patpong
- The world famous strip is Bangkok's main night entertainment district. Restaurants,
Pubs, Clubs, Strip Clubs everything you can think of. Also filled with stalls
selling everything under the sun.
Please
Note: When shopping be prepared to haggle. Do NOT take the price they first
give you. You can up to 60% off the initial price. Just because it's cheap
to us doesn't mean we have to pay that much.
If anyone has any
more tips for travelling to Thailand, please email the Webmaster
If you wish to know more about getting around Thailand etc then please email
the Webmaster too.
