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Frequently Asked Questions
What currency should I use in Bangkok?
As with the rest of Thailand, Bangkok uses the Thai baht. We recommend converting your currency before arrival, as airport conversions may not be favourable. While many restaurants, bars and hotels will accept debit or credit card payment, it is wise to have cash handy for purchases in local markets and from smaller businesses. Please also note that there may be international usage fees for card payments and ATM withdrawals. ATMs are widely available across Bangkok but become less so, the further you venture from the city.
What language is spoken in Thailand?
The official language of Thailand is Thai, though English is considered a second language in city centres and more popular tourist areas. Typically, market vendors in these areas will know basic English but you should not expect them to be fluent, therefore we recommend bringing a Thai phrasebook to make conversing with them easier.
What should I wear to visit Buddhist temples?
We advise dressing modestly and covering up your shoulders and legs when visiting places of worship. Many gatekeepers will offer you a sarong or scarf to cover up, for a small fee, but you should not rely on this. Most temples will require you to remove your shoes before entering.
The bustling streets of Bangkok are alive with the banter of vendors, the aromas of sizzling street food and the cacophony of tuk-tuk horns as they whiz through the streets. A foodie haven and cultural hotspot, Thailand’s smiley capital is laden with sacred temples, pulsing markets, dazzling lights and glimmering malls.
Why you’ll love Bangkok…
• Shopping for exquisite teas, antiques and fresh fruit at the Chatuchak Weekend Market
• Taking in stunning panoramas from the spire of the Wat Arun temple
• Wandering the ornate grounds of the Grand Palace
• Discovering the 14th century Emerald Buddha of Wat Phra Kaew
• Enjoying a riverboat cruise along the Chao Phraya River
• Exploring the maze of canals at the Damnoen Saduak floating market
• Observing the incredible Reclining Buddha of Wat Pho and dropping a coin in the bronze bowls for good luck
• Making your way across the city by tuk-tuk
• Partaking in a spot of Westernised retail therapy at the Siam Paragon megamall
• Gazing up at the bright lights of Khaosan Road
Did you know?
• The full name of the city of Bangkok, commonly referred to as ‘City of Angels’, is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit and is officially the longest place name in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records.
• Statistics indicate that Bangkok is one of the world’s hottest cities, with the air temperature rising as high as 40°C.
• During Thai New Year celebrations, Bangkok hosts the world’s largest annual street water fight, known as the Songkran festival.
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