About Bangkok

Location

Located in the center of the country, straddling the banks of the Chao Phraya River and close to the Gulf of Thailand, The greater Bangkok Metropolis (including Thonburi on the other side of the Chao Phraya River) is adjacent to Pathum Thani on its north Nonthaburi on its northwest, Chachoengsao on its east, Samut Sakhon on its southwest, and Samut Prakan on its southeast

Area

Bangkok has an area of 1,568.737 sq.km. Certain areas has become more popular than others, largely due to their good location and the things there to do and see... be it traditional attractions, shopping highlights or a notoriously famous nightlife scene. Navigating this exciting city has also become much easier, thanks to the Skytrain (BTS) and underground (MRT) system connecting many areas.

Climate

There are three seasons: rainy (June to October), hot (March to May), and cool (November to February). Annual average temperature is about 29 degree Celsius with monthly averages ranging from 35 degree Celsius in April to 26 degree Celsius in December.

Topography

Bangkok is located in the basin of the Chao Phraya River and has no mountains. The land is cress crossed by canals and rivers.

Administration

As the capital of the country, Bangkok is the centre of administration, commerce and communications. The city is divided into 50 districts

Language

The standard Thai language is used, while English is a mandatory subject in public schools and is widely spoken and understood in business and tourist areas.

Activities:

Health and Medical Facilities
Bangkok has numerous clinics and hospitals catering to a variety of needs. Major public and private hospitals are equipped with the latest medical technology and internationally qualified specialists. Almost all pharmaceuticals are widely available. Drinking of tap water should be avoided.

Shopping
Bangkok can be a paradise for all shoppers. It is a place to shop for the latest imported luxurious brand-name items to the simple local ones from the leading department stores to night markets and weekend markets.

Dining
Somtam, Tom Yam Kung, Pat Thai and everything else from Thai, Asian to Western is waiting to be found in this thriving metropolis from street side to hi-end restaurants. Bangkok has it all.

Night Sight Seeing
Bangkok, the city that never sleeps. For night owls, there is always something to do, to see, and even have a late snack. Anytime is a good time!

Transportation:

BTS
The Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) is modern electrified trains transport Bangkok's commuters in wide air-conditioned cars, saving them time with quick, reliable service. Currently there are two routes, the Sukhumvit Line and the Silom Line. They cover much of the central city and its many commercial, residential and tourist areas, with extensions planned to outlying areas. The trains run daily between 6:00 am and 12:00 midnight with frequent service throughout the day, increased during rush hours. The fare is based on the distance traveled.

MRT
In April 2004 the MRTA (Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand) started service, its first route of underground electric mass rapid transit system from Hua Lam Phong (Main Railway Station) to Bang Sue, a total distance of 20 kilometers. It intersects with the Skytrain (BTS) at Silom and Sukhumvit stations, from where it's a short walk to BTS Sala Daeng and BTS Asok stations, respectively. Passengers can enjoy their convenient shopping on certain types of business. Passengers can issue the Single Journey Token from the Ticket Vending Machine and/or Stored Value Card at the Ticket Office.