Bangkok

The core city has over 8 million people and almost as many again in the immediate area, a river delta that has meant many of the attractions of the region are on water or best seen from it. The traffic makes journey on land slow in all hours of day and night. Fortunately the rapid transit system has reduced the pressure on Bangkok’s roads while there is a rail link from the airport into the City. The Sky Train stops in Siam Square, the nearest Bangkok has to a centre. There is a good deal of pollution in the city but such is its charisma and magnetism of a holiday to Bangkok that it is quickly forgotten. Those that can’t can escape them in Bangkok’s largest park, Lumphini Park in Silom. The City can be confusing; the script, the different ways the same word is spelt and the fact that street names change periodically even on a straight road. The best a tourist on a holiday in Bangkok can expect to do is to get to the correct district; there are fifty in all. Once in the right area it is best to ask. That said the Chao Phraya River is the landmark and locations in relation to the River is one way to get your bearings.

The historic centre is on Rattanakosin Island in the Phra Nakhon District; the Grand Palace and the City Pillar Shrine are the major landmarks and there are many important Buddhist temples. Wat Phra Kaew which contains the Emerald Buddha is one of the first ports of call that every visitor should see. The famous reclining Buddha is in Wat Pho. Wat Arun is the third of the most notable temples on offer.  There are others located close by if there is time left in the day; the Golden Mount is worth an hour if time permits. Tourists on a Bangkok holiday need to balance the constraints of hot weather with religious requirements when dressing for walking around the many temples. The mystery of the disappearance of the American Jim Thompson in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia in 1967 is unsolved but his complex near Siam Square remains a tourist attraction; traditional Thai wooden architecture. Thompson was widely attributed with revitalising the silk industry after the Second World War. Other museums are worth a visit; the Bangkok National Museum and the Royal Barge National Museum.

It is not just history and culture that brings visitors for Bangkok holidays. The City is full of fine restaurants, some which allow for diners to leisurely cruise the waters while enjoying unique Thai cuisine rich in flavour. Bangkok is famous for its nightlife, some a fairly dubious nature. Shopping malls and markets serve customers day and night. There are a huge number of street vendors while holidays to Bangkok would not be complete without a visit to the Taling Chan Floating Market. Dinner cruises combine fine Thai cuisine with traditional cultural performances though the river is not always s clean as tourists might like. Thai Boxing, Muay Thai, developed as a form of self defence and it is worth going to one of the two venues in Bangkok to see some bouts which take place with a background of Thai music. Once again Rattanakosin is one of the alternatives. Cultural dancing, a Thai massage, culinary classes or a soothing spa bath after a busy day, the range of activities to enjoy during a Bangkok holiday is rich and varied. The Chatuchak Weekend Market in Phahonyothin has around 8,000 stalls, the largest market in Southeast Asia.

Bangkok’s weather varies from hot and wet to warm and dry.

The temperature rarely falls below 20C at any time of the year and it can touch 40C at times. It can be stiflingly hot and therefore it is uncomfortable for people planning to do much exploring. When the monsoon comes it is difficult to plan any outdoor activities and certainly no one will want to be on the water day or night.Whatever the season, the weather can be a determining factor on what to do each day; a flexible itinerary is the best way to get the best out of a holiday in Thailand

Hot Spring

April is the hottest month of the year, averaging in the mid 30s. This is certainly the time to avoid Bangkok if you have a choice or you are happy to spend your time in air conditioned malls and your hotel has a swimming pool. If you are just passing through for a Thailand holiday on the Coast an organised tour may be the answer before moving on. The Songkran Festival in April is the traditional Thai New Year and the best place to enjoy it is at Sanam Luang, near the Grand Palace.  As springs moves towards summer in mid May the monsoon starts and generally brings heavy rainfall for the next five months. The Royal Ploughing Ceremony in May is regarded as the official start of the rice-growing season (and the rainy season).

Monsoon Summer

Summer is the height of the monsoon season. Flooding is a daily risk in a city that lies just a few feet above sea level. There are regular thunderstorms so look for cover and be prepared to stay there. Often they are over in an hour and they have the effect of cooling things down. If the skies clear then this is a good time to get out into the cooler atmosphere.

Autumn Downpours

The most rainfall is in the final few weeks of the monsoon in September. The average rainfall in that month approaches 33.5 cms (over 13 inches) and moving round the City becomes difficult. Visitors during these weeks will find many of the outdoor activities uncomfortable and occasionally impossible. Perhaps it is a time for shopping; the indoor kind?

Winter Warm and Pleasant

While winter is dry the temperatures drop. Even in midwinter however temperatures rarely fall below 20C. Chinese New Year Festival falls in January or February. Tourists should head for Yaowarat, the Chinese district of Bangkok. The main road is closed to cars; stores and food stands fill the road and there are processions involving Chinese lion and dragon. In November under a full moon there is the Festival of Lights, Loi Krathong and a month later the Trooping of the Colours is held in the Royal Plaza.