Travel Guides: All Countries / Asia / Thailand / Bangkok
 |  | Fact File : Bangkok |
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| | | Bangkok | | Did you know?
The city is sinking at a rate of 90cm per year.
Language
Thai
Visas
No visa required for a visit under 30 days.
Getting there
There are two dozen airlines that will take you to Bangkok from the UK, although not all of them fly non-stop.
Flying time from London
10-12 hours
Getting around
The bus system takes getting used to but is extensive. Traffic often moves at a snail's pace. Tuk-tuks and samlors (motorised and bicycle rickshaws) can be quicker than taxis in traffic. Car and motorcycle hire is common but not for the faint-hearted. Canal boats are fun, and there are good places to walk in Bangkok.
Currency
Baht
Costs
Prices vary, but as a rough guide: 24 exposure film £1.20, five-minute taxi ride 60p, meal for two with wine £16, bottle of lager £1.30-£1.50.
Weather
The cool, dry season extends from November to February, when temperatures average 28C (83F). In the hot rainy months of June to October, temperatures average 32C (88F) during the day. It becomes slightly hotter in March, April and May.
Time difference
Seven hours ahead of GMT
International dialling code from the UK
00 66 2
Voltage
220V. You will require an adaptor for electrical equipment brought from the UK.
Opening hours
Banks open Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm, shops open 8.30am-5pm Monday to Friday, and Saturday mornings.
Health - Before you go
No immunisations are necessary unless you are coming from a country where yellow fever is a risk, although you might want to consider hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, tuberculosis and rabies jabs.
Health - When you are there
Be wary of the water (stick to bottled) and ice. Take the usual precautions in the sun, use an anti-insect cream or spray to fend off mosquitoes - they could carry dengue fever. Protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases.
Warnings
Only use official taxis (the yellow and black ones). Don't let vendors take your credit card to 'write down the details' - they could rub off more receipts. Beware men selling cut-price gems or offering sweets, biscuits etc (they could be drugged). Ignore touts and don't buy drugs - you could end up in a Thai prison.
Emergency
Tourist Police 699. British Consulate, 1031 Th Withayu. Tel. 02-253 0191/9.
Customs
Thai social behaviour is altogether more genteel and polite than in the West. Skimpy dress, speaking loudly and losing your temper are all definite no-nos. Thai people will be ceaselessly polite, respectful and good humoured to you. Simply reciprocate and you will not cause offence.
Pets
Not advisable - they'd have to go into quarantine.
Tipping
Not usual practice, although it is becoming more common in expensive hotels and restaurants. Leave loose change after a meal if you wish.
Tourist office
Tourism Authority of Thailand, 3rd Floor, Brook House, 98-99 Jermyn Street, London SW1Y 6EE. Brochure line: 0870 900 2007 (national rate) or for general enquiries: 09063 640 666 (60p a min).
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| | Available rental properties in Bangkok |
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| |  | | Holiday Home Rent Accommodation, Bangkok
Brand new holiday 3 bedroom teak wood home in Bangkok Taling Chan district. Around are traditional houses with orchards, gardens, peace and clean air.
|  | | SILOM PARK VIEW (condo), Silom City Centre
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION! Great location apartment (condo) right in the hard of Bangkok, City Centre or downtown. Very nice fully furnished apartmen
|  | | Condo In Sukhumvit ,Bangkok
Fully equipped holiday condo ,clean ,modern ,secure and in a central city location with great transport lnks around the city.
|  | | Bangkok,Asoke,Sukhumvit,Holiday Condo
Fully equipped condominium in downtown Bangkok,large pool,gym,spa-within easy reach of 2 subway stations and central skytrain station.
|  | | The Thai House
A superb home with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms set in a beautiful residential location with on site facilities
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Holiday Rentals in Bangkok |
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