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The Basics for Tourists and Visitors
Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and is one of the most vibrant and colourful cities in Asia popular with visitors and tourists of all types - backpackers, families, single people and rich businessmen are all well represented.
There are two airports servicing the city. One, used by airlines flying domestic routes, is some 25 km north of the centre and is called Don Muang airport. The main airport serving international routes and some domestic airlines is called Suvarnabhumi Airport, and is to the east of the city. It has recently opened. When the new airport first opened it was heavily criticised, but now everything seems to be running smoothly.
Transport to and from the airport is easy and cheap - see the Bangkok Transport page for more details, but as explained elsewhere on these pages, beware of the touts who appear friendly but really want to rip you off. Anyone that walks up to you offering taxi or hotel services should ignored. For further advice and tips see the do's and don'ts page on this site.
 
Flights and Hotels
Accomodation for the tourist in Bangkok is extensive. Rooms vary from the low budget basic type up to first class 5 star hotels and serviced apartments. Availability varies according to the time of the year. Between the months of October and February cheaper rooms ( approx 800 baht a night ) in the tourist area of the city can be hard to find at the last moment, apart from in the backpacker area known as Khao San Road.
Please bear in mind that it is normally cheaper to book a hotel on the internet via a reputable specialist Asian travel agent, rather than book a package holiday with a travel agent in your own country. Booking your flights on the internet is generally the cheaper option as well, unless of course you work for an airline !
We have stayed at many of the hotels popular with tourists and have booked them cheaply via the companies shown on this site.
Entertainment
As with the the majority of Capital cities in the world, Bangkok has a wide variety of entertainment venues spread over the city. Most venues catering for the farang/ tourist are situated in central Bangkok in the Sukhumvit and Silom areas.
As you are no doubt already aware Bangkok has a reputation for exciting adult oriented fun. This is certainly true.
But beware of alcohol bans when the bars are closed. Dry Days Advice here
There are also many, many multi-plex cinemas dotted over the city. These show numerous western and asian films from about 10am until midnight. They are cheap ( compared with the west ) and of a very high standard. More details, including a list of all the cinemas, and their showtimes can be found at movieseer.com.
When it comes to discotheques Bangkok is the place to be. Discotheques of various sizes, catering for all tastes, can be found in the central Bangkok area. In the writers view the best for the tourist on a budget is CM2 located in the basement of the Novotel hotel in Siam Square - close to Siam BTS station. It is normally open from 9pm until 1am or later.
Q Bar located in Sukhumvit Soi 11 is another very popular disco. It is located not far from the upmarket Bedsupper Club. Also situated in Soi 11 is Climax - another popular disco open all night. It can be found near to the entrance to The Ambassador Hotel.
It is quite important to note that 'farang/ tourist discotheques have dance floors, whereas discotheques catering for the thai person sometimes have a dancefloor, but dancing is normally performed round the table where the person is.
Lastly, a plug for my favourite pool bar in Sukumvit Soi 13. Oasis 2 Pool Bar ! !
The bar is frequented by both ex pats and tourists..if you go there say you heard about it on this website and you will probably get a discount ! If I am there I will buy you a beer.
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