How to Find Hotels in Bangkok, Thailand

With a population of more than 10 million, a language that is unreadable to most visitors and a stew of noise, heat and pollution that assaults the senses, Bangkok can be overwhelming at first glance. It is, however, a safe and welcoming city for tourists who follow some common-sense guidelines.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with internet access for making reservations

Know Your Destination

1. Bangkok has a tropical monsoon climate. With an average yearly high temperature of 90 degrees F and a low of 77, it is considered the hottest large city in the world. September and October are the rainiest months.

2. Traffic jams are an ever-present problem. There are numerous ways to get around the city, including buses, taxis, metro, Sky Train, boat, motorcycle taxi and tuk-tuk, a three-wheeled vehicle that spews pollution. The safest means of getting around are the metro and Sky Train, though both are limited to the central city.

Primary Tourist Districts

3. Consider visiting Sukhamvit, the main commercial district. The higher-numbered sois (side streets) offer upscale shops, restaurants and hotels, while the lower numbers are home to the sex trade.

4. Consider visiting Rattanakosim, the historical center of the city. Rattanakosim is home to the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Temple of the Dawn. The famed Peninsula and Oriental Hotels are in the southern part of the district, with prices from $200 to over $300 a night.

5. Consider visiting Khao Sang Road in the northwest, also known as the "hippie" district. Backpackers and budget-minded tourists flock here for cheap food, accommodations, clothing and night life.

6. Use caution when visiting Silom. By day, Silom is the financial district of Bangkok, but by night it is one of the most notorious party areas. Patpom sois offer sex shows, "ladyboys" and blatant prostitution.

Tips & Warnings

• Recent "social order" legislation requires bars to close at 1 AM. You must have your passport with you to enter and bars are not infrequently raided by police demanding urine for random drug tests.
• Don't be persuaded to go upstairs or into an enclosed room for "special, no cover" sex shows. While there is no cover, there may be an astonishing "exit fee," and physical violence may ensue if you refuse to pay.
• Almost 50 percent of sex workers in Bangkok are infected with HIV virus.