How to Find Hotels in Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand's capital city, bustles with more than 6,000,000 people and is seen as one of the most economically and culturally dynamic cities in Southeast Asia. Its rich historical structures also draw people to visit this city that is perched on the Chao Praya River.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• Passport

Accommodations in Bangkok

1. To book accommodations, contact Bangkok Tourism Division at 011 ([phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources, below). You can stay at budget-friendly hotels throughout the city. The backpackers' area of Khao San Road is particularly well-known for its affordable accommodations.

2. Book a room in accommodations that overlook the Chao Praya River. Sweeping, breathtaking views of the river often command higher prices, but are not necessarily prohibitively expensive.

3. Treat yourself to luxury accommodations in Bangkok's spa hotels. They start at roughly $130 per night and may include breakfast as part of the room rate.

Transportation in Bangkok

4. Hitch a ride on the Skytrain (BTS) to avoid crowded streets. The metro system was opened in 1999 and connects 23 stations on two lines.

5. Catch a bus to be easily transported to almost any city or province in Thailand. There are bus stations at all ends of Bangkok and most can be reached by using the Skytrain.

6. Return to Bangkok's old mode of transportation--canals. Though many are no longer used, the floating market in the Taling Chan district will give you an idea of why the city was once called the "Venice of the East."

Enjoy Your Stay in Bangkok

7. Exchange your U.S. money for baht, the local currency (see Resources, below). Traveler's checks offer a better exchange rate than cash.

8. Head to the Chatuchak weekend market to experience one of the largest shopping areas in Bangkok. Bring your walking shoes--it covers more than 35 acres and has nearly 15,000 vendors.

9. Visit the Grand Palace and reclining Buddha to get a sense of the city's past. The Grand Palace housed the king of Thailand from the 18th century until the mid-20th century. The reclining Buddha is a formidable sculpture made of pure gold.

Tips & Warnings

• Give yourself plenty of time to get around the city if you plan on using a street mode of transportation. Bangkok is notorious for traffic jams.
• Carry a Visa card if you prefer to pay with plastic in Thailand. Master Cards are becoming more widely accepted, but Visa is still preferred by shops, hotels and restaurants.
• Keep your laptop, mobile phone and other valuable items secure, because the area is known for petty theft, particularly against tourists.