The Thai capital has more than 11 million people. Bangkok is also the biggest city in Thailand,
with tall buildings, heavy traffic, and vibrant urban life. The city is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, despite the downsides, like hot humid weather and wayward nightlife. However, if you can get past the city’s shortcomings, you will enjoy its bounties. Those worried about accommodations need not worry, because there are many hotels ready to accept guests. Notable ones are Dusit Thani, Pullman Bangkok King Tower, Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel, Banyan Tree Bangkok, and Ascott Sathorn.
There are two major airports—Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang. All airlines in Thailand stop at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Nok Air and Orient Thai domestic flights previously used Don Muang Airport, but the flooding in 2011 forced these flights to be temporarily diverted to Suvarnabhumi. However, these airports are not too near the city. You need to travel about 30 kilometers from these two airports to the city. Traffic congestion could mean traveling for a few hours.
Once you get to the airport, you will have to find your way to your destination in the city. There are various transport systems available. One is the BTS Skytrain, a convenient transportation system built to escape traffic congestion. There are two major routes. One passes Sukhumvit Road, Siam Square, Phahonyothin Road, and Mo Chit (the final stop). This is the Sukhumvit route. The other route passes by Silom and ends at National Stadium.
Another transportation system is the MRT, which has been in service for 8 years. The Blue Line, the only MRT line serving the city, travels from central Hua Lamphong Train Station to Bang Sue Train Station. It passes along Silom, Sukhumvit, and Phahonyothin. Si Lom, Sukhumvit, and Chatuchak Park are MRT-Skytrain exchange points. You need to buy a ticket with each ride though, since metro tickets and Skytrain tickets are not exchangeable. The MRT is not preferable for many tourists, but it provides access to key points in Bangkok like the Chatuchak Weekend Market and Hua Lamphong.
The Airport Rail Link has been serving the city for two years. Its Express Line allows tourists to get to the city, skipping all stations and taking you straight to Makkasan or Phaya Thai. If you want to take a ride that stops at all stations, take the City Line, whose route starts from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phaya Thai. The fare of the City Line is five times cheaper than that of the Express Line.
Bangkok is where you see an awesome range of transportation systems, from boats and river taxis to buses, cabs, and tuk-tuks.
You obviously wouldn’t get to Bangkok without booking a place to stay at. Accommodations come in a vast range, both luxury and cheap ones. There is an accommodation for each type of traveler. Hotels along Khao San Road appeal to backpackers. Many expensive and classy hotels can be found in Silom, Thonburi, Siam Square, and Sukhumvit.
Bangkok is just one of the tourist destinations in Thailand. Another hugely popular tourist spot is Phuket, where there are world class hotels for you to stay at, like Banyan Tree Phuket and Dusit Thani Laguna.
