Bangkok facts

Getting to/from Bangkok

Getting around Bangkok

I would recommend three means of transportation which are "safe, save $, simple, self-travel."  All run around 30 minutes per route.  They are traffic jam-free, time-controllable, English serviced (on board English announcements and signs,) miscommunication-free (essential for a non-English speaking city like Bangkok.)  The three are:

BTS skytrain  
For tickets (1 day pass, Single journey, etc.,) fares, map, timetable; visit www.bts.co.th 
MRT subway 
For tickets (1 day pass, 3 day-pass, premier pass, etc.,) fares, map, timetable; visit www.bangkokmetro.co.th 
Chao Phraya tourist boat 
For tickets, fares, timetable; visit www.chaophrayaboat.co.th 

Note: Other means of transportation (though also popular among Bangkok people,) can be traffic-jam, uncontrollable timing, non-English speaking, and human miscommunication.  These services like public buses, taxis, and Tuk Tuks (motor tricycle taxis) are recommended only upon necessities.    

Map of Bangkok and transportation network

Money

100 Satangs=1 Baht

Coins	Bank notes
Satangs (2 sizes): 25, 50  Baht (4 sizes): 1, 2*, 5, 10	Baht (5 sizes):  20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000

* Note: Available in silver and bronze of the same size.  Most people misuse the 2 Baht silver coin with that of 1 Baht since it is slightly bigger.  Check well before using it.  

Electricity

Electric current: 220 V, 50 Hz AC

Power/plug adaptor


There are 2 types of power outlet in Thailand, with and without the ground wire.  An adaptor without the ground wire is recommended since it is usable for both types.  

TV/Video system

Business hours  

It is difficult to clear cut the opening hours for any individual business in Bangkok since there are so many and widespread.  For example, some stores and floors housing in the same shopping mall have different business hours.  That said, Bangkok people could no way keep track of these hours.  To make it simple, they would estimate the business hours and go sometime in between.  Unless otherwise stated in BangkokEasyGuide.com, these are the estimated time for each category:
 
Entertainment & recreation
Bars / pubs: 8 or 9 pm-12 am, daily 
Massage parlors: 8 or 9 pm-12 am, daily  
Parks: 5 am-8 pm, daily
Note: 
1. Some bars and pubs offering live music will start the performance after 9 pm.   
2. Bars, pubs, and massage parlors are closed on religious holidays and the election days.

Food & drinks
Standalone restaurants: dinner, daily or Mon-Sat
Open-air restaurants: lunch-dinner, daily
Shop house restaurants: breakfast-lunch, daily or Mon-Sat
Street eats: dinner, daily 
Note: Most restaurants do not accept orders 30 minutes before closing time.    

Shopping
Department stores/Shopping malls/Hypermarkets:
11 am-8 pm, daily (many department stores open till midnight during month-end (pay day.)
Standalone stores: 11am-5 or 6pm, daily or Mon-Sat
Street markets : 11am-4pm, Tue-Sun
Night street markets/bazaars: 7-11:30pm, daily
Trade fairs: 11am-7pm, during the fair
Note: Street markets are closed every Monday.

Sights
Temples: 10 am-2.30 pm, daily 
Museums: 9am-4pm, Tue-Sun 
Libraries: 9am-6pm, Tue-Sun 
Note: Most museums and libraries are closed on Mondays 

Others
Banks: 8:30am-3:30pm, Monday-Friday 
Banks in malls: 11am-7 to 8pm, daily
Government offices: 9am-3:30pm (officially 8:30am-4:30pm), Mon-Fri

Prices

Food / Restaurant price
Here's a meal for 2 people priced on the Thais' living standard: 
Reasonable: 100-300 Baht
Fair: 400-700 Baht
Pricey: over 800 Baht
Note: The criterion above may not be applicable to all eats.  For example, a 200+ Baht meal at a fast food restaurant for 2 people is pricey for Thai living standard. 

Shopping
1. Fixed price: Department stores, shopping malls, hypermarkets, chain stores

2. Bargaining: Street/flea markets, bazaars 
Samples of Thai to Thai bargain:
500 Baht bargained to 480-470 Baht
150 Baht bargained to 140-130 Baht
100 Baht bargained to 90 Baht
50 Baht bargained to 40 Baht
Note:   
* No bargain in fractions like 50 Baht to 48 Baht.
*  No bargain on food.  
* No bargain for deals less than 20-40 Baht. Note: Bangkok people do not bargain in fractions but in full.  There is no bargain at 80.50 or 203 Baht but at 80 or 200 Baht, respectively.   

3. Discount/Sale: 
Department stores and shopping malls (during month-end pay day,) trade fairs

Dress Code 

As a year round hot city (and noted as the hottest capital on earth,) light clothes are recommended.  Casual wear is generally acceptable only in certain cases as follows:
* Sleeveless string shirts and shorts (worsen if showing one's tattoos) are not appropriate for an official visit to government offices, academic institutions, office buildings., etc.  
* Flip flops (especially for men) are in appropriate no different than sleeveless shirts and some Thais even refrain from wearing them in shopping centers.  If you prefer to wear open shoes, get a pair of sandals with a strap around the ankle.  They are more acceptable.     
Note: Because clothes are cheap, some travelers would carry a few clothes and buy more while shopping in Bangkok.  

Dress code for temples and palaces
Besides shoes which must be taken off when entering inside any monasteries (or private homes,) you should also dress appropriately upon visiting temples and palaces.  Here's a dress code guide taken directly from the sign at the entrance of the Grand Palace and can also be applied to any other places of the like:

The Grand Palace & The Emerald Buddha Temple is open everyday from 8.30 a.m. until 3.30 p.m. 
Please dress appropriately according to the regulations of the Grand Palace
Sleeveless shirts, torn shirts, very short blouses, spaghetti-strap blouses, 
see-through clothes, skin tight pants, shorts three quarter length pants 
and/or culottes are prohibited.
Clothes are available in the dress room (free of charge)
Language audio guides are available for rent
Note: Some buildings are closed on holiday and ceremonial events
Dressing room are closed during ceremonial events
For more information please contact officials or the information room
Do Not Trust Wily Strangers

Disclaimer

1. The attractions in BangkokEasyGuide.com are provided for your information.  BangkokEasyGuide.com does not accept payment of any parties for exchange of the contents or listings.  They are selected based on the value and benefits of the readers .  
2. Most attractions mentioned in BangkokEasyGuide.com are for the readers' general reference.  Some can also be found elsewhere around Bangkok apart from the listings here.  These are mainly department stores, hypermarkets, shopping malls, specialty store chains, restaurant chains, etc.   
3. Though the contents in this website are updated regularly, BangkokEasyGuide.com still could not guarantee that they are accurate at all times.